Monday, May 25, 2009

And So It Begins


The journey begins tomorrow.



Ok. Let's be clear. The journey really began some time ago. I guess it was when I signed up November 3, 2008 for Ironman Florida 2009. Or was it 3 1/2 years ago when I rode a stationary bike at the gym for the first time with the idea that I'd like to, some day, try the sport of triathlon? Of course, no one knew my plan at the time but me. I didn't want that crazy idea seeing the light of day....at that point. Three plus years and 12 triathlons later, the journey begins tomorrow.


Or did it start January 25, 2009 when I started a 16-week training plan for the Memphis in May Olympic distance race. I do MiM every year as kind of a kick-off to the season. I followed a plan this year not just for the race itself but to get my body prepared for the 'A' race training. And that journey begins tomorrow.


Tomorrow starts week 1 of 24 of my Ironman Florida 2009 training plan. I feel prepared. I feel ready. I feel excited and anxious at the same time. I want to do well. I plan to train hard and consistently.



As I look around my office there are signs of an endurance lifestyle that serve as both reminders and motivation....




...from the two wheels that carry me 112 miles...


...to the shoes that are under me for 26.2....





...to the nutrition that helps sustain my body to go the distance...



...and the reminder that hangs above my office door.



That's my dog Maggie. She doesn't really fit the story but there she was while I was taking pictures. So there's that.

Anyway, the journey begins tomorrow. I'll wake up a little after 5 a.m. and head to the pool for the first of many workouts on my way to becoming an Ironman x 2. I know how far my body has to take me...140.6 miles. Now I want to find out how fast it can take me there!