I'm not sure anyone can ever accurately answer that question when it comes to Ironman - at least for me, it's a list of reasons too long to number. If I picture says a thousand words, then this should sum it up pretty well.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Compelling Argument
I hadn't really shared my thoughts on IM 2010 with anyone because I really didn't think it was an option. The on-site registration, it seemed, would fill all race slots as it has in the past few years and I didn't really want to get my hopes up.
At home though, we've been joking all along that the plan was Ironman, Baby, Ironman, Baby, Ironman, Baby. (This was before I got pregnant and started seriously considering 'one and done.' Only children can be incredibly well-adjusted, right??!?)
Once the deed was done and I'd announced The Plan (to you and THE ENTIRE INTERNET), I was faced with the daunting task of convincing my coaches (among others) that my decision is NOT, as Scott put it, "due to limited blood supply to your brain and likely pressure on other vital organs that affect rational decision making process."
I'm still waiting to hear back from them (this is part of their mental game). I still need to expand the list of why's and how's because I know there are things I missed here. Of course, so there are so many items which will have to be added once The Dude arrives, but it isn't worth worrying about until we're on the other side.
Without further ado, I give you...
A Compelling Argument for My Selection to 2010 IronTeam
Trying to convince coaches of my coach-a-bility for 2010 prior to today seemed like wishful thinking, as it was likely I would not be able to get an entry online. Even now, it seems almost insane, as I sit here watching and waiting for any sign that this baby will join us soon. The inevitability is what is keeping me sane. With a week left to go before the due date and a midwife who thinks 'the sooner the better' I know it's a matter of days. Babies can't stay inside forever. (My official due date is 8/4.)
So...the compelling argument.
I. The Athlete Support System
It begins with a fortuitious online entry slot, thanks to the speedy internet refreshing skills of my husband. Ironman in any form requires 100% commitment from the Support Crew, so for months now, we've tried to work through the scenarios which make this commitment possible.
1. I am not going back to work. I quit my job as of 5/29 and am now a stay-at-home mom. A luxury, a joy, a blessing.
2. Rick works from home, is his own boss and has the life most people dream of. Work when there is work to be done. Otherwise, play, train or (from what I can tell) nap.
3. A husband who is dedicated to triathlon and running but doesn't like to go long, is the perfect match for the wife who loves to go long and the lifestyle that comes with it. Training time is respected and supported. Luckily enough, dedication to family and mother/father/husband/wife roles is the same - responsibililty is split evenly.
3. The stay at home family has 100% flexibility of childcare, training time and work/life balance.
These elements add up to be a HUGE advantage to the IronMom, unlike IronBride, who, in addition to a strict, demanding work schedule, is often required to spend time away for wedding planning, travel, honeymoon, etc.
II. Fitness - the Reality Check
The unknown is the biggest factor in this challenge. The facts are: with dedication the fitness levels will come back. With time and effort the weight will come off. With patience and extreme caution, strength will return and can (and should) prevent injury with a safe, gradual build to pre-pregnancy fitness levels. The unknown elements - assumption of uncomplicated birth, speed of post-partum recovery and ability to assimilate a baby into our lives and eventually our lives into baby's. My thoughts/plan of action:
1. Walking,swimming and core work will begin immediately post partum for mom's sanity, safe weight loss and return to positive fitness state.
2. Biking on a trainer will begin as soon as 'comfortable' (with medical approval, of course.) Additionally, yoga or pilates are in my 'return to fitness' regime.
3. Running and walk/running will begin slowly with medical approval, as appropriate as strength and core increase.
4. Strength training and sport specific excercises, will also resume as soon as medical approval.
Most important for me is to return safely to pre-pregnancy fitness levels - injury free - with a positive outcome, both emotionally and physically. I want to begin this journey back into my body with joy and recognize that energy levels, sleep, nutrition will all impact the day-to-day outcome. In my eyes, beginning Ironman training with a solid base of strength, injury free and mentally fresh will be a huge advantage. In terms of sport specific requirements - a strong base of swimming, moderate ability/endurance on the bike should put me on the same level with many new Lifers. Again, the run is slightly more of a mystery. Assuming 100% birth recovery it seems reasonable to assume that I would be on target for 60+ minutes on my feet by October, adding both mileage and intensity as appropriate through the fall.
