Working it out.
Okay. I'm going to put this out in cyberspace in hopes of rambling through things and providing a little bit of clarity for myself (I often find it's easier to make decisions when it's all laid out in front of you). And, if you want to chip in with a few thoughtless thoughts from your neck of the woods to provide additional clarity...or just psychobabble...then go for it.
I should begin by saying that this a post that will inevitably irritate my dear, sweet mum.
Sorry mom. That's just the way it is.
But the thought of the big 140.6 is something that has been looming in my brain for quite some time. I've caught the tri bug...and I want it all. I go back and forth quite often...do i do it now...do i do it later...which one do i do...and so on. And every once in a while, it'll keep me up late at night. The past couple of weeks I've had a few of those nights. They're becoming increasingly more frequent.
I'm at the point where I'm at least able to answer one of those questions.
I know which one I want to call my first (and potentially my last)...
Coeur d'Alene.
There's something that draws me to this course...maybe it's my inner tree hugger? I dunno. But after doing all the reading about every last IM course out there...this is the one that calls to me. Like I'm supposed to be there with Mike Reilly beckoning me to the finish line. Hills and all. I can actually hear his voice with my name being shouted. It's quite a chilling feeling.
I know, I know...why am I even thinking about this when the 70.3 freaks me out.
Yeah, I can be a bit overdramatic (puh-leese, you know it's true). I'll be fine in the 70.3 (i think). I know this. But the overzealous, panicky nerves, borderline vomiting moments are what make me me. It's just par for the course with training. I freak myself out in the process of training...I doubt myself...put all of these stipulations and pressure on my performance (remember the deal with myself with last year's 20 miler?)...and somehow it all comes out okay in the end. It's been this way the past 3 marathons and an ultramarathon (albeit a slow one). And I survived all of those, didn't I?
So...back to my mom. After each one of of these aforementioned big races she'll make some sweet, endearing comment along the lines of...when are you going to stop running around and start having babies?
In due time, mom. In due time.
Not that there's anything wrong with her asking. Because there's not. She just like to keep reminding me that she's not getting any younger (and apparently she forgets that I'm not either).
Who's to say that I'll be physically able to do an Ironman in 10 years? Or have the time to train for one in 5? On the flip side, who's to say that I'll even be able to have kids in the next few years as well?
So many unknowns.
If anything, would having kids make this a bigger challenge with having to juggle training, work and a full family? I'm not saying that Mike and I aren't a family, because we are...but he gets the demand of training since he's living it right now. And it's not like I have to change his diapers and babysit him around the clock to make sure he's not putting M&M's up his nose--although that would be a sight to see.
So...what I'm trying to figure out...is CDA09 the best option for me? Or does it get tabled until 2016? I don't really see there as being any "in between" opportunities to train with the respect that the Iron distance demands.
I've got a few weeks to work it out.
This year, CDA is the week after the Kansas 70.3. And with the loss of the April IMAZ, CDA will sell out faster than it ever has before. So I'd have to be right on the money and sign up when it opens.
Assuming I still love the sport of triathlon after battling the Kansas Ironcross (which is aptly named for its hills and brutal headwind)...and live to tell the tale...do I bite the bullet and register? I'm already training for 1, possibly 2 fall marathons. And so, in theory, there'd be a break for a few weeks before getting back into the grind of the swim-bike-run lifestyle. So the entire base wouldn't be lost.
Mike says he's behind me in whichever I decide. But this isn't just my decision if ya know what I mean. It potentially pushes plans back another 8 months.
Do I want to train through the crappy wintery months of Chicago? No. Not really.
But does the thought of crossing the finish line of Coeur d'Alene and actually hearing Mike Reilly call my name trump the winter training blues?
I think so...
I should begin by saying that this a post that will inevitably irritate my dear, sweet mum.
Sorry mom. That's just the way it is.
