Looking Ahead

Okay, so I took a short bloggy vacay. It was quite nice. I discovered the joys of a private blog! I don't know why I didn't think of that earlier. See, I think with some of this stuff, A) it's private, you know? and B) I really don't want feedback. I just want to write. So I will probably be writing there lots about all these crazy changes, and try to keep this blog here as tri-related as I can.

Had a wonderful time in Indy with my Nutter girls. It was so fun to see everyone! We always have a blast. I hadn't seen them since the finish line at Ironman, so it was great to be on the other side and rooting for them. Lush and her hubby both PR'd! Lush broke 2 hours for the first time ever, which kicks booty. I was so proud and got a blister from ringing my cowbell so long.

Still running and swimming, and riding the trainer as much as I can. Last night's swim felt great! I had to keep it short because it was so late, but it felt good mid-set to bust out 1000 yards without stopping, even if it was slow. I ain't gonna lie. I was pretty proud. Flip turns are getting interesting, though!

Tomorrow's my annual field trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The weather looks good, so hopefully it will all go off without a hitch! They put on a good free program for the students. It's pretty sweet to have a resource like that down the road.

On to tri-related topics...well, I've spent quite a bit of time crunching lots of numbers and doing lots of thinking, and I think I've come to the decision of what will be included in my 2008 Race Season.

I do not want to do another Ironman that year. Ironman Florida is the only one I can logistically do, and it is out of the question.

Here's why:

Race Registration: $450
2 plane tickets: (believe me, I've searched everywhere and this is the best I can do) $900
Shipping my bike: $200
Rental car for 4 days: somewhere around $200
Hotel for 4 days: minimum $450
Food for 4 days: $100 or so

TOTAL RACE ENTRY FEE FOR ME TO DO IMFL: $2,300.00

And that doesn't even include coaching. When you look at it that way, it's just freaking ridiculous. I can't imagine a more selfish thing to do next year than that. We're both teachers, for crying out loud. And we have some debt we had to amass this year due to our unforseen circumstances. And we will have an infant. I know Matt would support my decision either way, as he's made very clear, but when I look at it this way I have NO desire to do that to us.

So that made me lose ALL desire to do an Ironman next year.

In a perfect world, Ironmans wouldn't cost $2,300. But, for now, they do. And seeing that combined with knowing the great physical and emotional sacrifice I'd have to make next year makes it an absolute no-brainer.

I can't afford Ironman. Period. End of story.

So hopefully within the next few years, I will be able to again. I am very lucky that I HAVE such a wonderful husband, and will have a little one, to share life with, you know? I need to remember that many don't have this opportunity. I am so lucky.

So what I am planning on doing, is this:

Late-May: Cleveland Half Marathon. Goal? Largely will depend on the situation. If training goes well, a PR. If training is sporatic, to finish with my baby there to greet me at the finish line.

Mid-July: Muncie Endurathon with Wil. Goal? A) to go somewhere around 6 hours. B) to PR, which is under 6:34. I've only done 2 70.3s--the first one I was clueless on and death marched the run due to lack of hydration, and the last one was just for training, so I think I can pretty easily PR. C) to finish, less than a year after giving birth.

August: Huntington Sprint Tri and Lorain Olympic Tri. They are essentially in my backyard. Goal? To hammer a little bit and have fun, and give my baby a big sweaty hug at the end.

October: Chicago Marathon, with Wil and Lush. Goal? A) sub-4. B) PR, which is sub 4:18. C) finish the race with a smile on and with enough energy to still celebrate my baby's first birthday.

So there it is. Flexibililty included. I know I can't predict what will happen next year. And, please, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell me that, either. I've heard it enough, I promise. These are my goals, and I don't shoot down others goals who I may think are unrealistic.

I watch and hope they make it and show me that doubt is worthless and anything is possible.

I like do to things on my own terms, and if I fall, I fall on my own. You can laugh at me if you really must when I have my face planted in the ground, OK?

Just thinking about next year gets me pretty excited. I can't wait to have my body back, and I can't wait to try some new things and get back to basics--staying local for the most part, and just enjoying a season without too much long stuff.

(Even though I suppose a marathon is long...um... :)

But somehow I think marathon training will never scare me again after the training I put in for Ironman. It will be fun to do my long runs on the weekend with my Soler friends, as during the week I'll most likely have to hit the treadmill or get up really early to make it work. But I'm looking forward to all the new challenges.

Well, it just feels like a bit of a relief to know that I will not be doing another Ironman next year. I will someday, but it will find me when the time is right just like it did the last time. It's the kind of thing you really have to want, and right now, I just don't.

So on with the rest of the adventures.