Week 15

While training for Ironman Cozumel, I have had the great pleasure of riding with some of the best athletes in the city. These individuals range from elite athletes all the way to first timers like me.

But when I think about all of the people I have met during long rides, no one quite stands out like Jay Farr. And on Saturday, October 13th he is competing at Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawai'i.

Known for its brutal winds and scorching heat, Kona is without a doubt the most difficult test of the human body and spirit ever conceived.  

Every year, thousands of age group athletes compete in the Ironman races across the globe with the hopes of finishing high enough in their age group to be awarded a coveted race slot to compete at Kona.

In May, many of my friends raced at Ironman Texas in The Woodlands. Some say that IMTX, as it is known in the tri community, was designed to be a proving grounds for Kona. It's an extremely hot race and nutrition plays a key role in one's success at IMTX.

Jay qualified for Kona at IMTX after a 6 month training program. Accepting a Kona slot meant a short 2-3 weeks of recovery time before rolling right back into Ironman training. 

I met Jay on his last long ride before he dropped off his bike to be shipped to Kona. He and another friend of ours, Stephanie, had mapped out a great ride out in Fulshear, to be followed immediately by beer and BBQ.

Jay is absolutely consistent. My friend and I would ride ahead and when we would back down for a quick water break, Jay would catch us and take the lead. 

Many of y'all have said to me "I could never do what you are doing." And I always respond the same way... You absolutely CAN do ANYTHING you set your mind to!

The next time you tell yourself that you can't do something, think of Jay.

He turned 70 this year. 

Coverage of this year's Ironman World Championships can be found here..http://ironmanworldchampionship.com/
You can track Jay's progress online. He is Bib # 188.

GO JAY!! :-)