Ironman-passing-you-by?Ironman-passing-you-by? Don't worry. The Ironman is not going anywhere. I have across so many people on-line or in person who believe the Ironman is passing them by. Sure, they think about it constantly and there is no doubt that they are certainly "Ironstruck" and have been called to take up the challenge by some unseen force they don't quite understand, but something is holding them back. Is your life so hectic and full that you just know that you could never commit to the training, expense, and preparation that the Ironman by it's very nature seems to demand? Perhaps you have young kids and they demand much of your attention at this stage in their lives. Or maybe you have a career that requires you to work much more than the standard 40 hours per week. Ironman passing you by for another reason? Maybe it just scares the Hell out of you to make the commitment, because in your mind you know that once you pay that entry fee, the dye as they say, is cast and there is no turning back. I will be the first to admit that the Ironman is one "scary" venture for anyone who is considering it for the first time. I know because I can easily remember back over 25 years when I would wake up in the morning wondering what I had been thinking when I entered Ironman Hawaii 1984. Being Canadian, we were able to enter as foreign contestants, so it was just a simple matter of filling out an entry form and you were in. In that year there were right around 1200 entries. I suppose it was made even scarier by the fact that I had to learn how to swim in 9 or 10 months and it would virtually be my first real open water swim when the gun went off race morning. All I know is that this unseen compelling force was seeing me through those days of doubt and worry. I would just keep thinking of the finish line that was waiting at the end of it all. As the big day got closer, I resigned myself to the reality that I would not be one of those who would ever be asked, "Ironman passing you by?" Even now as I regress from the amazing conditioning I established over year after year of Ironman races, I know deep down that even at 59 years old I don't ever have to accept that the Ironman is passing me by. I know it will always be there. All it would take is for me to make the commitment and put on my running shoes, buy a swimming pass, and dust off the trusty old tri-bike. Of course entering an Ironman is a bit more challenging because they fill so quickly, but it can be done. If you are twenty something, thirty, forty, fifty or older there is no reason to ever think the Ironman is passing you by. It will always be there. It is always growing. It seems that every year there is a new race popping up somewhere in the world. It makes no sense to even consider entering an Ironman if you are not fully ready to commit physically, mentally, financially, and emotionally to the preparation and participation in the event. Do what you have to do in your life first. Take care of that family, work on your career, save the money, deal with your demons or doubts, or whatever else is holding you back, and then go for it. The Ironman is NOT passing you by. EVER! It will be there waiting for you when all the stars are lined up and the time is right for you. If you have any doubts about yourself, you should seriously consider buying my book "Ironstruck...The Ironman Triathlon Journey" and you will find the Ironman is a very real possibility for you whenever you are ready to take the first step in the incredible journey. You will realize without a doubt that the Ironman is NOT passing you by. Read more on the home-page if you think the Ironman-passing-you-by. |