Category Archives: Vineman

Earlier this week as I was packed like a sardine on Bart and flipping through Running Times magazines, I stumbled upon an article by former marathon Olympian, Don Kardong. In this article, he retells the tale of his fourth place finish at the 1976 Olympics and offers advice to this year’s Olympic marathon team. But beyond his humorous anecdotes I found one quote that struck me…

If I had to sum up my journey thus far into the sport of triathlon, I couldn’t pick anything better to describe it than a delusion of grandeur. Sign up for a full Ironman without really being able to swim or not knowing the first thing about how to ride a bike? Sure, why not. It’s clear why people questioned my decision, let alone my sanity.

Yet contrary to what “they” believed, I vowed to completely immerse myself in a brand new sport and wouldn’t let anyone or anything discourage me.

I didn’t have the right gear, I barely know how to change a flat, my swim stroke is off, I am constantly battling my open water fear, and I still don’t understand Yankz.

But this little delusion of mine is what I look forward to every day. I can unequivocally say that for the past 32 week, triathlon and everything about it has become my passion and has helped me redefine who I am and who I want to be.

I will flail aimlessly in the water, I will sport neon green, I will name my bike after children’s cartoons, I will call myself a Fred with pride, I will wave for the camera, and most of all, I will have fun.

This Sunday is the biggest stepping stone in my Ironman journey yet: Vineman 70.3. To say that I’m nervous would be an understatement and I’m extremely worried about my knee right now. I have my A, B and C goals all listed in my head, I’m all packed and I’m waiting for Chicken Face to get home so we can hit the road.

It’s time for the next step…

Here’s to delusions of grandeur and most importantly…Happy Running!

P.S. I’m # 1778 and will be tweeting and Instagramming to the point of obnoxiousness.