altissimotri wrote:
wintershade wrote:
While I agree IM is probably not healthy (on you body, mind, or relationships), finishing your first is a truly special life experience -- especially if you get lucky and have a good day (weather, nutrition, performance, etc.). You can say all you want about the power of Ironman's marking machine, etc. but there is a reason (having something to do with the experience itself, I surmise) that people eagerly tattoo a brand's logo onto their bodies. Maybe consider raising money for charity (setting a high goal, maybe $5K?) and be open that you are going to use $1K of the proceeds to fund your entry fee?
I've never met someone who regretted doing the 1st Ironman. The Nth Ironman, is another story.... Just keep it in check and keep your real priorities front and center. It's easy to get sucked down the Ironman lifestyle rat hole, and the cost of that is more than financial.... but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I agree with this dude. I've been doing tris for about 8 years now and this is the first year where I probably won't get to do at least 1 triathlon. I did several Olympics and Sprints, about 25 70.3 races and 1 full Ironman. As I got older and had 2 kids, my time to train became less and less and I started to suck out there on the race course. I think I've just about run my course this time around, but I hope to get back into triathlon at a later date when life doesn't demand so much time and energy that I would have used for training. To fill the void, I'm sticking to just running and I've re-discovered my jazz saxophone chops from my college days....much easier to manage with 2 little ones at home where I am a heavily involved Dad. I miss tri, but I got to the point where I wasn't motivated to invest the time to properly train for my favorite distance (70.3). I definitely don't regret any of it and I'm really, really glad I did the single 140.6 on my resume as it was an incredible life experience! I've also been volunteering at races as a way to give back to the hobby and I've had just as much fun watching everyone else suffer when I don't have to.
I continue to get slower as well. It’s ok. I realize that you can’t fit everything into a day. I tried early on when my kids were born. It just doesn’t work. I ride my bike when I can and I stay active enough to do the races. More importantly, I want my kids to see me being active and not a lazy old guy watching tv. I was slow, but I managed to finish the Door County half Ironman this weekend and I am continuing to train for a full Ironman in Italy. The kids did the triathlon on Saturday. It was a great experience for them. I have taken them on runs with me and they surprised me with a 5.4 mile cross country run a few weeks ago. Damn impressive for two 10 year olds.
I think you have to look at it from a different perspective when having kids. The money could be spent on a camping weekend, or a water park. Why not a family triathlon weekend? My kids were so excited and screamed so loud in transition for their slow Dad. Good times.