I have this problem. Even though training JUST started for the Chicago Marathon, I can’t help but think “what’s next?”.

I have a tendency to get bored with things pretty easily so I’m not really surprised by what’s been going on in my head lately, but it causes problems. Because I start to dream big. Like, real big. Like, Ironman big.

(source)

And Ironman’s cost money. Lots of money. You’re traveling 100′s of miles not to go on vacation, but to push yourself through 140.6 miles of blood, sweat, and (probably) tears. And after 140.6 miles I really don’t think I’ll be up for much sight seeing. So poor J would be coming on this trip to watch me stress the hell out, go to bed early every night, and talk about the race every minute of our “vacation”. Which, for people like me is pretty normal, but for him, not so much.

But the conversation has begun.

• Me: Soooo…….I started looking into Ironman’s for next year. Cool, right?
• J: Oh, yeah?
• Me: Yeah, I need to decide since registration is basically a year in advance and I need that much time to train.
• J: Oh, yeah?
• Me: Yeah, I was thinking either Arizona or Florida. They seem to be the flattest of the races and are both in the later part of the year.
• J: Huh. So what would I do when we’re there?
• Me: You? Not sure. Be the coolest husband there and cheer the loudest?
• J: Huh. Sounds fun.

(source)

I know it’s a HUGE (huger than huge!) commitment (training for an Ironman is like having a second job!), so before I can decide anything J and I have to be on the same page. Which, let’s be honest, could take awhile.

(source)

It’s so scary to think about, but so awesome at the same time.

So I’m giving myself a deadline. If 2013 isn’t my year, then 2014 is it. I WILL do this. And now I have you guys to hold me accountable.

Are you a “next big thing” person like me? Or do you stay in the moment?

Once I decided I wanted to dive head first into triathlons, I couldn’t get the idea of hiring a coach out of my head.

Originally it was because I wanted to do the half Rev3 in Sandusky this year, but it’s become much more than that.

1. I want to get faster (with running and on the bike)
2. I’ve never even done an outdoor triathlon before
3. I’ll be training for the Chicago marathon and triathlon training at the same time
4. I want to stay injury free <——–priority!!!
5. I want to learn more about the sport
6. I’ll be training in the summer heat and this will force me to not skip any workouts since I have to report back to Coach!

But I was so tentative. Where do I find a coach? What if we don’t have the same training philosophy, or personality? If this person doesn’t even know me how can he or she help me train?

Well, besides all the new friends I made when I spent the weekend at Mohican with the Cleveland Triathlon Club, I also met Coach.

Hey, Coach! Hope you’re cool with me posting your photo on the internet for everyone to see.

He’s down to earth, a bad ass cyclist/triathlete, and just a nice person. And he ain’t playin around. Exactly what I need.

Plus, he puts up with my gazillion emails, constant schedule changes, and high maintenance-ness. That’s not always easy to find.

While I don’t have my eye on the half Rev3 this year anymore, I do have something pretty cool up my sleeve. And don’t think that I’ve given up my dream of the half just yet. It actually wouldn’t surprise me at all if 2013 is the year Heather becomes an Ironman. We’ll see!!

Have you ever thought about hiring a coach? What for (running, competitive eating, spelling bee, etc)??