Monday, June 28, 2010

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...

14 comments:

CoachLiz said...

Great words Brian. I have triathlete friends who think I am crazy for doing IM racing. They feel that they can push their body enough in the sprint and Olympic distance realm. I have gotten them to do a 70.3 and they said never again because they were not comfortable outside of the comfort zone of being a "Jackrabbit". Possibly, it was because they did not get first in their age group.

I will never place first in my age group, and that is ok by me. No one can take away the fact that I am an Ironman.

Duane said...

Nice!

Jamie said...

Welcome back Brian.

You can't quit Ironman because you can't quit something that has become a part of who you are.

Anonymous said...

Good luck with the training. That's a tough one to resist.

Samantha said...

Woohoo!! Can't wait to follow your training!

Tea said...

Very cool!

KBGee said...

I'm looking forward to racing with you next year. Incidentally, it'll be my first race is TX and my first IM.

HolisticGuru said...

I'll have a swim, a bike, a run AND a manhattan to toast to your return :) Welcome home.

TRI TO BE FUNNY said...

Can't wait to do some training and racing with you!

Marci said...

My trip to The Woodlands for next May is already in the planning stages... that's if I'm not back in Texas already! Racing= No... Spectating= Yes

Marci said...

My trip to The Woodlands is already in the planning stages for next May... if i'm not already back in Texas.

T said...

i do like those words, and i'm glad you're sticking with your proviso.

looking forward to the ride!

Ryan said...

Yeee Hawww!!!

I'll be in TX racing with you!

Unknown said...

Woo HOO!!! :) Can't wait to hear about this course.