Someone's 5k Is Their Ironman

You don't become an Ironman overnight; the journey is long, the journey is hard. Not many set out with the initial goal of becoming one. Most set out to make a change, any change. Everyone's reasons are different. Everyone's journey is unique.

But inasmuch as we're different, we're all so similar.

Our journey usually begins innocently, very innocently. For me it began with the lacing of the shoes. For others it could have been with a lap in the pool or a ride around the block.

We never thought of entering a race, but we allowed a well intended friend to convince us that this is the best thing we could do. I know I did. I registered for one even though I didn't know what to do.

The task of running an organized race was beyond anything I could wrap my arms around. The pure thought of getting from start to finish, and having someone officially "time" my performance was not something I would have ever done, but there I was.

It's all about baby steps. One step in front of the other. One block at a time. One mile at a time. We grow steadily and methodically. We set our goals, we plan our day, our week, our month. Race day is just around the corner. It could be six months out but in our mind, if feels like the race is tomorrow.

It was posted yesterday in facebook that "someone's 5k is their Ironman". This could not have been said any better, any clearer. When I finished my first first race, I felt like an Ironman! (relax, I know I wasn't, I didn't even know back then what an Ironman was).

We progress from one distance to the next. Our confidence grows in direct proportion as our mileage increases. Before we know it we're considering a 10K, a 10M or even a Half Marathon. A Half Marathon? Yes a Half  Marathon. And then a Marathon.. I could never do that.

We find heroes amongst us. Those that do distances that we would like one day, to be able to do. They give us a helping hand, a word of advise, but mostly encouragement. They understand that they were in our shoes once in a past not to far removed. They know that a pat on the back or a kick in the butt are needed; they know when they are needed.

And just like that we become that person. Someone is looking at us, looking to us. They don't quit, they don't give up because they've watched us grow, they've traveled our journey and now they too believe that it can be done. They believe that they can do this as well.

I believe that an Ironman does not ever disparage the accomplishments of others. Ever! Not even in jest. Ever! Remember that "someone's 5k is their Ironman". We applaud the efforts of each and everyone who is giving it a go, no matter the size.

Yes, what we do in impressive. We have the right to brag, we've earned that right. But we must do it with humility and we must never disparage. Ever.

When you reach this point, then you too my friend will know that you ARE ... an Ironman!

"All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being,

not just with my hands but with my heart." ~ Tahere Mafi

Disclaimer:  I tried to find the source of the inspiration for this post to give proper credit, but I could not.  If you happen to be the person that commented on a post and said "someone's 5k is their Ironman", please let me know, so I can do so.

Please come over and "like" my facebook page for more on my "Journey Beyond Ironman".  Click here.

Conquer Chattanooga 2014

PLEASE consider supporting the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) and the fundraising efforts of my daughter, Juliana Sanchez and our good friend Robert Phifer by purchasing one of these great looking tee shirts.  They both will be racing Ironman Chattanooga on September 28, 2014 on behalf of Team Challenge and have each committed to raise $5,000 to benefit this worthy cause.

If you're not interested in the tee shirt. but still like to help, please read on...

All the profits from the sale of this Fine Knit, 65% Polyester, 35% Tailor Fit Tee Shirt will go towards this worthy cause. Available in Heather Fuchsia or Heather Purple with Dark Purple print for the ladies and Heather Gray or Heather Blue with Dark Grey print for the gents.

Click here to get your very own tee shirt!

To learn more about Crohns and Colitis, please click here.

To learn more about CCFA and how they're fighting ulcerative colitis and Crohns; CCFA's Pathways to Cures: Game-Changing IBS Research, please click here.

And your donation / contribution is well protected. The Charity Navigator has given CCFA a 4 Star (best possible) rating for good governance, sound fiscal management, and commitment to accountability and transparency.  To review the rating, click here.

But, if you'd just like to make a donation, any donation, you can directly contribute to Juliana's efforts by clicking here. Or to Robert's efforts, click here.

We are doing this because we have several folks in our lives that battle with the disease daily. One is a fellow triathlete; a two time Ironman training as well for IM Chattanooga. Another is a fellow cyclist who has not been able to return to somewhat a normal life since his diagnosis. Currently he's waiting for an experimental drug to come his way. Our good friend's son, also struggles with the disease on a daily basis as does another friends mom. So you see, this is all around us and its debilitating.

