IRONVIKING's articles on Beginnertriathlete.com

Improving Your Swim

A poll goes out to all the Ironman BT'ers in an effort to understand why some get depressed after an Ironman and why some don't and what can be learned.

Athletes were buzzing around, adding last minute things to their transition bags. The sidewalks and grassy areas are filled with spectators and cameras. Announcements were being made.

Eating To Win, Eating To Live. A collection of heart-healthy recipes that fuels Ironman training. Also some pre-race thoughts before Ironman Coeur d’Alene.

We all have our reasons for what we do and why we train. I liken my fight against heart disease to Gandalf, and his memorable “You shall not pass” scene.

When it comes down to it, it’s me who has to believe I can run a full marathon after swimming and biking, and no amount of others’ belief in me is going to help.

The first month of training is in the books. I am learning several tips that could help you along the way on your Ironman quest.

How BT is preparing me for the Coeur d'Alene IronMan.

The crux of rehab was so simple: “Eat and exercise like your life depended on it.” It seemed to take all the guesswork out of the picture and make things that much easier for me.

When the air horn went off, I did my best to simulate laps in the pool, but that dang panic came over me again, causing me to breaststroke until I could calm my breathing.

I was filled with anticipation for this event, as it was the first in what I hoped would be many triathlons, and I had no idea how I'd do.

My goal is always to lead by example, and after running the marathon and becoming a volunteer in my hospital's cardiac unit I looked for another way to inspire people. Hello, triathlons!

If a heart patient can do these things, then so can those of you who haven't been split open like a fish and sewn back together.

From triple bypass to triathlon. I am now just two days away from the Pacific Crest Half-Ironman.