Birth of an Ironman

Backstory from LiveMultiSport.com

It started back in 2004, as most parents do, helping kids with their chosen sport. Huffing their stuff hither and yon, driving in the wee hours of the morning (what is WITH these early mornings?!?), standing with dry clothes, after race eats and water. Lots of water. In this case though you would be forgiven in assuming it was Cliff, we were shadowing TJ around the TNS race circuit.

I remember the thought clearly sneaking into the back of my head as I watched, young and old, fit and not so fit, swim and bike and run, “I could do this. I could really DO this!”

Now that might not seem such a leap for those of you reading this website. Likely you are here because you know Cliff or Chris or TJ. You might be fellow triathletes. Or compete in one of these sports. Or perhaps play hockey and think this “triathlon” might be an amusing cross-training opportunity. The point being, the idea … the notion… of swimming and biking and running for an hour or two might not send your heart into palpitations. Let alone cardiac arrest!

Not so much for me back in ‘04. I was a couch potato. My athletic aspirations had died long before the birth of my three children. My activity of choice was gardening. And not the heavy lifting stuff. No! No! I had a husband and two sons for that! So for this insane thought of being able to DO it? Well it rather blindsided us all I think!

But “did it” I did! And in August of 2004 I completed my first Sprint Triathlon in Sackville, NB. It wasn’t pretty. But I was in one piece as I crossed that line with my entire family … husband Tom, sons TJ and Cliff, daughter Norma Jean … waiting for me. It was a small triumph in this middle-aged woman’s life.

Upon finishing that first triathlon … and please be warned of voicing insane proclamations while still in the throes of racing highs! … I mentioned to TJ that we should do an Ironman …together… before my 50th. Nothing like volunteering one’s progeny for things of which they know not! “Sure Mom!” says dear son, thinking I was completely overcome with emotion (read: delusional) after that first race. Fast forward 4 years … injuries and health issues aside … this past January I realized that my 50th birthday was approaching MUCH quicker than I’d realized.  And so began my long trail to my predestined Ironman.

This past September we put our money where our mouths were and plunked down our entrance fees to Ironman Louisville, August 30, 2009. A full THREE months before my 50th birthday. Oh yah. Rockin’ THAT baybee. TJ has graciously continued to play into my delusional goal and will be posting about his experience here. As will I. Starting December 1, appropriately nine months to the day, the Birth of an Ironman – the Senior Edition.

It’s gonna be a ride!

My journey on LiveMultiSport.com.

EDIT September 4, 2009: Read the finale here.