Hello readers! I plan to use this blog to chronicle my path from today (07/18/2019) to becoming an Ironman. To all of you that started reading this well into my path, Hello future people!
So as I said, I decided earlier this week that I would like to complete an Ironman race. I know what you are thinking, I must be crazy. After all, who willingly decides to subject themselves to a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. Sure, it sounds difficult, even downright impossible when you look at it together. However, when you break it down, and look at shorter races first it becomes less of an impossibility. In addition to that, I watched my older brother run an Ironman late last year, and that is what started me down this path, though I did not realize it at the time. On a side note, if you ever have the opportunity to spend some time at the finish line of an Ironman I would highly encourage you to do so. The environment is electric, and you cannot help but get caught up in it.
So who am I? I'm not really anyone special. I live in Cleveland, OH and I'm currently a runner. Four years ago I decided to run a 5K with my wife and some friends. I spent the next few years just running a single 5K each year. I battled a couple of injuries, but I found that I enjoyed running too much to stop. I always wanted to do more, but injuries kept me back. Then in late 2018 after watching my brother cross the finish line of Ironman Louisville, I decided I wanted to do something more. I began running more, and rather than quitting over the winter, I got a membership to the local fitness club and kept running. With help from my brother, I implemented a plan to run the Cleveland Marathon in 2019. I trained for several weeks indoors and everything was going according to plan. Then it warmed up, and my first run outside was a disaster. I was running far slower than I had originally thought. It turns out the Garmin Forerunner 235 running watch I got at Christmas was not fully calibrated, and was under estimating my distances indoors. I kept at it for a couple more runs, but ultimately after a discussion with my brother, I switched my entry to the Half Marathon. We were not certain I would be able to finish before the cutoff time. I switched up my plan and kept moving forward. On May 19th, I completed the Cleveland Half Marathon, though I developed a mild case of tendinitis in the process. However, after some rest, I'm back to running, and doing some speed training to help get faster.
I have also been cycling every week as a form of cross-training. I originally did it because the plan said to, but I have enjoyed it even though it is all inside. I also had an inkling that I might be interested in shorter distance triathlons, so getting some cycling practice would be good. I haven't started swimming, but I believe a running friend from work may be able to help me with my form so I can begin swimming as well. I anticipate swimming to be my weakest sport, and thus require the most work. I have never been a good or strong swimmer. Up until middle school I was afraid of the water, and could not swim at all. Today I have no problems in a pool, and can both swim and tread water with ease. I do not, however, swim with my face in the water only taking breaths every couple of strokes. I keep my head up all of the time as the idea of swimming with my face in the water and only breathing as I turn my head terrifies me. It seems I have not fully lost my fear of water, which is something I will have to work through.
Well, this is just an introduction. I do not know how often I will post, but I'm going to aim to post at least monthly with my progress. I anticipate some months will have more to post about than others.
