Ironman WIll Have to Wait Until 2010
I'm just not fast enough or small enough (yet!). I am very disappointed but not discouraged.
What did I find out after dedicating the last 8 months to serious training? I learned I can do the work! July's weekly totals? 17+, 19+, 13+ and 19+ hours. And I liked it (although I had no life!). I also learned I could ride my bike 50 miles then walk/run 3 miles off the bike, and I did a half marathon (slow but I did it!) Far more in shape than when I started and was just about dying.
I will be going down to IM AZ to watch my friends and fellow bloggers race and hang out, volunteer (they wouldn't let me volunteer in the women's changing tent, what a rip!). And yes, I'll probably sign up again.
So for this year, I have two Sprints coming up in September - Glenwood Springs where I expect to crush my previous times and the Crescent Moon Sprint a week later. I may go do that Jingle Bell triathlon in New Mexico in December!
What did I find out after dedicating the last 8 months to serious training? I learned I can do the work! July's weekly totals? 17+, 19+, 13+ and 19+ hours. And I liked it (although I had no life!). I also learned I could ride my bike 50 miles then walk/run 3 miles off the bike, and I did a half marathon (slow but I did it!) Far more in shape than when I started and was just about dying.
I will be going down to IM AZ to watch my friends and fellow bloggers race and hang out, volunteer (they wouldn't let me volunteer in the women's changing tent, what a rip!). And yes, I'll probably sign up again.
So for this year, I have two Sprints coming up in September - Glenwood Springs where I expect to crush my previous times and the Crescent Moon Sprint a week later. I may go do that Jingle Bell triathlon in New Mexico in December!
posted by Duane at
5:54 PM
19 Comments:
I for one am super proud of you for all the work you did this year. I look forward to seeing you in November and you'd BETTER sign up again!
All that hard work just puts you farther ahead for next year. I'm sure you're making the right decision for yourself and wish you all the best for your 2010 IM. Enjoy your volunteering day.
I'm sorry to hear this. You're such an inspiration, keep up the good work.
Smart triathletes are so much better than bull headed ones...
Duane, it's tough to make that kind of a call -- you deserve a great deal of credit for looking at the positives. Keep up the hard work!
It was a stretch goal. You did all the work that was sensible and that brought you a long way down the road. Congratulations on effort and achievement. Thanks for looking after the peeps by volunteering!
I would still do it. Even knowing you are not going to go the whole distance, the experience will be worth it. Do the swim, one bike loop (37+ miles) and walk/run one or two run loops (8.5 or 17 miles). The knowledge you gain about yourself and the course will serve you well next year.
Two cents from a complete stranger.
What onehourironman said..
Hugs to you Duane!
Hope you can make the JB tri. I'm probably going to do that one. Baboo often officiates the local races, as well.
While we need to push our limits we also need to be sesible about doing it and it sounds like you are. Although doing part of it for the experience sounds like a really great idea!
I'm thinking about signing up for the Cresent Moon sprint too! I guess I better make a decsision really soon.
Big decision - and hard too - but after all your thinking and work you can be sure it's the right one. Now you have a sensational base for 2010 - bring it on!
I am so proud of you and your dedication, I am also very sad now though. I wish you the best in your future Ironman journey..you know what to do, you are a very smart man!
I was sad when I heard this, but you have made such awesome progress. Only you know what your body can do. Sometime in the near future, Ironman will be yours. Keep up the good work
It will all come together. Look on the bright side - Now you get to volunteer with me. Okay, maybe not so bright, but it will be great fun!
Wow- What an inspiration mate. I feel almost guilty about my progress. Don't beat yourself up.....life's a marathon not a sprint anway and I'd bet my house that your going to be an ironman!
Sorry to hear of your decision but perhaps the idea of just doing as much as you can has some merit? I still got a lot out of toeing the line and completing just the swim (though too slow to make the cut-off).
Good luck whatever you decide!
What a tough decision! I know it had to be hard to make but just think of all the workouts you have banked for next year. I hope that I am able to be racing next to you next november. I am thinking that will be my race for 2010. :)
You can always "tri." Just try baby tri!
I've read that sometimes you have to carve your goal in stone and write the date in sand. You've done such a great job this year. I'm sorry you have to put off the race, but am continually inspired by your dedication and positive attitude. I wish you the very best.
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