"The Big One"

I am following my co-worker on-line today as he competes in Ironman Hawaii....the big one!  Despite the amount of Ironman distance races that take place world wide, the mystique of Kona still remains a huge attraction for triathletes everywhere.  This is the 34th year of the event but actually the 35th race, as they had 2 races in 1982. (they moved the race from the spring to the fall).  My claim to fame is that my 2009 Ironman Canada time was faster then the winner of the first Ironman Hawaii by about 10 minutes!  They've gotten considerably faster since then but Hawaii is still considered to be one of the tougher courses.  Ironman Canada was not long behind as its inaugural year was 1983, and is also considered to be a tough event.  There are about 25 races world wide now and I believe the world record is about 7:50 set at Ironman Austria.  Strange as it may seem the country of mountains has a very flat course. 

Do I ever want to go to Hawaii?  Maybe.  It's not easy to get into the race as you can imagine, but it gets easier as you get older.  Attrition!!  I think it would make for a fine holiday, but how do I get my RV there?

So just quickly on my training overall.  Quite frankly I'm not too impressed so far.  I have not spent any time in the pool to speak of and although I got the weight thing started when I was in China, I have let it lag (no pun intended) since returning.  I ran 15 kms today and felt absolutely awful, almost quitting at one point.  With the China interruption my cycling has tailed way off as well.

Am I stressed?  I'm not too worried yet actually.  I think if I get more serious by the start of December I will be fine, I just know that I'm really missing an opportunity to fix my swim and to build strength.  If anyone has any inspiration to get me motivated I would love to hear it.

Run...15.5 kms, 1hr 20 mins

"A failure establishes only this, that our determination to succeed was not strong enough."---John Christian Bovee

...and one cause I like it...

"He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how."---Frieddrich Nietszche

Love
Peter