75 Reasons to do Ironman

I recently came across a blog from 2006 headed "140.6 Reasons to do an Ironman".  (140.6 is the distance of ironman in miles, with many US half ironman events being promoted as 70.3 ironman events.)  Anyway, the blog really resonated and so in the mode of imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, here are my 75 reasons for doing ironman.

1. Makes everything else seem so SHORT.
2. The three week taper before the race.
3. The four week recovery after the race.
4. All the chocolate you can eat.
5. All the pizza you can eat.
6. Mike Reilly's hoarse voice still bringing people home at 11.45pm.
7. St Pete waiting at the finish.
8. For all the times you've heard someone say "I'd do one of those ... I just can't swim."
9. Finishing your last workout and smiling because you know "I'm SO ready."
10. Easy runs and rides the week before.
11. For everyone who has ever asked you "Why?"
12. For the teachers in school who told you you tried hard, but lacked natural ability.
13. To silence the one voice inside your head that still believes that rubbish.
14. Knowing that as you step in the water on race day - YOU MADE IT THIS FAR! Now just get home.
15. Spectators looking up your name and cheering as you plod past at sunset.
16. So you can answer "one" when people ask "How many days does that take?"
17. Sharing a smile with people wearing the finisher's T-shirt the next day.
18. High fives from people you don't know.
19. Walking to the start with Cameron, Terenzo, Jo and Gina...
20. Getting lapped by Cameron, Terenzo, Jo and Gina...
21. Getting lapped again on the run by Cameron, Terenzo, Jo and Gina...
22. Making the turn for home.
23. Sunset over Lake Taupo on the run.
24. It's easier than Eco-Challenge.
25. You enjoy the smell of chlorine.
26. You've had enough of your current social life.
27. You need to prove to your mum that even if you get on the bike right after you swim  ...you won't catch a cold.
28. Helicopters over Lake Taupo.
29. To backstroke at the helicopters.
30. To wave at the scuba divers.
31. Roadies think you're nuts.
32. Masters swimmers think you're nuts.
33. Your running club KNOWS you're nuts.
34. The 12 step program to make you stop hasn't been invented yet.
35. Knowing that, when you wake up at 4.00am on race day, the next time you go to bed you will be a VERY different person.
36. First and last place get the same amount of cheers.
37. Knowing that, after the gun goes off, you don't have to worry anymore.
38. Makes your next marathon just a nice morning run.
39. To make your boss jealous because YOU have a life that doesn't involve the office.
40. Because the longer you're out there, the less per hour it really costs!
41. Finding yourself in the middle of your doubts ... finding a new meaning of being scared.
42. Finding out that you're far stronger than those doubts a few kilometres later.
43. Falling in step on the run and making a friend to the end, without having to say a word.
44. Cards in your special needs bags.
45. Your friends are watching on the web.
46. Whatever you want for breakfast the morning after.
47. Watching people headed home while you're headed out, thinking "I'll be there soon..." and they cheer for you.
48. Understanding why that is as you're cheering for people headed out when you're finally headed home.
49. Calling encouragement to people with a flat tyre and seeing them smile for just a moment.
50. Hearing people cheer you up while you're changing a damn flat tyre.
51. Rolling into T2 knowing that, no matter what, you can't have a flat shoe from here on in.
52. To see if it really feels as good to do as it does to dream.
53. Chalk messages on the road.
54. To try and finish in daylight.
55. To try and finish before midnight.
56. Pete already thinks you're a hero - prove him right.
57. Your friends don't - but you might prove it to them, too.
58. 2000 volunteers, all for you.
59. Glowsticks.
60. Hearing them say "You're almost there!" all day long.
61. Being nearly almost there - for real.
62. Quiet hugs before the start.
63. Kissing him goodbye, and promising "I'll be back later..."
64. The first time you think "Holy crap - I'm doing an Ironman!"
65. Beating back the voices that say "Holy crap - you can't do an Ironman!"
66. Kilometre 42.
67. That moment when you KNOW you're going to make it for the first time all day.
68. Turning away from Lake Taupo.
69. Turning into the finish chute.
70. The Finish Line.
71. The first step after you cross the line and think "HO...LY..CRAP...!"
72. The Medal.
73. The Towel.
74. Because they said I can't.
75. Because I say I can.