Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Big and Bold

A few years ago I put pen to paper and came up with my life list. The first item on that list--finish an Ironman. I watch it on TV every year and every year I say I'm going to do it but fear has kept me from signing up. I've completed two half Ironmans, have spectated two Ironmans, watched Dave go through all the training and successfully finish the race, and have seen many friends do it. Yet, I couldn't.

We have a bridal show this weekend and a big bridal show in a few months and our 2010 schedule is going to fill up quickly for the photo booth. I needed to put a racing schedule together this week for 2010. And it had to include an Ironman.

Dave and I met for lunch today and put together a pro and con list between Ironmans Arizona and Louisville. It came down to this--Arizona has the easier course and potentially better weather, but Louisville is only four hours from home which means my family and friends can come cheer me on. My aunt lives in Louisville so I'd have free lodging, I wouldn't have to buy airline tickets, and I wouldn't have to pay to transport my bike. My biggest expense would be the registration. Plus, one of my biggest fears of the race is the mass start and Louisville doesn't have a mass start. After talking to Coach the decision was made.

While shaking, feeling nauseous, and weeping like a little girl, I hit the submit button. Just like that I was registered for Ironman Louisville.

9 comments:

Molly said...

Sounds like you made the best choice for your best possible first IM!

But *sob* I really was hoping for AZ! :)

Unknown said...

good call. as much fun as it would have been to watch and cheer in az, the one thing that was a nightmare for me at mooseman was the logistics. the stress of having to ship everything [not to mention the STRESS! UGH!] really made the race difficult and i'm sure that was the majority of why my back was such a mess that week.

by picking louie, you've successfully removed so many pre-race stressors and you've set up the event to be just about RACING!

best wishes!

Lindsay said...

GET IT GIRL!!! soo excited. you are gonna rock it :)

Karen said...

AWESOME! You will be great :)

Caroline said...

Congratulations! You will not regret this decision in the end. You just did the scariest part - signing up. The rest is just training. So get ready for one of the best experiences of your life! Good luck!

D said...

My facebook comments aside ;)...

Congrats, Mer! This is going to be the most fucked up year of your life :D

GetBackJoJo said...

Yeah Baby! You're going to love the training. The whole thing is just awesome. You made the RIGHT CALL! Congrats on hitting submit!

Marit C-L said...

:)

Congratulations - welcome to the dark side!

Val said...

I'm really excited for you! It sounds like you reasoned everything through and made the right choice. The dry heat would have made a huge difference too, I would think, and that'd be one you couldn't train for here. Can't wait to hear all about Louisville =)