11/02/2014 - It's Flying In Fast !

The 11th of February 2014....Why don't you 'Google it' ...go on just for the crack! The date's just got nothing going for it...Google says so so it must be true. Ok so up comes a cruise timetable or two and you get the moon phases ....but nothing that gets the interest levels anywhere above.....well...BORING !!

And Yet...for some..it will be a very significant date indeed. Some will marry, some will celebrate special anniversaries, some will mourn the passing of loved ones and some, who are in my category, will celebrate their birthday. For me of course its not just any old birthday but the day that I officially turn into an 'over 50'. By the way, before anyone asks, there will be a hoolie.....but its a bit complicated so I'll tell you more in a future post!

Musing on turning 50 is not what this blog is going to be about, although I'm sure I will meander into a few asides from time to time (those of you who know me will know that I missed the 'How to focus and synopsise' lesson at school. However, if you'll homour me for just one paragraph..... I suppose turning 50 is a significant milestone on life's journey but I think I'm in agreement with those who support the notion that 50 is the new 30 and it in no way holds for me the same dread as it might have when I thought about the prospect 20 years ago. Of course it helps that a few things are converging to make my life a very wonderful place to be just now: I'm feeling better and fitter than I ever did (you will note that I didn't say anything about looking fitter - I'll leave that to you...that's what comments are for!); I'm working in a job I'm enjoying; I have two great kids who are doing well (and for bonus points have moved out !); I have the joy of two wonderful grandchildren and the love for and of a fabulous woman. All boxes are ticked and there's lots to look forward to - sweet!

Speaking of things to look forward to....I have been thinking for a while now about what would be a significant accomplishment with which to mark this milestone and I've come to a decision - I will complete an IRONMAN event and it will be all of the twists and turns on the road to achieving that dream that will inspire the content of this blog from month to month.

So what about a few facts:

• August 2010 - I weighed in at 17stone. That fact alone might give you some insight as to why I might begin to do a bit of running. But what really gave me a kick in the ass was a holiday pic of me in swimming trunks holding my beautiful Granddaughter Ella in the swimming pool......FLUBBER...Need I say more!
• 11 July 2013 - 12 st 4lb(ish)...I've come a long way
• 1st timed run - Great Ireland Run (10K) April 2011 - 1hr15
• Longest Run - Half Marathon Kildare Run May 2011
• 1st Triathlon - Triathlone Tri a Tri - July 2011
• Longest Triathlon finished - Tri an Mhi CXIII May 2012 - Half IRONMAN (I finished last...honestly!)

Last Place Finish at Tri An Mhi CXIII - Roared on like I was first...Fabulous Feeling!

• I've taken part in good number of Duathlon and Triathlon events and finished all attempted. ALL BAR ONE !!........
• Failed IRONMAN attempts - 1 - IRONMAN Wales, Tenby 2011. Thats a whole other days blog!

So that's it for this month folks. I'll be posting on the 11th of each month, to coincide with the birthday, until I achieve the dream and....well who knows after that.

There is a very worthy cause to which I will be aligning myself for the duration of this challenge and for whom I would love to raise a few bob - again I'll tell you more in a future post.

If your so inclined you can find me on Facebook. You can also follow my progress on Twitter @Ironmanat50wtfn

Please share, tweet and comment freely.

So until the 11th

Take care

John

PS. Which event I do is still to be decided but I will have to commit pretty soon as the registration is already open for some of the events in early 2014. I would love to hear from anyone who has been there, done that and wears the tattoo on your thoughts about choosing which event to do.