IRONMAN Goal? Happiest Athlete on the Course.

Right now are the Hell weeks-- the longest distances crunched as close as possible together while still avoiding injury. 
Longest ride so far: 104 miles.  
Longest run: 18 miles.  
Longest swim: 4,500 yards.  
Not very fast.  Not on the same day, but in the same week.  Twice.

My husband is fond of quoting someone who said, "If you love what you're doing, you'll never work a day in your life."  I get the point, but it's not always easy to agree.  Sometimes I forget to remember that Ironman training is a bizarre kind of play.  It is self-exploration.  It is pushing limits.  It is discovering who I am and what this 50 year old (almost) body can do, and what the mind can endure.  All while still remaining employed, homeschooling and caring for the boys, and washing enough laundry and dishes that we aren't running around naked and eating out of dog bowls.  Yet. 

Two years ago this month, I decided to complete an Ironman triathlon.  For those of you who are not familiar, it is a race including a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike ride, and then a marathon (26.2 miles).  This was a personal challenge I had never before believed I was capable of achieving, and the task seemed tremendous-- though possible.  Maybe.

Ironman Chattanooga 70.3
this past May.

I've been swimming, biking, running, eating like a paleo pro, and otherwise preparing for this race for so long now that I cannot quite imagine it being over.  I've raced in five triathlons, lost 20 pounds of fat while gaining 5 pounds of muscle, and I've managed to avoid alienating my family (due to their amazing patience)!

My deadline looms: September 24, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.

And right now, one month out, I'm feeling like I might be able to complete this race.  It is my quiet hope that I will be strong enough to finish in 14 hours and without the need of the medical tent.  An even bigger goal?  To be the happiest athlete on the course.

My favorite inspiring swim coach:
my son John Robert

As my training has progressed, I haven't learned only about myself, but others as well.  I adore my cycling club family.  They are incredible people whom I would not otherwise have known.

Some of our beloved C4 club riders.

I am amazed at how supportive my family has been.  My husband has made himself my training partner.  He bought an upgraded wheelset for Spooky to increase our speed.  The boys have been champs about taking care of themselves while Mommy trains.  Denver was inspired to compete in triathlons.  Spencer is running cross country.  The boys are endlessly forgiving as I plop yet another pizza or Chick-fil-A bag on the table for dinner before stumbling upstairs to bed at 8pm.

Denver completed his second
triathlon this summer.

Life passes so quickly.  My eldest son is the same age I was when I first met my husband.  Where did that time go?  As the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years race by, I am ever grateful for this opportunity to pursue a dream, love a wonderful family, and see what I'm made of.  Today.  

Whatever IRONMAN holds in store for me one month from today, it is my goal to be a joyful athlete who is grateful for the wonderful and rare opportunity to chase a dream. 

Morgan County Aquatic Center, where I spend hours training
and thinking about the Tennessee River in September.

The Tennessee River in Chattanooga: Home of my IRONMAN.