"Get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats. Then decide where the bus is going."
–Jim Collins. Good to Great. Harper Collins. 2001
Okay, blogging is a pretty dorky thing to do. I don't really tell people about my blog unless I know them very well. Do you? People think it's weird to be telling faceless strangers over the internet about yourself. But this blog has been my best resource over the past several years not only in my athletic life (which, let's face it, is most of my life), but also in personal matters such as sobriety, sex and love, balance, careers, financial issues, and on, and on.
When I quit drinking I had to throw a lot of people off my bus, and through my blog I started re-populating the empty seats. Incidentally, most of those people came from the Inter Web. Before I move on to the second half of my thought, I'd like to give a shameless plug to some (not necessarily all) of those folks as a thank them for all the times I've had to reach out to them.
Angry: Angry has not only cheered for me and paced me through two and a half marathons, but he has been the most intriguing sounding board for training theory I have ever had. If you could see the epic emails that we exchanged last winter and spring debating the virtues of speed vs. volume (complete with citations and littered with SAT words), then you would never need to read another book on training again. A friend who will disagree with everything you say just on principle and doggedly continue to argue with you through every good point that you make, forcing you to question everything, is an invaluable resource in all aspects of life.
Damon: I "met" Damon when he caught me making fun of him on what I thought was an anonymous internet. Damon had the sense of humor to take my ribbing in stride and has served as a kind of running guru for me ever since. He may not be on the cover of any running magazines, but he has read them all cover to cover. More importantly, he has been a runner since the dawn of time and has a range of experience from fast marathons to slow but successful ultraruns. Damon's input trumps my brash opinions about how training should go every time, and I've written to him time and again to ask about everything from Yasso 800's to 50 milers.
Gretchen: Another ultrarunner, Gretchen has guided me many times to break the barriers of my own endurance. (For an example, see my Vineman race report from last summer.) Through close reading of the shit that comes out of my brain, she has made astute observations about me both athletically and mentally that have made me a stronger racer and athlete. She has also given me tons and tons of advice on running, crewing, and everything in between.
Judi: Judi has given me advice on everything from aero helmets to fixies. I can always, always count on her to call me on my shit and plant my feet firmly on the ground. When someone hurts me, she's always around to remind me that I should just spit on them. In Judi's case, I'm sure she'd do it too! But Judi has also been a huge support system in my figuring out how to live a complete life without alcohol. She "gets" the things that most people are lucky to not fully understand, and she is always there when I struggle with things that come easily to everyone else like relationships, free time, and disappointment.
Mary: Mary is someone that I can see myself turning into (a slower version of) in 15 years. While she would probably (and has) told me that this is nothing to aspire to, I still look up to her. She has made time in her inhumanely busy schedule countless times in order to serve as a big sister and give me well thought out advice that my immature mind is too muddled to see the big picture of. Her praise is important to me, and if she ever has criticism, I'll shut up and listen because I know that I'll probably be better off because of it. I can't say that about many people.
Mindy: Mindy is my Number 1 Fan, and I hers. It is so valuable to have someone on your bus who believes in you unconditionally. Even when I doubt myself, Mindy is there to insist that I'll meet my goals. And when things don't go as planned, Mindy's there to remind me that one race isn't everything, and tomorrow's another day. And if I need to break any kneecaps, well I know who to call.
Michelle: How can one person have such a healthy handle on life?! Michelle is a great friend just because she's so not like me. She runs me so fast that I feel like I'm going to pee my pants (and sometimes I do), makes me work so hard on the uphills to not get dropped that I feel like I'm going to poop my pants (and never have), and then descends like such a grandmother that I'm afraid her rims are going to catch fire. She picks me up in the middle of nowhere when I'm wet and too cold to ride home. And all this with a pink outfit and a grin. I couldn't ask for a better friend, neighbor, and training partner.
