A Simple Irony

The change in music to Greenday's "Time of Your Life" was done as a tribute to Iron Wil and all the others preparing for Ironman Wisconsin. As they come into the final days before their race, the "time of their lives" is in transition. Much like a triathlete going from swim to bike, they are going from "train" to "race." Most have probably already had the time of their life just meeting the demands of Ironman training. And they will experience another hightlight when they cross the finish line on September 10th.

Who knew that it would also become an anthem for myself (and probably others) when Roman put up his challenge to join together for Ironman Wisconsin in 2007. For us, it is a different type of tribute. And it is the first line of the song that speaks to us.

"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road. Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go."

For many, the choice is easy. Some are certain they will be cheerleaders on this journey. They will be with us on the trip, but won't make the final leg in Madison. Others are "all in." They are fully committed, waiting with cash in hand. Then there are those literally standing at the fork in the road, trying to decide which way to turn. One path leads to points unknown. It might lead to future Ironman races. It might lead to other things. We just don't know. The other path has a destination, a light at the end of the tunnel. That light is Madison, Wisconsin in mid-September, 2007.

For some, the key factor will be financial. Registering for an Ironman race is an expensive proposition, and doing it on short notice can strain budgets. For others, there are factors such as training time, family, work, and a variety of other obligations and responsibilities. Some have just come off an Ironman season and planned on an easy 2007.

So, there's a fork in the road. And in this case, time won't have time to grab anyone by the wrist. It's flying by too quickly. This situation will require action by each of us. Every training session for the next week promises to be spent in serious reflection about what will happen on September 11, 2006. Will it be spent fighting to secure a spot on Team raceAthlete? Or will it pass by, forcing us onto another path?