OOK

So, perhaps it seemed inevitable, but I’m finally getting to the point of possibly, maybe, hopefully, being emphatically sure that I want to sign up for an Ironman-distance triathlon(!)

That is to say, when I sign up for this thing, I want to really mean it. I’m doing it! I know I can do it! Nothing will stop me!  … and all that hooha 🙂

And, I’m almost there. I just have a week and a half left to get there. My last chance to sign up for one of next year’s Ironman races is Monday, Nov. 19 at 2 pm (EST) — as that is when registration for Ironman Arizona opens. And, it will close mere minutes (if not seconds) later. So, I have to be sure. There can’t be any hesitation. You have to commit.

What, exactly, is my problem? I know I can do it. The question is always — when the time comes, *will* I do it? On the day. When tested by things I can’t foresee and can only imagine (and fret about), will I overcome everything and step over that finish line? I guess that’s what it’s all about, huh? That’s why we do it– just to find out the answer to that question.

Another thing holding me back is that – to train for an Ironman is to become the most selfish version of myself yet. Everything in my life will start to revolve around my training, my rest, my nutrition, my races throughout the year, my gear, my potential injuries, my confidence. Me, me, me, me, me. It’s sickening!

Luckily, my husband is also planning to sign up for the race. So, I will be at least a little concerned about him as well. (Probably more than he would like.) But I know one thing for sure: I need to remember that “This is my journey!”  and “Comparison is the thief of joy.” My husband will do things his way; my triathlon friends will do things their way; the pros will do things their way. I can only do things my way; otherwise, I will get too caught up in what everyone else is doing and not stay focused on what I need to do for my body & my situation. I do have to remember that I only have one kidney, after all.

Now, the past year has taught me a couple things about that. The first and most important is that I can still do triathlons. Yay!  Secondly, however, I’m not as strong of a runner as I once was. Maybe that will improve, but I can’t count on it. Swimming and Biking seem okay, and I can improve there for sure. Hydration is paramount. I can’t rely heavily on salt tablets in the heat due to blood pressure concerns. And, I need to not abuse caffeine — no matter how tired I am. I should turn to rest instead of stimuli.

I’ll check back in once I’ve signed up — which I will do. Right? Probably 🙂