On the eve of my 20-week training plan for the inaugural Alaskaman Extreme Triathlon, I can't help but think what I have experienced since living in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I live in an awesome, hugely active community. From early April to mid October, I could race every weekend and not travel more than an hour. Whether it is a 5K run, half or full marathon, cycling event, triathlon, open water swim or whatever, this community embraces an active lifestyle. I know it has changed the way I approach my triathlon season. I have completed more than 125 triathlons in my life, including 11 full Ironman events and a dozen half ironman events. My decision to do Alaskaman was to go back to what that distance was all about -- what are we made of when all we have are the elements itself. I look forward to the challenge of seeing what I am capable of doing. I look forward to experiencing Alaska in its most raw, difficult form. I look forward to being one of the first to complete the first ever. Let the journey begin... with a dive into the cold water (and yes, that is me diving into the water at the start of a triathlon last year).