I’ve never been a big planner, but putting things “out there” keeps me motivated. Ironman Wisconsin lurked in the distance for 364 days and it was something I couldn’t ignore. I feel pretty good about how things worked out, but my hat’s been hanging there long enough. Time to move on to 2014, so, as you’re reading this imagine it’s like the unveiling of March Madness brackets.
Louisville is the sight for my National Championship, but I’ll have to get through some tough races before then. The road starts in Tennessee with the Dry Creek 1/2 Marathon in Nashville. It will be a trail run, and I will be doing a lot of off- road training for the next couple months.
After Dry Creek, I’m heading to New Orleans for the Ironman 70.3. I’ve already been approached by JW Marriott on Twitter about staying in their awesome hotel for that week, but I think $450/night is a little much for this struggling triathlete. I would happily be their Ironman NOLA blogging correspondent and steer my dozens of readers to the French Quarter. But, even if I end up staying in a brothel, my 2013 started with the New Orleans Half Marathon and I’m excited about my return.
In May, I will return to Knoxville and revenge at the Rev 3 Olympic. It was an absolutely brutal race, but none have been so rewarding. I’m hoping to see a lot of my new Knoxville training partners, along with find the podium after coming in 4th in my age group in 2013.
Then comes the big debate, that appears to be landing on the side of my home state. My road to Louisville will likely go through Racine instead of Muncie. I did Muncie last year and while it will always be my first, but it’s time to explore the bowels of one of Wisconsin’s most under appreciated gems.
Then, of course, Ironman Louisville. This is the race that’s been on my mind for over two years. I’ve watched it twice, now I cannot wait to run down that ramp and take off into the Ohio River.
I’ve stood and peered over that temporary fence in Lagrange until my legs wanted to melt — now I’ll take the easy route of riding 112 miles.
And now I will run by that infamous downtown corner near the end of the first 13.1 mile loop, where many have met their match. I will have the advantage of support from aspiring Ironman Chattanooga friends watching as I fight cramps and heat rash.
It should be great because I know at least 20 triathletes doing Ironman Chattanooga and I fully expect them to treat me like a king in the Bluegrass State. I’ve seen a lot of pain in Louisville, but that’s exactly why I want to race it.
After my “one shining moment” in Louisville? Well, I have a distant gaze on a Hawaiian beach.