Day 1

One of the slogans for Ironman is “It’s All About The Journey”.  Tonight the official journey begins.  I won’t stop believing (*rim shot*).  While I have done a Half Iron before, my fitness is severely lacking now.  I’m at 200lbs and running less than 8 miles a week.  Just think…..in 10 months, I’ll be doing 140.6 miles of Swimming, Biking, and Running…..all to hear Mike Reilly say “Brad Donovan.  You ARE an Ironman”.

Let the “fun” being.

3 miles for my PM run.

Registration

I sat staring at the “pay now” button on the registration website.  Mouse hovering over the green box.  It seemed to be mocking me, in its own little way.  I hear the voice of my beautifl wife, Annie, saying encouraging things and committing to be an “Ironman wife” and "Ironsherpa" (a support crew) for the next 10 months.  I hear the voice of Michael, my cousin and multiple IM finisher, and his best friend of 30+ years who is also a multiple IM finisher saying “Do it”.  I click…..it processes….registration complete!  Immediately my iPhone dings twice.  Once for the payment confirmation e-mail and the other for registration confirmation.  Holy Cow….it just got real.

I send out a few texts, I post on FaceBook, and then…..reality.  My knees get weak, palms are sweaty (yes….that’s Eminem but he’ll be my training partner on the road and trails when I’m doing my 20 mile runs). 

The range of emotions subside and I’m left with no other choice but to TRAIN!