Define Triathlete

Merriam-Webster Dictionary online had a simple definition. tri•ath•lete: an athlete who competes in a triathlon. I decided to look up athlete. ath•lete: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina.

Today my friend, I AM a triathlete! There is no weight, size, speed, or body fat percentage associated with this definition. In the triathlon definition, it said competes but never said who or what the person is competing against or for. For me, I am competing against myself. I have struggled long and hard worrying about time, how fast I am going to go, and my place in my age bracket. Today, I feel like a winner because I am toeing the line! Goal A-complete the race. Goal B(onus)- complete 6:45 or faster.

I had two years sober on April 3, 2010. When that date comes around, I get to reflect on the angry, scared person I once was. Today, that person is dead. He no longer exists in this world. By the Grace of my Father, he will never be back. It is those swim strokes, pedal revolutions, and steps against the pavement that help drive in further into the ground. That is who I am competing against. That is what I am competing for. To quiet those demons!

Today, I call myself a triathlete because I have trained as hard as I could. I kept going when I wanted to stop. I took the road less traveled; more importantly, I have been inspired by others. I am one 60 mile ride from being in official taper. As my body absorbs this training, my mind will too. I will recall the good times in training and the rough times (i.e. running knowing you are dehydrated try not to do that often it sucks!). I will re-read this blog and remember why I am doing this. Less than two weeks out from New Orleans Half Ironman and I need to be reminded.

There was an Ironman Video where they had the professional and amateur triathletes explaining what a person experiences during the Ironman. One female, said when you are on the course you come up with hundreds of reasons to stop. But there is always one reason to keep going. This is the Ironman! Although this is only a half Ironman, I am sure I will be searching for that reason.

A few days ago I was explaining to someone what a half Ironman is exactly. As I am explaining the half Ironman, 1.2 mile swim, I was thinking that will be fun! 56 mile bike ride going to be nice cycling through New Orleans followed by a half marathon 13.1 mile run never ran a flat 13.1 mile course before can’t wait!

As I’m looking at this guy’s face, his mouth dropped. I laughed at myself because I tried to figure out when exactly did that change for me. When did I go from a mouth drop expression to WOW this is going to be GREAT! I can DO IT!

As I sit here and feel the beginnings of my heart racing, I feel ready, assured, and confident. I have the best support team in Charlotte! (hint, hint KP) My cousin Jason who is in the Navy and whom I have not physically seen in a decade or more was stationed in New Orleans. He will be there as well! Thank You Guys for being in my corner. Knowing I will be tracked by however many people is a huge deal too! I know everyone can’t make the trip, but they will be right there with me electronically.

KP will take the job of wrangler moving from point A to point B to show support while also assuming the role of International Chief Communications Officer lol. This translates to handling the thousands of phone calls she will be receiving from my brother in Germany I’m sure. We joke that this will be her half Ironman! Fortunately, for the actual Ironman will be less stressful for her!

Update on the bike.

Cervelo said the bike frame should be replaced. I looked at the damage and it really isn’t that significant!!! It looks like the paint got chewed up a bit and maybe a nick in the carbon but I don’t think it’s that concerning. So, I will cycle and keep my ears open for warning sounds. The K-Edge chain catcher is being put on the bike as we speak. I really need to do better with getting pictures added!

I have my Fellowship of Christian Athletes race kit and looking forwarded to donning it on race day. I wore it at Cooper River and I felt like I was floating. It just felt like Christ was that much closer on that day. I know the true reason is because I was cover in Christian designs I was reminded just how close Christ really is in all of this!