Sunday, December 21, 2008

I am a weekend warrior age group runner and triathlete with the dream of qualifying and racing the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.

Prior to 2004, I had never run more then required in gym class and could only swim well enough to keep my head above water.

In 2004, I was working on a project that required me to travel Monday-Thursday every week. I decided that I wanted to start getting in shape again and began to run on the treadmill in the hotel gym. After a few weeks of running and talking to other co-workers staying there also, they convinced me to sign up for the Chicago Marathon.

My first race ever was the 2004 Chicago Marathon, I finished in 4:10:23 and couldn't walk right for the better part of a week after, but I loved the experience and wanted to do it again.

2005, the same two friends and I, decided we would all learn to swim and sign up for the Chicago Triathlon. Until now swimming for me was trying to keep my head above water so there was a significant learning curve. My first triathlon was a 500 yard swim in lake Michigan and it look me almost 15 minutes, but the bike and run went well. Later that summer I also did the Olympic distance Chicago Triathlon.

2006 - first HIM in 5:30 and second marathon in 3:28, decided I was ready to try an ironman

2007 - first IM in 12:02, I loved every minute of it, even the last 8 miles when I thought I wanted to die. Decided I really wanted to make it to Kona one day.

2008 - took the year off from ironman and focused on running. PR'ed at every distance, including a HIM and 2:58 marathon

2009 - changed jobs so I no longer travel every week and I am going back to Ironman Wisconsin, this time to race