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2006-05-24 2:39 PM

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Subject: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
I have sacrificed:

a full-time job I loved,
$15,000 out of pocket,
10 months of training,
going to IM NZ to only have it cancelled,
and have put a lot of stress on a relationship with mom and two beautiful children

I know I am not the only one who has sacrificed...



2006-05-24 3:24 PM
in reply to: #433115

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Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?

I don't want to add up what I spent...

I would include all the training races and some were out of state.

I would say money was about all I sacraficed, everything else I didn't mind giving up (social life, etc).

2006-05-24 3:27 PM
in reply to: #433186

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
I didn't mind the sacrifices until IM NZ was cancelled. Then I started to question it all. It enraged the three ladies because it meant 'daddy' was going to be 'gone' for 5 more months.

2006-05-24 3:30 PM
in reply to: #433197

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Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?

CerveloP2K - 2006-05-24 3:27 PM I didn't mind the sacrifices until IM NZ was cancelled. Then I started to question it all. It enraged the three ladies because it meant 'daddy' was going to be 'gone' for 5 more months.

I understand, I'd be pissed too.
Great Floridian was almost cancelled/shortened due to a hurricane. It ended up hitting just south of the race site, but I was pissed for about 5 days before.

2006-05-24 3:42 PM
in reply to: #433200

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
Ouch.

New Zealand's weather service kept saying "fair" conditions. Winds were 60+mph the morning of. The IM was shortened to less than 1/2 IM (56 bike and 13.1 run, no swim, and a staggered start...)

Everyone was pissed and I am sure the race director was under a lot of fire.

Of course, the next day was perfect: overcast, calm, cool.

2006-05-24 6:22 PM
in reply to: #433115

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SF Bay Area, Mountain View
Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
i feel for you, CerveloP2K - IMNZ was way up on my list. i actually wanted to move to NZ but life decided to say 'no'.

i went to 80% work to be able to do my first IM. but it goes on. i had no life to speak of. and i suffered a major bout of depression once i finished.

still, i'm doing it all over again.


2006-05-24 7:28 PM
in reply to: #433384

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
So did you go to NZ?

I couldn't believe it didn't happen.

What IM have you done?

2006-05-25 7:33 AM
in reply to: #433115

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The Original
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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?

CerveloP2K - 2006-05-24 3:39 PM I have sacrificed: a full-time job I loved, $15,000 out of pocket, 10 months of training, going to IM NZ to only have it cancelled, and have put a lot of stress on a relationship with mom and two beautiful children I know I am not the only one who has sacrificed...

Wow- I would be pretty pissed if my IM was cancelled or shortened.  I'm already having problems getting motivated to train for IM FL because of all the sacrifices I'll have to make.  Finishing the race is the reward and makes all teh sacrifices worth it.  I couldn't imagine making all those and then not getting to do the full race- OUCH!



Edited by runnergirl29 2006-05-25 7:33 AM
2006-05-25 8:05 AM
in reply to: #433682

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
But the bragging rights!!!

Seriously, I am really on the hook to complete an IM as I told my father before he passed away that I was going to do it.

Hmmm...anyhow.

I think anyone who has finished has said it was worth it.
2006-05-25 8:18 AM
in reply to: #433115

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Coach
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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?

I am not training for an IM but I help others to do so or I know many that do and all I have to say is: WOW! You guys kick tail big time, in particular those with better halves, demanding 40+hrs jobs, family (kids), health issues, etc.

IM it is a big deal and the time that you guys devote to training plus fulfilling your other life priorities is just crazy. (I was in awe following Jess training for IMAZ ) I guess that’s the reason I am not allure into the whole IM because you do have to commit a lot just for ONE race, but I can definitely understand the choice and motivation. Right now I am probably training as much as if I was going to do an IM but I sometimes I feel is a bit easier for me as I am single, with a flexible job and my family leaves miles away from me…

Anyway, BIG BIG BIG props for all of you athletes training for IM!

2006-05-25 9:10 AM
in reply to: #433115

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Pro
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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?

Where to begin.....for IMLP in '04 my daughter was in her first year, so it wasn't a huge deal that I was out training. It actually worked out that I could get up early and feed her and then go to the pool or whatever and let my wife sleep in a little. Our social life didn't really suffer all that much again because of the new baby we weren't going out that much to begin with. The only family member that had an attitude about it was my mother, but she pretty much b!thces about everything anyway.

For Great Floridian '05 it was a completely different story. My daughter is old enough to realize that I am not home. My wife told me about one day they were getting home from school and as they came down our street Lilly was saying "Daddy home, daddy home!", and when I wasn't there she looked at my wife and said "Daddy, bike......" that is when I knew that it was time to hang up the IM distance until she (and now her brother who is on the way) are older. That exchange broke my heart and I couldn't train without feeling guilty for leaving her or not being home when she was there. There is only so much you can do before they wake and after they go to bed. I am extremely lucky to have an amazing wife that is so understanding and supportive.



2006-05-25 11:06 AM
in reply to: #433439

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SF Bay Area, Mountain View
Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
CerveloP2K - 2006-05-24 5:28 PM

So did you go to NZ?

I couldn't believe it didn't happen.

What IM have you done?



yeah, i did go. was pretty much decided on settling in the Christchurch area. but then i found out that i had this little medical problem...

i did Vineman. going to do the Grand Columbian this year.
2006-05-25 11:07 AM
in reply to: #433115

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
I have sacrificed sleep.

I have sacrificed my own time - as distict from that I spend with my family. (Before they wake up and after they are in bed.)

I have sacrificed some money.


I haven't completed my IM yet. (September is the plan). We will see if I wind up undertrained, but I won't sacrifice the really important things (my family and career, in that order) for the sake of a race. I am going IM to make myself a better person, not worse.

