2.4 mile SWIM
112 mile BIKE RIDE
26.2 mile RUN (that’s a full marathon!)
That is what 1,800 participants in the Ford Ironman World Championship will undertake as they push through tough ocean waves and tread over lava-covered terrain in Kona, Hawaii tomorrow, October 8. This is one of the highest achievements an athlete can reach. Tens of thousands of triathletes share the dream: to earn the right to compete in Kona. It's the ultimate quest, a lifelong ambition for many. The best of the best vie for these coveted slots by meeting the strict age group qualifying times.
To conquer Kona, it not only takes a huge time, physical and mental commitment from yourself, but also the support of friends, family, co-workers, bosses, mentors, coaches, and trainers, which becomes very important throughout the process. It literally takes a village. Who will you turn to when the going gets tough and you think you just don't have what it takes? Surrounding yourself with people who build you up can make all the difference in the world...and yes, I speak from personal experience. Not only is this true for running in a tri-race, but in ALL areas of life! One insurance agent described his journey to Kona and how he had to find a job where the corporate culture promoted the same values of Ironman, the importance of work life balance, striving towards continuous improvement and pushing ones own limits. You can see his passion and excitement when he writes,
“My passions in life were now coinciding with my career and every ounce of energy I had was firmly dedicated to the company. Outside of work, physical fitness and health was encouraged through an on-site training facility and sponsorship of everything from local 5k’s to the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon – and Ironman."
Setting a goal like conquering Ironman and putting in the hard work, sweat, and tears it takes to get there can really give a person that zest for life. Is there something you want or NEED to conquer? GO and make it happen! Ask God for help and MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Here is some advice from one of the most inspiring Ironman athletes of all time, Jon Blais. Blais took a debilitating disease and showed the world what he was made of by becoming a VOICE of HOPE for people with Lou Gherig’s Disease. He used a sport that he loved in order to promote awareness for his disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Competing in triathlons for 20 years, Jon always wanted to compete in an Ironman, especially Kona. On October 15, 2005, only 5 months after being diagnosed, Jon became the only individual with ALS to complete an Ironman. He crossed the finish line by log-rolling over it, and since then, the "log roll" has been graciously performed by countless athletes as a symbol of hope, and more importantly, a means of raising awareness for ALS.
Jon “Blazeman” Blais knew how to live life and make every minute count, because after all, every minute we have is a gift. Here is Jon’s advice:
“Live more than your neighbors. Release yourself upon the world and go places. Go now, giggle, know, laugh, and bark at the moon like the wild dog that you are. Understand that this is not a dress rehearsal, this is it…YOUR LIFE. Face your fears and live your dreams. Take it all in, and every chance you get, come close.”
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