Why Do the Ironman Triathlon?
I’ve lost track of how many times over the
years I’ve been asked why I commit so much of
my time to preparing for yet another Ironman.
For a long time I found it difficult to come
up with a reasonable response, because often I
wasn’t sure myself. I think what makes it
difficult, is goals change as the years pass
and so would the answer to the question.
At first like so many others, I was
“Ironstruck”. When I first saw this event I
was drawn toward it and made the decision that
I just had to cross that finish line. Despite
the fact that I couldn’t swim a stroke and had
never been on a racing bike I was compelled by
some unseen force to do this race.
Once I consciously made the decision, there
was no turning back and my life took on a new
direction. It was easily the most important
and most life-changing decision I have ever made.
It touched every single aspect of my life.
At 56 years old I don’t plan to do an Ironman
every year from this point on. However I’ve
learned from my long Ironman career how
important maintaining a healthy lifetstyle is
to a persons quality of life.
My plan is to do my next Ironman in my 60th
year. There is no confusion “why” any longer
when I am asked that question yet again.
By setting that goal, I realize that I will
have to stay fit between now and then. It also
means that when that starting gun goes off 4
years from now, I will be going into my 60’s
in absolute peak condition. Most likely among
the fittest 60 year olds in the world. Really
not a bad group to be a part of at that stage
in ones life. How that particular race turns
out really has no bearing on anything. Just
making it there is reward in itself.
I strongly believe that how successful or rich
a person is doesn’t really make a whole lot of
difference when a twist of fate strips it all
away and makes people from all walks of life
materially equal and dependent on their own
physical strength, courage, and adaptibility
in order to survive.
The world is changing and events like 9-11 and
hurricane Katrina are examples of catastrophic
events that knew no boundaries and in an
instant left individuals with nothing but the
ability they possessed within themselves to at
least provide a fighting chance to survive.
Of course it doesn’t mean everyone has to
begin training for the Ironman Triathlon– one
of the most challenging events in the world.
However, to meet the unexpected circumstance
of an ever-changing world, it behooves all of
us to take care of our physical well-being to
the best of our ability. At any age and yes,
even as we settle into the retirement years.
Perhaps the best way to explain what I mean
is an example I used in a previous article.
Twenty years ago, had I found myself in the
middle of a lake, 5 miles from shore with no
lifejacket–I would have drowned in 2 or 3
minutes. Now it would be an opportunity for a
long training swim.
The Ironman has given me that ability and that
confidence. I owe this amazing event so much.
My name is Ray. After a twenty year career, I finally know why I do this race and just how important it can be to a persons well-being. I hope this article helps just one person reach a positive, life-changing decision. Then I will have accomplished my goal.
I’ve also developed a website in order to pass on racing and training ideas that I’ve developed over the years.
The name of my website is “Ironstuck”.
My address is http://www.triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com
If you would like to contact me with questions or comments I would be glad to hear from you and will reply as soon as possible. My contact page can be found at…
http://www.triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com/contact-me.html
