A little over 2 weeks from now, I'll be competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI. I've been on this particular journey for about 6 years. I remember the first time I saw the Ironman. It was on TV and I was in High School. I remember being totally engaged in it for the whole program. There was something raw about it. No teams, no help...just you, lava, wind, and heat. I remember thinking, I'll do that one day.
I watched the Ironman a few times after that on TV. Each time, inspiration. Each time, I'll do that one day. But it was never thought of more than that. I ran cross country in high school and loved the competition. As you may recall from my first blog...I took a break from running after High School. When I got back into it, Ironman popped back in my head.
But this time it was different. I thought those people were NUTS. I actually had a frame of reference at this point. I was doing a little running, a little riding, and basically sinking in the pool :) I saw the Ironman on TV again in 2005, again, I was inspired. This time, there was no "I'll do that one day." It was replaced with, those people are psychotic!
But like most things in life, my abilities and ambitions progressed over time. My first, and one of my biggest inspirations, was Paul. He is the father in law of one of my best buddies. At the time, and still today, Paul was absolutely RIPPED. Brian told me he did Ironman competitions and was going to be competing in the same sprint tri we were signed up for in Wisconsin.
Paul not only kicked my azz that day....he also RODE HOME from the race....50 MILES! Brian and I were exhausted and this man, about 25 years older than me, was RIDING home. I was in awe. I wanted to be like Paul. From that day, 20 mile rides turned into 40...turned into 80...and so on.
There have been countless people that have been instrumental throughout my journey to where I am today. Throughout the next few weeks, I hope to write about a few of them. For now, thank you Paul. Thank you for inspiring me to get started...I hope to be half the athlete you are, in the future.
A quick update....I'm officially in my taper now and it feels GOOD. I raced in the Tri Rock Olympic distance tri a few weekends ago...and took 6th place overall! It was really nice to get out and hammer it for a couple hours. I'm truly lucky to be able to compete at a high level and stay healthy. It's no secret...take care of yourself. Eat right, consistent...appropriate training, massage, weights...that is the secret. Pretty boring :)
As I sit here tonight, in my Recovery Boots, YES!, I feel confident. I feel like I've done the work and now it is time to see what I'm made of in the toughest race on the planet.
So here I am....almost 20 years after I saw my first Ironman on TV. I'll do this one day has turned into: I'll do this in 14 days. What a ride. The training is done...the hay is in the barn as I like to say.
I plan to write every day when I land in Hawaii to keep y'all up to date on what is going on. From the NBC coverage, you would think this is a race for the "common man." Nothing is farther from the truth. The best 1% of Ironman triathletes in the WORLD get to compete here every October. I'm humbled, and honored, to be part of that group. Time to hurry up.....and wait :)
See you on the big island.....MAHALO!
Dave
Dedication, Passion, Results
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
The Original Iron....my Mom
WOW....what a weekend it shaped up to be a week ago today. Whether I'm racing or spectating, I always get a huge rush of inspiration when I watch an Ironman. It is my personal passion, but even if you don't compete in Ironman or Triathlon...you can't help but leave there feeling that your life has somehow changed. For the better.
This year, it was an extra special day as my Mom was attempting to become an Ironman Finisher at age 60! This is probably one of the most difficult blogs I'll ever write because how do you sum up several years and a special connection with your mother on a blog post? I can't do it 100% justice, but I will come as close as possible.
In 2007, I competed in and finished my first Ironman Triathlon. It was a triumph that I will cherish for the rest of my life. But I had no idea the profound effect it would have on others so close to me. It seems as though my entire family changed direction that day. My sister, Cheryl, went on to be an Ironman Finisher last year...all while being a new mother, getting promoted at work, moving into a new house, being a loving wife, and trying to stay awake long enough to keep in touch with friends and family :) My dad suffered a heart attack about a year before that Ironman...since that day in September of 2007, he has given up smoking, cleaned up his diet (he still loves his Tommy's beef, but we can let that slide), and goes to the gym to workout 3-4X per week. I'm so proud of him. My sister and brother in law, Lisa and Andy, have changed their diets in hopes to get a little healthier and lead by example for my Nephew, Devin. My brother in law John just finished his first couple of 5K's and is taking personal training 1X per week now in addition to kicking some azz on the Hockey rink. My lovely wife, Ana, who has supported me unconditionally through the last 6 years, is a Marathon finisher, multiple time Olympic Triathlete, and has even muttered the words "Ironman in my future" on occasion.