But the thought of the big 140.6 is something that has been looming in my brain for quite some time. I've caught the tri bug...and I want it all. I go back and forth quite often...do i do it now...do i do it later...which one do i do...and so on. And every once in a while, it'll keep me up late at night. The past couple of weeks I've had a few of those nights. They're becoming increasingly more frequent.
I'm at the point where I'm at least able to answer one of those questions.
I know which one I want to call my first (and potentially my last)...
Coeur d'Alene.
There's something that draws me to this course...maybe it's my inner tree hugger? I dunno. But after doing all the reading about every last IM course out there...this is the one that calls to me. Like I'm supposed to be there with Mike Reilly beckoning me to the finish line. Hills and all. I can actually hear his voice with my name being shouted. It's quite a chilling feeling.
I know, I know...why am I even thinking about this when the 70.3 freaks me out.
Yeah, I can be a bit overdramatic (puh-leese, you know it's true). I'll be fine in the 70.3 (i think). I know this. But the overzealous, panicky nerves, borderline vomiting moments are what make me me. It's just par for the course with training. I freak myself out in the process of training...I doubt myself...put all of these stipulations and pressure on my performance (remember the deal with myself with last year's 20 miler?)...and somehow it all comes out okay in the end. It's been this way the past 3 marathons and an ultramarathon (albeit a slow one). And I survived all of those, didn't I?
So...back to my mom. After each one of of these aforementioned big races she'll make some sweet, endearing comment along the lines of...when are you going to stop running around and start having babies?
In due time, mom. In due time.
Not that there's anything wrong with her asking. Because there's not. She just like to keep reminding me that she's not getting any younger (and apparently she forgets that I'm not either).
Who's to say that I'll be physically able to do an Ironman in 10 years? Or have the time to train for one in 5? On the flip side, who's to say that I'll even be able to have kids in the next few years as well?
So many unknowns.
If anything, would having kids make this a bigger challenge with having to juggle training, work and a full family? I'm not saying that Mike and I aren't a family, because we are...but he gets the demand of training since he's living it right now. And it's not like I have to change his diapers and babysit him around the clock to make sure he's not putting M&M's up his nose--although that would be a sight to see.
So...what I'm trying to figure out...is CDA09 the best option for me? Or does it get tabled until 2016? I don't really see there as being any "in between" opportunities to train with the respect that the Iron distance demands.
I've got a few weeks to work it out.
This year, CDA is the week after the Kansas 70.3. And with the loss of the April IMAZ, CDA will sell out faster than it ever has before. So I'd have to be right on the money and sign up when it opens.
Assuming I still love the sport of triathlon after battling the Kansas Ironcross (which is aptly named for its hills and brutal headwind)...and live to tell the tale...do I bite the bullet and register? I'm already training for 1, possibly 2 fall marathons. And so, in theory, there'd be a break for a few weeks before getting back into the grind of the swim-bike-run lifestyle. So the entire base wouldn't be lost.
Mike says he's behind me in whichever I decide. But this isn't just my decision if ya know what I mean. It potentially pushes plans back another 8 months.
Do I want to train through the crappy wintery months of Chicago? No. Not really.
But does the thought of crossing the finish line of Coeur d'Alene and actually hearing Mike Reilly call my name trump the winter training blues?
I think so...
Labels: Coeur D'Alene, penny for your thoughts
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 9:14 AM
16 Camper Comments:
Barb, I think I may have said this before and might repeat myself, but have fun right now. I know of people who can juggle both training and kids, but listen to your heart while you are still young. These are years that need make your mark in the world.
As for the race, go get them!!
If it were me, I'd do it before children. Working, raising a family, and the insane training schedule that comes with this type of race do not seem realistic. Children need a lot of energy, love, and attention. And then there is that thing called Mommy guilt. You might find it VERY difficult to leave the children while you train for hours as a time.
