I have taken some time to process, pout, contemplate, snivel, examine, and generally piss and moan. One of my biggest fears has been to work really hard at something, give it all I have, and still fail. Well, that happened and I am here to tell you that it SUCKED ASS, but it did not kill me. It is not even close to the worst thing that has ever or could ever happen to me. So time to go forward. I am ready to move on.
With that said I have made a decision regarding my next Ironman attempt.
V
ineman 2010I have agonized over this. Many of you know I was looking at Redman and Beach to Battleship this year. I think I wanted to "erase" this failure as quickly as possible. Plus I would get to see many friends that will be out there racing, but several things made me decide that those races weren't right for me this year.
1. My family has already made many financial and time sacrifices for me to pursue this goal. My husband does not do triathlon and traveling that distance again so soon would eliminate a vacation we had wanted to take in April. That is really not fair to him.
2. Both races are during the school year and would require me to take time off from school. I am a teacher, I need to fit this into the time I already have off.
3. I have work to do. I am too slow. I am not being self-deprecating. I am being honest.
I truly believe that I have the endurance necessary to complete an Ironman, but that is only part of the task, the other part is to be able to do it within the prescribed amount of time. I am too close to the cut offs. If any small mishap occurs or, as we have seen, if there are less than ideal conditions I can not make the time requirement.
I want to go into my next Ironman attempt with a better cushion on those times. (Umm, and a little less cushion on me. More about that later) Of course, I have now chosen a race that has a shorter cut off. The Vineman mid-race cutoffs are all the same, but the overall cut off time is 16 hours. Yikes.
Looks like I have some speed work in my future.
Oh joy.
34 comments:
So I must say I had to keep coming back to your Ironman post to read because I was running off somewhere and couldn't finish. Now that I have finally finished it and read this post I must say I am even more proud of you. I was proud of you for all the training you had done for this, and the attempt you made at this. Even though it was a DNF, you are dusting yourself off and getting back up to try again. I know so many people that would just give up (or not even try in the first place). I admire your strength and I think that if you use that strength in your training it will empower you in the event next year. Hope to see you soon! :)
I think your decision is a VERY WISE ONE. I too considered doing another race "on the rebound" but decided it'd be best to wait for pretty much the same reasons (family, timing, and the need for more training & experience). And a lot has changed for me as I'm sure it will for you.
Best of luck with your plans (and don't think this means we won't still meet up someday at a race :-)
You can do this!!
Good luck girl! Stay strong; you can do it this time! :)
Yay, very smart! I still wish you'd chosen B2B for selfish reasons...so I could cheer:) That all makes perfect sense to me.
I LOVE Vineman! I've done the 70.3 there and I think it's much of the same course. Just beautiful and fun. Rent a house on the Russian River, close to the swim start!
Congrats on getting back on the horse!
I learned during my first century ride that I am not wanting IM. So, I've taken that off my burner of things to do. I do, however, want to do 1/2IM and can live with that. I had the thought of IM on my list of things to for definitely all the wrong reasons. Kudos for you for getting another race already planned and I know you'll do it-you got the fire inside to do it! Best of luck and thank goodness you found another race so we can read all about the training! Loved every page! ;-)
While we're dissapointed that you won't be here for Redman, I must say I agree with all your reasons. You can succeed at this, and I think you have the right plan.
Great attitude, great plan. sounds like a solid decision.
The shorter overall cutoff time would freak ME out (ha! but the thought of any iron distance anything would freak ME out), however, Vineman sounds like an excellent choice for you.
Can't wait to follow along as the journey continues. :-)
That sounds like a great decision. Well done.
I look forward to hearing how your training for the next one goes.
I was very suprised to hear about your midcycle cut off. IM South Africa does not have that. Just after each event.
Good Luck.
Sounds like a great decision and extremely sound reasoning!
Very happy for you that you are continuing the journey -- no doubt that you would!!
I am excited to follow you on this journey. Now that you know what you need to do you, let the real training begin.
Great! Keep kicking the asphalt, dirt, water and stomping the peddles. I am with ya on the time limits. I will be running my frist Half Marathon in 13 years soon. It has a time limit. My wife and kids will be there supporting me. Yes, it will be harsh if I get pulled off the course for not keeping up the pace. However, they will have to do just that to keep me from finishing. Your efforts have been great inspirations for me. 13 years of not running has slowed me to the point slugs, snails ... well you get the idea. Thanks for the uplift in your Blog.
I am just catching up and read your race report. You are a rock star!!! I know that it didn't turn out like you had hoped but you fought a good fight and hung in there. Your race report had me laughing and crying. I have no doubt that you will be back to show the IM course who is boss!
This will be exciting - watching the training. I hope to be part of it, with some running. ;)
Ahhhh speed work - the dreaded monster, but oh so necessary. You can do it - you have a plan and the willpower of a superhero!
I just recently found your blog. Your IMCd'A race recap was inspiring to read. I'm signed up for my first IM this November and your post made me decide to take your approach - I'm not leaving the course until they make me! Yesterday I was reading Friel's Going Long book, the mental training chapter, and it pointed out that many of us need to serve an apprenticeship period in triathlon. Maybe you're just finishing up your apprenticeship this year and everything will work perfectly next year. Good luck at Vineman next year! They have an Aquabike option too, can still sign up for this year if you live nearby.
HATE speedwork, but damn it...it works...GAH!
So that you know Stacey...as I have sat and pissed and moaned about my various current injuries, and that despite that I know that a tri is in my future...in part because I read your blog and am completely inspired by your journey. Thanks for not giving up. (a selfish thanks!)
Sounds like you have really thought this through and made some good decisions. Like I know anything as a newbie to the sport!
Your reasoning is sound and you have me convinced. I have no doubt you will triumph; you are too determined not too. Can't wait to be here when you do!
i am glad you are all 'healed'! (or at least, feeling 'ok' with yourself and everything). i'm glad you are not rushing into another one for all of the reasons you came to as well - especially to just avoid rushing in general.
i have no doubts that you are an ironman and now you have more tips and tricks to use in your next round of training. go get 'em :)
I have to say that your decision is well thought out. Selfishly--I would have loved to see you at B2B
Yeah-I knew you would be back out there trying again!! And I think it's a good choice-you must take a vacation with hubby and you need time to sort everything out and get your plan working again!!! you can do it!!
Oh yay! Of course I'm sorry not to get to see you this Fall, but it makes total sense to pick the race that meets ALL of your needs. You sound so balanced and excited at the same time. I've heard Vineman is awesome. Is it the same course as Barb's race? And you'll have so much support with it being so close. I may have to figure out how to come out and cheer you on. Best of luck with the speed training!!
vineman, huh? that going to be a fun one. you know we're all going to be supportive of your decision.
Speed comes after endurance. embrace the speedwork now that your endurance level is up and you will get faster. I know i loved the FIRST marathon training plan, and it has really increased my speed.
Hmmm, Vineman 2010. That is actually a nice swim. No current to speak of, you can only get a little ways off course and in many places you can actually stand up. I had fun there and I'm sure you will too.
Great, logical decision. The big thing, I think, is that the course is local enough so that you can drive up and run/ride the whole damn distance several times. Previewing the course makes a huge difference in performance. The support will be great too, and when I checked times from last year i saw several women that had finished after the offical 16 hours, and yet still had a listed official time. Yipeee!
Back on the horse, I see. Very cool.
I did Vineman in 07 if you want any tips or inside info about the course or overall experience (I also have a race report posted). The short version is, I thought it was awesome. Contact me anytime.
hmmm, I just might have to do this with you!!
Great well thought out decision! I cannot wait to keep following you on your IM journey!
Sounds like you made a very thoughtful decision on which race to do next.
I'm with you on the slow, I would need to get faster to attempt any races with strict cut offs.
I've heard great things about Vineman, I think you picked a good one! (If I like my sprints this summer, I might consider Barb's race, which is the half iron distance next summer.)
I love it that you decided to get right back on it. We never fail, unless we give up. I love your enthusiasm. Keep it up.
this looks like an awesome choice!! I didnt realize there was one in cali.... I might have to round up a crew to cheer this one on next year :) you are going to do awesome I know it... keep up that training and I cant wait to follow along :)
I am so behind on everything and am just now reading through your blog and getting the updates.
Be proud of yourself. You did a great job with the conditions you were handed.
I look forward to hearing about your training and everything that goes with it.
Keep it up!
on the plus side, it's RIGHT THERE so you can go train for it a whole bunch on the course.
I did vineman last year - my first iron distance. I'm going back for 70.3 more next weekend. woo!
Go, babe - go!
Vineman?? You know was just joking right!!
I mean there is NO WAY you could get me back out there again.
Don't worry. I'll cheer you on from Dairy Queen!
Love ya!
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