But it is my Mom that has made perhaps the biggest transformation. In 2007, coming off surgery, as she hugged me at the finish line....she was easily 80lbs heavier than today. She had never competed in athletics and she had never done a thing for herself...it always about raising her family. I'm sure the start of this story isn't terribly unique....but it will get there!
Fast forward to last Sunday....my mom started from very humble beginnings. Running for 1 MINUTE on the treadmill....swimming 15 yards across a pool....and riding a hybrid bike with jeans on. Since those days in October of 2007....she has completed numerous sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, countless road running races, 2 MARATHONS (PR of 4:43!), and 2 HALF IRONMAN triathlons. She is 60 years old...ZERO athletic background.
My mom did it right. She asked for help...got great coaching along the way....and stayed consistent in her training and new lifestyle. She had many hurdles to overcome. The sheer fact that she was not a 22 year old starting out, brought on many aches and pains. She needed to seek medical attention from time to time...doctors, chiropractors, and massage. But she held it together! Perhaps the most difficult part of the journey to last weekend was the mental side. There were constant doubts about did she belong? Could she do this? What the hell was she thinking signing up for this? Well, all those doubts proved laughable last Sunday.
Mom, Dad, and Me before IM start....you will notice she is ALWAYS smiling!
My Mom absolutely crushed the Ironman last weekend. She made a comment to me that there were less than 10 people in her age group, it was in a negative tone. I took it the EXACT opposite way...only 10 or so people had the COURAGE to even think about doing something like this as a 60 year old woman. She should be HONORED to be at that starting line and represent the MILLIONS of woman that wish they could do what she is doing, regardless of their age. I think my Mom took that to heart....there hasn't been another negative comment since.
Mom killed the swim. She came from zero swimming background...when she was in school, they didn't have girls sports! So much like me, she started by barely being able to swim across the pool. Last Sunday, she came out 2nd in her Age Group over a 2.4 MILE swim. We were so excited to see her!
Out on the bike....she was equally strong. It didn't take long for mom to get the lead in her Age Group. When we saw her...she was all smiles! I wasn't worried at all about her completing the bike portion of the race...but....she needed to keep moving. There are cutoffs in Ironman...if you don't hit them, your day is over right then and there. I knew there would be ZERO issues with her making it as long as she stuck to her plan, didn't stop, and didn't have any crazy mishaps....like cramps, flat tire, etc... Well....she absolutely SMASHED 112 MILES on the bike. And for those of you that haven't been to Madison, Wisconsin....it is not flat. The Madison Ironman course is best described as a rollercoaster with RELENTLESS hills. Through consistent and dedicated training....mom made that 112 miles look EASY.
Always smiling! The pic doesn't do it justice....she is climbing a hill that is roughly 15% grade!
Out on the run....mom just stayed steady. The first 6 miles of the MARATHON were rough. But they are for everyone. After I saw her the first time at mile 6....she settled into a groove and just focused on putting 1 mile together at a time. She kept moving forward...despite the pain of 10+ hours of racing, the uneasy stomach you get from eating Astronaut food all day, and the tremendous mental strength it takes to be focused hour after hour. The "wall" didn't really hit until about mile 21 for mom. It was dark...but she pressed forward. There really is only one ultimate goal in Ironman racing....FINISH. And my mom was determined to do that. With about 1.5miles to go....I ran out to make sure she was OK. Her GPS tracker had stopped working and the "protective son" in me said go find her. So I ran out to mile 24.5 and found mom walking. She was in GREAT spirits...but I could tell she was a little disappointed to not be able to run. She told me she wanted to save it for the finish chute. The funny thing about racing an Ironman is that you never know when your body will say "FU, I'm done." And when that happens....think of my mom....she said SHUT UP LEGS and kept going! I have a few very fond memories of my Ironman races, and I hope to have a few more. But none will be as special as walking the last 1.5miles of my mom's Ironman with her. It had come full circle....she was inspired by my first race...I helped her a bit along the way...and here we were, making our way to the finish line together. I couldn't think of a more perfect, or proud, moment as her son in my life. My mom inspired HUNDREDS of people along the way...and not just on that day. I had gas station attendant's jaws dropping at the sheer mention of what she was doing. Random spectators would be floored by her story on race day. I will forever be proud of my mom and her accomplishment. She is truly a inspiration to all.
Mom...still SMILING at mile 19! Who does that?
Well, not only did mom finish....but she ran down the chute. She high fived fans and owned the finish line like the winner did a few hours earlier. She deserved it. I told my mom, you don't sign up for the Ironman race....you sign up for the training. And now she knows, the feeling of running down an Ironman finishing chute is indescribable. Mom, you are in a very elite group now...."I don't belong" should NEVER be in your vocabulary again.
