Commiting to Full Ironman

You still have time.  It sold out this year, but not until about 1-2 months ago. 

Agree with what others have said, it is an awesome race, doing the Half again this year.  Flat like Daniel said besides the few overpasses.  And the community support is very impressive, lots of people parked on side of random streets ringing bells etc. 

I am doing B2B in October, after training for a half in May my wife suggested since I had already built up a good a base I should go ahead and bite the bullet and do an ironman. We sat down and discussed the training and so forth. We also have two small kids. She has been nothing but 100 percent supportive. I think this last month is starting to get to her because all the long rides and runs. She told just the other day she can't wait to have her husband back. I have tried everything I can to take as little time away from the family. I guess as the athlete we don't realize how hard it is on the other one because we think we are doing all the "work".

Not sure about what race to race but I can comment on the SO issue.  I have a wonderful wife with three mostly behaved, but sometimes absolutely frickn ahole naughty, boys.  On the good behavior days, my wife loves the fact that she's "sleeping with an soon-to-be Ironman".  On the other days, the not so great to be a parent days, my wife would rather have me quit training so that I can deal with the brats. 

The withdrawals that I'm taking out of my Spousal Approval Unit account are tremendous and I know that I'm overdrawn in that account.  But if she was not as supportive as she is, I wouldn't have even considered signing up for IM. 

I have IMAZ in 58 days and I am hitting most of my workouts and I feel like I'm getting close to being ready.  I do miss one from time to time and it sucks when I do.  Ironman doesn't care about how busy you are, your obligations to family, friends, work, etc.  All Ironman cares about is 140.6.  If you don't have the SO support for a HIM then I would strongly suggest not signing up for an IM unless you get the full committment from you SO to be supportive.   

BALANCE.  Very important with family.  If you can work out your schedule to meet the needs of your family and still get your workout in, then you have done well.

It is VERY hard.  I'm married with 3 young sons with active lifestyles and a dog.  The guilt is always hanging over me.

I snipped out your post a bit for effect...hope you don't mind.  The last 4 sentences somewhat contradict with the first.  IMs are not going anywhere.  Realize that this is likely a 9-12 month commitment for most people first timers since they need to take the time to build up a sufficient base.  Realize that you're paying to do this.  It should be fun.  It should be something that your family members support you with.  If this is simply something that's going to strain your personal life and career and also cause you to perform below your expectations...I don't know why you would do it.

Just my 2 cents.

I just signed up for IM Moo, which will be my first.  I had the talk with my wife and she is on board.  I told her that I will still be around for helping out with kids homework, soccer practice, etc.  Time management skills for me are going to be very crucial.  Which means, lots of trainer rides/dreadmill runs in the basement at wee hours of the am before work during the winter months leading up to early spring.  Lunch time swims/strength training.  Like others have mentioned, it will be the long weekend rides that might be a problem.  I even suggested that I would wake up on Saturdays early, crank out 2-3hours on the trainer before sun up, then get the rest done and be back home to do family life by 10am.  The long sunday runs are not going to be as troublesome initially, but once the duration gets up there will be during summer months.  Now my kids are 9 and 6 yo, which I think makes a difference pending your own situation.

Hope that helps.