Someone remind me family is more important...

Hi, John ... it's a real dilemma most people, not just triathletes, face in their lifetimes. It's tough.

Not that a marathon = Ironman ... just my experience. I gave up a destination marathon I had worked really hard for, fundraised many $1000s for (to give to charity, which of course is great and well-done), and scrimped and saved to travel to, in order to go back and spend a month with my folks in Indonesia.

I've gone all over the world and seen many places, but this turned out to be the best trip of my life.

Some things are priceless. There will be another Ironman. But on this trip, you will find your soul; you will find and absorb things you never even knew existed. Go back to the Philippines without regret. You won't have any when you come back. 

Well, apparently, Jesus can also be found in the Philippines (or so 80 million Pinoys keep trying to tell me ). That's even without a mammoth brick.

Steelhead, nice.

Think about the look on your parents faces and the amazing experinece it will be for them to return home after so many years...

IM will be around a year later... and the will get to share your journey with you.

Travelling back to their home country is an experience your parents will never forget and you will be an experience you get to share with them and remember for the rest of your life. It will also open your eyes further to who they are as people...

I think this is one experience you wont regret.  

I was born in Asia and left around 1year old too - but I've been back several times.  And every time I go back, especially with my parents, is special, because it connects you so much to your personal history.  I'm sure the Philippines will be really different than your parents remember, but also the same.  And it will be so so special.  My favorite part of my last trip back to Taiwan was following my mom around her college campus, with her saying, "I lived here!  This was my dorm!"  and then finding that one of the dorm "mom"/guards was the same as 30 years ago, and chatting with her for a few minutes.  It was just awesome.

Given that your parents are getting up there in age, and that the fact you wanted to IM by 2008 was a completely arbitrary decision (will it really be so different if you do it next year instead?), I say go to the Phillipines.   And have a FANTASTIC time!

Um. Family is more important. That's easy.

But I feel your pain. Get a different ironman through a community fund slot.

i'm a filipino and have done an ironman but i'f presented with that choice i'd go back to the pi in a heartbeat,to me all the endurance activities is just a hobby.

I can understand how you'd feel disappointed... this is something you've trained for, held as a goal for so long, and have practically built your life around.

But your parents... this really is a once-in-a-lifetime event.  There will always be more IM races.  Heck, maybe you can even do an IM in the Philippines? 

I know it is hard, but remember there will always be another IM in your future, but there may not be another year to spend time with your parents.  I lost my dad when he was in his early 60s and I would give up anything for one more adventure with him. 

If cash is a consideration, why not conside IM WI? It is practically in your neighborhood.

Chin Up.  You will be glad you made the decision you did.

Famous transcendenalist once stated, "The root of all of man's problems and confusion is his inability to sit quietly in a room by himself".  Sit quietly and listen to your gut.