By Mike Tarrolly – Co-host of the Crushing Iron Podcast
For the last few months this picture has been on the side of my refrigerator. It’s from my Uncle Kenny’s funeral.
I saw it all the time and didn’t think about it too much, but today I decided to take it down.
I looked a little closer at the dates . . . 1925 – 2025 . . . and they hit me a little harder today. I’m only 38 years away from doing that myself!
Thirty eight years until I’m 100!
That shit is crazy. The first thought that hit me was . . . You’d better get your shit in gear!
I mean, 38 years doesn’t really seem like much to me right now. On the other hand, 38 years is a lofty ass goal!! Not many people live to be 100.
So, here I sit, thinking about what to do with those years. I think about how many dreams I have left to accomplish and how my biggest fear is not getting them done. Or more specifically not attempting these things.
I’m 62 now and have a unique interpretation of that compared to many people my age. So many people I see or know that are in my elderly bracket are pretty much toast. Hanging on for dear life in many ways and simply searching for a decent quality of life.
I did my 12th Ironman in September and am already signed up for number thirteen next year.
I’m so grateful I made the decision to pursue my health as I closed in on 50. Somehow I clearly understood that if I “don’t start now” it will only get harder and harder. And, while this stuff is never easy, I’m pretty sure I could turn things on and do an Ironman in a few months. What a gift.
Sixty-two-year-old Uncle Kenny had no chance at doing an Ironman, but what I remember about him was that he was always active. Always engaged. Always “interested” in something. The last time I saw him he was still talking shit and flirting with the nurses.
He was always squeezing every ounce out of life.
It’s little things like seeing his funeral announcement that can crystalize how short life really is. Seems like just yesterday when he was driving the speed boat and teaching me how to ski, but it was 45 years ago!
So, here I sit. Writing. Which is definitely one of those dreams. More writing. About what though?
I don’t think it matters right now. I just need to get back into writing shape. Pulling words from my brain and putting them into thoughts. Much like triathlon, it’s the process.
And of course it has awakened something in my body as well. This long, grinding journey of triathlon has been going for 13 years and I can only hope I have 13 more in me.
A lot of people ask why I do Ironman and I’ve always struggled to explain it, but now I usually say, “Why not?” Or something like, “because I can.” Both are true. It’s one of those things that is really easy to take for granted but is an incredible blessing.
I’m sitting here today thinking about what if? What if I couldn’t do this anymore? That day will come and until then it is my responsibility to myself to keep squeezing as much out of my life as I can. The rest will take care of itself.
Mike Tarrolly: [email protected]