The Beginning (Day 1)

Hello all. For those who do not know my name is Landon. Not long ago I was approached by my best friend Jacob to do an Ironman. The ironic thing about Jacob is he is currently battling cancer. Throughout he has shown nothing but courage, and I guess you could say that it really inspired me to change my lifestyle and habits.

Anyone who is unfamiliar with an Ironman let me explain. It is a relatively easy enough concept. You begin with an 2.4 mile swim, then you move onto a 112 mile bike ride, and finish it up with a 26.2 mile run. Like I said an easy enough concept. However, the training can be brutal and it takes many months to prepare.

Over the next year and a half or so I will be teaming up with friends and family to help me train for the Redman Ironman in Oklahoma City in September of 2012. Through the support of my loving wife Ashley, best friend Jacob, my friend Jessica, and the help of many others I hope achieve the goal of completing the race. Oh one more little tidbit of information that I must inform my readers of is our team name. Jacob and I decided on the name the Wolfpack. This is because back in high school we watched a lot of wrestling, and we loved the NWO Wolfpac. So no, it is not a reference to Hangover although those movies are great.

Today I began my training, and while it wasn't all bad it felt like an epic fail. However, it was just day one and you can not look at the bad you must take the positives. I woke up bright and early at 7:30, and for those who know me that is a win for my in itself. I met Jessica at the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve at around 8:30, and so it began. This was the first time I had ever been on the trails at Arbor Hills, and can I say ouch there were some pretty long hills on that course. It was much different than the trusty old treadmill that is for sure. I completed a mile and was spent. Walking away from the experience I realized that it was quite an accomplishment. I mean I am almost 30 not exactly a spring chicken anymore. I felt really good afterwards though and that is always a bonus.

I hope that by doing this I not only change my life, but help change and inspire peoples lives around me. I must also say thank you to Jacob for the inspiration and courage he has shown me. Without him I don't believe this dream would have ever become a reality. I hope that many people read this blog, and follow their dreams. Thanks for reading.