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!

Ironman vs iron distance finisher???

Since my announcement of my registering for my first Iron distance race, I have gotten a lot of support, which I appreciate. Many of you seem more confident than I am about my ability! But there is always one comment that gets you isn't there? And I sure you can guess what that comment could be...

Well, it's not an Ironman, it's an iron distance, so you can't call yourself an Ironman...

I have heard this argument before and read about it on many a triathlon forums, but I have never had a dog in this fight before. To me, the Ironman is a a race that is 2.4, 112, and 26.2. I understand about the brand and all that, but I do not care. I will still call myself an Ironman after I cross the finish line at Redman!

And I will always choose to focus on the positive, supportive comments instead of the one hater out there, because we all know haters are gonna hate!

What do you drink when not training?

That's a lot of sugar!

I saw this the other day and thought it was interesting. Nothing really surprised me either, I mean we all know how good an ice cold Mountain Dew tastes on a hot day, so it can't be good for you right? I have really been drinking a lot more water this month. I will still have a coke sometime throughout the day, but now my main drink is water. Red Bull is something I have never drank because I think it tastes like crap. Chocolate milk is still my recovery drink though.