General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Sacrifices Rss Feed  
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2009-09-10 8:36 AM

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Champion
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Philly 'burbs
Subject: Sacrifices
I know we all make them, by choice. I set a goal for myself to complete an IronMan when I am 50, and to do it in less than 12 hours. I've been working towards that goal in my own fashion, building distance each season leading up to July 2011. In order to focus on doing what I need to do I've stopped doing some other things, things that I love, particularly coaching football and acting. I will return to both of those but know myself well enough to know that I cannot give my heart and soul to more than one thing that takes up so much time and energy and passion as these three things do. There are plenty of other things to which I give my attention; a new wife, step kids, my own kids, and a full time job. I also enjoy the occasional night out to see a movie or a weekend trip to the shore.
I am not complaining. I love my life and the choices I have made, but I do miss the greasepaint and the gridiron.


2009-09-10 8:55 AM
in reply to: #2398404

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Veteran
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nearby the city of brotherly love
Subject: RE: Sacrifices
If it was easy, and didn't require a sacrifice, many more people would do one...and thats what makes it special!  It makes you realize just how rich your life is, how much you appreciate friends and family--that sometimes get overlooked through arguments and everyday life--as well as how much you love doing other things. 
I really miss cooking and rock climbing, but I know I'll get back to them in full force in a little bit!
Sometimes when you step outside the comfort zone, you find you are the luckiest person in the world--so hang in there and good luck!
2009-09-10 9:06 AM
in reply to: #2398404

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Expert
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Perth, Australia
Subject: RE: Sacrifices
It's the sacrifices that makes the achievement that much sweeter.  These are not things you have given up, only postponed, they will still be there in 2012 and you'll be that cool football coach that did an Ironman.  There are never enough hours in the day  (the fact that I can write my name in the dust on my furniture is proof of that) but you have your priorities sorted and a game plan in place and I admire your dedication.  
2009-09-10 9:09 AM
in reply to: #2398404

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Expert
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Bucks County
Subject: RE: Sacrifices
it's a matter of priorities. what is most important to you? I'm willing to sacrifice anything but family for tri's
2009-09-10 4:14 PM
in reply to: #2398404

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Master
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Central Indiana
Subject: RE: Sacrifices
I would not say "sacrifices"but "freetime choices".  I just caught the tri bug this year and also have given up some other activites I enjoy.  Love cycling but my bike mileage is WAY down vs past years, and I don't get to my fav group rides nearly as often as I used to.  I can get in more quality miles riding alone than going to/from those rides & riding at whatever pace the group takes that day.  Swimming & running cut into seat time as well.  I try to schedule my other non-tri activities during rest days when possible.  Haven't gotten to the golf course at all this year, but honestly I don't miss it.  Etc, etc, etc.  There are only so many hours in the day....
2009-09-10 4:25 PM
in reply to: #2398404

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Thornton, CO
Subject: RE: Sacrifices
I really admire those of you who have families.  I can only imagine how hard it is to take that amount of time away from your family, especially for HIM and IM training.  Since I don't have a family of my own I never understood why people say your family goes through your training with you until I started training for an IM myself.  I honestly don't know how you people manage to not only do 20+ hours of training, but also take kids to school, cook dinner, take kids to their activities, spend time with your spouse, etc. 

I tip my hat in all of your directions and say well done, my friends think I'm "hard core" but I know that I am not quite at everyone else's level of dedication.


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