III. The Heart of the Matter
We've talked before of the escapist/control issues that come with IM training. A year on the sidelines has given me a perspective that I had not previously had. Training is a part of me, of my life. It is and never has been 100% of my life. I'm too rational to get caught in that game. The sense of freedom brought by physical strength is something I miss more than I imagined I could. The joy of having a goal and working towards it is immessurable. By far, the challenge of 'constant forward motion' of the millions of small, seemingly insignficant decisions that in total add up to success- is my favorite aspect of training. Ironman is a journey made up of those small moments, and because of those, I know that I can, in 11 months + 28 days, complete my second IMLP. Of course, this time around, those millions of moments will be absolutely and totally different from the million tiny challenges I faced last time, but in my heart, I believe that with a positive attitude, a commitment to finding the joy in each step, this journey is 100% possible. I've never missed practice because of a sick baby, but I never have to get stuck at the office on a Tuesday night either. My 'early' Saturday wake-up calls may now seem like a HUGE luxury when I can sleep in until 5:30. The unknown is the best part. What little miracles await? What million challenges do I get to face and overcome this time?
At home though, we've been joking all along that the plan was Ironman, Baby, Ironman, Baby, Ironman, Baby. (This was before I got pregnant and started seriously considering 'one and done.' Only children can be incredibly well-adjusted, right??!?)
Once the deed was done and I'd announced The Plan (to you and THE ENTIRE INTERNET), I was faced with the daunting task of convincing my coaches (among others) that my decision is NOT, as Scott put it, "due to limited blood supply to your brain and likely pressure on other vital organs that affect rational decision making process."
I'm still waiting to hear back from them (this is part of their mental game). I still need to expand the list of why's and how's because I know there are things I missed here. Of course, so there are so many items which will have to be added once The Dude arrives, but it isn't worth worrying about until we're on the other side.
Without further ado, I give you...
A Compelling Argument for My Selection to 2010 IronTeam
Trying to convince coaches of my coach-a-bility for 2010 prior to today seemed like wishful thinking, as it was likely I would not be able to get an entry online. Even now, it seems almost insane, as I sit here watching and waiting for any sign that this baby will join us soon. The inevitability is what is keeping me sane. With a week left to go before the due date and a midwife who thinks 'the sooner the better' I know it's a matter of days. Babies can't stay inside forever. (My official due date is 8/4.)
So...the compelling argument.
I. The Athlete Support System
It begins with a fortuitious online entry slot, thanks to the speedy internet refreshing skills of my husband. Ironman in any form requires 100% commitment from the Support Crew, so for months now, we've tried to work through the scenarios which make this commitment possible.
1. I am not going back to work. I quit my job as of 5/29 and am now a stay-at-home mom. A luxury, a joy, a blessing.
2. Rick works from home, is his own boss and has the life most people dream of. Work when there is work to be done. Otherwise, play, train or (from what I can tell) nap.
3. A husband who is dedicated to triathlon and running but doesn't like to go long, is the perfect match for the wife who loves to go long and the lifestyle that comes with it. Training time is respected and supported. Luckily enough, dedication to family and mother/father/husband/wife roles is the same - responsibililty is split evenly.
3. The stay at home family has 100% flexibility of childcare, training time and work/life balance.
These elements add up to be a HUGE advantage to the IronMom, unlike IronBride, who, in addition to a strict, demanding work schedule, is often required to spend time away for wedding planning, travel, honeymoon, etc.
II. Fitness - the Reality Check
The unknown is the biggest factor in this challenge. The facts are: with dedication the fitness levels will come back. With time and effort the weight will come off. With patience and extreme caution, strength will return and can (and should) prevent injury with a safe, gradual build to pre-pregnancy fitness levels. The unknown elements - assumption of uncomplicated birth, speed of post-partum recovery and ability to assimilate a baby into our lives and eventually our lives into baby's. My thoughts/plan of action:
1. Walking,swimming and core work will begin immediately post partum for mom's sanity, safe weight loss and return to positive fitness state.
2. Biking on a trainer will begin as soon as 'comfortable' (with medical approval, of course.) Additionally, yoga or pilates are in my 'return to fitness' regime.
3. Running and walk/running will begin slowly with medical approval, as appropriate as strength and core increase.
4. Strength training and sport specific excercises, will also resume as soon as medical approval.
Most important for me is to return safely to pre-pregnancy fitness levels - injury free - with a positive outcome, both emotionally and physically. I want to begin this journey back into my body with joy and recognize that energy levels, sleep, nutrition will all impact the day-to-day outcome. In my eyes, beginning Ironman training with a solid base of strength, injury free and mentally fresh will be a huge advantage. In terms of sport specific requirements - a strong base of swimming, moderate ability/endurance on the bike should put me on the same level with many new Lifers. Again, the run is slightly more of a mystery. Assuming 100% birth recovery it seems reasonable to assume that I would be on target for 60+ minutes on my feet by October, adding both mileage and intensity as appropriate through the fall.
