Ironman Florida

Thanks for starting this thread Jess! 

I'm just doing some "maintenance" training this month and getting ready for my first century ride this month.  I'll be in full force IM training started next month. 

I keep wondering "how in the world I'm going to have time for other things and balancing my life?"  That's probably what I'm the most worried about.  Oh yeah- I'm a little nervous about the long rides and runs, but that's when I'll be hitting up my friends to join me for parts of those workouts to keep me company   I'm just dreading the swim workouts and having to go to the pool but I'll get over it. 

I've gotten more excited for IM training since I've learned to love the bike again!!

For me, the honest truth is you cannot have balance in your life for awhile. That's just the truth. Everything else gets put aside until after the race. So maybe just try to accept that that will happen. Warn your friends. Warn your boyfriend. It's better if they know ahead of time that if they don't see you for awhile, it's not personal...you just don't have any time. When you aren't training you will be too tired to do anything.

It took me awhile after IMAZ to catch up with all the stuff that had been put aside...my personal relationships, my business stuff, my volunteer stuff. But I have gotten caught up and this time I know that there is no balance and I will just do the best I can and not take on any projects that I don't have to.

It's worth it, though. Without a doubt. Because when you are out there on the run course, suffering and mentally pulling yourself through the pain and doubt, it's life-altering. For me it was like 10 years of therapy in less than 6 hours. All you can do for that time is tell yourself you can do it, and you have to believe it. That makes all the sacrifices worth it. Knowing that you really, REALLY acheived something amazing and difficult and totally AWESOME!!!

Is that possible with the volume of training we'll be doing??  

Yeah- its a tough call.  Sleep, fun....I agree though.  I'm going to talk my boss and see if I can come into work earlier so I can leave earlier to have more time after work to train.  Or what would be more pratical (since it's going to be hot) is to train in the am and come in later, then just work later.  I'll have to work something out.  But it's always nice to leave work knowing that you already got your workout in.  This is really when I wish I was self employed so I could train whenever I wanted to!

I think, honestly, give where you live, you'll do yourself a favor to get your workout in early and get to work a little later. That's what I plan to do (but that damn snoozing habit must be kicked).
#1, the heat factor makes having the main workout in the AM much more bearable.
#2, The race will be in the AM. Crap it'll be in the PM too--nevermind that point.
#3, Things always seem to come up as the day goes on. If you get the workout done in the morning, or at least the main, most crucial workout (if you're doing a double or triple), it's DONE. Plus I think this will help you not feel as much like your whole world is shutting down b/c of training. (Like, feeling like you're "always saying no" to dinner or some afterwork thing b/c you have to go train--obviously you may be too TIRED to do anything, but I think it's better than having to say, "no, I have to go sit my @$$ on a bike by myself for 2 hours. Maybe next time guys."

Yay- new wall paper!!  I don't know if I can change it yet though.  I'm too conceited and really like my bike picture from my 1/2 IM as my wall paper

You're right Debbie- training in the morning is better.  I think I just need to get a new alarm clock that doesn't have a snooze button.  That's what prevents me from getting up in the mornings on time!

Hummm, you and me both sista! We should call each other in the mornings to keep ourselves accountable! Hehe!

I need a big M Dot flag to hang in my bedroom.  Or maybe I'll get rid of my pillows so I'm not so comfortable.  Heck- maybe I need to start sleeping on the floor so I won't be all comfy when the alarm goes off.  I guess there's more options than we realize!

I just changed my wallpaper to the M Dot flag- it looks really cool!

Hey guys, I'm starting a new thread about IMFL accommodations (who has them already, who doesn't, how long you're staying etc. etc.) so please post your plans and thoughts when you have a chance: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=46630&posts=1#M461373

Like this one?

http://www.trisports.com/ironmanflag.html

Awesome...although, I'd hate to have M Dot stuff without having completed an IM yet.  But it would be great for motivation- especially getting up early in the mornings to train!

I'm in as well and just late to this post.  3 months and counting and the training is starting to heat-up.  Especially in Texas!  I still don't have accomodations so I will go post on the other thread to see what's up.

Good luck everyone, it's getting closer and closer.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=46630&posts=1#M461373

I am looking for places near the race site like Edgewater Gulf Beach, Panama City Beach or Gulf Lagoon Beach.