The decision is final, registration is complete and the deposit is down. In just under 11 months (September 13th, 2020) in Lake Placid, NY I will be competing in my first ever triathlon; an Ironman 70.3.
I’m doing an Ironman 70.3.
For those of you who don’t, Ironman is a series of triathlons that are put on by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). The 70.3 denotes the total distance of the race in miles that is broken up as follows: swim (1.2 miles), bike (56 miles), run (13.1 miles). This distance is also considered a “half Ironman” as the full distance race is doubled.
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I plan on documenting my training through social media and if you are interested in following along, you can do so here.
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I’m going to keep things brief, but I want to break down why I am doing this race and what I hope you can get out of it.
I’m doing this race because I haven’t found my limits and I know that if I don’t push them, I will never come close to them. I’m doing this race because I truly believe that only through struggle do we find strength. I’m doing this race to show anyone who is willing to watch that physical boundaries are mental boundaries and that mind/matter isn’t just a cliché. I’m doing this race because I want to show my circle that hard work pays off. I’m doing this because I know that the process will result in growth and that is more valuable than anything that can happen on race day. I’m doing this because I want some pressure and accountability. I’m doing this to spark something in someone else that they never knew was inside of them. I’m doing this to learn and to be a better person.
I’ve never swam more than 0.1 miles without stopping and the reality that I will be swimming in open water for 1.2 miles followed by 56 miles of cycling (which I’ve never done) and 13.1 miles of running (which I’ve never done) is daunting. But that’s the fun part.
I’m doing this to show you that fear and hesitation don’t have to stop you. I’m doing this to show you that whatever it is you want, you can get. I’m doing this to show you that struggle brings strength. I’m doing this to show you that mind matters.
I’m doing this for you.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to @coach.samtooley for inspiring me from a distance and pushing me over the edge to pull the trigger. I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank my beautiful fiancé for encouraging me to do this race on her birthday and for always supporting me in everything that I do. I should also thank Megan Hoffman (also doing the race) for nudging me to sign up!
Thanks for reading!
Joe Rinaldi
IG: @joearinaldi
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Joe, you are a good man. I fought the feeling of having to challenge myself all my life. After I volunteered for the Marine Corps., I realized that I could get hurt or worse still, killed. Now I’ve taken to sitting in my recliner and just strengthening my mind, when I’m awake, that is. I salute you and wish you the very best.