Rocketpants: Rocketpants can't pick a breakfast cereal without reading every word on the Nutrition Facts, ingredient list, and articles about the relative benefits of each cereal and how they're assimilated into the body. While I'm more likely to act now and think later, Rocketpants will meticulously research anything that she tries (and often things that others are trying as well). Got a question about training zones? Crossfit? Track cycling? Polymers? Nutrition? Trigger points? Sports psychology? ANYTHING related to endurance, strength, power, or plastics? Ask 'Pants and you'll walk away with advice backed up with a thorough scientific explanation.
I'm sure I'm missing people. There are lots of individuals who I know through real life as well, and others that I may have forgotten or omitted for other reasons. And just because you're not on this list doesn't mean that your opinion doesn't matter to me. Anyone with something valuable to say is welcome to criticize me or offer their 2¢. It's time to get to my point. My point is that it's time for you, my bus load of very important people, to weigh in on what you think I should do next.
This season has been a giant wash-out for me, first DNSing at the biggest road race on my schedule, then dropping out of my 24-hour race. Now it looks like money is going to force me to choose between Ironman Cozumel and my RAAM qualifier. When I try to come up with an answer to which I would rather do, my mind draws a complete blank. So here are the arguments for doing each race:
Okay, blogging is a pretty dorky thing to do. I don't really tell people about my blog unless I know them very well. Do you? People think it's weird to be telling faceless strangers over the internet about yourself. But this blog has been my best resource over the past several years not only in my athletic life (which, let's face it, is most of my life), but also in personal matters such as sobriety, sex and love, balance, careers, financial issues, and on, and on.When I quit drinking I had to throw a lot of people off my bus, and through my blog I started re-populating the empty seats. Incidentally, most of those people came from the Inter Web. Before I move on to the second half of my thought, I'd like to give a shameless plug to some (not necessarily all) of those folks as a thank them for all the times I've had to reach out to them.
Angry: Angry has not only cheered for me and paced me through two and a half marathons, but he has been the most intriguing sounding board for training theory I have ever had. If you could see the epic emails that we exchanged last winter and spring debating the virtues of speed vs. volume (complete with citations and littered with SAT words), then you would never need to read another book on training again. A friend who will disagree with everything you say just on principle and doggedly continue to argue with you through every good point that you make, forcing you to question everything, is an invaluable resource in all aspects of life.Damon: I "met" Damon when he caught me making fun of him on what I thought was an anonymous internet. Damon had the sense of humor to take my ribbing in stride and has served as a kind of running guru for me ever since. He may not be on the cover of any running magazines, but he has read them all cover to cover. More importantly, he has been a runner since the dawn of time and has a range of experience from fast marathons to slow but successful ultraruns. Damon's input trumps my brash opinions about how training should go every time, and I've written to him time and again to ask about everything from Yasso 800's to 50 milers.Gretchen: Another ultrarunner, Gretchen has guided me many times to break the barriers of my own endurance. (For an example, see my Vineman race report from last summer.) Through close reading of the shit that comes out of my brain, she has made astute observations about me both athletically and mentally that have made me a stronger racer and athlete. She has also given me tons and tons of advice on running, crewing, and everything in between.Judi: Judi has given me advice on everything from aero helmets to fixies. I can always, always count on her to call me on my shit and plant my feet firmly on the ground. When someone hurts me, she's always around to remind me that I should just spit on them. In Judi's case, I'm sure she'd do it too! But Judi has also been a huge support system in my figuring out how to live a complete life without alcohol. She "gets" the things that most people are lucky to not fully understand, and she is always there when I struggle with things that come easily to everyone else like relationships, free time, and disappointment.Mary: Mary is someone that I can see myself turning into (a slower version of) in 15 years. While she would probably (and has) told me that this is nothing to aspire to, I still look up to her. She has made time in her inhumanely busy schedule countless times in order to serve as a big sister and give me well thought out advice that my immature mind is too muddled to see the big picture of. Her praise is important to me, and if she ever has criticism, I'll shut up and listen because I know that I'll probably be better off because of it. I can't say that about many people.Mindy: Mindy is my Number 1 Fan, and I hers. It is so valuable to have someone on your bus who believes in you unconditionally. Even when I doubt myself, Mindy is there to insist that I'll meet my goals. And when things don't go as planned, Mindy's there to remind me that one race isn't everything, and tomorrow's another day. And if I need to break any kneecaps, well I know who to call.Michelle: How can one person have such a healthy handle on life?! Michelle is a great friend just because she's so not like me. She runs me so fast that I feel like I'm going to pee my pants (and sometimes I do), makes me work so hard on the uphills to not get dropped that I feel like I'm going to poop my pants (and never have), and then descends like such a grandmother that I'm afraid her rims are going to catch fire. She picks me up in the middle of nowhere when I'm wet and too cold to ride home. And all this with a pink outfit and a grin. I couldn't ask for a better friend, neighbor, and training partner.Rocketpants: Rocketpants can't pick a breakfast cereal without reading every word on the Nutrition Facts, ingredient list, and articles about the relative benefits of each cereal and how they're assimilated into the body. While I'm more likely to act now and think later, Rocketpants will meticulously research anything that she tries (and often things that others are trying as well). Got a question about training zones? Crossfit? Track cycling? Polymers? Nutrition? Trigger points? Sports psychology? ANYTHING related to endurance, strength, power, or plastics? Ask 'Pants and you'll walk away with advice backed up with a thorough scientific explanation.I'm sure I'm missing people. There are lots of individuals who I know through real life as well, and others that I may have forgotten or omitted for other reasons. And just because you're not on this list doesn't mean that your opinion doesn't matter to me. Anyone with something valuable to say is welcome to criticize me or offer their 2¢. It's time to get to my point. My point is that it's time for you, my bus load of very important people, to weigh in on what you think I should do next.
This season has been a giant wash-out for me, first DNSing at the biggest road race on my schedule, then dropping out of my 24-hour race. Now it looks like money is going to force me to choose between Ironman Cozumel and my RAAM qualifier. When I try to come up with an answer to which I would rather do, my mind draws a complete blank. So here are the arguments for doing each race:
Ironman Cozumel (estimated cost still to pay: $1,500)
The Positives:
- Triathlons are something that are familiar to me. I know what it feels like to train for one, and I know how to use my strengths to my advantage to succeed.
- I could use to freshen up my training a bit and get out of the saddle after a frustrating cycling "season" (or non-season).
- Mexico is a hell of a lot nicer than the Adirondacks.
- Everything about triathlon is spiffy, shiny, and sexy looking.
- I've already paid the $550 entry fee.
- Get to meet lots of cool bloggers out there
- Creating a better memory of Ironman than my last time
- Triathlon is a much bigger time commitment than single-sport training, even if that sport DOES involve races longer than ironmans.
- Running. You all know how I feel about running.
- I don't really have a future in triathlon, I don't think. Is a 4-month block of triathlon training really worth my time?
- Triathletes. You all know how I feel about triathletes.
- All-in-all it will probably be more expensive.
Adirondack 540 (estimated cost: $1,000)
(A 545-mile 4-lap course through the Adirondacks – from Lake Champlain to Lake Placid and back – that takes anywhere from 40 to 50+ hours)
The Positives:
(A 545-mile 4-lap course through the Adirondacks – from Lake Champlain to Lake Placid and back – that takes anywhere from 40 to 50+ hours)
The Positives:
- Cycling is something that I'm good at, the longer the better. I think that I could do really well at this race.
- I could make up for my frustration last weekend and also smash that stupid cow, Pink Helmet's best time by up to 20 hours.
- I could qualify for RAAM.
- It's on the weekend of the 2 year anniversary of my quitting drinking. Anniversaries and dates and stuff hold special significance for me and I like to do special things to commemorate those dates.
