Today I embark on yet another journey. One that will be tougher then all the others. On August 19, 2018 I will attempt my first full ironman. The concept is even crazy for me at this point so if your thinking that too I am not surprised. 3.8km swim, 180km bike and a full marathon of 42.2km will be the challenge ahead of me. A full day of physical, mental and emotional challenge. It will push me to limits I have yet to experience in my life. Why would I do this to myself is a common question I have heard. I honestly don’t know the answer. I see people around me getting old. Not wanting to step outside their comfort zones and for me I fear falling into that trap. Maybe it’s because I didn’t accomplish enough when I was younger. Maybe it’s because this Troy didn’t push the limits. He didn’t pursue things that made him happy or better.

I like the person I have become as a result of triathlon. It puts me in a better head space. Makes relationships and other aspects of my life more clear. As a result the people in my life get a better person. A happier more energetic person who is more engaged then ever before. So while there is plenty of sacrifice for those people, they also benefit greatly from it.
The thought of.spending the next year getting ready for this event also seems crazy. But I want to do this right. You can fake a lot of things but this event isn’t one of them. I want to be prepared in all aspects. I will spend more time on mental and emotional training this time. I will take better care of my body with yoga and stretching as well as good rest days. I will invest in me and focus more on nutrition. I will train for myself and not let others dictate what or how I do my training. This has to be about me for once. Putting myself first is not something I have been particularly good at. That has to change to make this happen.
So while this Troy is an improved version, I still need to take that next step. And it all begins today. The journey of 140.6 miles begins 356 days out with starting the preparation. Today is day one. Looking forward to a life changing journey.

