I made a pretty big decision this past weekend during my sprint triathlon about next season.
I did my first triathlon in October of 2010 and then spent the 2011 season training for an Ironman. I made a very quick jump to the longer distances and I loved it. All i know is endurance. All I can do is long and slow for hours on end.
It was very clear this weekend that I have a hard time pushing the pace. Speed is my weakness. Granted, my slower speeds may have had something to do with the fact of doing two hard hikes 2 days before the race which lead to awful calf cramps, but still.
I have toyed with the idea of doing another Ironman next year. I asked a few people about what they thought about me balancing my first year of PT school with Ironman training. While many said it would be doable, they also said it would be hard. Some said it was just plain stupid and I would be spreading myself too thin.
Ironman training takes heart. It takes every ounce of energy you have. It requires 8+ hours of sleep per night. And it requires a nice chunk of cash.
Next year, I need my heart and my energy to be focused on PT school. I need shorter workouts and races with cheaper entries due to my non existent income as a student.
Due to all of these factors, I am saying “see ya later” to the 140.6 distance and hello to sprints and Olympic distances for the 2013 season. I plan on doing another Ironman. I plan on doing more than just one more. But I respect the distance and the next time I tackle the 140.6 I want to be able to put my whole heart into it.
I hope the season of shorter training will allow me to become a faster and stronger triathlete.
What do you think? Am I less of a triathlete because I am choosing to race shorter distances?
Less of a triathlete? No, you’ve just figured out what your priorities are for 2013. My husband and I are doing our first 70.3 this year, and balancing the training for that with kids and jobs was a huge challenge. I’m not sure how we’re going to manage to train for an Ironman, I think we’re going to defer until 2014. Life is just too busy now.
Good luck in PT school!
No way, jose, I think you’re just being realistic! I’m having a hard time just training for a marathon with school and work, so I can’t imagine tacking on some biking and swimming, too. It’ll be there for you when you get done
No way are you less of a triathlete! and you shouldn’t think that all. I don’t think it matters what distance race you do: sprint, Olympic, half, IM – they are all triathlons. After running two marathons it took me 7 years to sign up for another (which is actually this year). I don’t think running half marathons all those years made me any less of a runner…
I think it makes you a BETTER triathlete. Will give you the perfect chance to work on speed and push past that comfort zone.
nice choice lady.
ps: i know a great running group for some tempo runs.
You’re most definitely still a triathlete! You should race the races you want to race. Who cares what people think?
Less of a triathlete?! Bitch please. Like Courtney said, I think it makes you a better/tougher/stronger one for working on something that’s even harder for you. You inspire me, girl. Also, I missed it being gone, but how’d the tri go?
You are definitely not less of an athlete because you are doing shorter distances! i also will most likely do another Ironman but for some of the same reasons (namely money but also the time commitment), it won’t be in 2013. An Ironman isn’t something you half-ass – it’s way too much of a commitment. Therefore, do another one when you’re ready and you will rock it!
No way. When i was in PT school i dont think i did much until my 3rd year. I was a D1 tennis player and the time spent on court was equivalent to IM training, seriously. So i got in random runs at odd hours and i think my 3rd year i finally did some races. Smart choice. you want to be all IN for that 1st year:) Triathlon and espec, IM isnt going anywhere:)
Good luck:) I love being a PT!