Weeks 12 through 24 of Ironman Training - Thank you!

Just by looking at the title of this blog entry, it's glaringly obvious that I haven't kept up with posts...if you've been thirsting for updates, I apologize; if you could careless, then I'm right on schedule!  This time around has been a grind to say the least.  I feel like I've done a better job training with regards to being smarter and spending time focusing on what's going to get me the most bang for my buck.  For example, I'm typically only swimming one a week because that's only 10% or my race day, I'd rather focus my efforts on getting stronger on the bike.  I feel like I've been working hard but I can't tell if I'm truly working hard or if it's just harder this time around...we'll find out come September, 11th!

I would be remiss if I didn't express my gratitude to the woman in my life who's been pushing and encouraging me along the way.  Jess, as you know just gave birth to our second boy at the beginning of July; it's worth noting that the first time I did Ironman she was pregnant and delivered a couple of weeks after the race.  Point being, we didn't have any kids on the ground the first time around and now we've got two.  She has been absolutely amazing through this training and continues to be in order to get me across that line.  From day one, she convinced me to sign up again for the race after we agreed upon how we would handle schedules, she's prepared meals, pushed me out of bed, flexed her schedule around my training, left me encouraging notes, and is already planning how to be there for me on race day...all the while balancing two kids!  None of this is possible without her and I love her dearly for helping me run this race.  She has already earned one IM medal in 2014 and is well on her way to earning the second (although something tells me she'd rather have a shopping spree or a beach vacation)!

Point is, these events/goals are rarely individually achieved.  You better have one hell of a team supporting you along the way, I know I do!

Race is on September, 11th this year which will be peculiar given the tragic history of this date.  If you're looking to lighten the mood a bit or be inspired please come to Madison to cheer on all the athletes.  Truly and amazing bunch of people of which come in all different shapes and sizes.  I tell people that if you are able to see the finish line between 8-midnight you will see some amazing accomplishments and the rawest of human emotions...I dare them to walk away uninspired!