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Thursday, October 18, 2007

Way too much touchy feely

It seems like usually I post about triathlon events; races, workouts, gear, etc.

This is going to be different. This is more of a triathlon dilemma/musing.

I love triathlon. My husband thinks that I spend more than my fair share of time reading and thinking about triathlon let alone training and racing. It is expensive and time consuming but he understands all of that. I am lucky to be married to someone who is so patient (it helps that he sort of likes it too!). Anyway, what is frustrating is the emphasis placed on Ironman distance races. It feels like if you don't do an Ironman then you aren't really a triathlete or at least a very good one.

I think that most of us in the sport would say, "phooey, that isn't true, of course you are a triathlete. You swim, you bike, you run, all in the same race, therefore... triathlete." But then why is it then, that the pressure to complete a race of that distance only comes from other triathletes. When I say pressure, I don't mean a negative, mean, cruel pressure. I am talking about a prodding, consistent, push you to your physical limits because I know you can do it kind of pressure. Definitely not always a bad thing. I wonder if anyone out there that hasn't done an IM can relate.

So here is the dilemma

#1 I would like to try an Ironman.
#2 I also want to be fast and try to qualify for the Age-Group Nationals and maybe Worlds again (Olympic distance) because I feel like it was a fluke the first time.

I know that I shouldn't attempt both in the same time frame. The other little tiny factor that plays a part in this may seem silly to some of you but it totally freaks me out.

Babies. My husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years. We are not planning on having kids in the next couple of years but the clock is ticking and who knows what will happen. Before you say something about how young I am and how I have all the time in the world, all of the kids I work with have a disability and I am very aware of the statistics that go along with maternal age. I am not all that worried about it but I also don't want to wait until I am 105 to have kids, if that is what we decide to do. (Could I be any more vague about that?)

So, fast or long?
LOL, I am sure there is a joke in there somewhere.
I lean towards speed. I love to go fast and I am built more for that.

Maybe I am missing something. Maybe I don't have to choose.

I'll have some time to ponder it on my half marathon on Sunday morning. Looking forward to a nice easy, healthy run.

Later

11 comments:

Tri-Dummy said...

US Nationals this year...IM next year...baby in 2 years.

There. Now it's figured out.

That'll be $100.00.

TRI-ROB said...

First of all... don't gimme this, "I qualified for Nationals and it was a fluke" crap! You earned that slot you big DORK!

Secondly... the "pressure" is actually flattery. Take it as a compliment... b/c I certainly don't think everyone out there that does sprint and oly distance races SHOULD do an Ironman distance.

Thirdly... Ironman will always be there. What's the rush?

Disclaimer: I fully acknowledge and accept that I might be completely full of crap and not know what I'm talking about.

Duane said...

Good luck on your 1/2!

Unknown said...

I say do what you want and who care what anyone else thinks. It's YOUR life to live.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

the Dread Pirate Rackham said...

That pressure you're feeling? I've felt it too - it turns out it only comes from certain people - everybody else is just sorta supportive of me in general.

The babies thing? I totally get that. It's true what they say - there is no perfect time to have a baby. It's a big deal for a woman of childbearing age, so you don't need to downplay that!

The age thing? Totally a medical number - nothing to do with reality. Statistics are funny.

Do what is right for you, no regrets!

p.s. - I'm totally gonna see a PT at some point, probably after the race. I'm working on it!

Di said...

KT- I promise. I'll never push you to do an Ironman.
Unless you want me to. Then, I will. But only if you ask for it. Just let me know when you are ready...

;)

Anonymous said...

just letting you know that i'm ready to be an uncle whenever...just throwing that out there...=)

hope the race went well!

oikologiki-lamia.blogspot.com said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Kim said...

you have a lot of things on the brain, and i know one thing that always helps me clear out the pressure and cobwebs. BEERS! :) good luck on your half-mary :)

bigmike600 said...

Good Luck on whatever you decide. You have the best named dogs ever. I mean EVER. Kids are great but they take a lot of time when they are young. You should really think long and hard about what is most important to you. Either situation is a win, so you can't go wrong.

Anonymous said...

Heya. I've thought about this a lot myself. Planning races and goals are obviously MUCH harder for women than men b/c of the baby factor. (Which kind of sucks in my opinion. BUt, moving on...) I'm 27 and want 1) a baby 2) to do ironman 3) to finish school. It's hard to plan logistically and I am feeling all kinds of pressure. I think I have to do #3, then #2, and then #number 1-and I want all of that to happen by the time i'm 31. I'm stressed out about it!!! Plus, I'm single. Stress. Stress. Stress. :)