Can we count on you?

Life Is Fragile

Life IS Fragile.

"if only these treasures were not so fragile as they are precious and beautiful."

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Sorrows of Young Werther

This post is very much unlike any other post I have ever penned for this blog for I was reminded last week, very abruptly if I may add, how fragile life is. So I beg your understanding and please indulge me.

At 15 years of age, Peyton was just getting started, however, in her short years she lived a full, beautiful life. At least that's the notion you get if you were to judge it by the outpouring of love and support the family has, and still is, receiving from near and far. She touched many lives. Many, many lives. Including mine.

A sudden burst of a brain vessel ended her life way to early. She did fight a great fight for some seven days, but when it was all said and done, when time came for her to go, she did it just as gracefully as she lived.

Her story has touched me in ways I have not begun to comprehend. At times, most times, I'm overwhelmed by the array of feelings and emotions that run through me. Most I have not been able to process, to understand.

I spent the last four days of her life by her side. Consoling, supporting and listening to whatever stories her parents, siblings and friends wanted to share. A word of advise when needed, but mostly the role of a sounding board was what I did. It became very apparent to me, very quickly, why I was silently summoned to her side. I accepted and I hope I successfully carried the role and responsibility extended to me.

I found out that some of her friends called her "Green Eyed Ginger Flyer". This nickname, for some reason, struck my fancy, and I will always refer to her as this. It is totally her. Green Eyes. Red Hair. Ball of Fire.

I have dedicated my entire 2014 race season to her memory; Ironman 70.3 Raleigh, Ironman Chattanooga, Chicago Marathon, The Flying Monkey Marathon and The Dopey Challenge 2015. It is my own, very small way of paying homage to a beautiful soul. I will hashtag each fitness post with #ForPeyton and #PrayForPeyton. You can follow this journey on my facebook page, here.

I don't know why things happen, the way the happen, when they happen. I do know however, that it is okay to ask tough questions. Sometimes we may get an answer, sometime we may not. And this is okay too. I also know that it is okay to be angry and disappointed. These are natural feelings that must be addressed, must be resolved. But through all this, we must continue to believe that there's a reason for everything and everything has a reason. We must believe.

My wish at this moment is for Peyton to Rest In Peace and for her parents, sisters, family and friends to find comfort in knowing that she will.

"Life is short: break some rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly and never regret anything that made you smile, anything that made you happy."

Give 3 Feet, I Give 3 Feet!

Forget for a minute that it's the law. Think for a second of the life changing decision not to give 3 feet.

This past Friday we heard the terrible news out of New Orleans. A triathlete out on a recon ride getting ready for Sunday's IM 70.3 NOLA triathlon, was rear ended by a car and killed. One of his riding partners, his brother-in-law was also struck and as of this writing still in the hospital fighting for his life.

On our local ride this Saturday, a young lady was struck by a car. The driver was overheard saying that she was "late". The victim, as of this writing is in the hospital and thank goodness, is expected to make a full recovery.

Whatever the reasons, whatever the circumstances, lives have changed...permanently!

Frank Guinn leaves behind his wife Kimberly and 7 year old triplet girls. Nothing said here can begin to explain the emptiness left by Frank's quick and senseless departure... all because someone did NOT give 3 feet.

Stories like these are becoming all too common. So what do we do? How can we address this?

It's all about awareness. From all sides.

Lets begin with the cyclists.  To all of you that saddle your bike, please remember that you have the same duties and responsibilities as do the cars on the road. When riding remember to ride defensively. Obey ALL traffic laws. Always assume the driver of the car does not see you. Keep your ears open and be alert, know what's coming behind you. Give the car room to pass. Yes... you have the same right as the car but the car will always win.

When out on your on your ride, is not the time to be stubborn. Not the time to show 'em who the boss is. Not the time to get in an argument or lose your temper. Its time to keep your cool and think straight.

Always heed the warnings; "Car Back!", "Car Up". Move over. Never ride three wide. No time to move out of the way. Yes, its fun to chit chat, but the chit chat could come with a price. Give no driver a reason to hit you.

