Iron... in my dreams

[colby]

Last night I dreamed I finished Ironman. I can remember doing the marathon, which was some kind of multiple-loop affair. My husband, family, friends, all cheering me on. I passed under the big Ironman finish line and felt great. From what I remember, I finished in the 15th hour. Apparently I am a lofty goal dreamer...

I don't usually have such vivid positive dreams, usually I dream about things I'm worrying about and they are conflicting. It was amazing, and I felt great when I woke up. I guess I've been having second thoughts about whether I should be so ambitious with trying half Iron or even international distances this year, or commit to daily coaching/training. This morning, after I woke up, I started thinking about what it would take to actually do it, and thinking "why shouldn't I?"

I wish I could send a copy of my finish line dream to all of you who are actually Iron training.

Someday...

[KSH]

That's a great dream Colby! How cool.

I hope I get to dream like that... someday. Right now, whenever I have to swim in the morning, I dream about swimming. Not as exciting.

[Running Mommy]

A lot of big things start with a dream!!!

[Offthegrid]

The great thing about dreams is that there is no one telling us we can't.

You might want to try volunteering at an Ironman race (or half-Ironman) this year if you can. Talk about inspiring.

[colby]

Sometimes I dream about work in the mornings, especially during really busy weeks. That sure sucks compared to being Iron!

I do hope to volunteer at IMCdA this year, it's right in my backyard. Just reading the stories and seeing all of the battle scarred triathletes the week before/after IM is awesome. I get to put my "someday..." hat back on.

It's all so intimidating, I always feel so slow... but if you started out fast, there would be less room for improvement, right?

I wish I could record the dream and play it back. I usually have recurring dreams, maybe this will be one of them! I swear my heart was still pounding when I woke up.

[Offthegrid]

Hey, Colby, if you think about it, the slower you are, the more you're getting your money's worth.

[Wahine]

Colby, you've got the bug. And yes you can do Ironman. It just takes some time and tenacity, you don't have to be fast.

Be forewarned, once you see one live you'll be signing up for a IM distance race before you know it. I cried at my first IM. I still cry when I think about it. It's so motivational to watch that race live.

[Tri Girl]

Hey, Colby, if you think about it, the slower you are, the more you're getting your money's worth.

That's what I thought of at my IM- I took my time on the course because I wanted to get my money's worth in food, drink and atmosphere. Hey, I paid for it, I want a massage, a bottle of water, some snacks, a bandaid, and an IV (ok- not an IV). I was the person having a blast on the course- I took pictures of my favorite aid stations on the bike (you should see the pictures I took and then that the volunteers took of me with my camera- hilarious). I took 10 min. in each transition sitting down, brushing my hair, and changing clothes. It wasn't a "race" for me, but a day of celebration for all my training, and I wanted that celebration to last as long as it could (ok, but I was constantly calculating to make sure I'd make the cut-offs because even at my fastest I was still chasing cut-offs).

And Colby- you HAVE to volunteer at an iron distance race of some kind- that's what put the kooky dream in my head of doing an IM. Dreams are what have created some of the most amazing things/moments in history. You go for it, girlie!!! You do that 70.3 and then set your sights on the 140.6 next year! You CAN do it!!!!!! Who cares how long it takes you- whether it be 9 hours or 17 hours- everyone who finishes is an ironman (and I looked like I was having more fun than the winners anyway- they were just working too hard and not enjoying it as much )

[colby]

And Colby- you HAVE to volunteer at an iron distance race of some kind- that's what put the kooky dream in my head of doing an IM. Dreams are what have created some of the most amazing things/moments in history. You go for it, girlie!!! You do that 70.3 and then set your sights on the 140.6 next year! You CAN do it!!!!!! Who cares how long it takes you- whether it be 9 hours or 17 hours- everyone who finishes is an ironman (and I looked like I was having more fun than the winners anyway- they were just working too hard and not enjoying it as much )

I'm trying to decide if you ladies are helping me or not...

I'm definitely planning on volunteering for IMCdA this year. It's so close, it seems silly not to. If anyone knows anyone doing IMCdA, I'd be happy to take a finish line picture or two (or task my husband!).

I'm not sure I could be ready for 70.3 by July, which is when the nearest "official" 70.3 is (Lake Stevens). Next option is a non-official 70.3 the first week of August (who cares if it's official, really!). Another option is an Oly distance the 2nd week of August. Maybe I could... I think I'd definitely need a coach to set me straight if that's true.

And... I just found out I am a bridesmaid in a wedding the same weekend as a sprint tri I'm signed up for (the Danskin, for anyone playing along at home), so I guess there will be no marking the day before (though it's tempting to show up marked just to freak out the easily freaked out folks)... and no enjoying the wedding cocktail service!

[KSH]

It wasn't a "race" for me, but a day of celebration for all my training, and I wanted that celebration to last as long as it could (ok, but I was constantly calculating to make sure I'd make the cut-offs because even at my fastest I was still chasing cut-offs).

WOW! I love that point of view and attitude! Very cool.

[crazycanuck]

As a volunteer at Ironman Western Australia & the Half IM, i have to throw some info out..

I was a bike leg volunteer (pooey I didn't get to sunscreen the sweaty bodies like littleblackduck did ) and after my shift I wandered on to watch the run leg. If the look in competitors eyes by the time they're on the run course doesn't inspire you then nothing will.

It was amazing to watch so many people-from people like Jo Bennett(5th in the women's pro category-she's from Perth ) to whomever just finish.

I know there's a local busselton lady (diane but can't remember her last name) who mentioned in her IM story that after volunteering for so many yrs in a row, it was her turn. She may not have finished her first in 05 but finished in 06.

I think i could do a 1/2 but not an IM. Why you ask...Open water swimming..

Oh & Btw..IM Western Australia pics..to tempt you You know you want to visit
http://www.fusephotography.com/login_d.aspx

[mountainchick]

I've been lurking in this forum for awhile and have always contemplated doing a tri, but am a sucky swimmer.

But you guys have really made me think twice (or four times) about doing one again. I'm in the process of nailing down a training plan and getting my butt in gear.

And Canuck...I LOVE WA, especially Perth. And anyone who has a chance to go there I recommend it. Unfortunately my trip to AU this year will be east coast.

[Meg McKilty]

http://www.fusephotography.com/login_d.aspx

Looking at the categories, I was utterly shocked to find there are children's triathlon events held. I have never heard of this occuring. Ever.

[Tri Girl]

Looking at the categories, I was utterly shocked to find there are children's triathlon events held. I have never heard of this occuring. Ever.

I volunteered at a YMCA kids tri last summer and that was the funniest (and cutest) thing I've ever seen. They had 3 year olds to 14 year olds. The little ones were the funniest: floaties and training wheels- and then running with mom or dad on the run couse so they wouldn't get lost. The older ones were great, too. Just going all out and then collapsing at the finish- like kids do. If you ever get a chance to see one- you have to go simply for the entertainment factor. They just cracked me up all morning long. Too funny!!!

[Wahine]

I volunteered at one once. They are a hoot. My biggest challenge of the day was convincing a 5 yr old to take her helmet off - it was the first thing she put on coming out of the water - so she could put her shirt on because the shirt simply was not going to fit over her helmet. It was a long transition.