Thursday, April 21, 2011

Since the email from WTC

First of all, WTC, why aren't you following my blog because this is a cool story.

Okay maybe not so but I am having a great time. Since the email announcement I have started the last few days to panic, of course. I mean, I thought, I wanted the Hawaii Ironman spot, I thought I'd get the lottery, sure, but really, really. Now that I've got it now I've got to make it count.

Immediate changes: change up training program to emphasize the Boise 70.3 in five weeks to validate my entry then back to the full Ironman training schedule. No problem, I started in January with Kona in mind so I'm on schedule. Feeling good with a good amount of training races ahead and support. Also I've got a couple of rest breaks built in so I don't over-train at any one point.

I'm starting to obsess about all the if's, all the details I've got to work out. It's good, I've got checklists going, checking in with my support group, and working it out little by little. For me, I'm a bit obsessive compulsive detail oriented anyway so I need to give myself lots of time to work out the details.

I've been thinking alot at this point and the most common thread right now is "why do I do this, triathlons?" I feel like I have a good handle on my personality and what drives me so I've come up with a list.
  • Because God has given me the gift that I can do it.
  • My family supports my little hobby.
  • For my family, friends, supporters who encourage me.
  • For my former students and athletes because I always encouraged them.
  • Because I get so much support and accountability from my Tri-Team and sponsors at Snohomish Bicycle and my trainers/coaches from the Monroe Family YMCA.
  • I am having such an amazing time and every day discover what I can do.
  • Finally as I started about the gifts from God, I am so grateful.
So there's a little up close and personal and WTC if you're listening or watching, there is more to come. A hui hou, ho'omau, see you on the road.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Hawaii Ironman

Last two weeks on the road. San Jose to do some home chores for Kaleo. Quick stop in Santa Monica to check in with mom. She's doing well. Out to the desert to quick check on the condo, everything was fine. Brother John and friend in residence for a couple of weeks. Back to Beaverton, dinner with Em and BJ, all is well there. Finally home, rest a day, yard work for a day, back in the routine tomorrow.

Big news, received email from Ironman with notification of winning lottery for Hawaii Ironman 2011. I'm in. One of 200 selected. The odds of winning is unbelievable and now, it's on. In order to validate my entry I have to complete an Ironman event so I've registered for Boise 70.3 in June. Now I'll adjust my workout to 70.3. After I'll switch back over to the full IM regimen.

Race schedule now includes:
Boise 70.3 in 7 weeks
Tri Monroe in 10 weeks
Whiskey Dick in 15 weeks
Kona in 24 weeks

More on the training adjustments later. A hui hou, see you on the road.