IM-toxication

OK, I admit it, I didn't think it would happen so soon -- the inaugural Ironman Texas is coming, and true to my word, I'll be racing it on May 21. Why the confession? Well, that requires a bit of brief (very brief) history.

Last September, after crossing the finish line of Ironman Wisconsin, I announced the indefinate suspension of my Ironman racing. Four Ironmans in four years, with the last two raced only a month apart, it felt the time was right to step away from the MDot punchbowl. And I did so, happily, without regrets. But, I also did so with one leeeetle proviso in my suspension agreement.

I negotiated with myself - and told many - the only two Ironman races that would bring me back would be an invitation to the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii (as if THAT would happen) and the inaugural Ironman Texas, which as far as I knew was a long way off if ever. Thinking there was a strong possibility of neither event happening, I temped fate. And fate came calling last week when it was announced - and I wrote about - Ironman Texas would be held in The Woodlands next spring.

It was decision time. Would I keep my word by signing up for inaugural race or back pedal if somebody called out me and the proviso?

My decision is to meet fate and enter the race.

Having a few days to think about what I chose to do a wee bit of concern came over me and concern grew into doubts. My doubts continued throughout today until I read these words I wrote after completing Ironman Wisconsin, "There's an entire other world that begins on the other side of exhaustion and sweat. It's a place with its own rewards for the present day. An athlete that pushes himself to this place is intoxicated with the athlete's truth and the dedicated lives to go there. They know the blindly intoxicated sees things the sober man never will."

So with that, the Ironman Bar is open and the drinks are on me.

Stay tuned...