Hey all! Virginia here…

This time last week (7:30 am Sunday morning), I was finished with the swim and making my way out onto the bike. It has only been one week. ONE WEEK. With the craziness of end of school work and end of school mommying, it feels as if it has been weeks and weeks. I find myself REALLY searching for “what’s next.”

I’ve got some stuff coming up (Trybee Island Sprint on June 9….and a few other sprints & olympics), but my next “big” race is still a mystery. I’m also resting my leg for the next two weeks….which makes me more nervous and anxious.

This search happens to me after every milestone, and it is something I really don’t like about myself. I wish I could just enjoy the rest after, but that just isn’t possible for me. I felt like this after my first 5K, 10K, half marathon, sprint triathlon, etc. So…now that I have completed Florida 70.3, I am really feeling it. I want to do another 70.3 in the Fall. I think it is enough time for me to train well, and it is also enough time to TRY to heal this darn leg (not cursing about my leg on this blog is major restraint for me). BUT…I’m really torn about what to do. The most convenient race would be Ironman Augusta 70.3. Augusta is an hour from home, so it would not even interrupt my real-life work schedule much. BUT…the issue with this race is the PRICE TAG. I’m a teacher who is married to a teacher, so price tag is a real issue. Heck, those 4 kids of mine like to eat sometimes! Because it is Ironman, it will cost $300 to register. BUT…it will be awesome because it is IRONMAN! But…cost…but, but, but!  My other options, that I know of right now, are the Atlantic Coast Triathlon (Fernandina Beach, FL….only 4 1/2 hours away and costing $175 to register) and the Carolina Triathlon (Charlotte, NC….1 hour away and $160). I am sure if I keep looking there will be other options. I just want to find one that I can enjoy and improve my run. THAT is the next goal…faster run!

I’m also in search of what to do for the boys. THEY loved racing as much as I do, but kids races are few and far between. There is another IronKids race in Alpharetta, GA in September, so we will likely take them to that, but they would love something before that. THE SEARCH CONTINUES. Swim team season just started, so it is a good time for them to race……as their swim is naturally getting faster.

This “dilema” is so funny to me. I would have never dreamed two years ago I would be worried about this. WOW! Though I know I “obsess” too much, I am glad that I have found something on which to obsess. In the end, despite the obsession, I know that dreams are good. I know that dreams make a life worth living. So…..I will continue to search and acknowledge my craziness, knowing that I am living my dream. I love this poem by Langston Hughes…so I am closing this post with his words. Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone.

Dreams
by Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

3 Responses

  1. Virginia,

    You should do Beach to Battleship in Wilmington, NC. It’s through set up events? Great race, super fast swim, quiet bike (majority country roads) and awesome spectators on run course. Plus it’s flat and incredibly well run. I did it last year for my first 70.3 and have already registered for this year. It’s a great race, and its in late October.

  2. I did Beach to Battleship as my first half a couple years ago and can second that it’s a great race. I think my mom is doing it this year too. We rented a condo on Wilmington Beach, and made a long weekend of it. I’m also looking at the new Rev3 half in Anderson, SC in October. It’s not a whole lot cheaper than IM but it’s something. They have a good reputation for putting on good races as well.

  3. I think we all have these battles of “what’s next?” and as you go bigger in distance the smaller stuff no longer appeals to you (5K – why bother?). The thing about the Ironman events is they also jack up the hotel costs in the area and often require a minimum night stay so you really have to look beyond the entry fee. Although I love the energy of their events I also found enjoyment in local long distance events (if you can find them) as they not only support the community you will find that you meet such a great group of athletes and enjoy it just as much. Good luck on choosing a race!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *