Why do I (we) do this kind of stuff??

I was having dinner with my wife, and her mother and father the other night...her dad asked me why I wanted to do an Ironman. Hmmmm...I wasn't sure how to respond to that question...I just said that it was a personal goal. Don't get me wrong, he's a great guy, but he probably doesn't get why I race bikes either. I was also asked if it was because someone was paying me a bunch of money to do it...for me, all things don't come down to the almighty $$. Yes, I want to be paid a descent wage for my education and experience in a work environment...but there's much more to life than just making money...I know some who have a different view, but that's jut me. There MUST to be balance in the force...uh, I mean in life.

While we're on the subject of money, when I race bikes I could earn enough prize money, and with the help of some generous sponsors, at least break even each season. That's bike racing...but in triathlons, you just dump money into this huge, cavernous, never ending black hole...never to be seen again. Yes, there are some Pro's that make money...but 99% of us don't. This means that folks participating must have a deep internal desire or reason to race...especially the Ironman distance. I suppose the rewards are more personal...it's hard to explain.

And on the subject of why do we do, what we do...right after the conversation with my father in-law, I received one of Shawn Burke's email's on this very subject. It was pretty ironic...anyhow, he included a picture from one of his associates, Rich McLaughlin...it says, "If you have to ask why, you'll never understand"...truer words could not have been spoken. I've "borrowed" the picture and put it below.

Shawn is one of the guys who I send workouts that I'm going to do...and how they turned out upon completion, and he does the same. His workouts are usually harder than mine...so, I think I'll have to start adding something extra each time. For instance, last week I swam with my wetsuit at the Brooks YMCA...it was a long workout, and the water was very warm. I ended up kind of sick from overheating...well, Shawn did a very similar workout earlier...was out quicker, and didn't mention feeling sick. Next time I'll tell him I spent 30 minutes with my wetsuit on in the hot tub beforehand, just to become better acclimated to the heat...think he'll buy it?

Sween