The Big Idea

This journey began in July of 2010; I had just gotten back from an open water swim and was relaxing on the couch with my husband - who was reading one of the many triathlon training books we’ve accumulated over time. I got up to get a drink, and he said “Honey, why don’t you do an Ironman next year?”

My immediate response – after my drink came out my nose was - “Are you crazy? Do you still want to be married in a year?” This resulted in a bit of a grumbling from him and some comment about only wanting to be supportive and encouraging. The thing was, at first all I could think about how crazy the idea was, but then all I could think about was how it would feel to cross that finish line, and thereafter I started to visualize myself on the day, EVERY DAY. At that point I knew that I had to do it, I wanted to do it, and as terrifying as the prospect was, I was going to do it. It was just a question of where, and when.

By mid-August, I’d registered for the 2011 Lake Placid Ironman, taking place on July 24, 2011. But, I can hear some of you saying, general entry sold out the day it opened, how did you do it? It's better if you don't ask,  just know we didn't give up our first born. 

Now we're in December,and I've been keeping active through the fall, but I must admit that there have already been waves of panic when I felt I may not be doing enough. I've read the books, I've tasted the kool-aid, I'm ready to go.  The ramp up has begun, and the real deal training begins the first week of January, I'm going to enjoy the festive season knowing this. 

I'm excited and terrified, but I'm looking forward to it, and I hope you'll follow me along the way!