So here we are, Ironman Arizona race week and the excitement is starting to build. I prepared myself for this all year so I think it is time to get this party rolling. Race week is always exciting as there is activities most everyday. For me, I like being busy with lots to do to help take my mind off the task at hand. Sunday will be a very long day, somewhere close to 16 hours. The winner will be done in 8 something but while he and she are resting I will be on the course grinding away toward the finish. One of the hardest parts is mentally telling your self that most everyone will be done when you finish. But that's what make this race so special and to have one in our back yard is simply fantastic. For my friends that aren't triathletes, think of it as working a double shift 7am-11pm, while eating on the go. I will burn between 400-600 calories per hour depending on the work load or roughly 10,000 calories on Sunday for the 140.6 miles. The swim will be 2.4 miles in water temps of 62-65 degrees and thats cold. 2800 people will all start the swim together creating a calm lake into a washer machine of water. Then we will jump on a bike and ride up and down the Bee Line Hwy foe 112 miles for over 6 hours and this is where i will have my breakfast lunch and dinner in all types of weather, maybe sunny, rainy, windy, hail, cold, heat whatever. Now between 7-8.5 hours has gone by and you are tired after a long day except you have one minor thing to take care of, running a marathon, 26.2 miles. And for this we have paid 700 bucks! And everyone including myself always asks the question, WHY? Everyone is different, each with there own personal goals but the ONE constant value that triathletes have is the will to push themselves to their own personal limits, both mentally and physically. And what to you get for this, memories that last forever, friendships, personal satisfaction, and all the while knowing that only a select few of people will ever experience the euphoria of completing an Ironman. That's me and that's why at 59 I still race. Once an elite and now a finisher with a boat load of stories, grateful for all those who share in the Ironman experience and helped me along the way. For me sharing the experience with others I know makes each race a special one. So here we are 6 days out and we are all waiting till the cannon goes, BOOM and the journey begins.
Ive been asked numerous times how do you feel leading up to a race? OK here goes... Excited, nervous, anxious, calmness, outgoing, happy, scared, focused, scattered, withdrawn, laughable, hot, cold, panicky, motivated, driven, kicked back, relaxed, matter of fact, detailed, analytical, apologetic, chill, euphoric, smiling, grinding, digging deep, push through mental clutter, eye on the prize, never ever giving up, finishing, and those freaking words..."...you are an Ironman." That's how I feel!!!
whats in store this week:
DIPT strentgh training, Race Plan update, PRE Race strategy meeting, a run , a ride, a swim. ONE Multisport get together, ONE gear party, Tribe party, Mike Reilly dinner at IMAZ, and a race. so its a busy week getting ready, sorting out your equipment, what to wear to the party, nutrition, organizing, planning and executing!
Lastly I want to thank everyone who made this year's IMAZ so special...ONE Multisport all of you, my training partners new and old, all my friends, DIPT for keeping me healthy, my son and my darling wife ...MYBELLA for which none of this would be possible.. thank you all from the bottom of my heart...TRI TO LIVE ..LIVE TO TRI....P
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