I don't remember where exactly we were or even what time of year it was. I don't remember who all was there, or even how the conversation started but I remember this; Ryan aka Buckwild said "we should do an ironman!" I don't remember my response either but I am sure it involved some hysterical laughing, some kind of self deprecating and possibly scornful humor directed at whoever was involved in the conversation. Then, by my memory it was dropped. Until Ryan sent out an email some time later which included some rumblings about ironman. I don't have the email but I am sure it included the following:
- The words "bucket list"
- Other catch phrases like "best shape of our lives", "not getting any younger", "best friends as training partners" etc
- The recipient list included the only three other people whom I consider _______ enough (fill in as you feel fit) to randomly decide to join in such an "adventure" and they were: Chris Stewart, Dave French, and Chad Hill. There were others but we knew it was about the five of us.
- Some story about someone Ryan knows which is a prerequisite to each of Ryan's stories.
- And finally the year and location. Canada 2013.
I didn't know it at the time but Ryan later told me "nobody responded, not even a single no". I believe I said something to the effect of "well that's your answer". I may have told Ryan in that conversation that there was no way I could do an ironman in 2013 but if he would wait a year I would consider it.
To be continued...