And remember this... riding in a group guarantees you nothing. The two incidents mentioned above is proof of that. But always ride in a group.

And drivers please... 3 feet is all we ask. 3 feet. Slow down, pass carefully, and please, please, please do NOT honk your horn. A gentle tap is enough. Honking will startle the cyclist and could possible cause him, or her to crash.  Oh yeah, and revving your engine when you pass us, making us swallow your diesel fumes, proves nothing, solves nothing.

It almost a guarantee that when the weather is nice, cyclists will be out. Be aware. Be respectful. A couple of miles slower, a few minutes later and you'll save a life. A cyclists and yours. Yours? Yes Yours, for your life will never be the same should you ever hit a cyclist. 

For the most part, most drivers are courteous and respectful of cyclists. Most abide by the rules of human decency and the laws of the land. However, all it takes is one negligent driver to change someone's life forever.

I Give 3 Feet. Do You?

You Can't Test Courage Cautiously

As we were leaving Sunday's ADPi-athlon in Murfreesboro, TN, a sprint triathlon which my wife and daughter raced, we saw two triathletes walking their way to the finish line. As it turns out, they had been out there for over two hours (well over an hour after the first person finished) and yet they were still plugging along. Other than the gentleman manning the finish line, there was no one else awaiting their arrival. Everyone had found their way to the "awards" ceremony; we had just left there ourselves, and those not waiting for the awards, had long left the site.

The jeers and cheers for everyone else that had finished long before, were since silenced. So I've been thinking...

All day long on Sunday and Monday, which prompted this post, I read congratulatory comments in various Social Media outlets and the grand majority of them directed towards those few that found their way to the podium. Not all of them, mind you, but the grand majority of them.

These folks deserve a huge high five. They work hard, long, tough hours to get were they are. Their efforts are not to be taken for granted or lightly. They earn each and every second they shave off their times. So, I join the choir in singing my praises to them. You guys and gals rock. One day when I grow up...

However, the two folks I mentioned earlier have been on my mind all day long. And each and everyone else in between them and those that placed.

These are the folks with the stories we don't know. What have they gone through? What demons have they fought to get here today? During the race, how many times did they think they couldn't finish this, yet did?

The sleepless nights leading to the race, the many questions that were still unanswered before the swim got started. The many more, that came up during the swim, bike or the run... and yet, no one was there waiting for them. No one! Was their effort any less valuable than those that came in first, second, tenth or one hundredth? These are the folks that threw caution to the wind and tested their courage. These are the folks that finished to the sound of silence.

There were 212 finishers yesterday. Each and everyone of them deserving equal recognition and honorable mention.  So here's to you...

Tony, Jason, Brad, Tommy, Tim, Jon, Mike, Ben, Mark and Curtis. Todd, Jason, Scott, Emily, Chris, Erik, Jason, Louie, Nicholas and Seth. Russ, Tony, Mark, Connor, Brian, Mike, James, Kellie, Miles and Racheal. Glen, Isaac, Gracie, Eric, John, Brian, James, Lauren, Jason and Joana. Pat, Todd, Jim, Chip, Mark, Steve, Cole, Cindy, Josh and Martinem. Jodie, Peter, Cloyd, Tilton, Molly, Justin, Lindsay, Amanda, Jackson and Evan. Barry, Scott, Mathew, Kyle, Scott, Craig, Garrison, Sandy, Brian and Cheyenne. Sean, Bryan, Gabe, Chad, Jerome, Laura, Abel, Erin, Kelly and Rebekah. Scott, Judy, Juliana, Randall, Ron, Mary, Joel, Daniel, Norman and Cody. John, Michael, Chase, John, Emily, Joe, Hunter, Michelle Nettie and Jordan. Michelle, Kevin, Cory, Brandon, Tom, Sarah, Kayla, Roy, Austin and Janet. Scott, Richard, Hulette, Britni, Jordan, John, Kirk, Bob, Amber and Karen. Renee, Jamie, Hank, David, Brett, Spencer, Cindy, Adam, Mike and Christy. Matthew, Matt, Travis, Murphy, Leiott, Duane, Newton, Katie, Vergie and Rick. Jonathan, Paul, Cannon, Charlie, David, Jennifer, Jimmy, Patrick, Suzanne and James.
Carl, Wayne, Karakot, Sheryl, Marlee, Shaun, Nicole, Lena, Alicia and Matt. Jennifer, Chuck, Adam, Nathan, Dara, Keaton, Kristin, Jenny, Alicia and Cody. Meg, Todd, Justin, Chris, Amanda, Angela, Victoria, Ashley, Teresa and Eliza. Laura, John, Kate, Julia, Melanie, Paul, David, Keith, Mark and Kamela, Tim, Jennifer, Monica, Andrea, Jill, Tracy, Carey, Amy and Rob. Jodi, Pam, Holly, Megan, Dena, Daniel, Chelsea, Emily, Rachel, Kristina, Laura and Paul.

