Mission Accomplished

For the past year and a half I have been working out regularly, swimming 2-4 times a week, riding 2-3 times a week and running 4-6 times a week. I didn't log tremendous miles but I stuck with it faithfully mostly out of the joy I get from completing a good workout, but also partly out of fear of what was to come on November 22, 2009. That was the day I fulfilled a lifetime ambition of finishing a full Ironman triathlon. I can now proclaim "mission accomplished!" That is not to say that everything went perfectly or that I will not pursue other endurance goals in the future, but I set out to do what I intended to do and that is a gratifying.

While I am well satisfied with my accomplishment I know that this goal would likely have gone unfulfilled without the help of others. First of all, I thank God for protection, not only during the event itself, but also for the many hours I out on the road since I began this quest. I also had a remarkably long stretch of training that was free from injury that I attribute not only to a lower leg and shoulder injury prevention routine and a good pair of running shoes, but to a large dose of divine intervention. I also thank my wife who never failed to encourage me when I didn't feel my usual urge to get out the door for a workout, and who helped me find time on weekends to get in my longer training rides and runs. My two sons were also very supportive from serving as support and equipment personnel during my events to accompanying me on my rides and runs. The Arizona Ironman volunteers were numerous and outstanding. There were literally hundreds lining the course the entire day offering food, drink, medical and equipment support, and much appreciated encouragement. Finally, the everyday folks who came out to watch were wonderful. I can't even count the times I heard someone call my name (displayed with our race numbers) encouraging me to "keep it up" or "you're looking great."

When I finished 14 plus hours of exercise that day the first thing I said to my wife was "I don't know why anyone would want to do two of these", but now a couple days later I'm thinking I just might be able to trim off a couple hours if I…