Officially Tapering...

This past weekend was my last big training weekend. Now, I officially start my "taper" for the race on June 22nd.

Last Friday, I rode my bike for 90 min. On Saturday, I ran for 3 hrs and swam for 90 minutes. And yesterday, I rode again for 6 hrs and climbed 5000 feet over 73 miles. Best of all, I feel great today. Of course, I am totally high on endorphins, but that's just the icing on the proverbial cake!

My journey training over the last 23 weeks has been amazing. In some ways it was easier than I anticipated, in many ways harder. The training has been all consuming and I've had to sacrifice a lot in the process. And I have no regrets whatsoever.

I am currently in the best shape of my life. (Not bad for just turning 38.) What's more, I am preparing to complete a goal I quietly set for myself 2 years ago when I first started doing triathlons. It's amazing to finally see my goal of becoming an Ironman now within reach. It's just three weeks and one long, hard, tough day, away!

That said, I think the toughest part is behind me. I believe for athletic events like this, the hardest part is the training and the race itself is the fun part. At least that's I how view it. Trying to complete multiple hours of training every week for six months on top of a 6o hour work week and a personal life is no fun. Just ask my wife.

I am anxiously awaiting June 22 and the great adventure Ironman CDA will be. It is truly an honor and I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of it. Being healthy and able bodied should not be taken for granted. There have many moments while training, I have been overcome by a profound sense of awe and gratitude of the human body and the spirit that drives it ever forward.

Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons I've learned over the last few months is what's possible when one has will and fortitude. Was the training hard? Sure. But, ever harder, was allocating the will to do Ironman in the first place and the fortitude to stick with it. Once you can do that, the training becomes much easier.

In this age of instant gratification and drive-thru convenience, a commitment to complete an Ironman race will not appeal to most. Too bad for them.