I realized recently that I’ve been signed up for an IM every day for almost nine years starting from the day in Aug. '98 when I Fed Ex-ed my entry form to Penticton to next month when I do IMLP. I’m planning to not sign up for an IM after I finish IMLP. I figure I deserve a break, maybe a permanent one. Does anyone have a longer streak going and how have you kept the mojo?
Yeah, I realize that likely the best way to maintain the mojo long term is to take a break. At this point, however, I think once the break is made there will be no return…Typical long-course triathlete thought process? If I miss a day (or a year), it’s all over.
I had a 8 year streak like that back from '89 to '97. Did and Ironman every year save '95 when I took a year off to travel around the world. '97 was my last and I basically retired from serious training and racing. However, back then you did not have to do this enter-a-year-ahead-of-time gig. I would see how the training was going in the late winter early spring and then make a decesion on what would be the “A” race for the year then mail in my entry. Different age, of this still young sport.
I have been doing Ironman Canada, with a few Hawaii’s thrown in when I qualified at IMC since 1992, I missed 2003 due to a bicycle vs motorcycle accident the weekend before I was due to leave for Penticton. I will be up at IMC this year, and this year is also my last Ironman. Almost 20 Ironman’s is plenty for me to be able to say enough is enough since 1992. Cheers LA Rob
Thanks for the thoughtful response. I have considered all those things, except for the non-triathlon related vacation. I’m considering substituting sprint races for IM in my vacations next year, for example doing the weekly Mon night sprint tri in Lake Placid instead of the IM.
Schwingding,
You are the wind beneath my wings. I may go for 10 years now.
This is my first off year out of 9. I truly thought it was something special way back, and I just dont care for what it has become. In addition, my mind and body have renewed focus that I dont think is possible with an ironman hanging overhead.
Mark, FWIW, I tired of Ironman training regimens after only 5 years of being continuously signed up for them. Various parts of my body were always in need of repair, and I abandoned all of the other things I enjoyed in favor of training. For the past few years I have been doing just what you mention - only sprint races. I must admit I like it much more. My body likes it much more. My wife likes it much more, and I manage to find time for other things, too. I also regularly win awards at short races, never at long ones. Sure, the glory isn’t there as it is for the ultra distances, but I have a few finisher’s medals to look back on. Mostly, my body really appreciates the shorter distances.
Parkito,
Thanks for the thoughtful response. I have considered all those things, except for the non-triathlon related vacation. I’m considering substituting sprint races for IM in my vacations next year, for example doing the weekly Mon night sprint tri in Lake Placid instead of the IM.
Schwingding,
You are the wind beneath my wings. I may go for 10 years now.
No breaks. To paraphase a Morgan Freeman character, ‘Either get busy racing, or get busy dying.’
Eventually for some physical reason, you will probably be FORCED to take a break. Cancer, injury, severe family issues. So your break is coming, just don’t give it up until you must because if you do give it up voluntarily, and you later decide to get back in but find you can’t because of one of the above, you will be royally pissed that you quit before you had to.
Mark, some great responses here. The fact that you are asking the question should tell you something. In my case, I had 2 years of no racing due to a car/bike episode, so I can come at this in another direction. The time off was ok, but after a while I sure felt crappy, not getting the workouts, and seeing the results of that. I am a similar age as you, I believe. Also, getting back has been exceptionally difficult. If you can keep in touch with the sport by doing the shorter races, it will make the transition back, if you decide to, much easier. Stay fit, and keep your options open. Never say never…
Yea, I would take some time off if I were you. You can sign up for the Western States 100 instead. If you do it, take pharty with you and wear him out.
Seriously, have some fun with some halfs and maybe a 101. But, no matter what, you have to do TTT!!
Hope you are doing well big guy. See you in October.
Does anyone have a longer streak going and how have you kept the mojo?