SwimBikeRunStLouis

Events Wish List

Do you have a "to do" list and I don't mean a job jar.  You know, a catalog of events you'd love to do someday that become those epic moments in our sporting lives that we can look back on for a lifetime with fondness or pride.  I'm certain you do, whether in your dreams or on paper.

One of the great things about what we do as swimmers, bikers, runners, and such, is that there is a virtual cornucopia of events from which to choose, and boy do they run the gamut : runs, bike tours, triathlons, adventure races, mountain biking, and much, much more.  Factor in venues found all around the globe and the choices become staggering.  Are you compelled by an event?  How about the destination?  Maybe both?

For the moment, suspend your disbelief and dare to think big.  Where would you like to go and what would you love to do.  How about events you may actually find yourself a part of with a little luck or hard work.  I've assembled my list in no particular order.  Some may find their way on your list and others may have a special significance to me lost on everyone else.  That's the beauty of it.  It's highly personalized.  So, here goes.

Hawaiian Ironman - Safe to say that this one makes most of our lists.  It offers an exotic locale, a high degree of difficulty, and the lifetime title of "Ironman" that no one can take away.  The race is a pilgrimage for any triathlete sufficiently lucky or good enough to gain entry.  There are other Ironman races, and some perhaps more difficult, but there is only one original Big Kahuna.  This one's a no-brainer but just tell me what I need to do to get there, short of offering human sacrifice to Pele.

Boston Marathon - Anytime time you can say you did Boston, people instantly acknowledge you as a real runner.  There are few things as satisfying for a runner, when the conversation turns to running, than to say, "When I did Boston last time."  Maybe it's part and parcel of the qualifying standards that determine who gets a pass.  It's been around for a 100 plus years and is renowned for its super spectator support and enthusiasm.  This Mecca is a must do for any serious long-distance runner and easily makes my list, hands down.

RAGBRAI - This mid-western bike ride across the state of Iowa draws cyclists from all over the country.  It isn't for the scenery, nor is it about the challenge.  Bottom line on this one is the week-long party on wheels.  Why else would anyone endure the hog farms, hills, and headwind?  I may not become an annual returnee, but I'd like to put a tick mark next to it on my list.  Hydration fluid of choice would most likely be Bud Light. 

Ride Across America (RAM) - Now this one definitely is about the challenge.  Dipping a wheel in both oceans in three week's time is some serious riding.  It's not to be confused with RAAM which is the Race Across America.  In my mind, just getting from one coast to the other without racing would be fine with me.  Much like consuming an elephant, it is a monumental task taken in small bites, but eventually they add up and boom you're there.  A subsequent conversation may start something like this :  "So, what did you do on your  vacation?"  To which you might reply, "Oh, I went on a bike ride."

Tour de France -  Le Tour's accompanying citizen rides and races precede the big boys to each stage's finish line.  They allow you to be both participant and spectator on the same day.  For a cyclist, what more hallowed ground?  For the spectator, what grander stage?  For any American, a chance to see what our car-crazy country will never become.  For the endurance athlete, an opportunity to see some of the finest cardio-vascular systems in the world at work.  And for anyone, a chance to watch history unfold.

USAT World Championships - To the Olympic distance triathlete, this is the penultimate. Becoming a member of Team USA via the qualifiers is a huge honor and a  massive achievement when you weigh the competition.   Worlds have been held in the U.S., Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Switzerland, and other countries.  The event pits athletes duking it out for individual age-group world titles and rival countries competing in Olympic fashion.  A week's worth of festivities, tremendous atmosphere and team  camaraderie in an otherwise individual sport make for an unforgettable experience.

Xterra World Championships - Like the Ironman, this triathlon takes place in Hawaii.  Unlike Ironman, bring your mountain bike, Maui is the island of choice, the race isn't 141 miles, and though a tough ticket, half of human-kind isn't fighting to get in, just yet.  Still, a way cool event in paradise.  Maybe I'll reconsider the human sacrifice thing after all.

That's my short-list seven, but I could have made it miles longer......Escape From Alcatraz, Peachtree Classic 10k, Bay To Breakers Run, Marathons : Paris, London, Honolulu, and NYC,    Ironman New Zealand,  Ride the Rockies, Raid Gauloise, and on and on and on. 

Let me know if you have one I missed.  I'm sure I'll think of others to add as well.  Don't be afraid to feed your passion and think outside the lines of your neighborhood 5k run.  Maybe an anonymous pearl of wisdom to sum things up would be appropriate here.  A wise man once said, "We all die but  few of us live."