Should I do the 2011 Wisconsin Ironman?

That has been the question that has been going through my head for the past couple of years and is now what is screaming inside of me.

I don’t know where this came from because 5 years ago I heard the name “Ironman” but didn’t know what it was until I got into cycling and a friend did one – then I found out the distance and thought, “Who would even want to do such a thing…that’s crazy.” but I’ve been going to the Wisconsin Ironman for the past 3 years to cheer on some friends while they complete the most difficult event they have ever done (again) and have learned it’s not only about competition it’s endurance. And endurance is my thing.

Everytime I go to watch I get a little emotional during the start and the end of the race. When the gun goes off and they start the swim the first thing that goes though my mind every year is “This is a huge moment in their lives. They have been putting themselves though mental and physical pain for the past 365 days for this moment.” And many hours later when they cross the finish line I think, “They just spent x hours beating themselves up but this has got to be one of the biggest moments of their lives and I was hear to witness it.”

What I’ve been thinking about is: I want to have that moment. I want to have all my friends there cheering me on while I cross the finish line with the loud dance music and the announcer saying “MADONNA, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!” The thought of that moment is overwhelming.

Here is the deal; I know I have the drive. I know I have the dedication to train. But, I don’t have the experience of a tri.

I tossed together a few points of argument.

• I’ve done a Du-athlon (run-bike-run) and enjoyed the event. I can honestly say after it was complete I would do anther one.
• The bike will not be an issue - I do long distance now.
• The run will be hard but I’ve done a marathon. Before and after the event was done I said I would do another one, but honestly it was my test to see if I could do a marathon and enjoyed it, would I be willing to do a Ironman.
• The swim is my downfall. I just learned how to swim this past fall. I figured I would train hard in this area, get more comfortable in the water for a longer period of time and I heard the wetsuit will be a big plus and help keep me be buoyant. Or so what I’ve heard—I’ve never used one before or have swam in open waters with 2,000 other people.

I’ve asked a number of people “Should I” and I get the same response. 1. Yes, you have the endurance to do this type of event. 2. Why don’t you take 2011 and do short tri’s first before you jump into this (valid point). 3. Why the hell would you want to do one – that is not for me.

And if you know me you would be thinking something either long those lines but I’ve never been a rational person in participating in events. Once I get my mind set on something and I know I can do it there is no stopping me. For example, my first bike race was 100 miles, my first official running event was a marathon…why not have my first tri be an Ironman?

I’ve read the chapter “Can I do it” in “Going Long” by Joe Friel and he states:

Anyone can do the distance if they want it badly enough…One is never “ready” for an ironman-distance race. The event is far too big for that. However, we firmly believe that anyone (and we mean anyone) can complete the distance so long as they have one ingredient: will. The will to train and, most important of all, the will to finish. You have to be doing this for yourself. You have to want to finish, badly…To race to your true potential, you have to gamble. You have to believe in yourself. You have to go beyond what you think is possible.

Many athletes wait until they have the confidence that they can race the full distance the way they want to before committing to a race. Others arrive at the start line with little experience and have a positive experience—regardless of their finishing time. There are even people who finish at the front of the pack and don’t have a positive experience.

So how do you know you are ready to go long? You don’t. You commit, train and pray.

After reading that section, I thought…I might not be ready today but I have the drive and the will to train hard and to finish the event.

Now do I have the courage to register?