Am I still an Ironman?
I do not plan on racing an Ironman distance race in 2007. In fact, I haven’t completed an Ironman since 2003. So, this begs the question, once an Ironman always an Ironman?
I have to wonder if I really can consider myself an Ironman? I mean it has been a full three years since I last completed one. Sure the 140.6 sticker is still on the bumper of my car, but the IM Moo bumper sticker peeled off long ago.
The truth is I no longer feel like an Ironman. Let’s take the obvious first. I am about 15 lbs heavier and I swim, bike and run a lot slower and less than I did back then. I don’t have the same invincible feeling I had back then when it came to each event.
Then there is the not so obvious. Some might say if you are worried about considering yourself an Ironman do another one. Here is the thing, I don’t think I can. It isn’t merely the physcial attributes that I lack. Mentally, I can no longer do it. I am not just talking about race day either, although that is part of it. I am talking about training. I cannot imagine being on my bike for 6 hours every Saturday or running 13-17 miles every Sunday. The mere thought of it is overwhelming.
I will always be an Ironman finisher, but am I still an Ironman athlete? I guess if one thinks of oneself as one, then you are. What happens when you no longer think that way?
November 15th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
Of course you are still an Ironman. When your kids grow up, go to college, move out and get married are you still a parent, eventhough you may only see them once in a while?
Yes!
Is Muhamid Ali still a champ, despite the fact that he is brain damaged and incoherent.
Yes!
To be honest, it’s rediculous to think otherwise.
I recently interviewed Chris Hauth for an article I am working on, Chris won Couer D’Alene this year and placed 39th in Kona, he also coaches age groupers, Chris had a good perspective on the IM thing. ” For some people it’s a one shot deal, their one chance to cross that line in the sand 140.6 miles away. Because of time, family, work or health many people only get one shot at this and they need to remember to make the most of every memory and savor it forever.”
You are an Ironman, I am an Ironman, Mike and Mike and Mark and Jim and Kay and Matt are all Ironmen and someday when we are old and gray (Mike and Mike are already gray) we will be able to look back at that one day, two days or 20 days like Carl Macuba and say “yes, I did it, I set a goal for myself and despite all the obsticles I crossed that finish like, I threw my arms in the air and heard my name loud and proud…Lonnie Rhenda you are an Ironman!”
I dare someone to try and take that away from me.
BTW- Your new site needs spell check
xoxox
Dave
February 6th, 2007 at 1:01 am
Excellent, love it! »