Passing the torch

Role models are important in life. Since as far back as I can remember, my parents have been mine. They are the most amazing, loving, considerate, successful, and gracious people I know (well maybe a tie with Meg!). I am lucky to have them in my life. I mentioned successful, but don't know if that term does justice to what they have accomplished and continue to accomplish. This past weekend Meg and I had the pleasure to spend some time with them and toast my Mom's recent success...let's just say I will soon have two Dr.'s for parents!! That and a lawyer for a wife...man everyone is smarter than me!! Anyways, I digress. 3+ years ago I decided to change my life. I was overweight and unhappy. I had been successful at work, but my previous success in athletics was a distant memory. In fact, you would have not been able to guess based on my appearance.

Why triathlon? Well, I blame my Dad!! Just kidding, but the fact I was a former swimmer and loved my bike helped. Couple that with my Dad's history of Ironman and I figured I would train for my first triathlon. 3 years later I'm eying my fourth season of triathlon racing, training for a few milestones at the half Ironman and Ironman distance this summer. This includes racing on the course that my father tore up back in the day. This past weekend we were able to spend some time together on the bike. Actually, about 4 hours :) You can't imagine what it means to each of us to be able to do things like go on 4 hour rides together. People, this main is old enough to collect social security yet is still an animal on the bike! It was great to reflect on his past experiences and my training/racing.

As the summer season approaches and Boise and Canada continue to get closer, I'm reminded of why I push myself so hard. There are a few reasons, but the main reason is my desire to be the best I can at all I do, athletics included. That being said, having a role model that has been involved in Ironman at an elite level is wonderful, because Ironman has a dark side as well. My role model keeps me focused on putting in my tough training blocks, but also is instrumental in making sure I dial it back when needed. Next month when I'm struggling through the run portion of Boise trying to keep my pace down so I can reach my goal, I'm going to think about this past weekend. My Dad can still kick some ass on the bike, but the torch has been passed. The best part about this is, the torch is still glowing very bright and he will always be there to help me keep it lit. Some pictures below from our ride together to celebrate his birthday.

This past week was great. I ended up at 202 miles on the bike and 40 miles run. I backed off my run on Sunday by a few miles due to fatigue in general. I'm feeling much better today and just got my 1 hour track session done on the treadmill. Hope everyone is happy and healthy,

-T