SimplyStu Podcast Series

It's Time

Dec 8, 2006

So what is RaceAthlete.  What do you get by being a member?  What is it all about?

The idea started a long time again ago.  The idea was to see what it would be like for age groupers to "Train Like a Pro."  At the simplest of explanations that is what it is all about. But than the question is -  what about the others that do not get sponsored?  To that I answer with a story.

Several months before Ironman Wisconsin,  I met a young lady named Ironwil.  I did not know much about her.  She had a blog.  She had a podcast.  That's about all I did know. I started to E-Mail her and get to know her over the internet.  Over a few months, we talked more and more and I asked if I could follow her at the race.  Her husband and I followed her every move.  It was an amzing journey.  It was as if I was doing the race.  I felt pain, I felt happy, I felt all the emotions she put out that day.  

A few months later I got to know a guy named Greg.  He had a blog.  He seemed cool.  He seemed to have this triathlon thing worked out.  I had talked more and more to him over time.  A few days before the race I called his cell phone and left him a message.  It was a message of good luck.  I was really wishing I could be at his journey as I was with Ironwil.  At that time I did not have a cool new BMC bike or the sponsorship.  It was just a me.  Just me in my truest form.  It was just me "feeling part" of a journey.  It was just me feeling part of the Ironwil journey.  It was me feeling part of the Greg journey.

So now it is my turn. This year, I get to train.  I get to sweat.  I get to run.  I get finish.  I get to be the one (along with MANY others) that people follow.  I'm so excited.  It's not about the sponsorship as much as it is about the journey.  Last year I followed, dreamed, wished, hoped, and walked next to so many that raced.  This year I feel honored to have you help me out. I already feel it with Wildflower.  I feel it with the excitement of WIBA.  I dream daily about the journey.  I dream about a 5 hour ride followed by a run in the heat.  I dream about a 20 mile run.  I dream about the longest workout day of the year.  I dream about meeting new people.  I dream about "that day."  I dream about the start.  I dream about the finish.  I dream about being on the "other" side this year.  I love to watch people race.  I love to support people.  I love it all.  When all is said and done, what I love the most is to toe the line.   So for the next 9 months, I'm the one training right next to you.  You might be the one that watches the race, but I can promise you this.  Next year, I will not be doing Ironman Wisconsin.  I will not being doing an Ironman.  I will be back where I was last year.  I will be watching and supporting you. I will stand once again by your side. You know why? Loyalty.   I'm loyal becuase I believe in you.  I just hope you believe in me!  

So what do you get?  At its simplest form - you get to be part of a journey.  Come on, let's get going! It's Time.