Reflections

I'm in a reflective mood.


The IM Brazil race is just a few days (and a 6000-mi trip) away. The preparations for the trip and for the race are nearly complete. And so there's some time to reflect....on the training for this race and on triathlon in general.

The other day I was over at the Ridgeland public parking and boat launch for the Ross Barnett Reservoir. The local triathletes will know this as the site for the Heatwave triathlon each June.

This is where the improbable journey started.



Thinking back to 2004....I met my (now) good friend, George, at his birthday party in April, 2004. And George talked me into getting a bike. That chance meeting....and following through on his suggestion to get a bike....really did end up changing my life for the better.

A few weeks later I decided to go watch the Heatwave triathlon in early June. I don't recall now what motivated me, but I remember seeing an announcement in the newspaper or magazine. I went alone....didn't know anybody there. But I'll never, ever forget that day.

My lasting impression from that day is how "ordinary" people were making it happen....swimming, biking, running....cheered on by friends and family.

I've made a habit of returning to this spot before each of my triathlon races....to reflect. I reflect on the good times I had at the 2005 and 2006 Heatwave races, but also on the many new friends I've met along the way and the other races since then. It's good to pause and reflect, I think.

I leave for Brazil tomorrow. I'm looking forward to spending the week with my family and I'm excited about my prospects at the race. I've promised updates by email, Twitter, Facebook, and also here at the blog....and I'll do my best.