I've lost track of how many times over the \ryears I've been asked why I commit so much of \rmy time to preparing for yet another Ironman.\rFor a long time I found it difficult to come \rup with a reasonable response, because often I \rwasn't sure myself. I think what makes it \rdifficult, is goals change as the years pass \rand so would the answer to the question.\rAt first like so many others, I was \r"Ironstruck". When I first saw this event I \rwas drawn toward it and made the decision that \rI just had to cross that finish line. Despite \rthe fact that I couldn't swim a stroke and had \rnever been on a racing bike I was compelled by \rsome unseen force to do this race.

Once I consciously made the decision, there \rwas no turning back and my life took on a new \rdirection. It was easily the most important \rand most life-changing decision I have ever made. \rIt touched every single aspect of my life.\rAt 56 years old I don't plan to do an Ironman \revery year from this point on. However I've \rlearned from my long Ironman career how \rimportant maintaining a healthy lifetstyle is \rto a persons quality of life.

My plan is to do my next Ironman in my 60th \ryear. There is no confusion "why" any longer \rwhen I am asked that question yet again.\rBy setting that goal, I realize that I will \rhave to stay fit between now and then. It also \rmeans that when that starting gun goes off 4 \ryears from now, I will be going into my 60's \rin absolute peak condition. Most likely among \rthe fittest 60 year olds in the world. Really \rnot a bad group to be a part of at that stage \rin ones life. How that particular race turns \rout really has no bearing on anything. Just \rmaking it there is reward in itself.

I strongly believe that how successful or rich \ra person is doesn't really make a whole lot of \rdifference when a twist of fate strips it all \raway and makes people from all walks of life \rmaterially equal and dependent on their own \rphysical strength, courage, and adaptibility \rin order to survive.

The world is changing and events like 9-11 and\rhurricane Katrina are examples of catastrophic \revents that knew no boundaries and in an \rinstant left individuals with nothing but the \rability they possessed within themselves to at \rleast provide a fighting chance to survive. \rOf course it doesn't mean everyone has to \rbegin training for the Ironman Triathlon-- one \rof the most challenging events in the world. \rHowever, to meet the unexpected circumstance \rof an ever-changing world, it behooves all of \rus to take care of our physical well-being to \rthe best of our ability. At any age and yes, \reven as we settle into the retirement years. \rPerhaps the best way to explain what I mean \ris an example I used in a previous article.\rTwenty years ago, had I found myself in the \rmiddle of a lake, 5 miles from shore with no \rlifejacket--I would have drowned in 2 or 3 \rminutes. Now it would be an opportunity for a \rlong training swim.

The Ironman has given me that ability and that \rconfidence. I owe this amazing event so much.

My name is Ray. After a twenty year career, I finally know why I do this race and just how important it can be to a persons well-being. I hope this article helps just one person reach a positive, life-changing decision. Then I will have accomplished my goal. \rI've also developed a website in order to pass on racing and training ideas that I've developed over the years.

The name of my website is "Ironstuck".

My address is http://www.triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com

If you would like to contact me with questions or comments I would be glad to hear from you and will reply as soon as possible. My contact page can be found at...

http://www.triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com/contact-me.html