My name is Mark Weber, I am a 28-year-old firefighter from Greenville, SC and I have taken on the challenge to become an Ironman. I've embarked on this immense undertaking as a tribute to the most incredible person I ever knew, my Dad. Over the next year I will share my experiences, training sessions, fundraising efforts, and thoughts about the goal of becoming an Ironman. I've created this blog to chronicle my journey towards the finish line in Louisville, Kentucky in August of 2014.

Becoming an Ironman is a long arduous journey filled with many roadblocks and obstacles along the way. Preparation for the most demanding athletic event known to man will test me beyond anything I've ever experienced. 2.5 miles of open water swimming, 112 miles of back breaking cycling, and 26.2 of pure running stand between me and the title of Ironman. I am Strong As Iron and I am ready for the challenge.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Counting Down the Days



Things are starting to become very surreal.

Only 16 days until the big day in Louisville and I can feel the excitement building inside me. I think about the race every day and trying to suppress my restlessness is a lost cause. Race day cannot come soon enough.

No, it’s not nerves, anxiety, or doubt that I think about endlessly, but rather I feel like I am ready.

I’m ready to stare all 140.6 miles of Ironman Louisville in the eye and get to work. I’m ready to eagerly wake up at 3:30AM to get ready for the race. I’m ready to soak in the “ironman experience” and feel the camaraderie of my fellow triathletes. I’m ready to feel the butterflies in my stomach flutter as I wait for the starting gun. I’m ready to jump into the lukewarm, grungy, smelly Ohio River and bust my butt swimming for 3800 meters. I’m ready to see the sunrise above the water as I swim towards the first transition. I’m ready to hop on my bike, pace myself, hydrate, and ride like the wind on a hilly & hot bike course through the countryside of Kentucky. I’m ready to finally start running and fall into my comfort zone of the marathon. I’m ready to test my body and take myself beyond what I ever thought possible. I’m ready to see my family cheering for me and motivating me along my arduous journey.  I’m ready to hear my Dad’s voice telling not to give up and that he’s proud of me. I’m ready to feel the pain, the heat, and anguish of mile 139. I’m ready to see the gleaming lights and hear the pounding music of 4th Street Live. I’m ready to cross the finish line after 17 hours of hell.

I’m ready to be an IRONMAN.
 
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)