I've always compared training for the Ironman to pregnancy, the race to the birth and the depression you have afterwards to post-partum. Now, I've still never had a baby, so I can't say with certainty how these two compare (feel free to share if you've done both!), but I imagine the highs, lows, exhaustion, excitement and fear are similar.
The big difference between the two is that when you have a baby (and deal with post-partum or not) is that you get to continue to make goals. You now have this bigger (more exhausting) thing to do and take care of. You life now has MORE purpose, not less. However, after the Ironman, you go through this depression, this waffling, this "what in the world am I supposed to do today?" thing. My goal is over...now what?
My life has been rigidly scheduled for a year. Every minute of everyday. I rarely went out during the week because I needed to eat healthy, get chores done, save money, and be in bed by 8pm...it's tough to do all that in one night! Tommy and I would go on dates but we were always home by 9...our dinner reservations were at 6pm when all the blue hairs eat. IronTrish describes my feeling post-Ironman perfectly...
Nonetheless, the change is welcome and I'm enjoying it...but I do feel like I lack a purpose. Knowing that that Houston Marathon is in January and then Florida 70.3 in May are helping keep me semi-focused, but I know that a month of losing focus is actually a good thing. It's just hard for us goal oriented people. I miss my schedule!!
So, we've been getting chores done, sleeping in (only a little!), relaxing a bit and enjoying each other! We have a date this weekend - we got tickets to The Sound of Music and then plan on using a gift card to the Red Cat Jazz Cafe for some late night jazz. Staying up till midnight has never been my forte, but practice makes perfect, right? Maybe THAT can be my new training goal!
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People think I am so weird for signing up for another race... I think it would be weird if I DIDN'T! It's only a HM but gives me a schedule to follow... even if the weeks only max out at 5 hours of training (compared to 5 hours of IM training.. for one day!!)
I bought all three seperately - one swim, one bike, one run (finish line). It was $33 but I can order however many I want, in whatever size for very little money on snapfish (1 4x6 is $0.09 !) I got a frame with three 4x6 spots and put in one of each. looks pretty cool :)
This is the first year I've taken 6 weeks OFF of much of anything and it rocks out. I'm totally ready to get back...after the 1st of the year. Let's be reasonable, I have cocktails to consume. Enjoy this next non-IM year and do something else crazy .. an ultra or a long distance swim or something. Gives you focus and more balance!
Sounds like you're ready for a baby!! Maybe. You have no idea what you're in for until you do it. Just like I would have NO idea what it's like to complete an Ironman. We're so proud of you guys! I tell everyone who will listen that you guys did and Ironman...in under 13 hours!!!!
Missy - I can't make myself take time completely off, but I AM letting myself sleep in when I feel like it which is super nice. And I finally have a bit more balance in my life! HOORAY!
D - Don't go counting your chickens! :) I'll continue to live vicariously through you for the time being! Give Gavin a big hug for me - miss you guys!!
I'll let you know...
I did an Ironman in April 09 and am now pregnant (baby due in February).
Can't wait to hear your point of view!! So far, what do you think?
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