Thursday, April 12, 2012

Three Things Thursday ...

Ironman - It's no secret that I have my eyes set on becoming an Ironman. And being completely impatient like I am, I really would like it to happen sooner rather than later. So, like any completely insane rational person, I narrowed down potential races to my top four, based on location, course, weather and time of year.

And thanks to my very scientific methods, I was left with the following (2013 races, of course) ...
At which point, I texted the list to my fellow potential Ironman Jill and we decided on which one would be our Ironman debut.

Ha. You didn't think I was going to tell you which one, did you?

I mean, someday I will, but not until that registration fee has been processed.

Anyway, I'm totally psyched and mildly freaked out about this. When I threw it out to J, shockingly, he didn't totally scoff. But, he wasn't entirely on board either. So, I think I need some ideas of how to frame it in the best light.

That's where you all come in. J reads this and all of the comments you leave. Let him know how you think this is an epic idea, how it won't be a total time suck and that he's wicked awesome (which he is. But, sucking up never hurts, right?).

Oh, and if you think this is a horrible idea, just pretend like I never mentioned it ...

Open Water - Since I had a complete mild freak out during the swim portion of Ironman 70.3 Texas, I decided that I needed to get some more practice swimming in open water. And the perfect way to do force yourself to do that is to sign up for an Open Water Race Series. Each of the races is 1500m, with the first taking place on April 29th. *cue panic attack*

In an attempt to determine what I had gotten myself into, I checked out last year's race results.

Big mistake.

In my age group (30 and under), the slowest finishing time in any of the races was 14:40.

Do you know what my fastest 1500m time is?

31:31.

And that was in a pool. I am so going to get schooled. (Note: Only 2 people finished in over 30 minutes. There is a real possibility that I could finish dead last.)

Free Sneakers - Did you know that I am giving away a pair of New Balance 890s to one lucky reader? Well, have you entered yet? Then you should probably get on that. Just CLICK HERE to find out all the details.

16 comments:

Marlene said...

YAYYYYY for Ironman in 2013!!! You were made for this. (hear that, J?)

Love the open water swim race idea. No better way to get more comfortable and confident on the opening tri leg. I should see if I can find some around here.

Running Ricig said...

I feel like as awesome and bada** as you are, you SHOULD be an ironman. So it's like destiny.

MCM Mama said...

You can totally rock an Ironman next year. Do it while you are already in amazing shape. (And we all know you are way more organized than i am and can totally pull it off).

LOL at being DFL in the swim. I've been darn close to that in a running race. Besides, I know how competitive you are - you'll find some inner speed.

Sally said...

dead last? no. That will be me. Can you wait for me on the shore please? thanks.

Kortni said...

I think you are amazing for attacking your fears head on and not backing down. I am pretty sure if you finish dead last it will only happen one time!

You don't want to do the Ironman in Texas? You might get to see Lance again...ha-ha! You go Honey Badger!

Michelle said...

Well, of COURSE you are going to do an Ironman. The 70.3 was just testing the water, right?
I was hoping you'd travel to Idaho and do the Cour d' Alene one, but I guess I'll just have to watch from afar. Can't wait to hear which one you chose!

M said...

Something tells me the hubs knows it's not IF you do it, but WHEN. Do your thing.

As for the swim series - way to get yourself out there. I have a pin on one of my pinterest boards that sums this up well: "If you aren't failing, you aren't trying hard enough." Take pride in being out there, even if you are the last one to come out of the water. You go.

Jason said...

14:40 are you f'n kidding me? That can't be right. You sure you weren't looking at a sprint race or something? I mean that is motor boat like speed.

Anyway, onto the Ironman. Here is why it is a good idea. Confidence. You build so much confidence through the process that anything in the world is possible and I mean anything.

Organization (your the Queen) but you really have to structure your schedule so that you get all the workouts in plus all the family time.

Family time......it is more important than ever before. Instead of sitting on the couch at night texting and tweeting and Facebooking you will be engaged with your family because you will be out training a lot and want to remind them of what you look like.

Elite. Very very very few people can call themselves an Ironman. Being on that list is an accomplishment.

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Love how you jump right in and face those fears!

Now for J who is amazingly awesome. I only wish I could get him to teach classes to other hubbys on the art of supporting a mega-awesome, completely-headstrong, mildly-insane wife because he is the BEST at it and completely qualified to share is skilled techniques with others. Frankly his amazing support almost over shadows your accomplishments, T. Given the committment level of an Ironman, I'd venture to say that without his astounding support your glorious accomplishment would not even be possible. I'm sure he will be publishing his How to support a Honey Badger Wife any day now.
T you are one lucky girl!

...ok ego stroking over but it's true. You do have an amazingly supportive hubbs who I know will be there for you to help you reach this amazing goal.

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh Ironman. How it haunts me too. When you figure out a training plan for folks with little kids, will you share?! I need one too!

ajh said...

THat is an amazingly fast swimming time. I think you are fast which tells you how slow I am! But you are going for it and I admire you!

What about Ironman Lake Placid?

Char said...

If you're that far back during the swim at least you shouldn't be kicked in the head. And how much fun are you going to have picking off all those fast swimmers when you hit the bike and run legs.

Anonymous said...

Yay for Ironman!!! I can't wait to hear which one you choose! And you are going to be awesome! And if I can train for one while working more than full time, with a 2 year old and a husband 2500 miles away for 6 months, then you certainly will rock it!!!

Karen said...

Hooray for iron distances in 2013!!!! All four look like good choices to me - can't go wrong no matter what you choose. Excited for you :)

Unknown said...

First - I think it's awesome that you signed up for the open water race. Listen, you may get schooled (most triathletes would), but you will gain so much more confidence. Trust me on this one.

Second... YAY for an Ironman in 2013. You will have no regrets about it at all!!! It is a time committment, I would be lying if I said that it won't suck all your time away, BUT you are smart and you have a supportive family. That's thr hardest part! And they want to see you succeed.

I don't know which one you are planning, but I've done IMFL 2 times, spectated at Cedar Point while hubby raced it and know tons of people that have done the other two. if you need any input, let me know! They all have pluses and minuses!

Katie said...

14 minutes for 1500 meters is actually faster than the world record, I'm pretty sure. Are you sure you weren't looking at the 500m results? :)