Ironman 70.3 Augusta - Two weeks out!

Well I'm at week 25 of my 27 week training program in preparation for Ironman 70.3 Augusta.  It's been a long and arduous path but one I feel extremely good about.  After competing last year in Ironman 70.3 Muncie, I stated emphatically my long-distance triathlon career was over.  Making such of boastful statement is easy when you just finish a grueling day of racing.  However, after much reflection I realized it isn't the race that I enjoy as much as it is the journey to the race.  

The race in Muncie will always hold a special place in my heart as it was dedicated to my late friend Bill Fred Haecker, who grew up in Muncie before relocating to Texas.  It was a tough race, one where I competed with a heavy heart.  The love and adoration I felt is difficult to describe in words seeing Fred's family, Bill, Aimee, Connie and Lina there to cheer me on as I crossed the finish line.  

This years race in Augusta has a different purpose.  The training for this race represents an alignment and centering of my soul.  I approached it with a clear mind and a goal to find balance and held onto that throughout the training.  It has been a tough year and I have found the consistent training has helped me weather through the growing pains of life.  Also, having two friends, Ryan Niemeyer and Jason Waller, participating with me has had a tremendous and positive effect.  We have helped one another to stay the course and not lose focus.  The most important contributing factor is the absolute and unwavering support of my wife, Sarah.  She is a supernova of energy that has supported me every step of the way and encourages me to take challenges head on.  

Now that the race is two short weeks away, I thought I would do a little year-over-year comparison.  Through 25 weeks of training in 2017 versus 2016 equates to:

• 150 total workouts versus 145 in 2016
• 153 hours total time versus 132 hours
• 1,601 total miles versus 1,299 miles
• 131 bpm average heart rate versus 139 bpm
• 93,318 calories burned versus 85,300 calories

I am quite happy with the year-over-year leap in training progress.  I can feel the difference mentally and physically.  I look forward to translating this progress into results on September 24th in Augusta.  

I am the IRONSCOTSMAN!   

The Legend of Fred! (Pre-race message)

I enter this week with mixed emotions.  On one hand I am thankful for the journey I have been able to take with Fred in preparing for the Ironman 70.3 Muncie.  However, on the other hand, it saddens me as I come to the realization that the journey is nearly complete.  

I started this quest back in January as a way to honor my dear friend Bill FRED Haecker, who passed away far too early in life on his trip from Texas to Muncie, IN.  Fred was always an inspirational figure to me so I felt compelled to pay tribute to someone that was truly a legend.  An individual that could be described as a true "man of iron".  

Fred, an absolutely brilliant and kind man, was so many things to so many people.  He was a husband, a father, a mentor, and a coach just to name a few.  In all honesty, the list could go on forever depending on who you asked to described him and what he meant to them.  To me, he was a larger than life friend that was passionate about the things he loved, especially Connie, Aimee, and Bill.  His love for his family was something that I especially admired about him.    

Throughout every long training day I felt as if Fred was there by my side and encouraging me as only he knew how.  When I felt like stopping, I could hear his robust voice say "Come on Stevo!" and somehow I would find that extra gear.   The preparation for this race totaled 150 activities, ~1312 miles,~87,000 calories, and over 134 hours of training.  

This Saturday, July 9th, I will finish the trip to Muncie that Fred started last year.  It has been a long, hard, and emotional road but I am ready.  I may not be the fastest person on the course Saturday but I can guarantee that no one will compete with more heart than me.  Why?  Because my friend Fred would expect nothing less.  

See you Saturday my friend!