IronMan Decision
Yes, I will.
2008 or 2009? Now, that I don’t know. My instinct is to go for 2008, as a year later is a year’s further procrastination. But then again, to go from fit enough for a sprint to a full IronMan in 12 months is asking a lot of my body.
I’ve had lots of support to get this far in my thinking, though my parents (& grandmother) all think I’m too old (!), and Wife, although broadly supportive has concerns about how hard the step up will be, exactly when I’m going to fit in the training, and which race I’ll do. My preferred option would be Nice, as it’s actually kinda local (Easyjet from Newcastle). But I have ‘fair’ skin, don’t do heat too well, and have the small matter of a big joint celebration with multiple anniversaries & ’significant’ birthdays (two of the family passing 40 - not me though) on what I anticipate as race weekend in 2008.
So I’m on the lookout for a race, in at least 12 month’s time, ideally in Europe (though northern America may be a possibility), and not on the toughest of courses (an easy IronMan? Ha!) as I don’t want losing my IM virginity to kill me.
Answers on a postcard to the usual address.
Karl - my $.02.
Plan on 2009. For some of the following reasons.
1. With an extra full year of racing and fitness, you’ll be able to enjoy the race.
2. Considering your experience with swimming, an extra full year of training will enable you to build that specific technique and fitness that the swim won’t be a slog-fest, which would impact the rest of your race.
3. With 2008 open, that will enable you to schedule and train for at least a couple of 1/2 IM’s, which will be quite a departure from sprint/Oly distance races. With multiple 1/2’s, you’ll get a few chances to dial in your nutrition and technique.
Again, just my $.02.
Glad to see that you’re ready to make the leap.
-bill
Congratulations. I’m really surprised with your decision - not!!!! Has Cathy worked out exactly how much you have to do for an iron man contest? i.e. have you finally told her the exact distances for each of the sections?
I went to an acrobatic tumbling and acrobatic balancing induction class at Circus Space (http://www.thecircusspace.co.uk/) last night (if you ever fancy trying exercise thats just a bit different - then this is definitely the place to go). That was plenty hard enough for me - the back of my thighs hurt today.
Julie.
Bill - oddly enough, that was just what I was thinking. I can swim the distance right now, but it’d leave me in really bad shape. While I might be better in 12 months’ time, I want to be confident. And that’ll take longer.
Congratulations on your decision! Gotta follow your dreams…