Anything is Possible

Reflections on life before, during and after an Ironman 70.3

Giving an order to these ideas and emotions has been more difficult than expected. Doing an Ironman, more than a physical experience, it has been a book of emotions and thoughts as I never imagined. Pushing our bodies through movement somehow creates a state of meditation, enlightment and search for meaning.

Back to the origin of this adventure, I decided to complete an Ironman in October 2021, time when I was leaving hospital after five months fighting a bacteria called salmonella. It was a bigger being than microscopical. It was a journey where life was at stake. Doing an Ironman was a dream since I have memory of me watching the olympics and seeing these people swimming, cylcing and running…how busy and alive they looked. So, the day I got word from doctors that I was salmonella free, I made the decision of doing it as a life celebration.

The adventure started in January 2022. I still remember my first run with my heart rate reaching 200 bpm. Body was weak, out of shape, muscles were asleep but the idea was ON. The process took me 11 months to the finish line and here is a recap of quick concepts on what I learned during this journey:

• Process lasts longer than crossing the finish line, so enjoy it!: It was 11 months of a different life style, early mornings, long rides and cold swims… but also new friends, kind people, better food and sleep, love, memories and smiles. The race took me 6:14 hours which was nothing compared to months.
  
• Anything is Possible: This is the statement of an Ironman race. It groups up what we accomplished, from zero to 70.3 with purpose, discipline and passion.
  
• State of Mind despite conditions: Water was deep, open sea, Cartagena is hot at noon and 70.3 miles are quite a distance. Days before the race while checking the race plan with my coach, time objectives, nutrition and paces; we addressed the subject of potential crises during the race and what to do. My main strategy was reminding that this was a celebration, a party, a dance and a memory for life. Water was never cold, cycling could not be more beautiful and running (the hardest part to me) was fresh despite the 32°C that Cartagena offers at noon.
  
• Union: Feeling the heart of more than 1,700 athletes that started the race, their fears, crises and battles…then seeing their smiles and beloved ones by the finish line, it’s an experience hard to compare but that I relate with love and union.

Each of us has different battles in life, our processes are unique and highly influenced by our past. My takeaway from this is: life is now, enjoy the process of the races you choose and make sure to do it kindly with love and service.

To those who lived by my side this process (not only the finish line), this medal is yours and I thank you for making an Ironman.

With love,

D.