The Pain That Binds Us
We have a new member of the Ironman club. Ironbenny came, saw, and conquered the Ironman Arizona course yesterday. Hats off to Ironbenny for a job well done!
Reading Nytro’s updates of the race yesterday brought back all sorts of nostalgia to me. All the pre-race nervousness that is in the air on race morning, those hot grueling miles of the bike leg, the harsh reality of having to run a marathon after a 114.4 mile warmup, and all the ups and downs you go through during the day. For spectators and athletes alike, I really think there are few things in this world as special as the experience of an Ironman. And that’s why despite all the training and all the pain, so many people come back and do the race again. It’s a feeling like no other.
We’re a mass of unique individuals, each coming from our own unique backgrounds. We were born in different states, or perhaps different countries. Some of us had picture perfect childhoods, while others had childhoods that they’d much rather forget. Some of you have spouses, or maybe a kid or two, or maybe even grandkids, while others may still be single and finishing up school. But despite all the differences that we have, this whole notion of Ironman in its own unique way binds us all together. Whether you’re a Kona qualifier or just struggling to make that 17 hour cutoff, you have likely spent long hours training for this one day and sacrificed a great deal just to make it to that start line. And for just one day, we’re all kindred spirits of sorts.
I’ve never met Benny before, but yesterday I know exactly how he must have felt at different parts of the day. From the absolute high and thrill that you’re participating in this 140.2 mile race that you never thought you’d be able to compelte, to that place of utter exhaustion, pain, suffering, and self-doubt where you ask yourself, “Is this really worth it? Isn’t this supposed to be fun?” While reading Nytro’s updates, I could feel those emotions deep within my soul.
For those that have been there before, you know what I’m talking about. For those of you training for your first one or even thinking that maybe someday… maybe… it could happen, we still live through you. We love hearing about your first experiences with a long ride or that long brick that you’ve never done before because it instantly brings us back to that point in our own lives. Yes, this sport brings out something that’s truly unique in this world and still is something that I’ve yet to experience anywhere else. I felt like yesterday I was out there, on that course, cheering Benny along. And today I’m all fired up to experience that roller coaster of emotions that he surely felt for himself.
Indeed, it’s going to be a great day to train. See you all out there…