What Is Ironman

so Ironman and YouTube just announced the formation of a new IronmanTriathlon channel.

it has 17 videos so far. let's hope for some more.

for those of you who don't know what Ironman is about, it's very difficult to describe.

the numbers are simple: swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles. all in 1 day. all as fast as you can. automatic disqualification for accepting help, drafting on the bike, and exceeding 17 hours.

the race itself, however, is very complex. things happen during an Ironman that cannot be explained.

words, thoughts, deeds. the depths of darkness, the heights of ecstasy.

things just happen.

cruelty, brutality, compassion, kindness. chaos and serenity. rage and love. lies and truths. suffering and joy.

things just happen.

you'll swear there is no god, and then swear there is. you'll swear for death, and then pray for life. you'll swear for relief, and then refuse it when it is offered.

and always, always, always, there is the whisper of temptation to quit...answered by the roar of your heart saying never.

things just happen.

and they cannot be explained.

for those uninitiated into Ironman, i recommend you start with the following:

• anything is possible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh1yMnrby3w
• the ordeal (julie moss, IM World Championships 1982): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NzMTLMJwao
  
• the crawl (wendy ingraham v. sian welch, IM World Championships 1997): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTn1v5TGK_w
• the war (mark allen v. dave scott, IM World Championships, 1989): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOVGVMiwPSA
• the redeemer (dick & rick hoyt): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM