Ironman: It's time.

Yesterday I signed up for my first 140.6 distance triathlon, Ironman Arizona.  I'm so excited to train for this race and cross the finish line I can barely contain myself!!! One of my biggest support groups is my running and triathlon friends on Twitter but they have really only known me as a runner.  As a self pep talk I thought I'd summarize why I will be able to be an IRONMAN!! :)

* My first triathlon was KidSport Triathlon when I was in I think, 5th or 6th grade.  I loved swimming and only kinda hated biking but I strongly, fiercely hating running.  My dad's final training for me involved swimming in our pool, doing a short bike and finishing with a 1/2 mile run around the neighborhood.  I don't remember the yelling part, but apparently I hated my dad in that moment.  Haha!  He was the meanest dad ever for making me do it.  I don't remember much of that tri but I do have a few memories from the run.  The next year I did it as a relay and I was the just swim leg.  That was much better. :)

* Didn't do another one until 2006.  It was the Baylor Tom Landry Triathlon.  My dad did it too and the day went great!  I was hooked and wanted to do more.  I had been running for 5 years at that point and loved that in a triathlon when you get tired with one sport, you get to switch!

* Not including the KidSport Tri I've done 16 triathlons.  Two 70.3 distance, two Olympic distance, and 12 Sprint distances.  Two years ago when I started trying to become a faster runner is when I become more competitive in tri's.

* Both my 70.3's were horrible.  The swim and bike on the first one went great but the run was horrible. The swim was great on the second one but both the bike and run made me not do another tri for a long time.  I was so discouraged.

* Since those bad 70.3's I've concentrated on my true love, running.  I've become a much stronger, more confident athlete through running.  My bike has improved dramatically because of the mental toughness running has brought me.

* My love of the bike is renewed.  I took a lot of time off and I'm having more fun on it than ever before.  I have such a bigger community of friends to bike with me and train with me than I've ever had before.  I can't put in all those bike miles alone.  I won't make it until November.  

* Running 50 miles was the best thing I have ever accomplished as an athlete.  It has given me a new outlook on myself as a person and an athlete.  I know some 100 milers that think anyone can run 50 miles, it's 100 miles that really separates people.   While I do believe some of that is true, I don't agree that anyone can run 50 miles.  At least not actually run them.  Maybe run 30-40 and walk the last 10 in.  To me, I ran 97.5% of those 50 miles and it was without question the hardest thing I have ever done.  To keep my body running when all it wanted to do was walk, to know that without question my mind is stronger than my body, these are the reasons I know I'm ready to be an Ironman.

* When I was in HS I remember thinking I would do an Ironman before I was 30.  I'll be 33 next November 18.  Not too bad. :)

* I have the most amazing husband, family, and friends who support me daily in my training and racing.

* I love and always have loved training.  It's why I race.  I love the daily accomplishment training brings.  I can't wait for the full training spectrum that is required for Ironman training.

* I am determined to beat Troy out of the water. :)