At 4:15AM the alarm pierces the quiet dark hotel room. It only beeps twice before I quickly turn it off. I was already awake anticipating the exciting day ahead. Since my initial glance of triathlon in the 80’s, I dreamt of completing a full distance Ironman. As time passed the dream seemed to get further away, until nine months ago when I registered for Vineman. Now after twenty plus years I’m going to make that dream a reality. I jump out of bed careful not to wake Kim or the kids. I ceremoniously put on my TCSD (Triathlon Club of San Diego) top and shorts. I feel like I’m dressing in a team uniform for the big game. Confidently looking into the mirror, I congratulate myself for being healthy and ready. Then I wish myself luck, gather the equipment, and pack the van.

It is almost here, only a few more days. It has been eight months since I registered for Vineman 2009, my first full distance Ironman triathlon where one swims for 2.4 miles, bikes 112 miles, and runs a marathon of 26.2 miles all in the same day one after another. You may think “that’s cool”, “that’s crazy”, or “it’s been done.” Sure thousands do Ironman races each year, many even do double Ironman, and ultra distances. I’m not going where no man has gone before. Ironman has been done. But for me it is a big deal. It is something I previously thought I couldn’t do. But I know I can do it. In a couple days I will do it.

In these final weeks of preparation, my physical exercise has tapered and my mental and spiritual preparation has increased. Last night I made a playlist of motivational songs. Hearing the inspirational words while knowing I made the commitment to the race and pushed myself to make it this far, choked me with emotion. I feel blessed to have supportive family and friends whose caring enabled me to make it this far.

As I write this blog entry, the motivational music is rocking and creating a party atmosphere, stirring feelings of a light beer buzz.