This post could have a lot of different titles. "Old School," "We're Not Worthy," "Double Tough," and "It Takes All Kinds" are some of the options I considered. They all apply, and the reasons why will become quite apparent.
This past week, the video of IM Louisville highlights arrived. My kids love it, and we've watched it several times. One remarkable portion of the video shows the man pictured here. His name is Joe. And he is one double tough, old school Ironman.
He is a 42-year old laborer from Memphis, Tennessee. He finished IMKY in just over 16 hours. Many would say those are some fairly common characteristics, far from remarkable. Then again, I've seen the video and searched out a few pictures for further consideration.
Consider Joe on the bike...
There are a couple of notable items about Joe on the bike. First, note that he is on an old school road bike. No aero bars. No aero fork. One water bottle cage. For that matter, a close look at the pedals will reveal that not only aren't they clipless, they appear to be cageless.
Many of us talk about going low tech when we leave our heart rate monitors at home. Joe seems to have taken a step back toward the original Ironman competitors, completing the event using very basic equipment.
If you still question whether that makes him "double tough," look at his "bike kit." Yes, those are jean shorts. And a standard cotton t-shirt. I don't know about you, but I sometimes find spandex tri-shorts a bit course for my liking over the course of 112 miles. I cannot imagine completing long rides wearing cotton.
Joe didn't change much for the run. He traded his cycling helmet in for the Ironman hat, and may have switched shirts. He wore the same jean shorts from the bike onto the run. And he kept moving.
It was very apparent from the video that Joe impressed and motivated the people who saw him on the course. On the bike course, the video crew started filming one lady, and she pointed out Joe saying they should film him, instead. They did.
Later, the film crew caught up with Joe on the run. They asked if he had heard many comments about his shorts. Joe did what many of us would have done on the run. He kept going and may not have even heard the cameraman.
Another competitor on the run commented that Joe showed just how tough he is because in addition to completing the Ironman, he put up with the constant questions about his attire. I don't know how many questions Joe might have faced, but I am sure everyone who saw him was amazed he would go into an Ironman using such basic equipment.
The variety of competitors is part of what makes triathlon so popular. Participants cross the spectrum of training, equipment, background, and ability. And in Ironman, the pinnacle of the sport, everyday laborers such as Joe can compete with superstars such as Chris McDonald and Heather Gollnick. The winners demonstrated their toughness by finishing first. Joe showed his toughness by kickin' it, OLD SCHOOL.
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