The Final Countdown

Ive paid the dues to make the news as Kenny would say. In barely more than a week, I will have the opportunity of a lifetime when I compete in my first Ironman triathlon. Thousands of miles, lap, hours to get to the start line in one, healthy piece is a feat in and of itself. Typically a few hundred of the 2,000+ people who sign up for an Ironman and pay the $500 entry dont ever make it to race day. Whether its family, work, an injury or just getting burned out that keeps these people from the 7AM swim start, showing up ready to go on race day is half the battle. Having the dedication, patience, luck and skill to train your body to compete in an event like this is an accomplishment that I take great pride in.

Ive dodged personal, professional, mechanical and medical complications along the way, but through the support of friends and family I am confident in my goals for success on raceday. On August 31st at 7AM in downtown Louisville I will be treading in the murky waters of the Ohio river with 2000 other athletes staring at a 140.6 mile, 17 hour test of physical and mental endurance … the Ironman triathlon. I have been training for this day for over a year now, a challenge I knew I was destined for after I got my first taste of multisport in my first tri last May. ?It starts down at the Great Lawn for a 2.4 mile swim in the river, heads out 112 miles for a two loop bike course around La Grange and then back downtown for a full 26.2 mile marathon.

I hope you can make it out some time during the day to cheer me and the rest of the athletes on. I volunteered at the finish line last year and was amazed at the energy of the event and how well the city came out to support the race. Labor day is on Monday so stay up late and head down to the finish at 4th Street Live. During the day you can head out to La Grange for the Ironman Festival on the bike leg of the event, or if youre heading to the football game come down to the finish line at 4th Street afterwards to check it out.

http://ironman.com/events/ironman/louisville/?show=tracker&rid=164&year=2008
http://ironman.com/events/ironman/louisville/?show=maps