III. The Heart of the Matter
We've talked before of the escapist/control issues that come with IM training. A year on the sidelines has given me a perspective that I had not previously had. Training is a part of me, of my life. It is and never has been 100% of my life. I'm too rational to get caught in that game. The sense of freedom brought by physical strength is something I miss more than I imagined I could. The joy of having a goal and working towards it is immessurable. By far, the challenge of 'constant forward motion' of the millions of small, seemingly insignficant decisions that in total add up to success- is my favorite aspect of training. Ironman is a journey made up of those small moments, and because of those, I know that I can, in 11 months + 28 days, complete my second IMLP. Of course, this time around, those millions of moments will be absolutely and totally different from the million tiny challenges I faced last time, but in my heart, I believe that with a positive attitude, a commitment to finding the joy in each step, this journey is 100% possible. I've never missed practice because of a sick baby, but I never have to get stuck at the office on a Tuesday night either. My 'early' Saturday wake-up calls may now seem like a HUGE luxury when I can sleep in until 5:30. The unknown is the best part. What little miracles await? What million challenges do I get to face and overcome this time?
And the goblins gonna getcha...
Why is it that the demons in your head only come out at night?
I should be fast asleep right now, my whale of a body nestled into a cradle of supportive pillows. Instead I'm yawning on the couch, wondering what sort of fool signs up for an Ironman before even having the baby? I think I need to go back and re-read My Plan and maybe attack some of the obnoxious remarks these nighttime demons are making.
I am certain I'll be spending a lot of midnight moments on this couch in the upcoming months, and I'll be damned if the goblins are going to get me. I can do whatever I put my mind to. I can make it work if I want to. I can be a new mom and a triathlete at the same time.
So take that, demons!
Off to build my pillow nest now. Will this baby EVER get here??????
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
When is MY wave start?
Today officially marks 39 weeks. Tick tock. Tick tock. I'm amazed at how much easier the waiting has become now that I have something else to think and worry about. Maybe I should have signed up for an Ironman months ago.
The funny thing is I keep joking how much the end of pregnancy is just like a race - the taper leaves you feeling antsy and slightly off. Not exactly injured or sick, but certainly that lingering suspicion that your body is somehow not ready for the miles ahead, and that each tiny ache is really a bigger problem hidden away to discover once you are deep into the race.
Unlike a traditional race though, you are constantly stumbling around looking for the start line, waiting on someone to announce the race date and gun time. All the other age group waves have been sent except for my own. So I continue to try to stay hydrated, keep my muscles warm and diligently maintain my nutrition plan. Out of superstition, I haven't packed my bag. What a weird way to start a race.
The countdown is on. Tick tock. Tick tock.
The funny thing is I keep joking how much the end of pregnancy is just like a race - the taper leaves you feeling antsy and slightly off. Not exactly injured or sick, but certainly that lingering suspicion that your body is somehow not ready for the miles ahead, and that each tiny ache is really a bigger problem hidden away to discover once you are deep into the race.
Unlike a traditional race though, you are constantly stumbling around looking for the start line, waiting on someone to announce the race date and gun time. All the other age group waves have been sent except for my own. So I continue to try to stay hydrated, keep my muscles warm and diligently maintain my nutrition plan. Out of superstition, I haven't packed my bag. What a weird way to start a race.
The countdown is on. Tick tock. Tick tock.
Monday, July 27, 2009
A Very Good Place to Start
Thirty eight weeks and six days.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting.
"Soon?" everyone asks. Yes, soon. Because every minute that goes by is closer to the start. This baby has to arrive eventually and so, "soon" is, I suppose, correct.
But it's not just the delivery room start line I'm waiting on. By some act of grace, today I was able to get an online entry to Ironman USA 2010. I'll be lining up again under the flags with a not-yet 1 year old and a body that went from baby to iron(ish) in less than 365 days.
And I can't stop grinning.
I can't help but to wonder how many times in the next year I will say to myself that this is a Historically Bad Idea, but right now it seems just...well, just right.
My journal entry from August 29, 2008 sums it up nicely...
I spent the evening at the bookstore looking for titles that don't exist. Titles like "Heather, Here is Your Path to God and Enlightenment." Also, the ever popular bestseller "Ironman or Baby: You Choose Easily with Our Ten Quizzes."
I continue a few pages later -
So which will it be? Baby bottles or water bottles? Spandex shorts or elastic waistbands? Either way, I can expect: very early mornings, lame Friday nights, no wine,a sore crotch and a sore back.
So - I shelved my IM '09 plans and my Pills. My last journal entry was October 14th - by November I was pregnant. Thirty-eight weeks later, here I am. The newest wheelset in our house is a stroller and my feet are so swollen that I've had to remove the liners from my Asics in order to wear them. Not having even started yet with baby bottles or the sore crotch, but deeply entrenched in elastic waistbands, no wine and lame Friday nights, I turn my sights BACK to Ironman and the start lines that I know are out there......somewhere.
And. So. We. Wait.
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