WHY IRON?
Everyone has their own personal reasons for doing an Ironman. It could be about achieving a dream, overcoming a physical challenge, a tribute to someone special, an effort to help a worthy cause, or doing something you never thought possible. Whatever the reason, each person shares a common thread – passion and a desire to succeed. When I worked for Ironman, I would often receive phone calls and emails from people who shared their moments of triumph, their motivations and what kept them going day after day, ride after ride through injury, pain and fatigue. I realized that Ironman is unique. It is one of the fastest growing endurance competitions in the world, one that signifies prestige and athletic prowess and superiority. But the thing that makes Ironman different from all the other competitions is that for most of us, it’s more than just a race.
After I finished my first Ironman, I wanted to explore this idea and possibly write a book about it. I wished that I had kept all the stories that had been shared with me, but I knew that the Ironman community would probably be willing to help me out. I am looking for stories about personal triumph, motivation. What is it that motivates you to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment and races? What is it that motivates you to keep coming back year after year? What is it that carries you through months of training, injuries, pain and a long day of physical exertion? What drives you to finish when you are on the side of the road in the fetal position vomiting or barely moving because your muscles have cramped up?
It’s not really about the race so much as it is about the journey, what you learn and how you get to the start line. If you have something you would like to share and contribute or if you have questions, please email me at nikkipurdy@yahoo.com. If you prefer to use snail mail, please send it to 457 W. 46th St. #3C, NY, NY 10036. Thanks!!
