112558. Just another number?

When I was in the height of my training this summer, I got cocky. I felt great, my injuries were behind me, and I knew deep in my heart that I would finish the Nation's Triathlon in September. I had been deeply involved in discussions with my online group of triathlon friends, and everyone was talking about their accomplishments and their goals. I was having fun racing in sprint triathlons and training with my friends. I realized that the momentum must continue even after this race in Washington DC is over.

So, in a moment of insanity, I registered for something that at one point I never would have considered. I registered for a half Ironman race. I hadn't COMPLETELY lost my mind by thinking I could do a full Ironman. That's a 140 mile race...only crazy people do that. A half Ironman is certainly attainable, I thought to myself. It's just double the distance of an Olympic distance traithlon, something that I have already accomplished. Almost immediately after I hit "register", I received an email of congratulations. "You have successfully registered for the Florida Ironman 70.3. You now have an official Ironman number: 112558."

There have been a lot of numbers assigned to me in my lifetime. My driver's licence number. My jersey number in my sports. My college ID (which I strangely remember even though I've long since graduated...1089763.) But this newest number, even if I can't remember it, seems more significant than the others. To me, it says I CAN DO THIS. To others, it may mean SHE'S OFFICIALLY LOST HER NOGGIN. (Hush up, you naysayers. LA LA LA LA I'm not listening!)

So as I think about this gigantic and lofty goal that I have set for myself, I now have to get all my ducks in a row. My training schedule won't increase, which is a very good thing being that I do still value and cherish the time with my family, especially my beautiful girls. I have realized in the last two weeks since finishing the Nation's Triathlon race that I am not very motivated on my own, and excel when training with a group.

I decided to sign up for one more Olympic distance triathlon through Team in Training, so that I could prepare for this half Ironman. Team in Training has been a great opportunity for me to not just get my tush in shape, but make a difference by doing something good at the same time. My hope is that Team in Training will choose me as a team mentor so that I can formally share my enthusiasm and fundraising ideas with the rest of the group.

I'll have to start all over with fundraising, and that will be a challenge. I've tapped out most of my friends (or likely exhausted the rest by sending my "monthly updates" when training for the last race). But hey, I'm 112558. I'm ready for the challenge, and expect to meet all my goals once again.

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Help me in my mission to raise $4,000 in the fight against cancer!
Check out my progress at my new web page!!
http://www.active.com/donate/tntmi/andi

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