After nearly two years, we've decided it's time to bring The Triathlife back to life. Why now, you ask? Well, in a moment of weakness (not really....it was a well thought out decision) back in September, I signed up for Ironman Wisconsin 2011. That's right...a FULL Ironman. For anyone who needs a refresher on the distances of a full Ironman, it's a 2.4 mile swim (oh yeah, with a mass start with 2,000 of my closest triathlete friends), a 112 mile bike ride (and IM Wisconsin is known for having one of the toughest bike courses in North America....hills, hills and more hills), and a 26.2 mile run (right...a full marathon, after that 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike). GULP.
This is a HUGE deal for me. Someone who 10 years ago could not even run for five minutes straight. But in looking back at what I've accomplished in the last 10 years - my first marathon (and two more after that), my first triathlon (including open water swimming), and two half ironmans - I KNOW that I can do this. But it won't be without a lot of sacrifices in the next year. Basically, come December, my life is going on lock-down. It will be train, eat, work, train, eat, sleep...REPEAT.
While I am excited about the challenge ahead, I also know that it's going to be a long, hard year and maintaining my motivation is going to be paramount. So to make sure I have someone who is keeping me on track and also a solid support system, I've signed up to train with Well Fit Chicago....a triathlon training group in Chicago's West Loop. I'll write a more detailed post about the program at a future time, but it starts in earnest in February. Until then, I'll be doing everything that I possibly can to get ready physically and mentally to take on this challenge of a lifetime. This blog will be a journal of sorts for me, and I hope you all will follow along. Jonathan will also be posting about his tri adventures and his role as IronSpouse (which, by the way, is NOT any easier than the person actually training for the Ironman). Feel free to quietly stalk or pipe in with your thoughts and opinions. I can certainly use all the help I can get!
For now, let's all enjoy the off season and Happy Thanksgiving!
- Her
This is a HUGE deal for me. Someone who 10 years ago could not even run for five minutes straight. But in looking back at what I've accomplished in the last 10 years - my first marathon (and two more after that), my first triathlon (including open water swimming), and two half ironmans - I KNOW that I can do this. But it won't be without a lot of sacrifices in the next year. Basically, come December, my life is going on lock-down. It will be train, eat, work, train, eat, sleep...REPEAT.
While I am excited about the challenge ahead, I also know that it's going to be a long, hard year and maintaining my motivation is going to be paramount. So to make sure I have someone who is keeping me on track and also a solid support system, I've signed up to train with Well Fit Chicago....a triathlon training group in Chicago's West Loop. I'll write a more detailed post about the program at a future time, but it starts in earnest in February. Until then, I'll be doing everything that I possibly can to get ready physically and mentally to take on this challenge of a lifetime. This blog will be a journal of sorts for me, and I hope you all will follow along. Jonathan will also be posting about his tri adventures and his role as IronSpouse (which, by the way, is NOT any easier than the person actually training for the Ironman). Feel free to quietly stalk or pipe in with your thoughts and opinions. I can certainly use all the help I can get!
For now, let's all enjoy the off season and Happy Thanksgiving!
- Her
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