It was one day after Ironman Wisconsin 2012 when I anxiously sat at my computer plugging in personal information that would ignite a cataclysmic change in my life. Three hundred and sixty four days later I was planning to do Ironman Wisconsin. Now, only 100 days remain before that fateful leap into Lake Monona.
The day I signed up, the race was all I could think about. What would it feel like to be in that water with 2,700 people? How would I climb the hilly course or Bascom Hill? What would it feel like to be an Ironman? But, I can honestly say, that thought process has changed dramatically.
It’s not about the event as much as it is about the process of change. The dramatic improvements that have been going on in my body, mind, and soul. Someone told me once that, “the reality of training for an Ironman is that you will “be one” before the race even starts. You’ll have done the work and that’s really the important part.”
So true.
This journey has been amazing. I have met so many like minded and passionate people. That is, by far, the coolest part. I have been transforming the way I feel, react, and live. I understand and accept that it is a process.
There are so many invaluable lessons that go far beyond an Ironman race. Training has reminded of the importance in having a healthy and resilient body. You don’t always realize it because it happens slowly, but at times, like this morning when I was up at 6:30 without an alarm clock and watering flowers, you kinda slap yourself on the forehead and say, “Damn, this is cool.” And while I held that hose, I saw a Facebook post from Daniel that said he got his morning run in before the sun came up! I’m pretty sure Ironman training is a game changer for him.
So, as I sit here 100 days away, I’m mainly anxious about tonight’s two hour bike ride/run brick. I’ve learned to love the workout and take my body further than I ever dreamed. And tomorrow? I’ll be in the lake at 6 am, working to be even better.
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On a side note, I thought this was pretty funny. When I searched “images” for Ironman Wisconsin Swim, this picture of my pool showed up in the top fold of large image search.
