Reaching for Iron
Some think it's insanity. I think it's progress - a clear progression from Point A to Point Ironman®.
It started with walking. In my efforts to get in shape about 5 years ago, I explored San Francisco on foot, spending hours walking through Golden Gate Park. And then, one day I felt like running. The urge was sudden and inescapable. I bought a sports bra and some running shoes, and I picked up the pace for 20 excruciating minutes. Every muscle in my body hurt for a solid week. But I was hooked – walking wasn’t enough anymore. I had a need for speed.
That same year, I completed my first race, a 10K, and then, a few months later, I ran a half marathon. The power of that experience, doing something that would have been impossible a year earlier, drove me to set even bigger goals. I ran my first marathon in 2008. I cried the entire final mile, and for a week after (and only a little of it was because of the pain!).
And then a game-changer: the bike. I remember having this exact thought out of the blue one day: “I think I might really like long-distance cycling…” As with running, gear was the first step. I bought a road bike, and riding home from the store was a revelation. Love, immediate and pure.
I ran, now I cycled, I swam as a kid…. Triathlon seemed obvious, and the 70.3 miles of the triathlons I completed seemed (at the time) like the biggest challenge a girl could undertake.
In 2012, I spent some quality time (and over 2,000 miles) on a new beautiful bike. It was a relaxing, single-sport period that allowed me to slowly come to terms with a new calling: Iron.
What is the Ironman®?
2.4 mile open water swim
112 mile bike ride
26.2 mile run
140.6 miles within 17 hours – Not insane at all!
That same year, I completed my first race, a 10K, and then, a few months later, I ran a half marathon. The power of that experience, doing something that would have been impossible a year earlier, drove me to set even bigger goals. I ran my first marathon in 2008. I cried the entire final mile, and for a week after (and only a little of it was because of the pain!).
And then a game-changer: the bike. I remember having this exact thought out of the blue one day: “I think I might really like long-distance cycling…” As with running, gear was the first step. I bought a road bike, and riding home from the store was a revelation. Love, immediate and pure.
I ran, now I cycled, I swam as a kid…. Triathlon seemed obvious, and the 70.3 miles of the triathlons I completed seemed (at the time) like the biggest challenge a girl could undertake.
In 2012, I spent some quality time (and over 2,000 miles) on a new beautiful bike. It was a relaxing, single-sport period that allowed me to slowly come to terms with a new calling: Iron.
What is the Ironman®?
2.4 mile open water swim
112 mile bike ride
26.2 mile run
140.6 miles within 17 hours – Not insane at all!
The Support of a Team
I didn’t become an athlete on my own. Team in Training was there at key points along the way, providing coaching and support to help me achieve my goals. I’ve done my part to raise funds to support those who also need help as they fight for their lives. In today’s world, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t been personally touched by cancer in some way. Team in Training and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society put 75% of all funds raised directly toward their mission of patient services and research for a cure. Half of the new drugs developed by LLS-funded researchers are also being used to treat other cancers and also other diseases, like Alzheimer’s. I feel proud to raise funds for this organization, and to help the hundreds of thousands of individuals living with a blood cancer today.
On September 22, 2013, I will completed Ironman® Lake Tahoe. I also raised $6,050 to help find a cure for cancer. This blog was my journey Iron. Now I'm hooked, and can't stop reaching for more. I hope you enjoy the ride!
On September 22, 2013, I will completed Ironman® Lake Tahoe. I also raised $6,050 to help find a cure for cancer. This blog was my journey Iron. Now I'm hooked, and can't stop reaching for more. I hope you enjoy the ride!