Biggest smile of the day! The one with her Ironman FINISHER medal around her neck.
And, as if finishing wasn't enough. My mom had the nerve to take her competitors to the WOOD SHED and WON her division! Are you kidding me? 1st time out and my mother WON. She earned her right to go Kona and compete in the World Championships! I was absolutely FLOORED when I heard this. I always say, "finish the first, race the rest." Well I guess she showed me! What an unbelievable finish to a magical day. My mom is an Ironman Finisher....AND....a KONA Qualifer! At age 60.
Mom on the 60-64 Age Group Podium. That is one PROUD smile!
So, to mom: "I'm truly inspired by you. I guess the whole family knows where the "Original Iron" comes from now! I hope to one day be setting the example that you set last week. Anything is possible if you are passionate enough about it. You have taught me that throughout my life and you showed me by example last weekend. This blog will never truly capture my profound inspiration, but hopefully it will be one that you can print out and know that your son is deeply touched by his mom's desire to live. Thank you mom....I'm a better person today because of last Sunday. I love you."
Dave
Dedication, Passion, Results
This year, it was an extra special day as my Mom was attempting to become an Ironman Finisher at age 60! This is probably one of the most difficult blogs I'll ever write because how do you sum up several years and a special connection with your mother on a blog post? I can't do it 100% justice, but I will come as close as possible.
In 2007, I competed in and finished my first Ironman Triathlon. It was a triumph that I will cherish for the rest of my life. But I had no idea the profound effect it would have on others so close to me. It seems as though my entire family changed direction that day. My sister, Cheryl, went on to be an Ironman Finisher last year...all while being a new mother, getting promoted at work, moving into a new house, being a loving wife, and trying to stay awake long enough to keep in touch with friends and family :) My dad suffered a heart attack about a year before that Ironman...since that day in September of 2007, he has given up smoking, cleaned up his diet (he still loves his Tommy's beef, but we can let that slide), and goes to the gym to workout 3-4X per week. I'm so proud of him. My sister and brother in law, Lisa and Andy, have changed their diets in hopes to get a little healthier and lead by example for my Nephew, Devin. My brother in law John just finished his first couple of 5K's and is taking personal training 1X per week now in addition to kicking some azz on the Hockey rink. My lovely wife, Ana, who has supported me unconditionally through the last 6 years, is a Marathon finisher, multiple time Olympic Triathlete, and has even muttered the words "Ironman in my future" on occasion.
But it is my Mom that has made perhaps the biggest transformation. In 2007, coming off surgery, as she hugged me at the finish line....she was easily 80lbs heavier than today. She had never competed in athletics and she had never done a thing for herself...it always about raising her family. I'm sure the start of this story isn't terribly unique....but it will get there!
Fast forward to last Sunday....my mom started from very humble beginnings. Running for 1 MINUTE on the treadmill....swimming 15 yards across a pool....and riding a hybrid bike with jeans on. Since those days in October of 2007....she has completed numerous sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, countless road running races, 2 MARATHONS (PR of 4:43!), and 2 HALF IRONMAN triathlons. She is 60 years old...ZERO athletic background.
My mom did it right. She asked for help...got great coaching along the way....and stayed consistent in her training and new lifestyle. She had many hurdles to overcome. The sheer fact that she was not a 22 year old starting out, brought on many aches and pains. She needed to seek medical attention from time to time...doctors, chiropractors, and massage. But she held it together! Perhaps the most difficult part of the journey to last weekend was the mental side. There were constant doubts about did she belong? Could she do this? What the hell was she thinking signing up for this? Well, all those doubts proved laughable last Sunday.
My Mom absolutely crushed the Ironman last weekend. She made a comment to me that there were less than 10 people in her age group, it was in a negative tone. I took it the EXACT opposite way...only 10 or so people had the COURAGE to even think about doing something like this as a 60 year old woman. She should be HONORED to be at that starting line and represent the MILLIONS of woman that wish they could do what she is doing, regardless of their age. I think my Mom took that to heart....there hasn't been another negative comment since.
Mom killed the swim. She came from zero swimming background...when she was in school, they didn't have girls sports! So much like me, she started by barely being able to swim across the pool. Last Sunday, she came out 2nd in her Age Group over a 2.4 MILE swim. We were so excited to see her!
