To be or not to be? That is the question...

I decided to setup this blog, similar to my friend (Noelle) - who will be competing in her first Ironman in a few weeks. I've had to laugh at all of her stories in her training regime and thought this might be kind of fun (not sure if anyone will want to read it, but doesn't really matter). In the past month, as triathlon season has been winding down - Noelle and Cindy (my other tri friend) have been talking about doing Ironman Madison next year. At first we just threw it around, but now talk is getting serious.... 

Why Madison? Because it's close to Minnesota and we could do training rides on weekends. We don't have to fly there to sign up or race - just a nice 5-6 hr drive. 

Why debating so early? Now, for non-triathletes you may be wondering why we'd be discussing this so far out from the event in 2009. Well, Ironman events tend to sell out minutes after it goes online for registration(sometimes it doesn't even make it to online registration because everyone signs up onsite). If we are going to commit to this - we better get a plan. So, we signed up to volunteer at this year's Madison Ironman race in September (taking bikes from the racers in transition), which will give us 'preference' for signing up for the 2009 event the next day. So... we shall see (it's still a gamble if we'll get in). I guess this is just the first step - with several million to go. 

Why do an Ironman? Well, I haven't really decided how to answer this one yet and maybe never will. I did my first 1/2 Ironman this summer and am so glad that I did. I worked really hard for this event and it was a huge hurdle to say that I did this race. (Plus it's fun to see people's faces when you tell them what you've done - they think you are seriously crazy). So...as I'm not getting any younger and other priorities may take over in my life in upcoming years - now is as good of time as any. Plus then I can get an M-dot tattoo (which for those who do not know is the Ironman logo). Ironman finishers can get this tattoo and it is kind of a badge-of-honor for the accomplishment. Lastly, if Noelle, Cindy (and maybe Jen - ahem!) all signed up - we'll have some great support for each other to get through this. I'd kick myself if i backed out and they all did the race without me. So, we'll see how this all pans out over the next year - I know I have the great support from my husband and family....now I just have to get the ball in motion. Stay tuned.