" A True Ironman" Monologue- Shaheed Williams

Am I ready? Hell yea, I’m ready. Never knew a time when I wasn’t, that’s why I’m the one that’s going to come out on top. I’m the underdog and it’s underdog season (laughs). All these guys here, I’ll dust them, no doubt about it. (Coach speaks) I know I know, I lost last year and the year before that, and before that year but I’m going to win this year. (Clenches fist)

And Imma beat that asshole Jerr- er um Terry or whatever his name is. I swear that man is a cheater, did you see his cavs last year? They were bigger than my head! And bro, you already know I got a big ass head! He’s a steroid abuser, I’m telling you. , I don’t know how he be passing the drug tests. Maybe because he’s rich and he paid off the people running the event or somethi- (pauses) Speak of the devil and he shall appear, look who decided to show up. It’s Jerry Terry.

Did he just smile at me?! I’m really going to embarrass this man in this race. Give me my Redbull and my Fruit Snacks, that’s all I need right now (Starts doing jumping jacks). Ok Joseph calm down. It’s not worth mad getting over. If I mess this race up, who knows how long until my brother Jacob has until his condition is permanent. How much time we got until the Ironman race, coach? 5 minutes? Aard, cool. I’ll be famous, ya know, if I win this race., Nno...I will win this.. I have to. I have to win this for my bestfriend, my ‘lil bro, my partner in crime. This race means a lot to our family. Our dad did this Ironman race, the hardest marathon in the world, and won. Ever since he passed, my bro and I have been working our asses off to live up to his name. My brother got hospitalized in last year’s race by falling off a cliff. Nearly worked himself to death and almost got paralyzed.

Those medical bills are crazy expensive, there’s no way my family can afford that ever since my dad passed. That’s why I have to do whatever it takes to win. Restore my family’s fame and my brother’s body. I’ll never resort to cheating or drug enhancements. That’s not what my father would have want. Oh wait, past me my phone. Yea, I need to call Jacob and see how’s he holding up.( Dials number)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Hey Jacob, it’s me Joseph. I know you're probably sleeping right now, so I’ll leave you this voicemail. Just know I’m about to whoop some ass in this triathlon. It’s beautiful out here, Hawaii is definitely amazing, just like how Dad use to describe it. Remember that day he came home from his Ironman race? He walked in the house with the brightest smile on his face. And with that Golden medal. That day me and you both knew ever since then, we wanted to be just like Dad. (Laughs) Look where that dead bastard got us now. Well,I got a minute until the race starts. Love u bro, this one's for you. (hangups)

Any advice Coach (Pause) Alright, just stay in my A-game and I have to remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Anything el- Terry keeps staring at me and smiling. He really pissing me off. (Pauses) He’s doing that on purpose to annoy me and to distract me from my real goal. I’m not going to let him distract me no more, I just need to focus on winning. For myself, for my family’s pride.. For my brother. I’m ready coach, this race is mine and I’m not losing.