The Road to 2015 Begins Here.

Don't call it a resolution (or a comeback, for that matter): today I officially begin my training for the Ironman. My sights are fixed on the 2015 event in Hawaii. Until then, I will be tracking my progress (the running will be interesting at the very least); competing in smaller, more reasonable events; trying to quit and getting back on track; and learning how to get from moderate shape to Ironman. Stay tuned: it is bound to be an exciting time.

Some background:
In July 2005, I made a decision: in 10 years I will compete in the Ironman triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. That's THE Ironman. Distances: 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run.

I've been training moderately since then — running most days, swimming at least twice a week, riding my bike in nice weather. But with the new year (and nearly two years gone!), I'm taking it up a few notches. Plus my 27th birthday is quickly approaching and I need a reason to feel more youthful than ever. (My brother pointed out the other day that I will now be "officially in my late twenties." Thirty-year-old bastard.)

Swimming is my strength — I was a pretty good competitive swimmer from the time I was 6 until I was 18. Don't ask what happened after that. Although I was out of the water for over six years, I think I am a better swimmer mechanically now (but I will never get that youthful speed back). Perhaps my mind works better now too. Running, on the other hand, is my weakness. The last time I found running easy was 1989, when I played for the youth boys' league baseball team in Euclid, Ohio. Then puberty hit. And while I've never been a serious biker, I take some pretty good rides, and am looking into riding my bike to work on decent days. Unfortunately, I grew up riding my bike on the sidewalk, so I'm still learning that whole "riding on the street" thing everyone talks about.

So, I'm going to keep track of my workouts, questions, answers, and useful pointers for future Ironwomen and men. And then if I make it, you can too!