So let me introduce myself…My name is Mike. I have never been into fitness, ever. I played sports in high school but spent college learning to drink and party. About a year and half ago, I went and watched my sister run a 5k, It was her 3rd. She went on to run many more and lose well over 100 lbs. She became my inspiration after that. Watching her run and struggle on I thought that looks like fun, so I asked if I could join her on her next run. I should have known something was up when she very quickly said “YES, I would love a running partner!!!” Either way we ran and I was hooked.
The next couple of weeks were are a blur. We talked about running non stop. I watched YouTube (cause you can learn anything there) to find videos about proper running form and how not to get injured. We signed up for race after race after race. It was a blast. While scouring YouTube I came across a race in Kona where Craig Alexander one his first Ironman. His form was spectacular. Watching that video I was stunned and amazed. How does a normal person go 140.6 miles in one day using only their body as a motor. The next day when I saw my sister, I told her of this race and that I wanted to do one. The helped me set my goals and get started.
My original deadline to complete my first Ironman, yes I said first cause I’m sure I’ll do more than one, was before age 50, I was 37 at the time. My sister moved away shortly after that, along with the rest of my family, and I was left with just my daughter and my wonderful girlfriend.
Now I’m 38 and have completed only 2 sprint triathlons. After the first I learned that I was so not ready for that!!! Even short distance is ridiculously tough. The second was MUCH better, I gave everything I had that day. The later was in May and I have not signed up for another, yet. I’ve looked at 2 Olympic distance tri’s that just fell too close to other runs that were important this year. One is my 3rd half marathon and the other is my daughters second 5k.
On the other side. My training is more focused, my diet is better, and I just feel better than I have in years. I am looking to sign up for an oly tri in spring of next year and my first half Ironman in the fall of 2016.
