Why or why not IM in 2009

I'm in again for IMKY 09.  My race did not go as planned (see RR) for details and I have to get revenge on the run course! 

My IM training had more ups and downs than the hills on the bike course at IMKY.  Three weeks in May when I did basically nothing due to a ton of personal stuff, saddle issues, the list can go on.  Throw in the emotions that go along with the training; tired, cranky, the crazy hunger that goes on for months.  But all of that was worth the pride of crossing the finish line.  I wear my M-dot (see avatar) every day because I EARNED it.  Ironman is no longer just a race, but it's what I AM.      

No, not in 2009 because my life will be changing with the adoption of a baby girl.

But I will do another IM. I absolutely loved it. I loved 80% of the training, too. I loved the feeling I got from going long week after week. So yes, I will again, but when my family is ready for me to. IM will wait on me.

I plan to be still doing them when I am retired! Maybe every other year or so then....

Yup, I did IMCdA this year and will be signing up for Ironman Arizona in 2009.

I have been asked the question often (Why are you signing up for another) and I was puzzled by the lack of a coherent answer on the tip of my tongue to throw out.

So, for now: "Because the Voices in my head told me to. (And So I will do so)"

I did IM Fl in '06 and hated the training.  I think it's because I did all my training on my own- I didn't have any training partners.  I had a great 1st IM so I wasn't motivated to do another one anytime soon.  And I wanted to take a break from tri training and run a lot of marathons and work on my running.

But...I think I've forgotten how awful the training is (LOL) because I'm signed up for IM Cozumel next November.  I love the IM race and want another IM experience.  This time my fiance is signed up as well so we'll be doing a lot of the training together, or as best as we can.  I think having someone else that's IM training will be better for motivational purposes. 

yes, I still have to race IM AZ in two months and then next year will be IM Louisville.

WHy? I love something that is all consuming like Ironman. It's an everyday deal, and a subject I can talk about all day with people. Unlike the local sprint or 5k that if you miss this weekend  you can just do a different one next, IM is sign up a year in advance and plan your life around it.

Plus I think I just like pain

I did IMKY this year with the intent that this was my one and only IM... I signed up for next year, mostly since I know I can do better in everything ,, plus I was a mental basket case a couple of weeks before the race that really threw me off

did imwi and im in for next year

why:

1. the finish chute...im addicted...

2. the journey 

3. next year im going fast!

I trained for my first this year. I enjoyed the training a lot and found it a growing experience in many ways. My plan prior to IM was to do another but not sure when. After IM I decided I do IMFl in '09 and we got tickets to travel down and support a friend and sign up. Right around the time school started I came to realize there is a tough time in a parents life before school and first few weeks of school. I kept thinking how could I do IM training while all this is going on. I also got my new cyclocross bike and started learning and trying out that.

The unique opportunity opened up to sign up for IM Canada without traveling to sign up. Canada allows me to train without the kids being in soccer during heavy training time and being done with my IM while school starts another hectic time. Plus I can race Cross after recovering...totally different event that is exciting and a welcome difference than tri training/racing.

It seemed to work out perfectly and I was able to get into Canada on line the second time they opened it.

Did not do an IM this year, but did do a 1/2 IM at the end of July.

I will do Moo in '09, with a better plan and bigger goal.

Why do it?  Because of the camaraderie of some great peeps, the training to get there (and it's almost in my back yard!), being treated like a pro in a very well-run race, and the sheer pleasure/thrill of accomplishing such a feat!  To meet such fantastic fans and support, and hear Mike Reilly's greeting at the Finish Line! 

Oh, yeah, and the t-shirt and finisher's medal.  And the hat.  And that space blanket. 

While training for IMKY '08 I wasn't sure if I'd want to do another one in the near future.  I had planned on focusing on marathons (Boston in April) and maybe some shorter TRIs but after IMKY I found myself checking the Ironman website periodically to see if registration was still open for next year's race.  I guess that was my sub-concious way of saying I wanted to do another one, so I signed up for '09.  Oh yeah, and I love running down that chute with the spotlights and the crowd...makes you feel like a rock star.

Did IMFL in 07.  Didn't sign up for 08, as my children were kind of tired of having to put ME to bed...but I told them I'd do it again in 09, so they are ready.  I don't really care for the shorter distances anymore (St. A's Oly being the exception).    There is nothing I love more than a 6 hour bike ride   LOVE IT! 

So in 09, I will try to go faster....and double my funds raised for MDA from 25k to 50k!