Most of these 212 stories we'll never know, read or continue to follow. Some, the top few, we'll hear from over and over again. We'll run into them at this race or that one, somewhere along the way. We'll train together, race together and most likely not finish together, however hard we try. The rest of these folks probably went home and began bragging about their day to anyone that would listen, for in their mind they just accomplished something they never thought they could. Most of them are probably already making plans, searching the web, for their next race. Most of these folks, I hope I run into at a future event.

To all of you that push yourself beyond your limits, to those that test the waters... I salute you! Some of you I may know, most of you I don't, but nonetheless, I am proud, very proud of you!

Mental Strength Is NOT Overrated

I entered week 12 of Ironman Chattanooga training this week. By any account, it is going just as expected and planned. No major setbacks, no mayor obstacles to overcome (hope I didn't jinx myself).  Only small issue that has had to be addressed, is being addressed, and it deals with a slight, uncomfortable, grinding sensation in my left knee. Otherwise... all's well.

As also predicted, the mental games are beginning to creep in. Not as much as "can I do this?", but "maybe I shouldn't be doing this". I have even caught myself thinking "I'm too old for this."

My advise to anyone going through this is to always remember "why" they're doing this. Having a "why" well identified and extremely well defined is of foremost importance.

As most of you know, for I have not kept it a secret, and I'm pretty open about it, the swim is my Achilles heel. Each time I get in the pool, lake or river, I work hard. Doesn't  mean I like it, means I have to and I respect it.

Today the alarm went off at 4:00 a.m. as it does every morning. Unlike every morning, I did not jump out of bed automatically. I tossed and turned for some 7 minutes. I didn't want to get up. But I did.  I immediately fixed my cup of coffee, as I always do because I am a person of habits. I procrastinated getting ready to leave for the pool. I can tell you that today, I was not looking forward to my swim. Can't tell you why, however.

I left the house about 5 minutes later than I usually do. Again, I was procrastinating. But I left. Drove to the Y and parked. Waited 2 minutes for the door to open. In the mean time I finished my now cold coffee.  The front door opened and I got out of my car. Opened the back door to get my swim gear out and what do I see? An empty seat.  Yes, I had left my swim bag at home.

Drove back home all along thinking "this is not meant to be today". I honestly looked for options. "I could just stay home now, its gonna be late. I can come back this afternoon and do my swim then". "yes, I have a plan. that's what I'll do."

But then the very moment I got home, I automatically grabbed the bag. Didn't think twice about it. Returned to my car and drove back to the Y.

It was 5:30 a.m. when I finally hit the water, 20 minutes later than usual. I had a 2500 yd swim.

I have learned that when I get to the pool deck, I just stretch my arms and jump in the water. I have learned not to think twice about it. That same thing I did today.

Once in the water it becomes automatic. I do my drills, I swim my laps.

Today it felt good, really, really good. My stroke was smooth, and I felt that I was moving. Perhaps not any faster than usual, but it felt good.

1 hour and 5 minutes. That's how long it took me to finish today. I was happy.

My mind tried to push me today. I could have very easily stayed home and pretended I was going to swim in the afternoon. No one knows if I would have. Perhaps the all day long guilt of missing my morning swim would have been enough to get me to the pool in the afternoon, perhaps not.

