Ironman World Championships 09'
Just writing the title is long...and intimidating. The 'Big One' in triathlon racing takes place this Saturday, and while it won't be broadcast live on tv (huh??), it will be covered on the web. I highly encourage you to take a peek at some point during the day- anytime between five am and midnight.
And no, no, I'm not going, nor is it a goal for myself as an athlete...yet? But, I am completely awed and inspired by the whole thing. And not just with the pro triathletes who are bad a$$'s themselves, but with the 'amateur' age group and physcially challenged athletes. The level of commitment it takes to earn a slot here is virtually ridiculous.
These 'amateurs' make triathlon their life: physically, emotionally, and financially. The physical part is obvious, but the emotional and financial aspects deserve fair attention as well.
Emotionally, these athletes have full time jobs and families to contend with. Triathlete magazine wrote 'Race Ironman Without Getting a Divorce' on it's current cover, and while it may be a little tongue and cheek, there's some definite truth to it. I know plenty of people who struggle to find the balance between training and family (myself included and I'm only doing Olympic distances).
Emotionally, these athletes have full time jobs and families to contend with. Triathlete magazine wrote 'Race Ironman Without Getting a Divorce' on it's current cover, and while it may be a little tongue and cheek, there's some definite truth to it. I know plenty of people who struggle to find the balance between training and family (myself included and I'm only doing Olympic distances).
Financially, a slot to Kona costs ~$550, and that's just the entry fee. Then you have to get over there, and stay over there for at least 7 days! That'll be a $5,000-$10,000 family trip right there my friend. Then there's also the money spent on your qualifying race, and the thousands and thousands of dollars spent on bike, swim, and running gear, a trainer, and comprehensive training program. When it's all said and done, this race takes one complete toll on an athlete in every aspect of their life.
So Saturday when you click on the Big Race, the reporters will be highlighting the pro triathletes the first 8 hours of the day, as they should. But 9 and 10 hours into the race, pay attention to the rest of the field of 'amateurs' and physically challenged athletes out there who have invested their heart, gut, pocketbooks, and soul into this day. You'll be inspired watching them cross that finish line. And maybe it'll even become an athletic goal for yourself one day...:)
So Saturday when you click on the Big Race, the reporters will be highlighting the pro triathletes the first 8 hours of the day, as they should. But 9 and 10 hours into the race, pay attention to the rest of the field of 'amateurs' and physically challenged athletes out there who have invested their heart, gut, pocketbooks, and soul into this day. You'll be inspired watching them cross that finish line. And maybe it'll even become an athletic goal for yourself one day...:)
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