I had a full (140.6-mile) Ironman on my bucket list for years. I knew getting it done would require focus and hitting pause on many things I also enjoy. While training, you don’t have a lot of free time, and you really don’t want to get injured. I like biking, runs with friends, and jumping in the lake, but I had never attempted a triathlon (of any distance). I finally decided to sign up for the races and get to work. For 50 weeks, I poured myself into it. I set my daily alarm for 4:30 a.m., and followed my training plan. One year later, I crossed every finish line in the plan. It’s an amazing feeling to hear your name and the words, “you are an Ironman.”