Passing on the Ironman lessons learned

I can remember when I was a beginner and how I felt leading up to my first Ironman race day. It's something you don't forget and I am aware of some of the self-doubts and fears many of you are dealing with. These have a way of escalating as the big day approaches. I hope you can return here often for some experienced teaching and reassurance whenever you like.

When you were first "Ironstruck" your first thought might have been, "I want to cross that finish line--more than anything, but look at me--how can I even consider it?" So you can't swim--bike over 100 miles...Me!!....can't imagine it. You're overweight, you smoke, you're a couch potato, you drink too much, nobody believes in you anyway, you have no self-confidence and you would have no support. Well, you get the picture. which one of those descriptions fits you? Maybe more than one. SO WHAT! There is nothing I mentioned that the human spirit cannot overcome. If you want this bad enough, nothing---and I mean nothing---will stop you.

I am not a coach and don't pretend to be. I have no college degree in phys ed. I have no coaching credentials. My purpose here is not to undermine any coach you have or any program you might be on. My hope is that through my Ironman Triathlon experience, I can help you avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered. My credentials were earned on the searing lava fields of the King K. highway during one of the hottest Ironman Triathlons ever recorded---and on the endless bike climbs of Ironman Canada---and the fast, sweeping downhill curves of Coeur d'alene. My resume is the 14 times I stood in the water waiting for the next Ironman to begin.

I hope to pass on to you what I have learned in over 20 years of trial and error.

The Ironman is extremely demanding--It will be a supreme challenge mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually. At times, if you don't pay attention, it can be dangerous. Simply put...the Ironman by its very nature will test every fibre of your being. For many people, that is exactly what intrigues them, what calls to them. When you finish this journey, you will know more about yourself, and what you are capable of, then you ever thought possible.

Later on I will talk about swim, bike, run training and of course race week and race day. There are so many other areas to touch on first. Ironman preparation is about so much more than swim, bike, run. I will go over some of the less exciting stuff--but nevertheless--very important. like your Ironman diet, nutritional supplements, my view on massage therapy, chiropractors, visualization, and anything else I can think of that might be helpful to you.

I will tell it as I see it. You can take it or leave it. Some of what I say will probably be considered radical by some and deviating from the norm.

As I said before. If you just take away one thing from visiting here and that one thing helps you put the words Ironman in front of your name, than I have achieved my goal.

Check out these pro-ironman comments from some of the world's most accomlished triathletes.