picture this......

Thursday, June 25, 2009

367 Days....

So yesterday was spent with my stomach tied up in knots. Trying to piece together my dream of conquering an Ironman to the enormity of the challenge. Questioning whether I was capable of this task. I always stumbled, panicked and turtled when I thought of it in terms of 2.4,112 and 26.2. I would panic and let all kinds of negative thoughts swirl around. In talking with my husband, I said that Coeur d'Alene would be hanging over my head for a year IF I decided not to do it. I would always wonder what if until the June 27, 2010 passed.....

I needed to get my mind off ICdA so I moved along to reading the daily paper. The funny thing is, I'm not much of a horoscope reader but today I did:

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19): If you are feeling bored with your current routine then it is up to you to do something about it. No one can make life more interesting for you, so decide what needs changing in your life and get on with it.

I laughed and read it out loud to my husband. I read it again.

Something clicked, the gears changed and my train of thought switched: A year. 12 months. 52 weeks. With grit, determination and baby steps a lot can be accomplished. No one can do it for me, the goal has been determined. All that is left is to get on with it.

ICdA 2010 is my goal and I have a year to make it happen.
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Activity: 4 mile run on treadmill, ~8 km bike ride on trails, 2 km walk with dogs

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

368 Days....

What have I done?

Oh. My. God.

2.4 mile swim, 112 bike ride and a casual 26.2 run at the end......with of course "the cut offs":
Swim: 2 hours and 20 minutes, Swim/Bike: 10 hours and 30 minutes, Swim/Bike/Run: 17 hours

Me? Doing all of that? In one day? Holy Shit.

I see what they mean about it being a mental game, I could look at the below numbers and think of it two ways....

To date my farthest totals:
Swim - 1 mile
Run - 13.1 miles
Bike - 32 miles or 52 kms

a) Geesh, it going to be a long 6 months of training but I have a pretty good foundation to build on.
Or
b) AAAAAH, I haven't completed any of the required distances, at any time! Never mind within a 17 hour period.

Last night when discussing my impulsive registration, I told my husband that I wouldn't let Ironman consume me. It wouldn't be the only thing I talk about.

So far? I've failed miserably
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Yesterday's Activity: ~ 3 km bike to Yoga, Yoga, 3 km bike home

369 Days....

I am oscillating between sheer terror and sheer exhilaration.

Coeur d’Alene in 369 days? Really? Me? The one who has yet to compete in an organized triathalon? While contemplating hitting the “PAY NOW” button of the registration, I toggled between:

It’s only $550 US . I only have a small window of opportunity. Ironman races generally sell out within a day. I have a year to train and decide if I can do it. Just because I register doesn’t mean I HAVE to race.

To

Holy Shit. The registration fee is $550 US. $550 US that I can kiss good bye if I don’t finish. I will need a new bike. I’ll need a wet suit. I’ll need to enter races. The location is not as accessible as Lake Placid…maybe I should wait until July to see if I can catch that registration. What am I thinking? I’m not part of a tri club, swim club or run club? I have never swam 2.4 miles, OR biked 112 miles OR run 26.2 miles NEVER MIND DOING ALL THREE TOGETHER. G’ack. Hit close. Hit close.

To

It was a sign that you stumbled upon the open registration for the Couer d’Alene! Really, it is just $550. The registration has already been open for 18 hours. It’s not sold out yet but it will be soon. I have a year to prepare and you have ALWAYS been captivated by the Ironman event. Seriously? It’s just money and this is your dream.

At this point, I started rummaging around Ironman blogs I have read in the past for some ideas on training plans or inspiration…….I found the inspiration in two spots. The first is a quote from http://www.chasingiron.com/ and the second is an email communication trail with my husband:

1) If there were ever a time to dare, to make a difference, to embark on something worth doing, it is now. Not for any grand cause, necessarily, but for something that tugs at your heart, something that's your aspiration, something that's your dream. You owe it to yourself to make your days here count. Have fun. Dig deep. Stretch. Dream big

2) From: Lesley Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:02 AMTo: St. John Subject: http://www.ironmancda.com/

http://www.ironmancda.com/

From: St. John Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:27 AMTo: Lesley Subject: RE: http://www.ironmancda.com/

http://www.costco.ca/wetsuit

From: Lesley Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:25 AMTo: St. JohnSubject: RE: http://www.ironmancda.com/

Eeek. it's $550 BUT the races sell out quickly! From the ironman site:
Q: How do I find out if there are entries still available and if so, how do I sign up?
A: Go to the ENTRY link on the site and if the entry page says the race is still open, there will be a link to the sign up form.Note: Most full Ironman races sell out within hours of opening entry the day after each event. Please plan to sign up a year in advance if you want to secure a general entry spot.

From: Lesley Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:29 AMTo: St. John Subject: RE: http://www.ironmancda.com/

I am so tempted by 'core da lane'

From: St. John Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:34 AMTo: Lesley Subject: RE: http://www.ironmancda.com/

Then sign up, silly. Return airfare to Spokane is $850 including tax

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So with out further ado:

Registration Confirmation for: 2010 Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene
Dear Lesley,
Congratulations! You are now registered for 2010 Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene. Please check the event's official website for updates: http://ironmancda.com/
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Yesterday's Activities: 500 yard swim, 2 km dog walk