2006-05-25 1:53 PM
in reply to: #433115

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?

I HAVENT DONE OR EVEN REGISTERED FOR AN IM, BUT I CONSIDER MYSELF IN TRAINING FOR LP2007.

SACRIFICES??? HUMM LET ME THINK:

SMOKING A PACK A DAY

GETTING DRUNK EVERY 2ND DAY

EATING PIZZA TO MY FILL

WATCHING T.V. 3 HOUR A NITE

AND FEELING LIKE AN ORDINARY JOE

YEH I SACRIFICED ALOT BUT ON YHE OTHER SIDE

I CAN RUN MARATHON

I NOW LOVE VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

I HAVE 3 HOURS OF VERY ENTERTAINING TRAINING PER DAY

I'VE MET SO MANY INTERESTING PEOPLE AND FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD.

YEAH SO MANY SACRIFICES BUT SOMEDAY I'LL BE AN IRONMAN!

JAMES

 

2006-05-25 2:46 PM
in reply to: #433810

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
In a similar situation this past weekend. I was leaving the house, the two little ladies (9 and 10) were out back trying to play volleyball, mom inside doing laundry. I had to leave to go for a long bike. Before I did I went around back to give back a CD one of the kids left in my truck. It was a beautiful day. Perfect weather for anything outdoors. And here they were fighting for whatever reason. It was obvious their mother was working inside and couldn't play with them, they needed me there. I felt like a shite bag walking away knowing the ride could have waited a day.
2006-05-25 2:50 PM
in reply to: #434318

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
Must be a bachelor.

You have sacrificed a lot.

I feel for you: pizza, beer, tv. That is average Joe's life.

How many of the drinking buddies are trying to work out now?

I think that gives me some inspiration -- when friends, some distant, come to ask for advice on runing. I know of three people who have started working out and kept to it as a result of my almost neverending emails with race-result links.

I should cut and paste your response to some friends. Maybe they would get the hint.


2006-06-02 1:32 PM
in reply to: #433115

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?

Wow, this thread scares me b/c I'm doing my 1st IM in Nov. (IMFL) and I haven't really wanted to think about the "bad" things (guilt, spouse being pissed at my sport & me, spending "too much" money on tri stuff, etc.) too much b/c otherwise I'd have never of just pulled the trigger last November, sitting at my computer bright and early (I lived on the West coast at the time) to register for a race that fills to capacity in under 3 hours.

I'm competitive, yes. But I just want to finish this race healthy, still loving triathlons (hopefully loving the sport even more than now) and still having a healthy marraige (I've only been married a year, but there are times already where my training puts a little stress on things...)! Fortunately I don't have any kids yet, and I have a fairly flexible job (as far as time I need to "be in" and stuff).

2006-06-02 8:31 PM
in reply to: #441543

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
Don't let this scare you. Just be prepared and hope your spouse supports you.

2006-06-05 11:24 AM
in reply to: #433115

Member
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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
I've got a live-in Girlfriend, and it's tough at times. Our relationship is rocky because of the amount of time required - especially when I get home at 6:30, and by the time I am back, she is in bed...but we both know the pain is temporary. The end result is something I have been working towards for four years, and I want it.

The money, time, effort is secondary to a cold bed!
2006-06-05 12:03 PM
in reply to: #443483

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
Which IM are you working toward?
2006-06-05 2:05 PM
in reply to: #443536

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
CerveloP2K - 2006-06-05 12:03 PM

Which IM are you working toward?


Me? The ottawa one on Sept 2nd.


2006-06-05 4:01 PM
in reply to: #443757

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
Ottawa? IM or 1/2 IM?

I am headed to IM Lake Placid. Just now entering the core of the training.
2006-06-06 10:18 AM
in reply to: #443927

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
CerveloP2K - 2006-06-05 4:01 PM

Ottawa? IM or 1/2 IM?

I am headed to IM Lake Placid. Just now entering the core of the training.


I did the 1/2 last year - going whole hog this year!!! The 12 laps on the bike are sure to be a mental challenge though...

I really wanted to do LP, but the timing was off - wouldn't have been ready (in my mind)...

Good luck over there!
2006-07-10 7:59 PM
in reply to: #441543

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
DB8 - 2006-06-02 11:32 AM

Wow, this thread scares me b/c I'm doing my 1st IM in Nov. (IMFL) and I haven't really wanted to think about the "bad" things (guilt, spouse being pissed at my sport & me, spending "too much" money on tri stuff, etc.) too much b/c otherwise I'd have never of just pulled the trigger last November, sitting at my computer bright and early (I lived on the West coast at the time) to register for a race that fills to capacity in under 3 hours.



IMFL sells out in three hours? I'm awfully glad to read this because I am planning that one for '07 and I don't think I would have been prepared to sign up that morning.

I look forward to your race report!

I fully plan on sacrificing sleep, a social life, and some goodwill with my boyfriend. I will miss the sleep the most .
2006-07-11 7:07 AM
in reply to: #478350

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Subject: RE: What have you sacrificed to complete an IM?
Here are my two cents;

The money was an issue for me because I took my wife and two kids and made a vacation out of IM week - which was the most expensive we ever took.

A lot of my sacrifice was mental, which left me not the same guy when I wasn't training. I really believe the average person trains too much and too long for an IM. You don't need 6 months of training. It isn't neccessary. IM is an aerobic event that is more mental than physical - just my opinion.

I think if you can rise early in the morning you can get a lot of your training done before the kids get up. Even on my longest rides, I would start at 5:30AM and be done 11:30AM on a Saturday. Then you have the rest of the day with your family. Runs, you don't need any run longer than 2.5 hours. Again, start at 5AM, done at 7:30AM. Maybe you lose a little sleep, then again, go to bed a little earlier.

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