Vineman Ironman 70.3
Two and a half years ago, I made the decision to compete in the legendary Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, before I turn 45. At the time, I had never run for more than a mile, and the longest distance I had ever completed on a bike was about 20 miles. Back when I was 16, I swam 2 miles with Nicolas, one of my lifelong friends, and the one who first told me about the Ironman. And that was about it. So attempting to complete a 2.4 miles swim, followed by a 112 miles bike ride, and wrapped up by a 26.2 miles run (marathon) was a bit ambitious. And thinking of doing it in the most competitive race of the kind was definitely one of the craziest goals I had ever set for myself.
31 months later, I must say that I am quite pleased with this project’s side effects. The goal of completing this race is totally meaningless in and by itself. If I even qualify, it won’t be for my athletic capabilities, but for my luck at the lottery (I hope). And if I manage to participate, all I hope is to complete the race before it closes, 17 hours after it started. What has meaning is the 12 year long training program that I am putting together. Like a life traveler, what matters to me is the journey, not the destination.
In order to get there, I first completely changed my diet. I eat beef once a month in Japan, poultry whenever I’m in France (once a quarter), and lamb if I find myself in an Arabic speaking country (does not happen very often). Pork is out. My diet is high on proteins, low on carbohydrates, and complemented by a healthy cocktail of dietary supplements. I also make it a point to eat healthy when traveling.
Next, I started working out, going to the gym five days a week at 5 or 6am. I lift weights three days a week and attend a spinning class for another two. Starting next week, I will run on Saturdays and do a long bike ride on Sundays. I also swim 2km a day whenever I am traveling and staying at a hotel with a swimming pool. Finally, I started planning for my first races.
My goal is to complete a full Ironman race sometime in 2011 or 2012. In order to get there, I must start with shorter ones, either the Olympic distance (0.9m swim, 24.9m ride, 6.2m run) or the Half Ironman distance (1.2m swim, 56m ride, 13.1m run). I can swim a mile in 40 minutes, bike 25 miles in 50 minutes, and run 6 miles in an hour, so the Olympic distance is not much of a challenge. As a result, I have recently decided to go for the Half Ironman distance right away. It is known as Ironman 70.3 (1.2 + 56 + 13.1 = 70.3). If all goes as planned, I will participate in the Vineman Ironman 70.3 in Sonoma County, CA on July 18, 2010.
By the time I turn 45, I hope that my journey to Kona will have taught me a healthier lifestyle. I will eat better, workout every day, and harmoniously balance the demands of my professional and personal lives.
That’s the goal, at least.
Wish me luck!
Update: I have registered to Ironman 70.3 Hawaii instead.