I suspect this is not the last time I will have to battle this. I have to be ready, again.

Gasparilla Distance Classic in Review

Gasparilla Distance Classic 2014

I first heard of this event several years ago. I have put it off for this reason or that one. Finally,  it made it on my schedule for this year. It fit into the plan rather nicely. Additionally, my brother Hernando lives in Tampa and he has run this before. It would be a great opportunity for me to run with him again.

The Gasparilla Distance Classic consists of a 15k and a 5k for Saurday, in that order, back to back, and a Half Marathon and 8k on Sunday, again in that order and again, back to back. I had never heard of an 8k. I guess it's a fancy way of calling a 5 miler. 8 seems longer than 5, so I get it.

I opted for the 5k on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday, although the original plan was to just run the half. I added the 5k late, mostly because I learned my nephew Tony would be running as well. As I thought I would, I wished I had signed up for all of them, but later I was really glad I did not.

First, I have to give many kudos to the organizers. This was a high quality event with no apparent glitches. Everything seemed to run smoothly and on time. On time is always good.

The packet / bib pick up, however was somewhat backwards. Not anything like I've been used to. You had to go to the back of the Expo to do this. In the whole scheme of things, not a big deal. We were in and out in no time flat. Bibs, tee shirts and goodies in hand. The expo was just like any other. After awhile, they all seem to be the same.

Tony, Mauricio and Hernando

Saturday morning was an ealy morning. My brother was running the 15k which was scheduled to start at 7am. We left his house at 5am. Do the math, we were up very, very early. The 5k would start at 9am.

The temperature was in the mid 70's, the humidity was in the high 90's. The fog was thick and low. I was very glad I did not register for both. 

The announcer mentioned that over 12,000 runners would be participating in the 5k. That's 12k folks in a very short route. This proved to be very interesting. From start to finish, it was shoulder to shoulder, no way to get a move on. I guess this turned out to be a blessing because I had to take it easy, very easy, and that is exactly what I was supposed to do.

'cuse me... 'cuse me. On your left. On your right. Behind you. Oh, please don't make any sudden stops. If you're walking, please move to one side. Thank you, thank you" These and other thoughts entertained me the entire route. 

The course was flat, humid, crowded, sticky and a bit smelly. It went along the water. It was beautiful and fun.

Gasparilla 5k Bling

At the finish line, they moved us through pretty quickly. I was surprised. The line for food was however, long. I settled for a smoothie, a banana and a yogurt.

The Half marathon, on Sunday, was scheduled to start at 6 am. This made it for another short evening. After a glitch with the parking payment machine, we made it to the start with about ten minutes to spare. Again, the field was crowded. I'm not sure how many, but if I were to make an educated guess, I would say that there were close to ten thousand runners. 

Once again, the weather was very similar to Saturday's. Very humid. I now understood why the early starting time.

And just like that we were off. The field remained crowded for about 3 to 4 miles, then space opened up. There were water and Gatorade stations every mile. This was very much needed. I walked through all the stations and ran the rest of the race. My pace was slow. I have lost some speed. I was however, very pleased with my endurance. But, as expected, my ankles began to ache around mile seven. This I have learned to accept.

Gasparilla Half Marathon Run Course

Crowd support was terrific. People every where. About 60% of the course was along the water's edge. Beautiful sights. BUT, an issue with the sewer around mile seven made it for a very unpleasant moment. 

My brother, five years my younger, wanted to push his limits. We started together and I asked him, before the race, to drop me when he needed to. He would not. Kept looking over his shoulder, looking for me. I did not want to hold him back, so to get rid of him, I went to use the porta-potty. That did it. He took off. He had a great race.

With about 2 miles to go, I hear someone say to me: "hey, fancy meeting you here!" 

"WoW, Janice, This is unreal." Janice is a friend from Hendersonville. She's one of my wife's training buddies. We crossed the finish line together. I was thankful she saw me. I was more thankful she pushed me through.

Gasparilla Half Marathon Bling

If I were to rate this event, I would have to give it 5 stars. Yes, 5. Everything about it was just right. This one, I must come back and repeat. However, next time I will run all four races. To all my friends in Hendersonville, TN... can we say: "Road Trip"?