Why Would Anyone Do Such a Thing?

Pushed to the edge.

The first time I heard of it was the spring of 1983 in Houston, Texas.

At first I dismissed the idea out of hand because it was just not believable. Not possible. But my young work colleague Mike Murphy matter-of-factly mentioned it more than once.

Mike was a credible, straight-laced guy, which forced me to confront my disbelief.

He was planning to go to Alaska to do it himself. I did some homework to research what he was talking about. I can’t remember how I finally determined the truth of it because the internet and cell phones didn’t exist at the time. Somehow it became clear Mike wasn’t kidding.

He was going to compete in an Ironman event. An every-man-for-himself race which involved a 2.4-mile open ocean swim followed by a 112-mile bike segment capped off with running a full 26.2-mile marathon. All back to back in a single, unfathomable effort.

A Small Gesture for a Giant Effort

I was broke at the time but so enamored with Mike’s odyssey that I had a bouquet of flowers delivered to his motel room after the race as a show of support. It just didn’t seem right that a human accomplishment like that would go unrecognized in some far-off place.

Nowadays, “triathlons” are a real thing. Listen carefully though. Most of them are watered-down “half” or “relay” events. Only a rare few individuals like my nephew Dylan (and his remarkable new wife!) are physically and mentally capable of real Ironmans.

So, Why Would Anyone Do It?

Back to the question: why would anyone do such a thing?

Not for money because there isn’t any, except for expenses which can be considerable. Not for fame. Can you name a single Ironman winner? Not for career advantage because training competes with work for time and energy. Not for love because one is mostly alone in their agony, both training and competing.

There must be a deeper, intrinsic reason. Some force related to self-discovery. Or perhaps personal growth or accomplishment.

Writing Is Like That

Believe me on this one. There are innumerable reasons to not put yourself out there as a writer. No one cares, which brings its own sort of pain. It takes time and effort leading to nowhere in particular. You are really not very good when compared to the best. Just don’t do it. It is much easier that way.

Unless… well, here we are again. Back to the question: why would anyone do such a thing?

Like faith, perhaps we need not understand to follow our heart.

We can follow an inner voice not our own, which mysteriously guides us towards who we are.

With love and support,
Craig

Craig A. Williamson
Lessons from Addiction
lessonsfromaddiction.com

📖 Read my book, Regarding Substance Abuse & Addiction, where I share real-world insights from firsthand experience - losing my only son to addiction.