Across the Threshold: 140.6
Dear Izzy, Max, and Kate,
Last night I found myself on my bike trainer at 9:30pm in our living room, listening to music, watching a basketball game, spinning my legs, my mind racing. Somewhere else. You kids and Mommy were sound asleep upstairs.
It’s unusual for me to ride the trainer at night. I’m not a big fan of the mind numbing torture device. But this year is different. We’re going to make friends.
I took the big step.
Across the threshold of one of my remaining fears.
I signed up for my first 140.6 mile event at Rev3 Cedar Point on September 7th.
So, like riding the trainer into the late evening last night, I’ll be getting used to a lot of things that aren’t in my comfort zone. I’m excited about that, because it means growth. I’ll finally pay attention to my diet. I’ll stretch. Rest. Train like a pro. All of this in the face of questions about myself as I get older.
A few weeks ago a man guessed my age: “What are you, 40?”
I smiled politely and said “close to it.”
That caused me immediately think to myself, in the middle of a hardware store, what haven’t I done yet? The list is substantial, but believe it or not, a 140.6 mile triathlon is probably the easiest one for me to take a step forward on.
Mommy and I agree that the time is right for this one. You kids are at an age where I can train early or late (like last night) and not infringe on too much family time. As you get older the weekend commitments will grow with ball games, wrestling tournaments (please), swim meets, and gymnastics meets. Now’s the time.
What do you do when all of your excuses are gone? You breathe deep, and jump.
Rev3 has asked me to write about my experience in training for Rev3 Knoxville Half Rev (70.3) in May and then ultimately for Rev3 Cedar Point in September. Those blog posts will begin appearing on Rev3′s blog next week. I’m honored.
I’m keeping this letter short, because I’ll be writing about the whole process at length for Rev3.
I’ll post links to my Rev3 posts here along the way. So, here we go! It’s going to be a awesome adventure.
Or Bust!!!!
I love you,
- Daddy
TRAINING:
Mon: REST
Tues: Swam 2000 / Ran 5 miles
Wed: Rode the trainer 80 minutes
Thurs: Run 5
Whoa. I know you can do it, but still. Whoa.
I’ll be reading. When I get a couple more 70.3′s under my belt (and I’m not totally spent for a week afterward), I just might join you.
I have been struggling with making the jump to a 140.6 myself. Good luck! Looking forward to reading about your training and the race itself.
You’ll be doing one eventually Julie! When I did my first few halfs I thought “no way am I ever doing a FULL.” But the thought creeps in, little by little, and eventually you find yourself completing the registration. Almost an out of body experience. And then it’s done.
Hey Chad. Been following you for quite a while. Congrats on our “leap”. I am around same age, and facing many of same questions you have been facing these months. Been debating leaping to full ironman myself, and you have inspired me. Chesapeakeman 2013. Thanks Chad. Don’t normally reply to these things, but this post came when I needed it. Good luck to you. Can hardly wait to follow your journey. You are making a difference. And enjoy the whole journey. Ironman is incredible. Can hardly wait to hear it from your perspective.
Andrew,
Thank you for the kind words! It really means a lot to hear that my letters to the kids are helping other people in some way too. Good luck in your training and in your race. If you’re like me, you’re probably already scared to death. Ha! Stay tuned, I’ll get some advice from the top pros along the way and pass it along to those reading my blog. Thanks again Andrew.
After this event, I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to kick your ass for the next several hours, so maybe I should take advantage of it.
You are correct. Feel free to drive to Sandusky, OH on Saturday, September 7th. Ha. I won’t be finished until after dark sometime Maybe you can perpetrate a sneak attack on me at the finish line?