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September 19, 2006
The "New" Plan
So here's the story...I'm not going to do Ironman Lake Placid next summer. Yeah, I know - that was pretty short lived. But let me explain a little.
When I started training for a triathlon this past winter I thought it was merely going to serve as a diversion until I could run again for real. I was kind of into the idea but didn't think I would do much with it beyond getting some good cross training until my feet felt better. But I should have known. Truth is, I don't usually just do things halfway or just for the fun of it. I don't get involved in a lot of things but when I do get involved I jump in head first and with all the heart I have.
I'm not sure what I'm trying to say other than the fact that I'm totally into triathlon. You may have been able to guess that of course. :) I feel like it's the sport that I should have started long ago. I like to train hard and I like to train intensely and that's something that I could never do well with running. Running was just too hard on my body and although I did have spans of 1-2 full years without injury, I was more often than not either coming off and injury or heading into one. And that's frustrating to say the least. Not to say that I won't get hurt training for tris but the training is so much more condusive to my style and to my body. Since when could I train for 15-20 hours/week with running? Not possible. But it is with triathlon training and that will serve to develop my cardio system like none other.
Okay - again, I'm off course.
Anyway, as I trained and raced this summer I started to feel like I might be able to do something with this sport. Why not right? I have a lot to learn in the water and on the bike. I have a lot of developing in both of those sports AND I know I can run faster too. Encouraged by my coach as well, I decided I would like to try to get my pro card next summer.
Quick explanation - triathlon is not like running. You cannot earn money in a race as a pro until you actually earn your pro card which involves racing in big races and doing well enough in those big races that you prove you belong in with the pros. Once you have a pro card you can then race with the pros (who start in their own waves), earn money, usually get help with entry/travel fees, etc... It kind of sounds a little more special than it is. Don't get me wrong - it would be a huge thing for me to get my pro card, but it doesn't mean the Olympics is my next step. Indeed - it doesn't mean that AT ALL.
Anyway after a lot of thought and a lot of prayer I decided that my new goal was to chase the pro card next summer and see what happens. That means doing some big races, traveling more, etc... and also meant (at least for me) that IMLP was out. My injury prone body would just not be able to take the hard/intense training for Olympic distance races and then try to do the longer stuff for IM too. Too much for this triathlete.
Instead I'm aiming for some bigger Olympic distances races as well as one half IM in June. I can't even tell you how excited I am already.
It's a scary thing for me to put this pro card goal/idea out there. But I have to be confident enough in my decision and choice to be able to tell others about it. I feel like I've been given this exciting and wonderful opportunity that I just can't pass up. I'm 27 years old. I have the support of my coach who is willing to support me with equipment. I have support of a wonderful team of cyclists and other triathletes who are willing to help any and all achieve the goals they set out to do. I have a flexible job (in which I've worked out a schedule that will soon begin in which I will work 3-4 days/week instead of 5). I have been blessed with talent and drive and while I'm no Deena Kastor, I do believe I have the ability to achieve a certain level of success. I have a supportive family and wonderful friends. And probably first and foremost I am married to the most wonderful, supportive husband in the whole world who is willing to take this financial risk and sacrifice probably more than anybody else (including me). All those factors added up means only one thing. I would be stupid to pass the chance up.
And so it goes. One of my favorite Justin McRobert's songs (called Safe) sums up how I'm feeling about this whole thing:
"I'd rather fail a thousand times than live in fear and never try; A thousand times I'd rather fall than be afraid to move at all."
I may never win another race. I may get run over by a car tomorrow and never even enter another race. But I want to give it a shot and see what happens while I have the chance. I've tasted regret before and I remember quite well - it doesn't taste good at all.
Posted by beth at September 19, 2006 9:53 PM
Comments
:)
Never a dull moment with you, huh? :)
Go get 'em.
Posted by: Audrey at September 19, 2006 11:37 PM
Yay, Beth! I'm really excited for you and we'll be cheering for you every step of the way. It's exciting to go after big goals, even if they are a little bit scary. Anyone who reads your blog knows how much potential you have in triathlons.
Of course this ruins my secret plan to get a bunch of bloggers together to go to Lake Placid and cheer you on next summer, but maybe we can do that somewhere else instead.
Posted by: Alison at September 20, 2006 7:44 AM
Best of luck, Beth. You can do it.
Posted by: brian at September 20, 2006 8:57 AM
We are so proud of your determination and focus!
Posted by: Nadine at September 20, 2006 9:31 AM
behind you all the way... will still cover you in prayers...
Posted by: Kranky C Dale at September 20, 2006 9:40 AM
go Beth, GO! :)
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at September 20, 2006 10:37 AM
go Beth, GO! :)
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at September 20, 2006 10:37 AM
Beth that is so exciting!!! You are going to do great and you are such an inspiration to us recreational athletes ;)
Best of luck, I can't wait to read about your progress towards your tri goals!
Posted by: barb at September 20, 2006 7:41 PM
As if you weren't hard core enough already! This is awesome; I can't wait to tell people that my sister is a professional triathlete.
I am so glad that you've found a way not only to keep running but to keep competing at a level that makes you happy.
Posted by: B at September 21, 2006 12:32 AM
Wow, I'm impressed on many levels.
This is going to be a good show to watch.
We are all behind you, this little blogging community.
Posted by: Meghan at September 21, 2006 9:28 PM
How exciting to make a decision like that. Bummer about not doing LP though, I did that race this year and will be volunteering/spectating in '07. You made the right decision though since you want that pro card.
Watching your progress will be neat. Do you know what type of race schedule you will have in '07?
Posted by: Eric at September 27, 2006 7:53 AM
How exciting to make a decision like that. Bummer about not doing LP though, I did that race this year and will be volunteering/spectating in '07. You made the right decision though since you want that pro card.
Watching your progress will be neat. Do you know what type of race schedule you will have in '07?
Posted by: Eric at September 27, 2006 8:12 AM