How a Wedding is like an Ironman

So, if you haven't noticed, I haven't been posting on my blog recently. And you probably haven't seen me out running or at the weekly club rides all that often. That's because all of my efforts have been going towards July 31, 2010, the day that Elizabeth and I got married.

And as the day got closer and closer, it occurred to me that having a wedding shares many similarities to doing an Ironman. I even included some of these in my post-dinner speech (which - and if you were there you'll agree with me - was definitely nota highlight of the evening)

1. Cardio.

2. They both take a ton of preparation. In fact, if you are not careful the planning will take over your life. Unfortunately, there's no system of periodization or "The Wedding Training Bible" written by Joe Friel. He should get on that.

3. The food afterwards is amazing, and there are aid stations along the way. My pre-service food consisted of eating snow peas out of a ziploc bag (I wasn't allowed to eat anything that was already plated). Okay, the food at our wedding was most definitely better than that served at the Ironman Finishers Dinner, but I think my point still stands.

4. They are both a team effort, and require the support of family and friends to whom I am eternally grateful. Here are just a few of the people who contributed to our special day.

5. People who haven't done it may think you're crazy. People who have know that you are.

6. You wake up the next day and have blisters on your feet. And you don't really know how you got them. And you're kind of proud of them.

7. It ain't cheap, and at a certain point you stop keeping track of how much you spend.

8. Your closest friends and family come out to cheer you on.

9. Staying hydrated is very important. Although at a wedding, wine and beer count as electrolytes (and carbs).

10. At the end of the day, when you cross the finish line, your life is changed forever.

We'll be posting pictures soon

~ Doug