Possible to do?

Sure.

Depends on the time you want to finish in....if you wanna go fast, there's some discussin' to do. But If you just wanna finish, no worries.

Just don't underestimate the commitment it'll take, it'll be serious. But why not?

Just to play devil's advocate...... why?  You say it's a lifetime goal.  Why shoot for 2009, less than a year away?  Why not put a couple years of base in biking and running?  Why not try a couple tris first, just to see what they're about?  Yes, it is ambitious.  Yes, you could finish.  But sounds to me like it's a do-it-once-and-check-it-off-the-list

x2 - some really good advice here.

Shane

X2.  Tomorrow is promised to no one.  If your health, family, work, and financial situtation will allow you to dedicate the next year to training and constantly thinking about the IM, go for it.  But as the above poster said, do not underestimate the commitment - time, effort, and mental and physical toll of the training.  You have several months to work on your base.

And you might want to get on that CF slot - it sounds like there may not be too many left.

I fall more in this camp. I swear I am ADHD so saying 2010 to me is like saying no, forget it. If you want to make a huge committment and dive head first into IM life, sure go for it. BUt don't underestimate the lifestyle it will bring if you want to get to the finish line.

It looks really cool on TV but be prepared for hanging out on that bike seat for 6 hours or so just to prepare to do the race.

I agree with what was posted that tomorrow is gaurenteed to no one.  Today you are healthy and have the desire.

1.  Determine if you are willing to pay the cost:

     a.  Monetary cost ~ $3k - $5k

     b.  Time commitment:  Average about 10 - 12 hours a week for the next year

2.  Make sure your family is behind you and also understand the time and money commitment you'll be needing.

3.  Pay the money to secure the spot

4.  Hire a coach and get a plan for the next year

5.  Buy a bike, pool membership, good running shoes etc....and keep the checkbook handy.

6.  Work with your coach to find a few shorter tris and either a half or full marathon that fit into your training plan

Swim for the fence but understand that an IM is not about the 17 hrs of race day....it's about training 5 or 6 days a week and often 2 or 3 times a day for months and months.  It's about pushing your body as hard as you can and staying just this side of injury.  It's about getting up at 5 am to go run or go swim.  It's about not being able to take the boat to the lake with the family becuase you spent 6 hours on you bike Saturday and you are dog-tired.

That last one was one of the things I missed the monst during my IM training.

You can find whatever opinion or confirmation you are looking for on the internet.  You can do it if you want it bad enough....but it ain't no cake-walk!  ;-)

~Mike