- Could conceivably have a lot more success in this race (as far as sponsorship opportunities, bragging rights, etc.) than if I just got lost in the crowd at Ironman
- Less of a time commitment
- No running!
- I would lose the money that I've already paid for Ironman.
- Nothing about ultracycling is sleek. The bikes have all kinds of unnecessary crap all over them, and the riders are a hodge-podge of odd ducks and misanthropes.
- I think when I'm really honest with myself, I'm scared of ultracycling. I'm afraid to commit to it in case I don't like it. It may be too slow, too boring, or too dangerous going through sleep deprivation and riding through the night. Who even notices the winners of things like this?
- I would need to find a crew that could come to the Adirondacks from a Thursday, September 17 until Monday, September 21.
- Loneliness.
14 comments:
Normally I would say the Ironman hands down...Normally...but this is a tough one.
Selfishly I want to say Ironman. I say selfishly because I'm an asshole triathlete and I'd love to get together and run with you some time (and I think I might be too slow for you on the bike).
However, I can almost hear in your writing that you really want that bike race. You seem like the type of person that will lose sleep if you don't try something you are curious (for lack of a better word) about. In comparison, you don't sound, at all, excited about Ironman. And you've done Ironman. And $550 is only a lot of money if you're paying it to do something you don't really want to do.
And beyond that, most of your training has been on two wheels this year, no? Why not put that to good use?
-PJ (aka person not at all qualified to comment on such things as I've only met you once ,in stalker form, in person).
My vote is for Adirondack, hands down. Ironman? Been there, done that, know you can do it, who cares if you can do it faster. Adirondack - doing something you love, a challenge, an unknown, and will qualify you for a life goal, RAAM. Plus, I would help crew for you.
Hmm, do you want to do the run training for Ironman? If the thought is enough to make you hurl then maybe the Adirondack 540 is a better choice. It sounds like you have unfinished business in the ultra-cycling world, much more so than Ironman. Listen to all of the advice and then see what your heart tells you. No doubt it will speak up soon!
Oh Claire, I'm so honored that I'm on your bus! I love it!
That is a tough choice, but I'm going to say Adirondack. (Although, if you're like me, you'll do Cozumel simply because everyone's telling you Adirondack.)I'm partly biased because it sounds like ultracycling is a lot like ultrarunning, and I love ultras!
"the riders are a hodge-podge of odd ducks and misanthropes" Yup, sounds like ultrarunners.
Also, this is the key part I got out of your post:
"I think when I'm really honest with myself, I'm scared of ultracycling. I'm afraid to commit to it in case I don't like it. It may be too slow, too boring, or too dangerous going through sleep deprivation and riding through the night. Who even notices the winners of things like this?"
This is not a 'negative' Claire. It is a 'positive', and it is exactly why you should do it. Do that thing which you fear to do. It is how you will learn who you really are, and yes that's fucking scary, but it's also awesome and wonderful and amazing. Seriously. I don't mean to get all weird and philosophical on you, so I'll stop, and you can just email me if you want more convincing on this topic.
I also know that whichever you choose, you will commit to it with your full heart and you will kick some ass. You are one bad ass chick, (and that is pretty much the highest compliment I give).
I think you've answered your own question. You love cycling and don't love running. Yes, you are out some money but can't you get most of it back? You have amazing abilities on the bike and you love training on the bike. Don't set yourself up for misery by forcing yourself to train in sports you don't enjoy. Run for cross training and fun, not because you have to. As for a crew, you have a busload :)
Good luck!
How funny that everyone thinks I'm leaning towards the bike race, because I'm about 90% sure that I'd rather do Ironman right now.
PJ Will you be at Climb to the Clouds tomorrow?
Mindy, now I'm thinking about doing the ADK 540 JUST to have you there! I haven't seen you in forever!
