Ironman - Why We Race

Great piece in the Globe & Mail today about the "why" in Ironman. Really gets into the motivation - both internal and external - and is pretty well written overall: "Why We Compete in Ironman"
Not that I necessarily agree, however, with the writer's comments about "heroes" - since when did we start to devalue the true meaning of "hero" by importing someone who merely trains for an event? **unless we are talking about Dick and Ricky Hoyt:

 *now they are people you could consider "heroes" or at least heroic [click link for their racing history: 247 tris; 7 Ironmans; 35 min 10km PB; oh ya, and a 2:40:00 marathon PB - HOLY CRAP!!!!]
I just read last week that they will be competing in their 30th Boston Marathon this April - I repeat: HOLY CRAP! In fact, there is a groundswell movement to put up a statue of them at the start of the race in Hopkinton, Mass.

If you want to really be jazzed about the mindset - and sheer physical brilliance - of an Ironman, I highly recommend the new book, "IRON WAR":

 [good link to an article with the author, Matt F]
However, as I was discussing heroes, I can kid around about Batman, etc being my hero, but having now finished watching both "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific" - well, those guys, and all the ones who have fought for their country, and often gave their lives doing so, they are heroes.

'Nuff said.

peace out
johnny boy