Puffing to Pedaling...More About Me

Over the past few months, I have had several people continue to ask additional questions about why I am interested in completing an event such as Ironman. For many who know me and now for those who haven't known me as long, I was an avid smoker until 4 years ago. I can recall numerous days when even though I wanted to get out and run, I couldn't because I couldn't catch my breath to run to the mailbox. I did well to make it running around the block without listening to my lungs whistle random tunes back at me in opposition of cardiovascular activity.

So, I eventually made the decision to quit. I did great for almost 8 months despite the emotional struggles associated with the weight gain that often accompanies smoking cessation. I fell off the wagon and started back on New Year's Eve at the conclusion of 2005. I decided that after 8 months of not smoking any cigarettes, I could easily smoke one cigarette and get away with it...that was a mistake. I smoked for several months after having "just one" cigarette before quitting again. I have continued to resist the urge despite the numerous stressful times in my daily tasks (i.e., driving, work) that I have wanted nothing more than to step outside and have "just one" one last time.

With that said, I had to find another outlet...something healthy to replace something terribly unhealthy and both psychologically and physically addictive. First came running or should I saw shuffling along while others ran miserably slow beside me to keep pace with me. Then, I found cycling and it began to open up a whole new world for me. I had ridden a bike before but would often stop, get off the bike, smoke a cigarette and hope back on to continue down the trails. This time I truly found cycling and it's purpose and place in my daily life. I love the freedom that comes with riding out on the open roads, I love the friendships I've made as a result of being part of a cycling group/community and I love the competition and challenge that defines being able to identify myself as a "triathlete" now. All of these things have changed my perspective on smoking (that's not to say I don't miss it from time to time), healthy living, lifestyle choices, etc.

It is these reasons and factors that contribute to who I am and my ultimate goal of completing an Ironman. As I watched friends cross the finish line last year in IM events, I heard those words that still echo over and over in my mind during any tough workout or while icing any injury...to hear the announcer loudly and proudly say, "Tonya Lewis, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!"...that's why I am doing it...it's the icing on the cake in this phase of my journey.