Louisville IM 2007

My second IM this year will be the inaugural Louisville Ironman on August 26th. My first was the in Arizona earlier this year. What did I learn about running a full distance Ironman? I learned plenty, I learned most of all that anything can happen on race day. So all you can do is train the best you can, plan the best you can and try not to worry about the things you have no control over. My training has been a progression from being pretty unfit just 3 years ago to Ironman ready this year. The ONE thing that has the most effect on your training is consistency and I have been very good at that over the past 3 years. In addition, I have learned a lot about how to train my body for Ironman events. I prefer to educate myself on these types of things verses getting a coach and/or following a written plan. Don't get me wrong, I see nothing at all wrong with that approach, in fact it is a VERY smart way to go and I did briefly use a swim coach to help me with some fundamentals. I just like the challenge of learning that side of the sport as well. Even though I do not have a coach, I have learned plenty from other friends and people I have met over the last 3 years. I have learned all sorts of cool stuff from my roadie bike friends that have enabled me to become a better cyclist. I took 3 months worth of specific swim coaching because I have no swim background and it was a huge weak spot for me. That was VERY beneficial for general stroke technique etc. I have friends like Dan and Brett that I have received documents, articles and general tips on training from. But most of all I have my biggest fan, my wife whom has just been unbelievably supportive in my Ironman ventures. Without her I would not be an Ironman. My race in Arizona did not go as I wanted, but I finished the race and I can always say I am an Ironman. With out a doubt an accomplishment I am proud of. But I am a goal oriented person and sometimes I set the bar pretty high for myself (Never anyone else) just me! So what are my goals in Louisville. Race well, that is it! I know what I am capable of and I know what my training tells me I can do . I just need to go do it. It is that simple and I plan on giving myself every opportunity to do my best by meeting all my training goals and planning very well for the race. On race day, I will execute my plan and everything that is out of my control I will simply improvise and do the best I can - just like everyone else. I have always raced my best races when I tried to keep things simple. Many times in my previous races I would occasionally repeat to myself - Smooth is fast Fast is smooth. It is a great saying and very true in this sport. It enables me to focus on the task at hand and when I do that I tend to go pretty fast. Ironman emboldens ones confidence beyond anything else I know. Confidence to conquer a task that most see as crazy or impossible is very powerful weapon to own for the rest of your life. So get ready Louisville, because I will be there soon and I will be ready.