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August 14, 2007
Dreaming of Kona
For the past three nights in a row I've dreamt about Kona. It's different every time. Last night I dreamt I was riding out in the lava fields and the heat was so very oppressive. It's strange - but I know why I'm dreaming about it. On Saturday night O and I watched my tape of Kona 2006 and apparentely I've been thinking about it ever since...
I honestly have been thinking about it a lot lately. You see it's about this time of year that the triathlete has to start planning next year's season. Ludicrous I know. And it drives me crazy. I mean how am I to know what I'll feel like racing next season when this one isn't even done yet? But races like Eagleman are almost sold out for 2008 and I was just contacted about representing the US again at Age Group Worlds in 2008. Age Group Worlds is really early next year because of the Olympics and so you qualify for it as based on races in 2007. Ugh.
So this sent O and I into a discussion about next year and what races I might plan on doing. Which brought up many, many other questions. Did I want to stick with shorter races (ie: Olympic distance) or sprinkle some half IMs in there too? If I did do a half IM - early season or late? Focus on the shorter stuff or make the longer stuff my "A" race. Try to qualify for Best of the US? Try to make it back to Portland for Age Group Nationals? Turn pro at the very first opportunity I get or wait a bit until I get more experience? Really try to make a run at being the best amateur at some of the biggest races? And perhaps central to it all...put all my heart and soul into trying to qualify for Kona now or wait to do that until later?
My problem is the fact that I'm greedy and I want it all. I want to do Kona, I want to do the shorter races, I want to PR at this distance and that distance and I want to do some cycling races and...the list just goes on and on. My coach would probably cry if he read this. If there is one thing that I've learned this year it's that you can't have it all. You really have to focus on just 2 or 3 races for the whole season. And the rest is just part of the buildup.
What I do know is this - I've decided that I would really like Kona to be my first full distance IM (you can qualify for Kona via a select few half IMs around the country - otherwise you have to qualify via a full distance IM).
Because Kona just seems too majestic a race to have it not be your first. And as brutal as Kona probably is, I would want to go in with no expectations other than enjoying every moment...all the way to the finish.
I don't know if I'll change my mind on that. I don't know if that's naive thinking. I really don't know what I'm talking about at all to tell you the truth. But something else I learned this season is that sometimes ignorance is bliss. And not knowing any better isn't such a bad thing at all.
We didn't really come up with any hard and fast answers to all my scheduling questions. I have so many goals and so many things I want to acheive in this sport. I have to remember that it can't happen all in one season. Although let me tell you, if I could figure out a way to make it work...
In the mean time I'll be dreaming of lava fields and ocean swims and lots of other good stuff. Better put that tape away before I start running in my sleep...
Posted by beth at August 14, 2007 8:04 PM
Comments
I thought I felt a kick coming from your side of the bed the other night. Was it during the swim, bike, or run? Or, was it Roxydog getting comfortable? I'm not sure I just went back to sleep.
Posted by: O at August 15, 2007 12:25 AM
Oh, the inner workings of Beth's mind. Thanks for letting us in. This is a lovely post. I know you want everything, right now. It's so tough! Make sure that, whatever you do, you follow your heart!
Posted by: Meghan at August 15, 2007 5:22 AM
I liked this post b/c it is SO TRUE!! I mean...start planning for 2008 before 2007 is done!!? Anyway, "dreaming of Kona" was good...you have to take your mind there before your body gets to go. And, I q-fied for Kona at Eagleman 1/2 IM...and Kona was my first, second....and so far only IM. So, it is doable!! I just found your blog. Fun!
Jennifer Harrison
www.jenharrison.com
Posted by: Jennifer at August 15, 2007 9:46 PM
I liked this post b/c it is SO TRUE!! I mean...start planning for 2008 before 2007 is done!!? Anyway, "dreaming of Kona" was good...you have to take your mind there before your body gets to go. And, I q-fied for Kona at Eagleman 1/2 IM...and Kona was my first, second....and so far only IM. So, it is doable!! I just found your blog. Fun!
Jennifer Harrison
www.jenharrison.com
Posted by: Jennifer at August 15, 2007 9:46 PM
I liked this post b/c it is SO TRUE!! I mean...start planning for 2008 before 2007 is done!!? Anyway, "dreaming of Kona" was good...you have to take your mind there before your body gets to go. And, I q-fied for Kona at Eagleman 1/2 IM...and Kona was my first, second....and so far only IM. So, it is doable!! I just found your blog. Fun!
Jennifer Harrison
www.jenharrison.com
Posted by: Jennifer at August 15, 2007 9:46 PM