This weekend Co-Directors Ann, Andy & I traveled to Panama City, Florida to volunteer at Ironman Florida and be part of the Ironman experience. We are constantly looking for ways to make our race better, and one of the ways we improve is by observing other races. We make notes of what they do well, in addition to what needs improving. Last year, for example, we traveled to a Rev3 race and went home with pages and pages of notes that influenced our planning for our 2012 races.
784: that is the number of days since my last Ironman, IMWI 2010. That was a challenging day, to say the least. I was struggling with a head cold on race day, and I battled through re-occurring flat tires on the bike.
I finished the race but walked away, determined that it was going to be a long, long time before I did that again. Well, the wait is no more. After volunteering, Andy & I went back the next day and signed up to race Ironman Florida, next year.
What inspired the change, you ask? That’s easy, watching you, our athletes, embrace and complete the MiTitanium 2012. You were all so amazing and inspiring, that I wanted to stand tall as your peer once again.
323: that is the number of days until Ironman Florida 2013. This is how long I have to prepare and train my body to complete the 2.4mile swim, 112 mile bike, and the 26.2 mile run. I know it is not going to be easy; the training is going to push my old(er) body. The biggest challenge for me is finding the balance between family, God, work, training, the MiTi and everything else. But with the amazing support from my family, friends and you, I know that I can meet this challenge and succeed. During this year, I will try to keep you updated on the progress and in return, I ask that you hold me accountable and share the love.
Doug Tuttle
Co-Race Director
MiTitanium
