It's a Name I Earned...

It has been five years since I earned the right to call myself an Ironman, yet it seems like only yesterday.

In 2013, I did Redman Triathlon 140.6. Arguably the longest day of my life, but one of the most rewarding days. I still remember very distinct details about that day. I remember how nice the water felt due to it being so cold that morning. I remember a certain aid station on the run and the faces that were there, I remember the song playing as I crossed the finish line (Home by Phillip Phillips). I remember the high five I gave as I ran down the chute and I remember the one piece of pizza I ate ate after the race, followed by two IV bags.

I remember it all.

I remember it with pride and with regret. Regret because I am no longer where I was physically. That IM came at the right time for me and my family, with the way life has gone, I know that time of my life was the perfect time to train, I remember with pride as being a 43 year old first time Ironman. I remember the "what now" feeling I had the days after IM. I knew I had some healing to do, but I do regret not staying on that path because mentally, I will also be in IM shape. Funny how that works huh?

I also remember that every year around Sept 20th, I think it is time for me to get back to racing/ Maybe I won't compete anymore, maybe I will just complete??

Stay tuned and find out, because I am not even sure what the next chapter will be!

Daily??? More Like Sporadic Trainings...

It has been awhile since I have blogged anything, and it seems like it has been longer than that since I have actually worked out. Not sure what my deal is, but it seems to take every inch of my being to get me out running. So Daily Trainings is not an accurate description of what this blog means right now. And as I was writing this post, I thought to my self that this blog was suppose to be about my journey to becoming an Ironman and finishing the race. Now that I have done that, I admit I found myself thinking, OK, now what?

It's not that I think I have climbed the mountain top, nor does it mean that I am totally done with Ironman (I mean I do have this little beat down race against Brad D) but I wonder if it is the same.  Is it better the second time around? I know I always eat the red and purple Skittles first because nothing is as good as the first bite. I know I will be smarter on my next races, but I wonder if it will be different? I am thinking that the only thing that should be different in my race time. I know I should be faster than a 15:53. I honestly think I can go 14 or under. I have plenty of time to think it over, but let me ask you multiple Ironman finishers, what was different between your first and second Ironman?? Leave me a comment please...

On another separate note, I grew a beard. Since I was not really training for anything, I let my hair grow out and quit shaving for awhile. My hair had not been that long in years because I normally cut it with my clippers. So I looked like a totally different person IMO. Well, that did not last long. I shaved and cut my hair on Sunday. I honestly got tired of people asking if I was doing "No Shave November" I really just wanted to see if I could grow a beard, and that question was answered.

When I decided to shave it off, which was not an easy task, I decided to have some fun and see what I looked like with a goatee, a moustache and then cleanly shaved. Personally I like rocking the groovy moustache, but I got out voted and it had to go!!!

 

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving and they remember that we are truly blessed and have much to be thankful for!

11 Days Out...

So I am 11 days out from Redman. I bet you will not guess what the most common question I have been getting over the last two days is???


Are you scared to death about the race???

Scared to death? I can't say I am scared at all. I have concerns about the race, but I am really not scared. But if I am honest, there is one thing that I fear doing, and it is having to make that phone call about being a DNF.

It has happened before in Branson. My first ever attempt at a 70.3. 5 flats took me out. Stupid rim tape. I am the only one to blame since I was the one that change the rubber on my tires. This year I am having a bike shop change my tires!  LOL  I know, it's weak, but it will be one less thing to worry about.

I also hate reading about other people nutrition plan. Some of these people are so detailed that it makes me second guess my own plan!  Bradleyd3 from Brad's Ironman Journey has already told me to get off the internet and train! Which I am starting to think might be a good idea. Some of these people have their nutrition down to 3 spoonfuls of peanut butter and a cup of applesauce in the morning... Crazy!!!

My plan is so simple compared to that, and that freaks me out a little. I am looking forward to the swim and the bike somewhat (although I hear the road conditions might be a little rougher than desired) but I am dreading the run.

4 loop course. A little more than 8 5K's. It is going to be mentally challenging. I plan on some walking.

They also just announced bib numbers!  I am number 65 in the full distance triathlon!!

I am also just ready for it to get here and let me do this. It has been a long time in training. A long time thinking about it and I really want to just get it going! That's normal right? So I am gonna go old school on you...

LET"S GET IT STARTED!!!!

More Frequent, More focused...

Redman, minus the M Dot

I usually try to wait and post when I think I have something to say, maybe something worth reading on here, and I know I do not always succeed. This blog was originally designed to hold myself accountable for workouts and document my journey to becoming an Ironman. Well, that is really going to happen this summer. So after Memphis in May Tri, I am going to most likely start posting more about my daily workouts, and trying to gain some insight on those workouts, so I should be posting more frequently. They might not be as thought out as some of the other posts I have done, but I think it will be more beneficial for me to be able to review training as I go. I want to really chronicle this journey as it is a big step for me and will require a ton of effort. It is a journey that I can't wait to take on. It all begins May 28th.

So get ready for shorter posts, more focused on my training, the likes and dislikes and other crap!