This time is different, of course. The fire in my belly of doing something "New" is gone. I have new motivations - Get back my triathlon fitness, Find some new inner strength, Connect with my local TRI group. But truthfully the fear and nerves are still there. My biggest *known* nemesis for the Ironman Florida course is the 2.4 mile ocean swim. It SCARES me!! I used to be scared of the unknown of swimming 2.4 miles but that passed after doing it 3 times successfully. Maybe not very quickly but fast enough to beat the requisite 2:20 cutoff in a variety of conditions [perfect, fast current and epic seasickness swells] and that is what matters on race day...
BUT that was three year ago....and this is the Gulf of Mexico. I have witnessed Ironman Florida with epic rough swims (2006) and I have seen this race with beautiful swim conditions (2007). Like any triathlon, you get what you get on race day. It's what you do with it that matters. That is what I have to remind myself, every day for the next 373 days.
"You get what you get on race day. It is what you do with it that matters!"
You had better believe that I will be doing a lot of open water ocean swims and shorter distance triathlons for the next 53 weeks, in addition to pool time. Oh and of course, some long biking and running with a side of Crossfit to keep me strong, fit and injury-free.
Injury-free. Presumably I am there but after some tendon issues...I had to cancel my Goofy Challenge goals for Jan 2013. I am deferring to next year. Doing another Ironman means more to me right now and I am easing back into the running very slowly. I am 2 weeks out from being release from the cast (forced rest for my tendon) and not having any pain so the next step is to bring back the swimming and biking for two weeks, adjust the volume of walking and then slowly ease into running and Crossfit again. One careful, calculated step at a time over the next 53 weeks (and 1 day).
My goal here is to blog at least weekly. To keep track of my progress, to maintain accountability and document my Ironman Florida 2013 journey.
I am still FUNDRAISING for Team FIGHT! Only the race has changed, not the over all goal!
My goal is $20,000.00 by November 1, 2013. Make a donation and join me in the FIGHT AGAINST CANCER - IN HONOR AND SUPPORT of the CANCER to 5K Training Program and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.
I was 34-years-old when I was diagnosed with Stage III Melanoma. To be in my mid-30s and diagnosed with cancer was shocking. Walk into an oncologist office and you are surrounded by fellow patients in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. There is no organization as dear to my heart as the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. The programs that they offer Young Adult Cancer Survivors and their families make a difference in the lives of those of us diagnosed in that middle age, "too young for cancer." This year, more than 70,000 young adults will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States.
The Ulman Cancer Fund's goal is to enhance lives by supporting, educating and connecting young adults, and their loved ones, affected by cancer.
Join me in the FIGHT to raise $20,000.00 to support the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults so we can keep amazing programs like Patient Navigation Services, One-on-One Cancer Support, CANCER to 5K, College Scholarship Programs and YACS going and growing strong!
NOTE: Not one dime from the money raise will go towards my actual participation in Ironman Florida 2013. It all goes to the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults! I am paying the costs for my travel, training, accommodations and race registration. There is no "fundraising minimum" of any kind except the one that I have determined - $20,000! My intentions are to raise awareness and money for thie amazing programs that the Ulman Cancer Fund brings to so many young adult survivors and their families. So please GIVE GENEROUSLY and SHARE MY BLOG and FUNDRAISING PAGE with everybody you know! Every Donation, no matter the amount Will Make A Difference!
