Ironman Arizona - I'm In!!!!

Well I did what was once thought to be unthinkable today.  I registered for my first full Ironman distance race.  Ironman Arizona 2013.  November 17, 2013.  This is a HUGE deal for me.  I have thought a lot about this and really been preparing for this for years.  I am absolutely pumped and excited!

Last year, as you  may recall, I was just about to sign up but my sweet wife asked me not to.  There was so much new going on in our lives - new move, new job, new schools for the girls, etc.  She just felt like it wouldn't be a good time.  I thought about going against her wishes but ultimately had to think about why I do this.  It has never been something that should take the place of my family or supercede their needs.  Triathlon conforms to me and my live, not the other way around.  In the end, I thought to myself, how can I go against my rules?  How happy will I be training for this great event and NOT having my wife happy or by my side?  Any success would be hollow without her.

Looking back, she was right and I shouldn't have signed up.  and I didn't.  What I did do was serve notice that this was on my "bucket list" and given IMAZ is in our backyard and is such a great race, it only makes sense to do it.  With her support and love, I am in for 2013.

All volunteers are given first dibs on signing up for the following years race.  We had over 2,000 volunteers this year, including myself.  Some actually flew in to volunteer so they could get in for next year - it is that popular.  In the end, 1,800 volunteers and current participants signed up this morning before general admission slots went open at noon EST.  The race sold out in 40 seconds online!!!!  Incredible.  3,000 slots gone like that.  $708.75 a pop!!!  Very expensive.  $650 for Ironman and $58 to active.com (not happy about that).

Here is a good inspirational video of some participants in last years race.....

I snapped a picture of me in the shoot the day before the race this year.  I thought I would get a quick one thinking about next year.  What a blessing it is to do something like this and to have the health to do it.  Life is indeed good and despite trials and issues, I am very fortunate.  I will keep everyone posted on my progress during the year.  I am ready and I will do it!

DT