How it started

Since this is a blog dedicated to my journey to the Hawaiian Ironman, it is appropriate to start at the beginning. And in my case the beginning was September, 9, 2008……….mile 80 of the Wisconsin Ironman bike leg, flying down the long and winding Garfield road that’s when it happened, when it all started.

BAM followed by pssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss. Recognizing the familiar sound, I immediately thought, “There it goes.” Confirming a triathlete’s worst fear as I looked down at my rear wheel, it was a flat. Not just an ordinary flat, my rear tire had been rubbing against the inside of the chainstay for quite a while judging by the hole that was in the sidewall. Immediately, negative thoughts consumed me and panic set in. After a few minutes of thinking, a temporary solution was developed. I placed an old Cliff Bar wrapper into the tire to cover the hole. Then put a new tube in, and inflated it. Miraculously, it worked and the tire held air. So on the side of that road, watching many bikes zoom by is were the Kona dream started. I rode like hell knowing that if I could just get back to transition, I would still have a chance…..

To make a long story short, I ran my way back into the race. I finished in 9:40 with a marathon time of 3 hours flat. It was the fastest age group run of the race and 5th overall if you include the professionals. I punched my ticket to Kona.

So this blog will be dedicated to detailing the balance of real life and triathlon life. About how one lucky age group athlete prepares the body, mind, and soul to race in the holy grail of triathlon. About how I use the wonderful support network of an understanding wife and caring family. About how I use the knowledge of an expert coach and training partners. And how I try to live out a dream of many amateur triathletes.


Oh yeah, and in about 12 hours, how adding a new member to the bunch will motivate me to be my best!!!

SI