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Sunday, July 13, 2008

What is it about Ironman?

It is all I can think about. I want to be able to think of something else, I really do. I just can't. I think about how nuts it is to think that I could do it. I think about how horrible and awesome it would be all at the same time. I think about how much it will hurt and how hard it will be mentally. I think about how sweet it would be to finish. I think about how Mr KT, told me I was, "f'ing insane" and how my mom said, "maybe you should get through the half first and then decide" as if that was going to change my mind. (Well, it might, but only for a couple of hours. I will be planning my sign up on the way home, I am sure of it.) It totally freaks me out and makes me want to run the other way. Which is why I think I want to do it.

Wait, what?

Yeah, I don't get it either.

Those of you who have been here know the feelings before that first 140pt6. You know the hesitation, the excitement, the dreams and the fears.

I think I can do it.

With the right training and some coaching, I really think I could.

Maybe.

Now, the question is...Ironman Florida or Ironman Kentucky?

This is actually where I have been stuck. So obviously I have pretty much already talked myself into it. Let's break it down. And note that I am not looking for easy, it's Ironman it will not be easy.

Ironman Kentucky:
positives -
*Earlier in the season - makes the race season more manageable
*NOT an ocean swim - I live in the Midwest, never seen the ocean, not sure how that swim would go


Ironman Florida:
positives -
*Flatter course - easier to get nutrition in and is more like what I typically train on here although there are hills I could do
*Later in the season - therefore maybe a bit cooler as I don't race well in extreme heat and better biking time here in Nebraska in September and October

Any thoughts on any of this? Any of you that have done either of these races have any input? Do I need to be at the race (volunteering) in order to register for 2009? Or could I register online? Time to find out how this all works.

I am so excited it is ridiculous.

17 comments:

Dusty said...

Oh how exciting! I, too, am obsessing about doing an ironman--but am so new to the sport I don't know how realistic it is...but I am hung up on doing IMKY as it's practically in my backyard (I'm in Cincinnati). I am volunteering this year and will be thinking long and hard about signing up while I am there for 09. :) Good luck to you!
peace,
Dusty

Unknown said...

Um, speaking as someone with no IM experience, but the ever to do IMWI, I would go with KY. Several o my tri club members have or are doing it and say it is comparable to WI.
No Ocean swim = definite plus in my book.

Mark said...

Of course you CAN do it...none of this "think" BS! All you gotta do is do the work, and you'll finish. Wait...this is coming from a guy that hasn't finished one just yet :P Oh well, this is what I believe to be the case, anyway!

IM Lou has the potential to be super hot and humid. When you come to FL to signup, moonpie will teach you how to swim in the ocean!

Oly said...

Come to IMAz 2009 and hang with the The Blinks, The Biguns, The Greyhounds, The Taconinites and you might even have a free place to stay to cut costs. If we can talk Tri-rob and fam into it, he might be there too.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm...

Does that help?! Dooo it!! Mrs. blink would love for you to be there!

Do it!

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" said...

I say go for IMCDA - it's the BEST race town ever :-)

Florida is too flat....

You can soooooo do it!!!

Benson said...

Great job changing the flat. Good confidence builder and being self reliant.

You can do IM, no problem.
I've heard registering for IM FLA on line is nearly impossible. You have to be there is the general message.
IM KY is still new enough that you could register online but commit to doing it as soon as online reg opens.

IM AZ and CDA are great alternates and it looks like you've got open invites there.
GO FOR IT

Comm's said...

IMKy is a very hot, humid experience. not impossible though. IMFL is a perfect venue for an IM and almost pancake flat conditions. Not quite but damn close.

Check each site to see how long it takes to sell out online. IMfL sells out in minutes. IMKY may be a better chance to get in. IMAZ usually takes a couple days and is in November, its a man made lake swim, the bike is a hill course but not as bad as others. Run is simple.

Steve Stenzel said...

First, thanks for your comment. I take it you side with my wife: I shouldn't be that hairy.

So, my vote is for Florida. I TOTALLY hear you about the ocean swim, but come on, wouldn't you LOVE that flat bike course! It's like a pancake with a "big" hill of 30 feet! Don't let the ocean swim scare you.

Just my 2 cents...

Duane said...

Im doing IM AZ 0-9, come on down!

TRI-ROB said...

Ohhhhhh.... its ON! Re-read Blink's comment. Yeah. Think about THAT huh? Well? Huh? I might be doing TWO next year... crapolio.

Breathe..

Ryan said...

Ironman is like crack. It is all I can think about, mostly. I do miss drinking beer though, that is a downside of training for one.

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" said...

You've been tagged! See my blog!

Tracy said...

Ah, there's no stopping you now, you've been bitten :) If you don't have hills, or access to hills, I wouldn't try KY for your first IM, though if you want an inside peek at the course, Stu just got back from filming it with Heather Gollnick - check it out on his site. The video will be up soon!

Tracy said...

Oops, I type-o'd the link. Here it is.

Danni said...

I think I am doing FL :)
It will be my first too and I LOVE the flats idea... I am also scared of an ocean swim, but we've got mre than a year to get ready :)

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" said...

Where's the race report?!?!

Supalinds said...

Yea, we are dying for the race report.

As for the IM - I have no advice in which on to choose - but I'm stoked for you - it is an incredible experience.

Can't wait to follow you on your journey!