IMAZ Journal

I’ve decided to keep a daily journal/log of this next year in preparation for Ironman Arizona on November 16, 2014. This will be my first (& maybe only Ironman race since it’s painfully expensive), so I decided that it is absolutely necessary to record as much as possible during this journey! My original plan was to race IM Kalmar, but in all ways it made more sense to have my first IM race in Arizona. I had considered signing up for an Ironman for a while & for a few months had my sights set on IMAZ.

Day 363:

About 30 minutes before online registration opened, I began to feel physically nauseous and anxious about whether I would get a slot since this race sells out quicker than a Pearl Jam concert. I used my work phone to call John who was shadowing my registration & was trying to secure a secondary slot in case I didn’t get in, and shut my office door to prevent, or at least delay, any interruptions. (Employee of the year, I know. Sorry boss!)

I credit my successful entry to online shopping all of my years typing in numbers on computer keyboards. My rapid-fire fingers apparently got me in just in time. Not only did the general entry slots sell out in less than 20 minutes, but the foundations slots (TWICE the entry fee amount) sold out as well! There are currently a lot of angry comments on the IMAZ Facebook page declaring that it would be more likely to “be struck by lightning” than to get a slot from online registration. But… I got one. I prefer to look at it as this race was meant to be for me, which gives me more assurance that I chose correctly and that I CAN and WILL do this race.

AND IT WILL BE EPIC.

 

With shaky hands I printed and emailed about 5 copies of my registration confirmation to myself (just to be really sure) & was very glad to have John on the phone to remind me that I needed to breathe. He already has 2 races under his belt so I think he could better comprehend the significance of the registration process & was able to be excited for me. I’ve since moved on from “wanting to throw up” to “what the $*#& did I just do”.  It hasn’t totally registered yet that I’ve just signed up for a life-changing year-long HUGE commitment. (My bank account doesn’t seem to have this problem however.)   I know quite a few people that have trained for & completed Ironman races, & have seen some people day in and day out of training… from signing up to crossing the finish line. I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. I’m not trying to qualify for Kona… just trying to get across the finish line in one piece.

I’ll tell you what though… I’ve set myself up for success. I have an amazing coach, support system of family and friends behind me, and former (& current) Ironman racers at my fingertips. I also have Badass Betsy who is going on the IMAZ 2014 journey too :). Now all I have to do uphold my part in this and train my little heart out (not literally. I would like to walk around with a Finisher’s medal for a bit ah thank you). Oh… and to make sure I stay away from lightning.  ;)

I’m currently in “off-season” (or so I’m told) so the crazy 7 hour bike rides won’t happen for a while, but for now I will continue to maintain my running, biking, swimming and yoga fitness. Veterans refer to this as “base training” which is their equivalent to my peak training I think. Maybe I should take before/after pictures? Change my eating habits? Or state for the record that I think 16 mile runs and 60 mile bike rides are really hard. It will give me something to laugh at in 8 months when I’m in bed by 7pm on a Friday night & completely delirious.

During my hard track workouts and races I’ve imagined myself being in an Ironman race, tracked multiple athletes, & have bawled my eyes out watching everyone cross the finish line. It’s crazy to me that I’m going to be on the other side in less than a year and will actually BE running in the race instead of just pretending. I might forget what “weekends” and “past 9pm” means, but am very much looking forward to taking on this chapter/journey/challenge because even though I don’t KNOW what it’s like on the other side… I know what’s waiting for me there.

 

YAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!