This summer, I decided to join the Ironman competition in Canada.  In order to safely finish the Ironman competition, I had to train a lot over the summer.  As a result, I swam, cycled and ran.
 
To date, I have completed 14 Ironman competitions; I am a pure amateur.  My best record in an Ironman was at the German Ironman during the summer of 2009.  During the swimming portion of the race, and for a distance of 3.8 km, my record was 1 hour 10 minutes.  During the cycling portion of the race, and for a distance of 180 km, my record was 5 hours 35 minutes.  During the running portion of the race, and for a distance of 42.195 km, which is a full course marathon, my record was 4 hours 40 minutes.  In total, my overall completion time was 11 hours 25 minutes.  My goal was less than 13 hours; I had to achieve the goal, and I made it!

As  I grow older, I think completing the Ironman without injury is a more important goal rather than achieving a new record.  When competing in an Ironman, during the middle of the race, I will often ask myself, “why am I doing this hard and painful race?”  But when I pass the finish line, everything looks beautiful, fantastic; thus, I feel happy.  I think I am an addicted to the Ironman!