Why?

People often ask why am I doing Ironman? Admittedly, this question bothers me because it's generally asked as though there is a simple answer. My first inclination is to say, "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand." Nevertheless, I usually give some sound bite answer to satisfy the questioner. But, to be fair, I ponder that question a lot myself. Why DO I bother? I suppose the most accurate answer is: lots of reasons. So, I thought I would make a list:

• I love the solitude of the training.
• I want to get better with age (I'm 38).
  
• Endorphins increase my peace of mind.
• I love the adventure of it; one never knows what might happen.
• There is no dependence on others; I have to do all the work.
• The time running, swimming, cycling is truly mine.
• To learn new things about myself and life.
• It forces me out of my comfort zone.
• It builds confidence and self-esteem.
  
• I have always secretly wanted to do something physically remarkable.
• I was never great in sports (always second string).
  
• For my dad.
• Training helps to round out my life, beyond work, marriage and play.
• Training helps to fight the heart disease that runs in my family.
• It makes for good cocktail party conversation.
• Training makes my favorite beer taste even better.
• The need to balance my vice with virtue. (I do love a good party.)
• I despise the status quo.
  
• I always gravitate to the extreme.
• Because I hate not knowing if I can do it and I won't know unless I try.
  
• I believe the body and the spirit are intrinsically linked and to achieve spiritual peace you must be physically active and healthy, among other things.
  
• I am always looking for ways to outdo myself.
  
• Perhaps it will encourage others.
• I started hanging out with triathletes and it's contagious.
• I like putting myself in challenging situations.
• Simple curiosity.
• I fear arrested development; I never want to stop growing as a human being.
• A well deserved sleep is a sweet, sweet thing.
  
• Hard physical work provides a unique sense of satisfaction I can't get in my office job.
  
• My 20th high school reunion is this summer.
• Because a sedentary life is a deadly existence.
• Because it's as much a mental challenge as a physical one. (If not more so.)
  

This isn't a comprehensive list, but it's a good start.