Ironman St. George

It is official Ironman announced that the newest full Ironman event will be held in none other than my little town. How awesome is that?!?

May 1, 2010 will be the day that many crazies will gather in my town to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles, all at once. Oh, how I dream to be one of those crazies.

However there are a few factors that may prevent me from being one, at least in 2010.

• The race costs $550. That is insane. But it does make me feel better about spending $110 on lesser tris now that I know what they can cost.
• How could I train for such an event? I have three little kids who can not take care of themselves. Training for a marathon is hard enough but add the other two portions, and I don't know where I could find the time, at least until my kids can care for themselves for hours on end.
  
• Is it possible to complete such an event? I have completed both a 100-mile bike ride and a marathon on their own and was so exhausted after each, I can't imagine doing both in a row.

Here is why I dream of participating in an Ironman and more specifically, Ironman St George:

• Bragging rights. Let's be honest, the Ironman is the ultimate in endurance events. To complete one would give me every right to brag for the rest of my life.
• No travel costs. If I travelled anywhere to do any race the cost would start approaching $550 very quickly. Boston is costing us more than that when all is said and done (well, maybe not because Tom's parents are joining us and paying for the hotel). But really many of the races we travel to, cost alot because of travel and lodging. If I raced in my home town, I am saving all that money.
• I know the course. This is where I train. I know most of the course already, and what I don't know I would definitley train on before the race.
  
• Race with the best. I race with some great athletes, but I am sure I could rub shoulders or be trampled in the water by many greater athletes.
• Surprisingly, the swim would be the least of my worries. I am a terribly slow swimmer, but I have learned to swim without getting tired. I can swim a mile with little training and not be exhausted afterward. I would just be the last out of the water. When I used to dream of completing an Ironman, it was always the swim that scared me the most. I think with some training and a great wet suit, I could get through a 2.4-mile swim and be able to complete the 112-mile bike. The question is could I run 26.2 miles after?
• I need a new obsession. Boston will be over in less than a month. I need something new to obsess over and facebook about and blog about and just drive everyone crazy with my talk.
  

So even if i don't do it 2010, I will complete an Ironman Triathlon in my life. That is my new goal. It would be awesome to do St. George, but whereever it is, I will do one. It might not be for 10 years, but who knows maybe 2011 will be the year.

Who wants to join me?