It's all relative

Is it just me, or do you get embarrassed telling someone you are doing an Ironman?

I'm not downplaying Ironman because I know it's a huge accomplishment, and I know not everyone can do it, and I know how much I have to sacrifice to do it... but it kind of overwhelms me with embarrassment when I tell someone I'm doing an Ironman and they freak out. Like bugged eyed, lip snarled, voice jumped up an octive or two (+ cracked) type of freak out.

Sure, there are some folks that don't know what it means to do an Ironman and there are those that think I do triathletes. It's the ones that know and make a big deal, that embarrass me.

Yes, I know I'm crazy! Yes, I know that's ridiculous! Yes, swim, bike, and then run. Yes, ALL IN ONE DAY! I'm not quite sure... I guess I'd have to agree that the human body probably wasn't made to do that!

I cringe inside having to explain what Ironman is while they gasp at the absurdity of it. I guess because it just makes me feel silly. Silly because I made the choice to do it. And because when you make me break it down it is a bit absurd.

But the way I see it, it's all relative.

Here's why:

• I'm doing my third Ironman in 7 years... I have friends that do 3 in a year.
• I'm on my bike for 5 hours one fine Saturday morning, but I know some of you who are in the water surfing for just as long without a break.
• I know my hobby is crazy, but I would also say it's crazy sitting for 3 hours pasting gems on construction paper for a scrapbook.

My point is... we all got our "crazy" thing. So, I'll try not to drop my jaw at your crazy addiction to scrapbooking/dancing/surfing/remodeling/shopping/golfing/football watching/etc., as long as you do the same when I tell you I'm doing a triathlete (I mean, an Ironman).