Heading to Lake Placid to Chase a Dream…

The bike rack is on and my gear is partially packed. Tomorrow we head up to Lake Placid for the weekend to volunteer for Ironman Lake Placid 2012. On Sunday, I will get to feel the vibe of Ironman in Lake Placid and see the determination of this years triathletes as they make their way past Run Station #4. I will get to support those who are making their dream comes true. I get to support my coach who has helped me to realize my goals. On Monday, I will be camping out in the line to register for Ironman Lake Placid 2013.
Kinda crazy when I think about how this whole childhood dream is finally coming to fruition. I started on this journey only 4 years ago when I committed to make this dream a reality. When I revealed this to my wife she thought I was crazy since I could not even swim. I still remember my first swim lesson with my coach where I could only swim 25 yds with my head out of the water and was totally exhausted. Now after 4 years swimming 2 miles in a lake is not really a huge deal. Back then running 3 miles was a huge effort and now thanks to Chirunning, I can tick off a half-marathon for a Sunday training run without blinking an eye. Cycling was always my “thing” but the first time I did a century ride, arriving in pain at the last rest stop, my wife suggested we take the SAG wagon back. I replied “No. I am going to finish this thing and I am never doing another one again!” Well, I finished it and I have done several since. A few weeks ago I completed the Ironman Lake Placid 112 mile course and did a run around Mirror Lake afterwards.
On Monday I will plunk down a big wad of cash to truly commit to this journey. The next year will be a wild ride. This weekend I take the big plunge for the long lap to the other end of the pool. Stay tuned.