I have lost track of how many times over the years I've been asked why I commit so much of my time to get yourself ready for another Ironman.
For a long period I found it hard to come up with an acceptable response, because often I wasn't sure myself. I do believe what makes it difficult, is goals change as the years pass and so would the reply to the question.
In the beginning like so many others, I was "Ironstruck". When I first saw this event I was drawn toward it and made the decision that I just had to cross that finish line. Even though I couldn't swim a stroke together never been on a racing bike I had been compelled by some unseen force to do this race.
Once I on purpose made a decision, there was no going back and my life took on a new way. It absolutely was easily a vey important and life-changing decision I've ever made. It touched almost every aspect of my life.
At 56 years old I can't expect to do an Ironman each year from here on. However I've learned from my long Ironman career how important maintaining a healthy lifetstyle is to a persons standard of living.
My plan is to do my next Ironman in my 60th year. There's no confusion "why" any more after i am asked that question just as before.
By setting that goal, I realize that I will need to stay fit between now and then. Additionally, it means that when that starting gun goes off 4 years from now, I'll be going into my 60's in complete peak condition. Almost certainly among the fittest 60 year olds in the world. Really not necessarily a bad group to be a part of at that point in ones life. How that particular race similar really doesn't have effect on anything. Just which makes it there's reward by itself.
I strongly believe that how successful or rich a person is doesn't really make a great deal of difference when a twist of fate strips everything away and makes people from all avenues of life materially equal and dependent by themselves physical strength, courage, and adaptibility to live.
The world is changing and events like 9-11 and hurricane Katrina are examples of catastrophic events that knew no boundaries and immediately left individuals with nothing but the ability they possessed within themselves to at least provide a fighting opportunity to survive.
Obviously that doesn't mean all of us have to start with practicing for the Ironman Triathlon-- one of the most challenging events in the world. However, to satisfy the unexpected circumstance of an ever-changing world, it behooves all of us to care for our physical well-being to the best of our capability. At all ages and yes, even as we settle into the retirement years.
Perhaps the best way to explain i mean , an example I used in a previous article.
Twenty years ago, had I found myself in the middle of a lake, five miles from shore with no lifejacket--I would have drowned in two or three minutes. Now it might be an opportunity for a long training swim.
The Ironman has given me that ability understanding that confidence. I owe this excellent event a great deal.
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