Imagining Ironman by John Dapper

John at 2010 Kiawah Marathon

Coach Mary asked us on Wednesday whether any of us had an Ironman dream, yet. Surprisingly, no one chirped　up. Perhaps we are all sleeping too soundly!

　

While I have not dreamed about the Ironman experience, I think about it all of the time. Not because I have anxiety about the event. I know that I will be ready.　

　

I think about the training, the pre-big event events (Rev-3, Augusta, the open water 5k swims), I wonder if I washed enough clothes for the up coming work outs, when will I eat so that I have digested in time for the next workout, etc.

　

I also think about the event weekend. I usually do this while training. Depending on the workout, I imagine myself doing that particular sport in Tempe with throngs of spectators cheering me on including my daughter there in person and my father watching in spirit. I imagine myself flying on the course, exceeding expectations.

　

As much as I imagine my own event, I imagine　our Team there in Tempe, each having a great day. I wonder what we will say to each other as we swim, bike, or run past each other on the course. I imagine holding back tears as I see Jane on the course and the pride wells up inside me. I imagine the big smiles of Mike and Mary as we pass by them on the course with each lap. At times, I imagine the team cheering for me as I　come though the finishing shoot. At other times I imagine the team, cald in purple jumping up and down, screaming as our last TNT finisher completes their 140.6 adventure.

　

I am sure that there will be dreams. I am sure that they will be epic. I am sure that those dreams will pale to what this experience has and will continue to be.
　

Proud to be your teammate.

John

John Dapper is a long-time Team In Training alumnus that has been involved with several TNT chapters, not just Georgia. He's been a mentor, a coach and he is now chasing the dream of completing an Ironman triathlon with the TEAM which will be his 36th TNT event.

The Era of the TNT Georgia IronTeam Begins

Picture yourself standing at the water's edge with 2,000 other neoprene clad competitors. The PA announcer is shouting out last minute instructions and words of encouragement. Media helicopters are flying over head. Some around you are still, calmly waiting, while others chatter anxiously. Meanwhile, you feel goose bumps from the excitement, but you know you are prepared for the task at hand. Suddenly the gun goes off and the time has come, you take a deep breath and charge ahead into the water knowing that you have a full day ahead of you. This is how it starts, but not how it begins...

It begins with Team In Training (TNT) and the new IronTeam program. TNT alumni and participants who wish to train and prepare for a full Ironman-distance triathlon will now be able to do so with the TEAM! Our first event is the 2011 Ironman Arizona in Tempe, AZ. 

Our IronTeam program offers you the opportunity to take on the triple challenge to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and run 26.2 miles, all while making a difference in the lives of people battling cancer. 

The first ever TNT IronTeam Georgia information meeting was held on Sunday, August 15, 2010. Over fifty aspiring IronTeam triathletes attended to hear TNT IronTeam coaches Mary Doyle and Mike Gaw explain what they could expect in the next 15 months until the event. Check out the videos below.

Training starts in January 2011 and if you want to be a part of the team, you can contact the TNT office at (404) 720-7842. Or if you weren't at the August Interst Meeting, you can attend the next IronTeam Interest Meeting on Sunday, October 24th, 2010 at 2:00pm at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Georgia office. Go TEAM!