Muskoka Half Ironman

Going into this venture I had two main objectives:

• To complete the training program and race in good form without creating any long term injuries.  I think I can say this was accomplished as was evidenced by me waterskiing the following day for the first time in 26 years.
• To not take away from my family or work responsibilities.  On the family front, Valerie says that I have not skipped a beat and has encouraged me to continue on.  In terms of work, I feel that I’ve become more focused and productive as the demands have increased.  But each of you must be the judge of this.

Feeling good about this accomplishment and looking back on the process made me see similarities in how we build and talk about retirement plans.  At its core, we need to have a goal to work backwards from.  There are no straight lines in achieving our goals but a thought-out plan provides the best roadmap to get there.  We then measure success not on a rate of return or on our ranking.  Instead, we look at whether we achieved our personal goal – in the case of retirement, did we achieve our goal of having sufficient savings for a dignified retirement with a positive spirit and good health.

Many of you sent me notes of encouragement leading up to the race. I thank you. They charged me up with enthusiasm.  My boys, Eliot and Julien, also got on board and helped cheer me on and asked me such pointed questions as: “Dad, you were so slow at the end.  Why?  I could easily go faster than you.”

Now, after a week of physical rest, my mind and body are eager to get moving.  I am reinvigorated to tackle the full Ironman next summer.  Between us, it continues to feel out of reach.  That discomfort, I feel, is an indication that I’m on the right track to push myself out of my comfort zone and achieve something I never thought possible.  I look forward to the challenge.

I hope you are enjoying the summer.

Bryan