I have a new avatar. It is soooo me.HOW COOL IS THAT?!
Thanks Andy!!!
P.S - I LOVE YOU GUYS!
It really does help to have virtual friends in the virtual world. You're fun and you seem like nice people.
Thanks for your unconditional support!
So the haze has lifted, and I can think a little straighter. I was feeling very un-focussed for a couple of days. Today I bricked. I remember how my arms and legs work, and I feel OK. The focus is starting to return.
What's the next big thing for me?
Many of my Outlaw friends are choosing to do IMCd'A next year.
I decided in the car on my way home from BSLT 70.3 that while I am pleased with my performance at that race, I don't feel ready for an IM yet. And certainly not an M-dot IM (TM). Really, no. The stress and fear that I felt leading up to my last two races has been overwhelming. It nearly ate my lunch.
I think if I signed up for an M-dot (TM) I would go catatonic. I know that if I put my $500 down today for a race 1 year from now it would fill me with a sense of dread that I'm not ready for. This could cut the legs out from under my training.
Dread Pirate I can handle. Dread race not so much.
First and foremost, I'm in this to have fun. Some of my funnest races have been the ones I have been the least stressed about - the ones I've sort of walked into. The ones I've felt good about before I even entered. The ones where I was not so deeply invested in the outcome that I handicapped myself before I even got to the start line.
I'm also thinking that I can train up to 140.6 and get into something that's maybe not an M-dot (TM). Meaning I don't have to commit to it 1 year in advance and God forbid something goes wrong I lose that money and my focus and my whole world falls apart. Because there are a lot of races out there that aren't M-dots (TM), that look really kinda interesting, that I can get into with less advance time (and less money).
When I'm ready, I'll put up and I'll shut up. I'll declare my intentions. Until then, I feel like I need to get way more confident about the whole thing. I need to feel a lot better about my ability. This battle is in my head.
Until then, I need to do a ton more training and a lot more racing. I need to do a few more halfs, and at least one marathon. The more I do, the more I'll feel like I can do 140.6 (and how come there isn't such a thing as a 3/4 IM?).
As I always say, the more you do, the more you get done.
What a cool process.
See you at SoMA!!
24 comments:
Oh you will like Soma. I'll be around but not in. As it were.
I'm with you on the let's not jump into this IM thing just yet. There's also the 101s that are becoming popular, which might be a next step. SoMA looks interesting, but did you look at the price?? For that amount, you had better be ready to race!
It is a great avatar! And a great outlook! Enjoy racing, enjoy training, build towards a goal without pressuring yourself.
It is a Brilliant Piratey Plan!
i am the voice of reason: Ahh-come on-if I can do an IM you can. If you can do BSLT (and I mean this)-you can do an IM! :)) It's all about the training..
Soma? Isn't that the drug from A brave New World.
We have the ChesapeakeMan Ultra which is a 140.6 thats run by the same people who put on an M-Dot 70.3
Good plan!
Per Vickie, the 101 series is close to your desired 3/4 IM.
My first Iron-distance race was non-Mdot. They had both a half-iron and full iron. I didn't commit to which I was doing until less than 1 month before the day. By then I was confident enough in where my training had put me.
Love the Avatar.
Vineman just opened up 50 slots - come on down!! Okay maybe not this year but next year for sure. You are more than welcomed to stay at Chez 21CM again.
SOmA.. SOmA... SOmaA..
and thirds on the 101 being the 3/4 IM you are looking for.
Love the avatar! So hot, so you!
I couldn't agree more with your outlook - we ain't in this for the money so if it's not fun, why do it?!?! You'll know when its time to go longer (listen to me, talking like I know stuff!) In the meantime . . . 101 might be fun!
Love the avatar! Ironman...sure you are ready it just takes more time to finish that's all.
Like others have said there is the 101 but Soma kind of interferes with that since the next one, or at least the one Misty and I will be going to is November 11th.
Re: Avatar
I am now stuck with the phrase "pirate booty" rattling around in my brain.
Love your motto...the more you do the more you get done! How true! I was a maniac today at work and with errands after...no workout...but after last nite I needed a day off! :-)
Which SOMA race are you doing? I'm doing the quarterman, I'd like to meet up if possible. Love your blog! Congrats on a great race!
love the avatar. you're one gust of wind away from becoming Dread Pirate Knockemdead.
there aren't enough girly shots in pirate outfits with microscopic waists.
inspired, I changed my avatar too! thanks
Muh ahahahaha. I love being such a bad influence upon the blog community
Argh, I covet that avatar :o)!
I love the whole blingy pinup pirate girly girl thing!
I'll reiterate - the 101 is a .71 or so Ironman - and see'ns how I'm one of the few who's actually DONE one...hehehe...it's an awesome distance that I completed with an average of 7.5hrs a week of training - so....
Thank you for setting me straight on the shoe thing. You are correct that saving a few bucks over having properly fitted shoes is a no brainer and I should have seen that from the beginning. I will go to the running store that records my gait and see if the shoe I am in maybe is too much for me. I know it is a heavy shoe and it might be nice to get away from that. I also have a really bad knee. Does not hurt but has had a major injury (torn patellar tendon, ACL is gone, and also had some cartiledge damage repaired) so that always figures in my decision... I know one more reason to go and get my foot properly fitted. Thanks for setting me straight.
PS from reading your blog I more than think you can handle the IM. And from all accounts you seem like a really great person too. Good Luck training.
I know you could do it. But caution is always best. My favorite races are the ones I was ready for physically AND mentally. That just proves to me you are as smart as you are determined. Rare combo. Perhaps when you decide to take on Mdot all us OUTLAWS can do one of our group showings together.
Congrats on the BSLT! (I've been out of town for a while). I like the new avatar. The cycling club I'm in had a pirate theme with "Bonked Cyclists Tell No Tales" I've been reading your blog; I only have one beef about it - 37 is not old!!!!
My first IM was also non-mdot like Brent's, and it's nice to be able to train without a year of pressure (and freaking out) looming. Another thing: just because you CAN do an Ironman doesn't mean you should. I have zero doubt in my mind you could kick some 140.6 ass, but you should do what your heart/body/family really want. IMs aren't going anywhere, so do what makes you happy; if the full distance is it, then go for it.
Uh, I freaking love your avatar. I have pirate envy.
Another virtual friend checking in just to say HI and to let you know I enjoy reading your posts.
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