Ironman Idaho is in 114 days.......

As many of you know, I have set a personal goal of competing in an full Ironman triathlon this year..... I will be heading out to Coeur d'Alene Idaho for Ironman Idaho on June 24, 2007. Distances = 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run. consecutively. What a goal and what an opportunity to prove to myself that I can do anything, huh! It will be especially meaningful because of where I started two and a half years ago, out of shape, 50 plus pounds overweight, newly separated from my ex husband, confused, depressed, etc. etc. I had never run and when I first started I could only run for about two minutes, truly. I had never biked, except as a kid. I was a good swimmer, but nothing competitively. I was a true NEWBIE!

The reason for all this background info. is that I feel that if I can complete this Ironman, then ANYONE can get fit and change their bodies. Those of you who know me know what a difference this sport has made in my life, and there have been so many inspirational people along the way, many of whom I met through Team in Training and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society....I'm hoping to be inspirational for anyone who can relate to my fitness "story".

Soooo, I have decided to blog my efforts. It is for selfish reasons really, the more people I share my goal with, the more accountability I feel, and its great to know that I've got many wonderful friends and family that are behind me on this.

I've posted an update from my trip to California for the Wildflower Triathlons last May with Team in Training, which was the longest distance race I have done to date, a half Ironman. My goal coming out of that experience was to mantain my fitness/endurance level over the summer, develop a strong running base in fall, ditto for swimming in winter, and then start serious biking this spring. Guess what.... that didn't happen. none of it. I am in nowhere NEAR as good of shape as I was in May, I'm about 20 lbs. heavier, and I have slipped in my speed and endurance levels. I'll spare you the details/excuses of why, but I'm basically starting from scratch for Ironman Idaho (I have a decent base level of fitness/endurance, but like I've said, I've gone backwards in many aspects from last May). What that means is that for the next 114 days I have to make every day count, no "off days", if I am to cross the finish line on June 24th inury free and still being able to communicate (and before they close the course down!)

I am not alone on this journey, I am working closely with my good friend and seasoned triathlon coach Kurt, and I have many close friends who are accomplished runners and triathletes who are helping me.

Bottom Line, I feel blessed to have this opportunity, and I know that once I come back from Coeur d'Alene the sky's the limit.... I will be able to accomplish anything:) Thanks for joining me on this ride!