Out on the bike....she was equally strong. It didn't take long for mom to get the lead in her Age Group. When we saw her...she was all smiles! I wasn't worried at all about her completing the bike portion of the race...but....she needed to keep moving. There are cutoffs in Ironman...if you don't hit them, your day is over right then and there. I knew there would be ZERO issues with her making it as long as she stuck to her plan, didn't stop, and didn't have any crazy mishaps....like cramps, flat tire, etc... Well....she absolutely SMASHED 112 MILES on the bike. And for those of you that haven't been to Madison, Wisconsin....it is not flat. The Madison Ironman course is best described as a rollercoaster with RELENTLESS hills. Through consistent and dedicated training....mom made that 112 miles look EASY.
Out on the run....mom just stayed steady. The first 6 miles of the MARATHON were rough. But they are for everyone. After I saw her the first time at mile 6....she settled into a groove and just focused on putting 1 mile together at a time. She kept moving forward...despite the pain of 10+ hours of racing, the uneasy stomach you get from eating Astronaut food all day, and the tremendous mental strength it takes to be focused hour after hour. The "wall" didn't really hit until about mile 21 for mom. It was dark...but she pressed forward. There really is only one ultimate goal in Ironman racing....FINISH. And my mom was determined to do that. With about 1.5miles to go....I ran out to make sure she was OK. Her GPS tracker had stopped working and the "protective son" in me said go find her. So I ran out to mile 24.5 and found mom walking. She was in GREAT spirits...but I could tell she was a little disappointed to not be able to run. She told me she wanted to save it for the finish chute. The funny thing about racing an Ironman is that you never know when your body will say "FU, I'm done." And when that happens....think of my mom....she said SHUT UP LEGS and kept going! I have a few very fond memories of my Ironman races, and I hope to have a few more. But none will be as special as walking the last 1.5miles of my mom's Ironman with her. It had come full circle....she was inspired by my first race...I helped her a bit along the way...and here we were, making our way to the finish line together. I couldn't think of a more perfect, or proud, moment as her son in my life. My mom inspired HUNDREDS of people along the way...and not just on that day. I had gas station attendant's jaws dropping at the sheer mention of what she was doing. Random spectators would be floored by her story on race day. I will forever be proud of my mom and her accomplishment. She is truly a inspiration to all.
Well, not only did mom finish....but she ran down the chute. She high fived fans and owned the finish line like the winner did a few hours earlier. She deserved it. I told my mom, you don't sign up for the Ironman race....you sign up for the training. And now she knows, the feeling of running down an Ironman finishing chute is indescribable. Mom, you are in a very elite group now...."I don't belong" should NEVER be in your vocabulary again.
And, as if finishing wasn't enough. My mom had the nerve to take her competitors to the WOOD SHED and WON her division! Are you kidding me? 1st time out and my mother WON. She earned her right to go Kona and compete in the World Championships! I was absolutely FLOORED when I heard this. I always say, "finish the first, race the rest." Well I guess she showed me! What an unbelievable finish to a magical day. My mom is an Ironman Finisher....AND....a KONA Qualifer! At age 60.
So, to mom: "I'm truly inspired by you. I guess the whole family knows where the "Original Iron" comes from now! I hope to one day be setting the example that you set last week. Anything is possible if you are passionate enough about it. You have taught me that throughout my life and you showed me by example last weekend. This blog will never truly capture my profound inspiration, but hopefully it will be one that you can print out and know that your son is deeply touched by his mom's desire to live. Thank you mom....I'm a better person today because of last Sunday. I love you."
Dave
Dedication, Passion, Results
Friday, September 7, 2012
Courage....
Happy Friday Everyone! I'm writing you as I sit in my hotel room helping my Mom get ready for her first Ironman! I'm so excited and inspired by her...she is going to have an awesome day on Sunday. My next post will be about her....but not today...she has some "business" to finish first :)
Courage. It is a powerful word with so many meanings. The context of this word today is around having the courage to START. It seems that everyone is a Triathlon Coach these days. Certified or not...everyone has an opinion and everyone seems to have a client. I was very reluctant to get into this game. I LOVE talking about Triathlon and helping people, but never felt I had the credentials to Coach someone properly. First, I have a full time job. Second, I'm not Certified. Third, it seems to be a fad.
Ryan changed that. I helped him get off the couch last year and start running. I helped him with a basic plan and before I knew it, he was running a half marathon! Ryan's story is not unlike many. He had an athletic background, was in the Military, and after...his weight Yo-Yo'd up and down for years. When I met Ryan, he was pushing 300lbs.
We had a very successful beginning to his running. The first thing that I helped Ryan realize is that it is OK to run SLOW. 99% of beginning runners run TOO fast. If I buried myself every time I laced up my shoes, let's just say this blog would not exist. Once we got past that, we started to implement a consistent cadence to his week with workouts. I was determined to help change his lifestyle....not his weight! Gone were the beers and wings several times a week. I say that tongue and cheek....it might not have been wings all the time, but it certainly wasn't grilled chicken either.
