I am now in the base training phase for the Vineman 70.3 half ironman in July. So far it's not so bad. As long as I'm not on call, I can reliably get in my workouts. It's a goal I'm excited about.
But, I'm not as excited about the Ironman that I signed up for in November. Why? The marathon was tough enough. Do I really want to run that far after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112 miles. Do I really want to cycle 112 miles? Right now, a 24 mile bike ride is a long ride to me.
And, do I want to be out in the sun exercising for what will likely be more than sixteen hours straight?
What about the training? Can I train for it AND do my job, AND have a life?
I signed up with a friend. If I decide not to do it, will I let her down?
I think I am going to focus on my next big race, Vineman 70.3. After that race, I'll see how I feel, if I really want to do the Ironman. Because, if my heart isn't into it, I won't do it.
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8 comments:
Obviously doing an ironman is a huge training commitment. As I don't know your schedule I can't tell you that you will have time to train if you really want to. I think your idea to do the 70.3 and then see from there is a good idea. If you do the whole ironman it will be such an accomplishment that you can be proud of (and brag about :)) the rest of your life. But if it kills you in the process and the rest of your life suffers because of all the training, then it may not be worth it to you.
take it one race at a time.
You are going to be featured in Oprah's magazine, if not her show, in a segment titled "Women Who Do It All (And Why You Can Too)." The show/article will feature a psychologist who says things like, "Yes, these superachievers get tired, yes they feel overwhelmed at times, and sometimes they even cry. But the difference is that these women are energized by the challenges they take on. Just like everyone else, they are tired after a long day at work, too, but instead of plopping down in front of the t.v., they do a long workout, or go to choir practice, or perform charity work, because they know that once they give themselves to those tasks, the work itself renews their energy."
OK, this is coming from someone who's never even run a 10K let alone a half marathon or marathon or any of the other amazing stuff you've done, but to me it seems like a really sound idea to finish - and enjoy! - Vineman and to decide at that point whether this is the year to go for a full Ironman or not. If it isn't, well, OK! I guess it just seems to me that an Ironman is SOOOO big that anyone should undertake it only when the timing is right and motivation is high.
You always inspire me!
I want so badly to sign up for a 10-mile run (the farthest I've ever run) which happens in mid-May, but I'm coming down from a herniated disk so I'm still unsure...I'll keep checking in here for my dose of Heather inspriation.
Dr. Vegan Heart,
As a former track runner and marathoner myself, I'm very impressed with your goals and commitment. I know how hard it is to train for a marathon; I have no idea how you find the time to run, bike, and swim and have a practice + social life. I wish you all the luck.
I do have a question on a separate subject. What are your thoughts about the drug Ranexa and if the drug receives a new indication as 1st line for angina, would it make any difference?
Thanks Tom
Tom,
Thanks for the compliments.
Ranolazine (aka Ranexa) is an effective anti-anginal medication that works in a different manner from nitrates. "First-line" medication for angina should be beta blockers; once those are maximized, then either nitrates or ranolazine can be considered.
Stay in the moment. The training and race last a long time. You will be ready. Just stay focused on what is directly in front of you and the rest will take care of it self.
I am flirting with the idea of doing this race in Nov. I will decide after IMKY
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