2007 Ironman Wisconsin, here I come!

When I finished my first Ironman in 2004, it seemed people wanted to know two things:
1.) How did I do?
2.) Would I do another one?

The first question was easy to answer-it was the best day of my life! After months of training and sacrificing so much, I just "sat back" and enjoyed race day. I followed everyone's advice and took it in one event at a time. First, I battled through the 2200 triathletes in the 2.4 mile swim on the lake. Waved 'Hello!' to the scuba divers that hung at the bottom of the last bouy (safety precautions) before turning into the swim/bike transition. After being "stripped" of my wetsuit, I then headed off for a LONG ride through the wine country. All along the 112 mile bike, locals cheered us on by ringing cow bells, and sitting out front of their farms in lounge chairs. Back into town, I dismounted the bike, and tried to straighten my body out for the run. 26.2 miles later, I had formed new friendships, accomplished a major goal and now could rightfully be called an Ironman! Although my only goal was to finish, I was extremely pleased to complete the race in 13:28:19!

The second question was the harder one. For 6 months I was committed to my bike, my running shoes and the chlorinated water. I became a regular at the gym and on Pacific Coast Highway. I knew the names of the bike mechanics at Edge Cyclesports better than my close friends' babies. It was common for me to decline invitations to Bridal Showers, Birthdays, and almost a wedding (thanks Jules, for arranging the date so I could attend!). My friends and family understood my dedication, but sometimes it interferred with their life milestones... and well, that, was frustrating for them. My boyfriend at the time, Doug, claims I was Dr Jackle and Mr Hyde with my switch personalities. Although he didn't understand what "training" meant, he supported me as best he could with little knowledge of what lie ahead. I was tired, irritable, cranky, and hungry all the time. I constantly felt guilty for spending hours on end training or being late to a commitment due to a flat tire. I was worried to death that I physically couldn't complete this distance and constantly felt the weight of failure on my shoulders. And after a month of training, those feelings never left me, but people began to adapt to my new lifestyle. Doug simply stopped waiting on me for breakfast after a ride/run, friends simply gave a light mention of a celebration and family just "grinned and beared it".

Having said all that and being told that if I completed another Ironman, I'd be single, I struggled internally with the dilema of "best day of my life" and being a "responsible participant" in my personal relationships, and so I unwillingly told people it would be my last. (I mean, did I really want to do that again??).

That nagging conflict never went away. Doug and I broke up in the past year. More friends got married, had kids and just basically became involved in their lives. And family didn't care what I did as long as I was happy. So...

After a quick "bet" (ok, three martinis into a conversation) with someone I was dating and a little convencing, I decided to return to the short lived love "affair" I had with Ironman and enter another race. My hope to return to Pentictian for my second race diminished when Canada changed their buddy system signup and Ironman Wisconsin became my returning race.

In the past year, I've already tackled a few 1/2 marathons and completed five races in this year's triathlon season. I even went back to coaching a local beginning marathon and half marathoners program to keep motivated. Life feels comfortable (and exciting) again. I'm not missing out on "something" anymore.

For the next year, I hope to write updates on my progress. I plan to talk about my fears (not being able to do as well as I did on the first, or worst, not finishing at all), my workouts, how I manage to juggle training with life, my health and my progress. I'm lucky to have someone train with me and keep me company through this next adventure... called Ironman!