Back on August 10, 2007, I blogged that I would complete an Ironman. My tentative target race: 2008 Ironman Wisconsin.
Well, I missed that one. And the 2009 race. But on September 12, 2010, at 6:41 pm, I crossed the finish line after swimming, biking and running a cumulative 140.6 miles at the 2010 Ironman Wisconsin.
In my defense, I was busy in the intervening two years. In September 2008, we found out we were expecting our first baby. Our son was born on May 21, 2009. As every multi-sport parent knows, having a newborn can throw a real wrench in your training plans!
I don’t remember much about those first few months of his life (they passed in a sleep-deprived blur) but when the fog cleared, I jumped back on the Ironman bandwagon at the urging of a good friend. I decided to register for the 2010 Ironman Wisconsin race.
After months of training through the hot Kansas summer, with tons of support from family, friends and coaches, and with numerous ups and downs along the way including moving our family across the state line to Kansas (much more about all this in future posts), I heard those coveted words, “Albert Lee, YOU are an Ironman!”
As I traveled back to Kansas City to celebrate my accomplishment with my family, I was struck with the desire to describe my experience and revive this blog. But on the day I got home, my wife broke the news that we’re expecting baby #2!
So with an active 1 1/2 year old in the house and a new baby on the way, it took me 6 months to get around to resuscitating this blog. But I did it!
Fitting in Ironman training while juggling my responsibilities as a husband, father, homeowner, and dog-owner (yes Paco and Luna are still around and kicking) is an ever-increasing challenge. This blog will document how I struggle, and hopefully succeed, in keeping all those balls in the air. Hope you’ll join me on the journey!
… And I’m going on the record right now: Ironman Arizona 2012 here I come!
You inspire me, Albert! Knowing there are other people struggling to balance it all…sometimes with delays along the way…helps me to continue putting one foot in front of the other.
Thanks, Debi-
I really enjoyed our run and conversation. Keep it up! Someone once told me that “running is a gift that not everyone receives.” You have a grit and drive about you, as well as an intellectual thirst to do things wisely and efficiently. I think you definitely got the gift. Take care of it and it will take you places.
So proud of you Albert!! Running into you out on the course was a great lift for my spirits!! Looking forward to the 2012 Arizona Adventure!! This should be a good one!!! Especially with TWO kids!! You can do it!!!! Besides, you are and IRONMAN!!!!!
LadyDeeeeeeee!!!
My favorite IRON(WO)MAN. Glad you took the time to read my blog post and very glad and grateful you talked me into toeing the line last year. Looking forward to 2012 IMAZ!!! Keep it going, Girl!
A-