Decision Made? Yes, decision made.

I’ve gone back & forth over and over every day since May 19^th (the day after my hardest race to date).  After finishing IMTX, I swore I was done with that race and maybe Ironman completely.  Of course, I came around as you all know and quickly corrected myself.  I would definitely race Ironman again.  For several weeks, I had all but convinced myself that I would tackle Texas again in 2014.  I felt like I had unfinished business even though I did the best I could given the conditions.  My best just wasn’t good enough (in my mind).  When I told Keith I was leaning towards 2014 he looked like I had killed his dog but did assure me he would support me. 

Well, after much deliberation, I’ve decided that I will NOT do IMTX in 2014.  I had told Keith early on I would only do these races every other year.  It’s a big time commitment for not only me but for my loved ones so I do need to take into account their thoughts. It does feel good to have made a decision but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little sad about not hitting that start line next year.

Now that a decision has been made, I can start planning my 2014 season. Yes, it’s early but I’m someone who does very well having long term goals to look forward to.  Also, I’m considering some out of state races that sell out early and I want to make sure I don’t miss out. 

I’ve been thinking about some goals I have.  The two biggest I have are running a sub-2 hour half marathon and the other is racing a sub-6 hour half Ironman.  My best half marathon to date is 2:02 so I’m right there.  I feel this goal is very achievable…I just need to figure out which race I’ll be going for it.  The Houston Half is only 2 months after the NYC Marathon and I’m planning on racing that for fun!  So maybe The Woodlands Half will be the place I go for my goal!

My best half Ironman to date is 6:28.  Going sub-6 is going to take a lot of work.  I can get ½ way there by focusing on my swim.  If I can do that, I’m hoping modest improvements on the bike & run will get me the rest of the way there.  The course I race will play a part in this too.  I’ve been thinking of a few 70.3 races I would love to tackle but they are more challenging and while that doesn’t scare me, it does mean I may not get my PR.  I did tell Keith that if I’m not doing IMTX next year, there is a chance we could be going back to Galveston where I will chase my PR and hopefully, sub-6 half! I've got some time to decide though.  

I’m excited about my races the rest of the year and in 2014.  By 2015, I’ll be itching to get back to the Ironman distance and I can’t wait!