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?