Because I Probably Won't Ever Play "Hole in One...or Two!"

I don't remember the first time I saw or heard of the Ironman triathlon. I think it was sometime after college but before I had run my first marathon. I do remember thinking, "I have to do that someday." I should begin by saying that I have said that about numerous things in my thirty years on this planet...going to the Olympics, winning a showcase on The Price is Right, playing professional football (American or European version), and the list could go on.

Nevertheless, every year when NBC airs the 90 minute recap of the Ironman World Championships from Kona, HI, I sit and watch breathlessly. I am amazed by the elite athletes who run a marathon faster after a 2.4-mile swim and a 112-mile bike ride than I ever will outright. I am in tears as they show the age-groupers from all over the world cross the finish line. Some of them cross in the heat of the afternoon while others run into the night, finishing just before the midnight cutoff. Some skip or jump across the finish line while others collapse into the arms of volunteers. I am awestruck and inspired just thinking about it.

The breaking point came one week ago. I was watching the 2005 championships on Universal Sports for the fourth time (I guess Comcast is good for something), and it hit me. I don't like to think/talk about doing things. I like to do things. So I went on the Ironman website and picked 2 potential locations (Louisville, KY or Madison, WI) for 2010. August 31 of this year is when I can apply for Louisville, so that is D-day. I am hopeful that 2 weeks from tomorrow I will officially be training for an Ironman.

So why bother with the blog? It is for completely selfish reasons. I think when I am finished, it will be amusing at the very least to look back to today. At present I know a lot about running and almost nothing about biking or swimming. I imagine that I will marvel at my naivete to think that I had any business trying this. Nevertheless, I bought a bike on Saturday so now I have to do it. Nevermind that my bum is still sore over 24 hours later.