After having successfully completed Ironman Canada this past August 26, 2001, I had some time to reflect on what a wonderful but bittersweet year 2001 had been thus far.  It had been so full of ups and downs for everyone in the country and the whole world.

Within the Ironteam 2001, each of us also had our individual challenges to tackle, but we all stuck with each other to make the 10-month training program, plus the actual Ironman event, a huge success.  It's in this reflection, looking back into those months, that I have decided to do it again.  This time, I'm increasing the challenge which is to somehow obtain an entry to, and participate in, Hawaii Ironman 2002.  Equally important, I would like to be of good value to my new teammates as their honoree, a fellow trainee, and friend.

Training with the Ironteam 2002 for me will be both easier and harder at the same time.  It will be easier in the sense that I know what it will take and that I've done it before.  It will be harder in the sense that because I am no longer in remission with my Leukemia treatments, I will be experiencing fatigue and chronic tiredness throughout my training.  Still, I know that nothing is insurmountable and that I have faith that new "miracle drugs" will be discovered in the near future.  That's why we are fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, right?  RIGHT.

Below is my attempt to chronicle my training experience with this year's Ironteam.  Here is my own typical workout week:

10/14/01, Sunday: Ironteam 2002 Kickoff Meeting:

The Ironteam 2002 kickoff meeting started with a classroom-type of lecture covering the details of the entire upcoming 10-month season.

11/04/01, Sunday: First swim/run Workout, Gunderson Pool, San Jose.