First, I’d like to say thanks to everyone who contacted me about my neighbor’s 23 lessons for training. We were both happy to hear athletes all over the Southeast putting the advice right into their Ironman workouts.
Secondly, I have a bib number: 2705. 
It’s not quite as permanent as being etched in stone, but having an official race number adds another layer of authenticity to my commitment. I’m not gonna lie, I was 90% sure I clicked send payment, but haven’t really been paying attention to emails (and am typically not the most organized person) so I honestly thought there was a remote possibility my name may not show up on the race list. I mean, I knew I signed up for Ironman Wisconsin, but it was a long ass time ago and stuff like payments or lists can really get screwed up in a year.
But, clearly they have saved a spot for me.
Two years ago I had no clue what an Ironman was other than the distant memories of my childhood when I’d watch Kona and think those people were martians. The sport didn’t even compute with the logic centers of my brain, and frankly, I’m not sure it does now. But who said any of this was about being logical?
For me it’s been about breaking those boundaries down. Too much logic can paint you into a corner and turn your life into a big pile of dust.
I truly believe we are limitless and it’s never too late to pursue even the wildest dreams.
Not that it’s good, bad, or even belongs in a blog about Ironman, but Ray Krok didn’t start McDonald’s until he was like 65 years old. I actually read his biography called, “Grinding It Out,” and aside from the fact that he was, in many ways, leading a revolution that would compromise the health of human beings; he was incredibly passionate and followed his dream with tenacity of a 20 year old.
I have no doubt that Ray Krok could have done an Ironman if he put his mind to it and have no doubt you can do something equally challenging.
Why? Because in just over a year and a half, I have taken myself from the fetal position on a couch to the doorstep of Ironman. It has been anything but easy. I have loathed at least half of the workouts, but kept jumping in the water, hopping on the bike, and lacing up the running shoes.
As they say, 90% of life, is showing up, and I can assure you I’ll be showing up on September 8th.
20 Days Out Lesson – Neighbor James
“Mondays are a trip, man. It aint easy to get up and dance. But you gotta dance! Grab that little Speedo u got, then get your ass in a lake and dance with the barracudas!”
