I have to share this story because it I thought it was so darned funny.
Last Thursday Rianman met with Coach Ken to plan the 2009 season. They met at the local Starbucks and from what I understand covered the basics: goals and events and *maybe* a bit of BS. In talking about goals, Rianman was trying to convey the challenge of coming up with a goal now that he had completed the Ironman. "What else is there?"
He illustrated the difficulty by saying, "Look I did the Ironman. I'm just like Chris "Macca" McCormack. We're the same--we are both Ironmen. Once you do one, you're an Ironman."
I have to interrupt here...in case you don't know who Macca is, Rianman just compared himself to the 2007 Ironman World Champion!! Winner of a gazillion Ironman races.
Me: "What?! You did not compare yourself to Macca? OMG, did Ken laugh?"
Rianman: "No. Why?"
Me: "Really? How could he not laugh?"
Rianman: "I was trying to make a point."
Me: "Did he get it?"
Rianman: "Yes. I think so. I was making a point."
Me [still laughing]: "Okay, I get the point too but really, comparing yourself to Macca is a bit of a stretch."
Rianman: "Anyway..." and he continued the story.
So are all Ironmen created equal?
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They have finished the same distance.
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They all had to sacrifice something to accomplish the feat.
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They all had to push themselves both mentally and physically to cross the finish line.
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Certainly they all garner attention and respect from others. While Macca's fame is more global and achievements stellar, Rianman and others like him get stopped when wearing their t-shirts or hats and the average Joe is usually pretty impressed.
But, there is the obvious...Rianman didn't win the race or even his age group. He's only done one, Macca has won many more than Rianman even dreams of finishing. What makes an Ironman then? Winning the race or doing what it takes to finish the race?
Clearly an Ironman isn't just the person who wins the race. An Ironman is an Ironman because they have had to train their bodies and minds, had to give up the easy road to test themselves by swimming, cycling, and running 140.6 miles in under 17 hours. They are an Ironman when they cross the finish line. And so, I guess Rianman is right, he's just like Macca.