For as much as I would love to become an aunt to your babies, I'm willing to wait if it means you can fulfill one of your dreams.
dude....do it now, AND do it later! You are still really young you know. I mean you are only (!!!) 26! (wow lots of exclamation points). Waiting to have kids until you are 27...isn't a huge deal. Hell waiting till you're 30 isn't a big deal.
You have lots of times for kids and big families and all that. If you are leaning to do the big IM, I say do it now. But then again, I'm 28 with no kids yet :-)
I think you are going to get a bug and not turn off the ironmanning, triatheloning bug off once you have a family either so you'll keep up with it after that.
Hey!!! Considering I am already 11 years older then you and you are afraid you physically will not be able to do an IM in ten years, I feel like you are calling me old. :) Let me just say, no worries there.
Of course go for it is the only answer. If you visit my blog there is a video on there from a man named Jim McLaren. Visit and watch the video, Jim says somethng along the lines of "life is to short find what makes you happy and do it." Live life and be sure to touch those closest to you.
I will toe the line at an IM someday but I need to find balance. I have the family issues you talk about. But regardless anything is possible. Don't over think it, if you really want it, do it.
Go for it!!!!! It's hard to figure out the timing but with the flexibility now without kids and a supportive hubby now seems like a great time!!
I say wait! You aren't getting any younger!
I knew this was coming.....just wasn't sure when!!!! You know I'm behind you 100% whatever you do (just remember how OLD I will be and your children will have an OLD Granmommy)....go for it baby girl....I love you, MOM
Our Mom is awesome, isn't she!?!
I myself am not the biggest fan of triathalons OR babies. But if both are important to you, I say follow your heart and take your time.
Good luck!
What are you 25? 26? You're super young! You have tons of time for babies! So, follow your instinct to go for the big stuff now.
Funny, my mom has never once asked me about having children (she's very "hands off"), but Jerry is starting to get antsy in his pantsy for babies (of course, he doesn't have to push one out of his vagina). I just turned 30 and somehow managed to convince to wait another year.
I agree with others. Do this now while you have no children. This makes thing infinitely more complicated. Enjoy these times before the family planning gets into full effect.
Once you do it before kids, you can do it after, cuz you'll know what you need to do and the time commitment involved.
I say go for 2009. It's hard to train for things when you have kids, and doubly so when both of you are training. Training for a full Ironman is more demanding than training for a marathon or an ultra - I can manage the latter, but with 2 kids here at home, I'd be gone all day at least once per week, just to get in the long workouts.
So, sign for the 2009 race, then, about a month later, take a nice vacation and start working on a family then. ;)
People are still having children when they are in their 30's!!
Of course there are no guarantees in life, but you probably have time for all of your dreams.
Family, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, are pretty important stuff of life. For now, though, being a daughter and enjoying the precious relationship with your Mom might be a delight.
Looking forward to reading about your adventures. Good luck and Godspeed.
oh girl...you HAVE to. I know how you're feeling...I was there oh such a short time ago. Don't put it off, because you will kick yourself. After Kansas, you will want to do IM. That's how I was last year after my first 1/2. If you are losing sleep over it, you need to do it. You are capable of it, and you will learn so much about yourself thru the whole process. DO IT. DO IT NOW. I have a friend doing Coeur D'alene and she's so excited for it. I'd do it now while you're so excited about it!!
Just do it! Wish I could put a Nike swoosh here...Plan on it, do your training and have a great time. If, for some reason, you do get pregnant, at least you'll be in shape. I'm 37, soon to be 38 and no kids yet. My feeling is since I can't predict the future, I just plan on living my life, doing my training. Hopefully we'll be able to have kids, but I live and plan my life and don't put it on hold. If some hiccup comes along, then I change my plans. :-)
do it now. but, and this is just my opinion... wait till you do lawrence. after each leg, ask yourself if you would consider doing it again... DOUBLE what you just did...
i think if the answer is "yes. i can imagine that" then.. go iron. if its "fuck no" then.. maybe get another half in first.
either way... BEFORE KIDS seems the best way to go.
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