Thursday, June 11, 2009

How it started


Where do I start? As I write this first post tonight I am 149 days from attempting to complete IronMan Florida in Panama City Beach, FL. For those unfamiliar with the event, the IronMan consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run. The pro's will finish in a little over 8 hours and I just hope to finish.



The road to this point has been an interesting one. It began when I ruptured my Achilles tendon in a touch football game in October 2005. The recovery process started with a modest goal, run again. This led to a half marathon with my buddy Chris in September 2006.



Though not a runner by any stretch of the imagination I was beginning to develop a liking for the sport. On a whim I talked a group of friends into training for the Pocono Marathon in May of 2007. Injuries reduced the group from five to two. My buddy Chris and I both completed our marathons in respectable time of about 4 hrs.



A note to any considering a first marathon, avoid running one in the mountains. It turns out that running downhill is just as bad (maybe worse) then running uphill. Consider this lesson learned, the hard way, a common theme for me.









Following the marathon I started to work in a little time in the pool and on the bike work. I completed my first sprint triathlon (0.25 swim / 15 mile bike / 3.1 mile run) in August of 2007 followed by a late season sprint in September and I was hooked! The rest seems like a blur to me.



When I get my mind set on something I tend to go all in...this would be no different. I started training in earnest in January of 2008 with a goal of completing a Half IronMan in 2008 and a Full IronMan in 2009. The first goal has been met and now onto the final leg of the journey

1 comment:

  1. Orsini...yo da man! This is awesome, keep up the good work, I will check back to see your entries as you continue to build for your Iron Man.

    - Frank (from VG)

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