Ryan was following my summer as a Triathlete and was inspired to try his first Triathlon. It was a pool swim, short bike ride on his hybrid, and a 5K at the end. Like so many before him, he was hooked at the finish line. It was exciting for me to take the basic running program I gave him and turn it into a basic Triathlon program. This wasn't the first time I've helped people out, but I was starting to think that maybe there was something to my principles as a "coach."
In November of 2011, over several beers, we talked about what Ryan had accomplished over the past few months. Ryan wanted to take it to the next level in 2012. His first question was, could he complete a Half Ironman? Most of you are thinking...no f'ing way! Dude is 300lbs (well, he lost 50lbs that summer!) and just did a sprint Tri on a HYBRID bike. Half Ironman....right.
I didn't look at it that way though. I saw the passion, the commitment, and the desire to build on the lifestyle that Ryan was undertaking. I knew he wasn't going to Yo Yo this time. His next comment blew me away....I want you (Dave) to coach me. How much do you charge? For the first time, I thought of myself as a potential Coach. What I needed, was the COURAGE to put someone Else's dreams and aspirations in my hands. So I took a leap of faith....I was ready to do this "for real."
Ryan is an AMAZING athlete. His training was steadfast. He has a very demanding job, 3 kids, wife, travels for work 3 days a week, and has a social life on top of that. Most people would take those parameters as an excuse of why they can't do it. Ryan and I chose to take those, and make it work. This was something he wanted for himself and to set an example for his family. Ryan had the COURAGE to start. He figures out how he CAN instead of why he can't. This is the fundamental reason Ryan is successful in life...not just Triathlon.
Fast forward, because this is a blog and not a novel :) Ryan completed two Olympic distance triathlons leading up to the Ironman 70.3 Steelhead race in August. In his 2nd Olympic, Ryan WON the overall in the Clydesdale division! Talk about an amazing athlete!
We put a steady schedule together that had a mix of everything. Distance, speed, recovery, and technique. Over the course of the year, we built him up to a max of 1.5mi swimming, 70mi of biking, and 14mi of running. He was not only diligent about doing his workouts....he focused on doing them RIGHT. Ego is not an issue with Ryan and that is a great thing.
Ryan was a little nervous about the swim at Steelhead. It is a 1.2mi swim in Lake Michigan. It is a challenge for even the most seasoned swimmers. Ryan ended up doing fantastic and coming out of the water just where we expected him.
When he got to the bike....the plan was to keep it steady. Nice even effort and lets get ready to run. When I saw Ryan come in on the bike after 56 miles....he looked like he biked 5. PERFECT execution....I was on my bike and ready to chase him around on the run. Everything was lining up for a great day!
Out on the run....Ryan was crushing the course. Smooth and STEADY. I was so excited for him. At mile 10...the wheels started to fall off a bit....but this was OK! If you feel great at mile 10 of a Half Ironman, you didn't work hard enough earlier in the day :) Ryan fought through the pain and finished his first Half with smile on his face.
It was such a proud moment. Both for Ryan, and myself. To see his joy at the accomplishment was a very touching moment for me. The fact that my coaching principles seem to be sound, was a great personal victory. Obviously, I have a lot to learn....but I really enjoy taking this Coaching thing to the next level.
I didn't do the journey justice for Ryan....the sacrifice that he made was tremendous. But if you ask him, it was well worth it. Ryan sees an Ironman in his future...and more importantly, being healthy role model for his kids for the rest of his life.
I'm honored to be on this journey with Ryan....watch out Clydesdale Division (Ryan is 6'3'' and down to 220lbs now)....he is a FIERCE competitor.
Ryan and I had the courage to start....do you?
Dave
Dedication, Passion, Results
Courage. It is a powerful word with so many meanings. The context of this word today is around having the courage to START. It seems that everyone is a Triathlon Coach these days. Certified or not...everyone has an opinion and everyone seems to have a client. I was very reluctant to get into this game. I LOVE talking about Triathlon and helping people, but never felt I had the credentials to Coach someone properly. First, I have a full time job. Second, I'm not Certified. Third, it seems to be a fad.
Ryan changed that. I helped him get off the couch last year and start running. I helped him with a basic plan and before I knew it, he was running a half marathon! Ryan's story is not unlike many. He had an athletic background, was in the Military, and after...his weight Yo-Yo'd up and down for years. When I met Ryan, he was pushing 300lbs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)