The e-mails were flying fast and furious on Monday as I got word of my friends signing up for Ironman Arizona. Luckily everyone I know that wanted to race Arizona next year made it in! Registration has been crazy in the past so I’m happy for everyone that they got their spots.
As for me, I did not give in to my fear of missing out to sign up for a second Ironman next year. I truly believe that training for and racing an Ironman is much more fun with friends. I’ve been lured into a race before because all my friends were doing it but this time I know where my heart is. For my friends that are racing two IMs next year they have their special reasons and motivation, but I would have been there as a tag along. You have to know in your heart why you want to race that Ironman to get you through the tough training days.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about Ironman Boulder. Both of my IMs have been in the 16 hour range…and I’m hoping to be better. For my first race I trained my butt off but got sick on race day and I definitely didn’t have the race I trained for. For my second race I had a difficult time getting into my training, basically pouring it all in to the final two months. I think I was lucky to cross the finish line that day and I deserved that close call with midnight.
My heart is in making Boulder my best day possible next year.
It is what I tell myself if I think that I don’t feel like going to the pool or when I have to head out in the cold to spin class. I’ve got that post-it note right by my training schedule for motivation. I know that I’ll be needing that motivation next year when I’m hitting big training volumes, but I’m determined to be my best possible me for this race. I don’t want to have a backup for a few months down the road. Boulder is going to be my best day possible! That being said, I’m really looking forward to cheering my friends on when they race Arizona.
2014 is shaping up to be an exciting year here. What is your big scary goal for next year?
I haven’t picked my big scary goal for 2014 yet… But I’m really looking forward to hearing more about your ironman training, I’m in awe of those who do it, I can’t even imagine… Good for you for not falling into the FOMO trap, I’ve definitely done it more than once and it doesn’t always turn out well…
My big scary goal for 2014 is to run 14 races and my first half marathon!!! My 14 start January with the Disney World 10K. I am so excited for my first Disney race!!
My big scary goal is Calgary Marathon. Why scary? I’m having trouble consistently running 10K these days.
Best wishes for IM#3!
Good luck with Boulder! I did Boulder 70.3 2 years ago and it was such a fantastic experience – it’s a really great community and there was amazing support. I really thought about Boulder but ended up choosing Coeur d’Alene – it’s one that’s been on the radar, and as my first, I’m looking forward to it.
Its going to be great Leana. How about this for another big scary goal for you for 2014: teach us how to make wicked training calendars like yours! So organized!
Girl, you have such a smart head on your shoulders! Now that I’ve been through a training cycle for an IM, it is definitely NOT something to take lightly. You need to be, as you said, 100% in b/c there will be hard days of training and days when you don’t want to get in the miles. I too have been lured into race registration b/c everyone was doing it…but for me, my reasons for the IM were very personal and ones that I didn’t really share publicly. While I love blogging and social media, sometimes keeping a few things to yourself is beneficial :).
I have NO DOUBT you WILL make Boulder your best day. You seem to have a fire in you this time around that I didn’t see (um, read) with IM #2 or even your IM #1 journey. Remember that fire from now until race day!
I haven’t decided what my big goal for 2014 will be. I’m hoping the ideal goal is to just get back into becoming a consistent runner. I live in an amazing part of Northern Alberta, it also comes with a green-belt. So, between getting on the footpaths and just refocusing, hopefully my goal is to drop back under the 200 lbs zone.
– Krys