picture this......

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

_____________________________________________________________


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