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.

The playlist starts with Sting’s “Brand New Day”

...turn the clock to zero...
started up a brand new day...

Each day, each moment there is the opportunity to change, take action, seek your dreams, step towards the seemingly impossible, give kindness to someone, enjoy living, among the thousands of other things we say we are going to do. Each day, each moment is a new opportunity to do it. No matter the past, it is a Brand New day. I can make it what I want.

Now pop star legend Michael Jackson is singing "Man in the Mirror"

I’m going to make a change
For once in my life
It’s going to feel real good
Going to make a difference
Going to make it right...

I’m starting with the Man in the Mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself then make the change...

Doing a triathlon may not be Michael Jackson’s or Mother Theresa’s way of making “the world a better place”. But while training for this race I inspired friends and family and even myself. If a rising tide can raise all boats, mutual inspiration can drive us to make “the world a better place.”

Eight months ago, I looked into the mirror and made that change when I committed to do the full distance triathlon. Actually the change occurred a few years ago in October 2005 when I was floundering athletically. I clearly remember the scene. My wife and I were in the kitchen cleaning after dinner. I mentioned to Kim how I admire her dedication to exercise and her health. At that time in 2005 I randomly exercised to reduce stress. I ran for 3 miles in 30 minutes, occasionally biked for 10 or 15 miles, and hit the gym a couple times a month. I wasn’t overcoming anything tragic, huge weight, or significant odds, only self imposed limitations. But I wanted change. With my wife as my inspiration, I set a goal for a half marathon, more than double the furthest distance I had run to date. After the half marathon success, I continued to set race goals. With each additional goal I progressively added more challenge in distance or time to get to where I am today. Four years later, doing something I once thought impossible for me.

Now teen sensation Miley Cyrus "The Climb"

...I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there’s a voice inside my head saying
“You’ll never reach it”...

My faith is shaking...

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high...

There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s wanting on the other side
It’s the climb...

I had incredible training days preparing for Vineman: Seeing the beauty of Southern California’s back-country, deserts, and oceans; experiencing the peace, serenity, trance-like state of a solo 6 hour bike ride; knowing I pushed my body beyond limits I never thought I’d reach; raising money for the Tour de Cure to fight diabetes; making new friends along a group ride or swim; and carrying the endorphin high feeling throughout the day into my interactions with others.

Sure there were difficult days: Days when the morning alarm jolted me out of my warm comfortable bed; when training improvements went backwards; when training demands impacted social and family life; when running sessions turned into walks; and when self-doubt flourished and motivation waned. When I was experiencing it, the days of adversity were not fun. But afterward I appreciated it. “What doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.” The adversity and pain provided a more full experience. But thankfully, it wasn’t anything compared to the adversity faced by Challenged Athletes who have additional physical hurdles to overcome.

Of course race day will be special. But really it is another long training day. As Miley sings “it’s the climb.”

Now the groove’n beat and raspy voice of Joe Cocker “Feelin’ Alright”.

I can’t help shaking my head and bouncing my leg. Hitting the keyboard like a piano, the desk like bongo’s.

It feels like when I’m doing those long runs and rides, hearing music in my head, purely in the moment. The body just going through the motions, not thinking about it. Not thinking about anything, feeling the music, feeling the breath going in and out, the wind across my face. As I get home from these rides it is like I’m a scuba diver ascending from the calm, peaceful, alien world of the dark water’s depths, seeing the water brighten as I get closer to the surface. When then suddenly I enter into the sunlight of reality. But still immersed in the calm feeling of the water, not yet on land in a suit and tie.

The classic rockers Van Halen “Right Now”.

Don’t wanna wait ‘till tomorrow
Why put it off another day?...

(Right now)
Hey Its your tomorrow
(Right now)
Catch your magic moment
(Right now)
Do it right here and now
It means everything...

There were so many times, when I really didn’t want to exercise. Although it may be 45 degrees on an early morning ride, at least there was not snow on the ground. Regardless, I always felt better afterwards. Also when I felt like cutting a run shorter than planned, I just thought of something different and the next thing I knew, the planned run was over. It is so much easier to take another step once you are in your running gear on the trail and in motion. It is much more difficult getting to that first step while laying in bed at 5:30 on Saturday morning. But why put it off another day. You know you will feel better afterwards. You always do.

The funky disco beat of Earth Wind and Fire "Shining Star"

...you’re shining star, no matter who you are
shining bright to see, what you can truly be...

The powerful voice of Nickelback "If Today Was Your Last Day"

If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?...

...you know it’s never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
cause you can’t rewind a moment in this life...

Yes we all are shining stars. We all have the potential to shine incredibly brightly and to shine on others. Shine now because we don’t know. We may not be here tomorrow to have the impact we truly can.

The Eagles “Already Gone”

...we live our lives in chains and we never even know we have the key.

There is nothing holding us back except ourselves. Take your key. Unlock your chains. Set that goal. Tell others, pray, and work towards it. We’ll help you achieve it. The world will be a better place because of your inspirational efforts.

Read about my race experience:

My First Ironman Experience