Leana, Can you believe that I'm actually LOOKING FORWARD to the run training? I can't either, maybe it's just something that I ate. I'm just excited to have a little more variety in my training, and I do long for simpler times when all the equipment I needed was a pair of shoes, and workouts only took an hour.
Gretchen, you're totally right. The fact that everyone's telling me to do one thing DOES make me inclined to do the opposite, but I was already leaning towards Ironman when I wrote this post. All that stuff that scares me isn't really a fun scary... not right now anyway. I feel like I would have to do so much special training for it that I'm not necessarily prepared to do right now!
Nitsirk et al, I'm seriously surprised that everyone thinks that my reasons make it so clear that I'd rather ride. I bitch and moan a lot, but I wasn't THAT miserable when I was doing triathlon for all these years. Still, I'll take into account that all of you have been sitting here listening to me all this time and might be seeing things more clearly than I am. And what does "running for fun" mean? The only fun part of running is seeing improvement, not the hard work and pain it takes to get there.
Go with the Ironman...because I'm pretty sure you can beat the 11:17 I threw down in my last one.
I'm with Bob. Do Ironman. First off, you paid the $550 entry fee and that is not peanuts. I have a free bed at the villa I have rented if you need a place to stay. True, IM does take time to train for, but now that you have done one, you know what is required. It is all about balance. Your cycling is off the charts and your swim is good too, your desire to mix it up a bit with some run training is what you might need.
Finally, none of us really has a future in triathlon other than enjoying the weird lovely pain of it and meeting some cool people. No one is ever going to give my slow ass a sponsorship. So one might ask, "Then what's the point? Why do them?" I do them because it is part of who I am. It is not all about winning, however it is all about what makes you happy and makes you feel complete. That is true victory.
My question was going to simply be "what do you want to do?" Do that.
And, if you do the bike ride, I might be able to crew for you for part of the weekend. So many people have crewed for me over the years that I try to return the favor when I can.
Also, did you have to use the bunny ears photo? OK, I did that one to myself.
And, just so you know, it's not a one-way flow of help or info through these blogs. I've now gone two months without a drink and you are a big part of how I came to the decision to take a very long or possibly permanent vacation from alcohol.
A vote from a blog-stalker, and fellow IMCoz'er.....I vote IM. :)
hey girl -
i just got thru your top post and then scrolled down to see this one. two posts in a week? someone has ALOT of time on their hands. :)
thanks for posting me. i am glad we are friends claire. we learn a lot from each other. i am glad i can be there for you when you need some help with dogs, girlf's, and sobriety.
as far as IMCZ goes - well, do not waste that cold hard cash. you need to give kona a try. i really think you can make it. you just need to focus on the run and you hate running.
once imcz is done, then you can try for some road races. i think that's your strength. road racing claire. think about it....
I made the bus? Tear...sniff ;-)
Actually...i was going to say Ironman...even before I read your part on the comments. Why? Because while you say: 1000 dollars more for the RAAM qualifier...you actually should write: 1000 for the RAAM qualifier PLUS another 20,000 for RAAM. 1500 for the rest of the stuff for IM Cozy is cheap in comparison. I *know* you'll get to RAAM if you want to. Don't let the cost of that IM race go to waste if you aren't injured and you are wouldn't mind the IM training. Since you are interested in some more variety at the moment and the thought of swimming and running sounds *fun*...do that. Take a change of scene.
Funny enough...i'm going to STOP being a full time triathlete for a few months and be a rodie before I start IM training. I know it will drive me nuts, so i'm going ride my bike round and round and round in the meantime. :-)
First off, this season has not been a wash. The gains you've made just haven't been tearing up the race courses (and fellow racers) like you've done in the past. But training isn't everything (even if it almost is).
What I see in you is a much healthier set of relationships. I'd like to be making those gains, I think, instead of improvements in training.
My intuition says go to the adirondacks. My intuition is usually dead on, but I don't know if that applies to other people's situations. It sounds like you're leaning more towards Mexico, though. I think you'll so well and have fun either way, though.
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