It begins!

After many years I have finally decided that it's time to make the commitment and prepare to race the an Ironman triathlon. I've wanted to do this since I was in high school. I'd watch the championships from Kona, Hawaii every year, just dreaming of what it would be like to cross the finish line with my hands raised in victory. So begins the journey, in 2010. This actually began last season with my return to duathlon. I had been away from the sport for about 4 year...and had the body to prove it. I participated in three races: Tim-man in May (just happy to finish and feel good), Columbus International triathlon sprint race in July (placed 3rd out of 4 in the 35-39 age group) and picked up a second third place finish in late September at the Toyota Challenge sprint race. The Saturday after my last race, I went for a 100 mile bike ride to celebrate my birthday. That was a good week, athletically speaking.

Now it's time to make the leap into triathlon. I've been swimming for the past year, working on technique and rediscovering my exercised-induced asthma. Actually, the asthma discovery was a good thing. It's under control and I can breathe better than I have in years! It's awesome! I have yet to do any type of open water swim, so I'm both nervous and excited at the same time. In a couple of months I'll find out just how much the pool workouts have paid off. The swim has always kept me away from doing a tri, but now I feel more comfortable than ever in the water. My breathing is calm, my body rotation is smooth and I feel like I'm gaining speed and endurance with every workout.

So here's the plan:

2010
May 23rd - Tri-Tech Triathlon at Caesar Creek (Sprint race 1/2mi. swim, 13mi. bike, 5k run)

June - train, train, train

July 17th - Columbus International Triathlon at Antrim Park (Olympic distance)

August - train, train, train

September 26th (Britt's B-day) 1/2 Ironman race at Deer Creek.

2011
May 24th - Little Smokies 1/2 Ironman at Shawnee State Park in Portsmith, OH

June - train

July - train

August - train, graduate from Boise State, Full Ironman triathlon at *Ironman Louisville, KY
*If all goes well then 2012 will be spent preparing to race in the Ironman World Championships in Kona! The dream will be realized!

So that's the plan. Yes, it's very general with little detail as to "how" I'm going to get there, but that's where the other entries come into play. This blog will help to keep me on track and working towards my goals, both short and long term. This is where I can reflect on individual workouts and races, evaluate what is (and is not) working, make adjustments and continue on. As I reflect on my workouts the details will laid out and full plan will come together.

Wish me luck!

See you on the starting line.