Let the games begin!

It began many months ago on a warm summer day in August. We set out early that day hoping to make the start but with 2 kids getting anywhere on time is always a challenge. Needless to say, we missed the start. Not to worry, there was only 17 hours left to catch the rest! We made the 40 minute drive from our home in Kelowna to Penticton to watch Ironman Canada. To cheer, clap, draw in the street and show our kids something very special. By the time we left, we were exhausted. And we hadn’t swum a stroke, hoped on a bike or ran a single mile. Well maybe we ran a little (2yr olds don’t like to sit around very long).
On our way home my wife (a.k.a. beer sheriff) suggests that I do the race next year. “You could do that” she says. I’m not sure she appreciates the gravity of what she’s committing to. But I explain that even if I could, the registration takes place the following morning with a line 3000 people deep. Always the problem solver she says “camp out over night, but bring the kids and make it an experience they will most likely never forget.” Hmmm, this could work (NOT). More like an experience I will never forget! But with thoughts of grandeur running through my head…Can I really do this??? I can barley make it across a pool let alone make it across a LAKE.
I have completed (not competed) in a sprint distance tri, run a marathon and countless other running distances but the though of this race and this distance was daunting. But there is something about the Ironman that has always captured my imagination. Maybe it’s the magic created in Kona with its inspirational stories told of athletes overcoming the demons of perceived limitations. Then there was the challenge of not only the race but for some the year long training. Besides, who could ever pass up the bragging rights and envy of ALL WHO LOOK UPON ME….ahem…back to reality.
So Kids in tow we spend an entertaining night out on the “street” with wonderful people from all over the world surrounding us. Even there in the middle of the night there was a nervousness of what we about to embark on. For many it was a renewal of an old flame, for others doing the “Ironman Shuffle” it was another shot at that Kona slot. But for me it was just a chance to be one of them. Now I’m here, registered, paid (no going back now) and ready to take on what will be the biggest challenge of my athletic career (do I have one???).
Wish me luck!
“ Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” R. W. Emerson