This is a big weekend in the triathlon world.  The Ironman World Championships are happening in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.  Watching this legendary race on TV was the very reason that I got into triathlon in the first place. While the odds of me ever being fast enough to make it to this qualifiers only race are extremely slim, there is nothing more motivating than watching coverage of this race – especially how NBC dramatizes every story.  You really feel like you are part of the experience.

When you say it out loud – 3.8km swim, 180 km bike ride, 42.2km run – really sounds insane and basically impossible.  However, it is amazing what the human body can do when you put your mind to it.  Crossing the Ironman Canada finish line was one of the best moments of my life.  If you have ever considered doing an Ironman, trust me when I say it is so worth it.  Every last early morning swim, crazy hill repeat bike ride, long rainy run all lead up to one truly epic day.  The friendships you make during the journey, the things you learn about yourself and you will never look better in spandex.  There are many sacrifices you make during your Ironman journey, but that race gives you back so much more than it takes that it is all worth while.  It is truly life altering.

So if you are around on Saturday take in some if the Ironman coverage live on-line.  Beautiful Hawaiian scenery and some of the best athletes in the world taking on a legendary course.  There is nothing more motivating.