SOS, a call of distress anyway you look at it

SOS is the commonly used description for the international Morse code distress signal (· · · — — — · · ·). This distress signal was first adopted by the German government in radio regulations effective April 1, 1905, and became the worldwide standard under the second International Radiotelegraphic Convention, which was signed on November 3, 1906 and became effective on July 1, 1908. SOS remained the maritime radio distress signal until 1999, when it was replaced by the Global Maritime Distress Safety System. SOS is still recognized as a visual distress signal. When you talk about distress, then you have to include the SOS of triathlons, Survival of Shawangunks.

Years ago, I read about a triathlon that, frankly, sounded like it was just for die hard, crazy triathletes. However, that was my reaction when I first learned of the distances associated with the Ironman triathlon too, but that ultimately seemed "reasonable" with greater experience and fewer brain cells. Well, in 2001 I thought that it was time to head to triathlon's SOS. The race directors don't even permit you to register, unless you have completed a Half Ironman distance within 2 years and under 7 hours, all within reach for this IM finisher. I qualified by completing the Eagleman triathlon in Cambridge, Maryland in June and was on my to "The Gunks" for the September event.

Several family members made the trek to New Paltz, NY, and we had a glorious day, sunny and just right for a morning bike, run, swim, run, swim, run, swim, and final run to the top of the Mohonk Mountain overlook. It all ended about 6-7 hours later, when we had the good fortune of sitting down to a chicken barbecue. Each of the participants was given a finisher's plaque commemorating the event, very cool indeed.

Yes, I have been fortunate to have participated in dozens of triathlons over the years, starting with my first at the Lawrence YMCA's triathlon in 1985. The distances may vary, but the feeling of exhilaration after completing each one has been the same, awesome. I am just so grateful that I have been a part of the triathlon movement, both literally and figuratively. There have been a few personal achievements along the way, but most importantly, it's been the involvement of both family and friends that has made it all worthwhile. If it wasn't for that, I'd be putting a message in bottle right now and sending out an SOS, and thankfully, the only distress call that I get from doing triathlons these days comes from my tired, old body!