“I believe that we are magic, that all things are possible, that life is precious, that peace is reasonable, that laughter is special, that blessings are divine, that love is grand…
and that you are the best thing that has happened to me.”
I saw this quote the other day and for some reason just enjoyed reading it. Besides thinking about Forrest obviously, it also made me think about believing in things and believing in yourself.
Then yesterday, Forrest sent out an email to all his family about registering for the Ironman. It was such a personal and meaningful letter, just containing all of the thoughts going through his head immediately after committing to one of the toughest athletic events in the world. I can’t imagine what that would feel like and can’t explain how proud I am of him without sharing his letter.
So now, for the first time in meganandforrest.blogspot.com history, you all will get the chance to read words from Forrest, instead of me. :)
Letter from Forrest after registering for Ironman on 7/19/2010:
Ok, so I am sick to my stomach already just thinking about what I have just done. On may 21, 2011, I will be entering the full ironman in Woodlands, TX, know as "Ironman Texas" Here is the link to the actual web site www.ironmantexas.com/. This will be the first full Ironman event ever held in the state of Texas. For those of you that don't know the iromnan is considered the toughest endurance race in the world and is only held at 23 locations across the globe annually. It consist of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and then a 26.2 mile run. This all must be accomplished in 17 hours to be recognized as a "finisher" which is my goal. From what i have been reading in the blogs, this one is going to be even more challenging because it will be in May in Texas... which means a lot of heat and humidity. You will see people from all over the world entered into Ironman Texas.
I have been thinking about entering for the last two weeks and today I read that registration is expected to be full by this week. So I decided to go for it and to not leave anything on the table so to speak. If I wouldn't have signed up, I would always wonder if I have in me what it takes to get through something like this. Hopefully I will find out that I do have it in me.
Believe me, I am not sending this email to brag or pat myself on the back for signing up because that is the easy part. I am sending this out for two reasons; one - When I train and workout I imagine myself running for my family and that I am representing them and quitting during a race or training exercise would be to me like I am quitting on you guys... sounds funny i know, but that is where I find my motivation when I feel like the wheels are starting to come off and my body wants to quit. I wouldn't be able to complete something like this if I didn't have the support of family. two - If everyone knows what goal I have set for myself, I will be motivated that much more to train and work day after day, month after month to achieve this goal as it will be probably the hardest thing I have every done physically and mentally in my life.
Of course, I would love for everybody to be there and everyone is invited, however i don't expect it and if you can't make it I certainly understand. I know Megan will be cheering loud from sidelines. I will be giving 100% of everything I have in me, plus some. And just so you know, yes.. I am scared to death! My motto of "Go big or go home," might really bite me on this one.
Background on how I got tangled up in this madness. Megan and I were sitting on the couch in December '09 watching the biggest loser update show and someone on the show attempted the ironman although they did not finish. Anyway it got my attention and made the wheels in my head start to turn. Megan and I started talking and she suggested that I could do that if I really wanted too... forcing me to put my money where my mouth is... She pretty much called me out! So the next week at work I started to look up events on line and signed up for the 1/2 Ironman or 70.3 Longhorn Ironman that was 10 months away which is not a beginners event by the way. It will consist of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.2 mile run that must be completed in 8 hours. This will be very difficult as well. I started running on the treadmill once I signed up and could even run a mile without stopping. Since then I have swam over 40 miles, biked over 700 miles and ran over 300 miles as well as dropped 40lbs and haven't really looked back. The best part about this race is that I get to do with my brother-law, Aaron who signed up as well. Misery and Pain loves company. I guess he like the idea of the personal challenge as well. We have been training together on the weekends when both our schedules allow it.
Other events I am doing before the Full Ironman:
70.3 Longhorn Ironman - October 17, 2010 - http://www.ironmanaustin.com/index.php This the original race I signed up for last December which is going to very hard as well. It will consist of 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.2 mile run. AKA - 1/2 Ironman Event will be in Austin, TX.
Austin Marathon February 20, 2011 - Or as I like to call it, "Operation, Keep up with Tony" Tony, Aaron and I will all be running in this together... Tony has ran several 1/2 marathons and a full marathon. He will do well. Registration is still open if anyone wants to join us.
Houston 1/2 Marathon Jan. 2011 - I haven't registered for this yet as selection is on a lottery system so hopefully I will get to do it. I will keep you posted.
Thanks all for reading. Hopefully, I we end up with results that we can all be proud of.
Wish me luck!
Forrest
P.S. Megan and my sister (Amberly) are doing the 1st triathlon in Austin on October 3. I am really excited for both of them and can't wait to watch them. Be sure you ask them about it when you see them and ask how their training is coming. They have both been working really hard. I am almost more excited to watch Bird and my sister than I am about my own.
P.S.S. Amberly, Aaron, Megan and myself all have a new cycling coach, my mom. She jumped into the action and got a bike too. Megan and her completed a 24 mile bike ride in Katy this past weekned with ease.
