Last week, I signed up for Ironman Utah, which will take place in St. George on May 1, 2010. A lot of friends have asked me why I feel compelled to run a full 26.2 mile marathon after cycling 112 hilly miles after swimming 2.4 miles. To be honest, it took me a few days to be able to answer that question myself but now, in the wake of my impetuous registration, I'll explain.

Years ago, I was introduced to the books and recordings of Jim Rohn, one of the preeminent business philosophers and speakers of our day. In one of his talks about becoming a millionaire, he makes the point that such a quest should never be about the million dollars because the money is simply a byproduct of the process. The primary driver should be about becoming the type of person who is worthy of joining the millionaires club.

Along those same lines, on January 1, 2007 I decided that I would make a New Year's resolution to get back in shape. I had let myself gain 70 pounds after high school and I wasn't happy about it. I forced myself to run and eventually signed up for a half marathon that October (my first race over 3.1 miles). Once that goal was behind me, I signed up for a full marathon the following March and then I set my sights on running a faster marathon to qualify for Boston. Last week, a triathlete friend who has been helping me learn to improve on the bike was egging me on to sign up for IM Utah and one thing he said really struck a chord with me. He told me that, while next month's Boston Marathon is exciting for me right now, I need to set higher goals for 2010. I thought about that and it resonated with me. I have always looked up to my friends who are able to do full Ironman triathlons...propelling yourself 140.6 miles under your own power seems incredible to me. Yet, it's not about the swimming, biking and running. It's about becoming the type of person who can complete an Ironman. Thankfully, I will be joined by at least ten friends who have also signed up, which will make for a truly unforgettable experience.

So, as a guy who was overweight two years ago, had never done more than a 5K a year and a half ago, did his first marathon a year ago, didn't qualify for Boston until six months ago, had never ridden more than 10 miles on a bike until four months ago and still doesn't know how to swim, I urge you to find the courage to set a goal that will transform you over time. It's not about the goal. It's about becoming someone new every year.