Welcome

In 2009 I discovered triathlon. Somewhere along the way, what started out as a personal challenge turned into a passion. This sport and the people I've met along the way have helped me in ways I never would have imagined. Physically, mentally, and spiritually.

In 2010 an effort was made to pass along those blessings. On the way to Ironman Florida, with your help, we raised over $10,000 for Wears Valley Ranch. This year, Tri4Him-Houston is putting together a collective effort to raise money for Emma's Hugs. By sharing "random acts of kindness" in the Texas Medical Center, Emma's Hugs is helping others in need and memorializing their child who lost her battler with Batten Disease just last year. To find out more or make a contribution just click on the link. With donations, please note "Tri4Him" in the comment section so we can track our progress and keep you posted.


This year's big race is the inaugural Ironman Texas, 5/21/2011, here in The Woodlands. It's my first race of 2011 and I'm excited for the chance to tackle an Ironman right here in our own back yard. I hope that 2011 will be an even bigger year as we continue to use this sport we love to serve something much bigger than us.

As usual, I'll be posting updates, training schedules, race reports, etc. I'd love for you to come along for the ride.

Tobey

Monday, September 6, 2010

Thoughts on Ironman


I hope that you've all had a great Labor Day weekend. Just a little update and some thoughts on the big day that is rapidly approaching. I'm nursing a few minor injuries but that's to be expected at this point. Thankfully, things have been going pretty well as of late though. In fact, this weekend we hit a few milestones. Saturday I had my first ride of more than 100 miles and this morning Joe and I ventured down to the beach for my first Gulf swim (Note to self: Check weather next time). I grew up 10 minutes from that water and it's only taken me 34 years to muster up enough courage to brave it. Mother nature made it a humbling and challenging workout (see pic) but certainly a valuable experience.

As November 6th gets closer, so does the number of times I hear the question, "Are you ready?" Funny, that's what I keep asking myself. My answer..."I don't know." Can you be? I do know that I'll be prepared. I have incredible support, a coach that I trust, priceless mentors, and a solid game plan . If I do my part I will be prepared but "ready" is a whole different thing. At some point everyone reaches that moment where their body is ready to shut down. The point at which quitting sounds more appealing than continuing. In an Ironman, that's usually the last third or so of the marathon. Maybe it's a lot sooner than that for me, maybe a little later. Who knows? But whenever that moment arrives, late or early, the trick is to have your brain convince the rest of you that "we're ok!" Easier said than done, I'm sure. I've never had to do it but I'll have to in Florida. That's the part that I'm not quite convinced that you can be "ready" for. The good news is that I'm racing for more than just the finish line and that this process has been as much about spiritual endurance and growth as it has been about athletic benchmarks. So while I don't know if I can really be ready for what's to come, I know that the one who got me here is. The one who strengthens me will be racing right along side of me that day, just like every other day, and when my "moment" presents itself, I will lean fully on Him. I don't think I can go wrong with that game plan.

Sometimes we find ourselves in uncharted waters and sometimes God asks us to do things that aren't exactly comfortable for us. While you may not be ready for it, He is and He wouldn't have put you there if He wasn't planning on providing a way for you to get through it. So lets continue to prepare ourselves as best we can knowing that when we reach the edge of what we thought possible, He'll be there to blaze the trail ahead.

Have a great week.
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