Sunday, October 4, 2009

maiden blog post


Well after maybe a year and a half of being signed up for blogger and never posting anything, I have finally decided to make my initial, maiden blog post, prior to my maiden voyage to Hawaii for the Ford Ironman World Championship. I had previously considered posting some race reports and getting this thing off of the ground, but they never seemed significant enough to venture into this unknown world, of which I was uncertain whether I was either creative or interesting enough to inhabit. I am sure the creativity question will bear itself out in time; however I hope this big upcoming adventure in Hawaii may be sufficient for satisfying others’ interest.


The race now is 6 days out, and itself is just part of a much more profound trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. The entourage and I leave at 6am Wednesday morning for about 17.5 hours of travel before arriving in Kona Wednesday afternoon. My bike is already on its way, having been sent out on Friday and is now at a FedEx location in Memphis awaiting its flight over to HI tomorrow morning.



I think everything really started to sink in a little bit more once the bike was packed up in the bike box to start the journey. I haven’t really packed anything else, but how hard could it be? I’m only going to Hawaii, and the way I see it I’ll only need my racing gear, one pair of shorts and shirt, flipflops, and board shorts!


In reality it will be much more complicated than that, but I’ll spare you the gruesome and meticulous details. There will be plenty of time and future blog posts for that! Though as I previously alluded, I am still trying to come to terms with this trip and the magnitude of it, but with each passing day it is becoming more real and the excitement is building as well. I actually did a live radio interview with KDKA’s Rob Pratte this morning, detailing my training, the upcoming race, and my involvement with a great charity, Ballou Skies. While I must say that I was fairly nervous doing this, it wasn’t quite as nerve-wracking as I expected and actually pretty fun. Maybe this experience will help to prepare me for the circus that I have heard is Ironman week in Kona. Time will tell!


In any case, I will be posting along the way from Kona in the lead-up and following the big dance. I would like to thank my wonderful girlfriend Jocelyn, my family and friends, all of my training partners, and sponsors for helping me to get to where I am now, the doorstep of the biggest triathlon in the world. I couldn’t have done it without you and am forever thankful and grateful for your love, friendship, and support. However the best is still to come, and race-day and the biggest weekend of my life is less than a week away!

12 comments:

Jocelyn Cornman said...

It will be an incredible adventure : )

Jocelyn Cornman said...

cant wait for the plane ride (he-he )
guess who ???

James Thornton said...

excellent inaugural blog, Jeremy.

best wishes for a great race but an even greater life together with the loveliest jocelyn that ever was:
our jocelyn!

Sunray said...

Congrats, Jeremy! (And Jocelyn, since I'm sure you were a huge help, and, as I understand, qualified for HI as well, which is an amazing achievement!) Best of luck in Hawaii for a solid finish and an awesome adventure! -Lisa

Jess said...

How exciting. What an incredible accomplishment. I can only imagine how you must feel! I hope the entire experience is everything you've anticipated and much more. I look forward to reading about it.

Chad Holderbaum said...

Looking forward Jeremy to reading about your Hawaii adventure. I wish we were with you guys.

Remember to live in the moment and race your own race.

Jen and I are both very proud of you.

Now go knuckle up and get ready to kick some ass on the Queen K!

Bill White said...

I really hope you have a great weekend. It is going to be fun no matter what happens. I wish we could all be there to share it with you but since we can't we do expect your updates and pictures!

Beth said...

Jeremy!! So glad you have started a blog so I can follow along on your journey. I think blogging will be more than you could ever imagine.

Of course so will Kona. Wishing you the very, very best. We'll be thinking of you all day. Be Great Jeremy. That's all there is to it.

Kim said...

I'm so glad you started a blog so we all could tag along! It is an amazing journey and be sure to enjoy every second of it! You are well prepared so I know you're going to do very well! We will all be thinking of you and wishing you the best of luck.

Barb said...

Can't wait for the short plane ride and of course race day . . .if you look as solid as you did in Kentucky, this race will be all good! And of course, nothing will prepare you for becoming an official member of the Smith family on Sunday - good luck with that one!

Unknown said...

Best wishes on your race Jeremy. I also pray that when you have your wedding Sunday everything will go well and be just beautiful. I am sure you two make a wonderful couple. I am thankful that Jocelyn is at NBES and I highly value her friendship. She is a great girl:) Be safe...

Unknown said...

Good luck Jeremy! I'm sure you will do great. I'm so happy for you and Jocey... hope you guys have a beautiful wedding day!