I decided last year that as long as God blessed me with good health that I would attempt an Ironman each year between ages 40 and 50.  My birthday is in September (gift giving is encouraged) so when Sarah and I did Cozumel I officially checked off IM40 (my Ironman for age 40).  I decided to take 2015 off and then think about IM41 and IM42 in the fall of 2016.  Maybe kill two races with one training block.

Then it got complicated.  For starters, our friend (and Sarah’s training partner) Katy signed up for Florida.  As soon as that happened I knew Jason (her husband), Katy, Sarah and I had some long training days coming up this summer and fall just to train with and encourage her.

Next my buddy Kody signed up for a marathon, a half Ironman (Galveston), and a full Ironman (Boulder – excellent choice for a first if you’re totally into suffering).  Again I could see myself doing some training with him, although training with Kody usually means watching his backside for hours on end.  I don’t know how much “encouraging” I actually do from behind, but he’s been there for me over the years so I have more than a few favors to return.

Then it happened.  David signed up.  He’s the one I 100% blame my addiction on (well, him and Kurt).  He’s the guy that introduced me to triathlon back in 2010.  He’s the reason my bank account has charges to crazy names like TrainerRoad, Ironman, and Sufferfest (Yes, all this month.  Seriously).  But he’s also the reason I’m 40 pounds lighter and have normal triglyceride readings.  To this day we’ve never raced each other.  Come to think of it, I don’t know that we’ve ever even trained together.  Still he’s a great friend and encourager.  Along with Katy he signed up for Florida.  It was at that point that I knew I would be doing this race.

So today I made it official.  I will be racing Ironman Florida 2015 with the Children’s Tumor Foundation.  I’m excited to be training with great friends and raising awareness and funds for a great cause.