[juliemboyle]

So, I have this new job schedule and now have to commute to work 15-20 hours a week (after having been a telecommuter for 8 years). So, I now have to get up at 5:00 am to do a workout. I am currently looking for another job, but once I start that I will be hammered while learning the ropes.<br><br>
So, the bottom line is, I don't have the time to train properly for a 70.3 Could I do it? Yes, but I know it wouldn't be my best. And after such an awesome experience last year, I don't want to taint it.<br><br>
So, I decided to do the Cranberry Oly on 8/24 instead. This was my first Oly in 2006. I think my time was around 3:06, my goal will be to PR that course.<br><br>
I feel happy with my decision, as I have a goal and will have the time to train to reach it! Hopefully, I'll be back at Timberman in 2009.<br><br>
Tell me I made the right decision <img alt="uhoh2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/uhoh2.gif">

 

[Tithers]

Julie-if I knew I didn't have the time I wouldn't do it. I think you made a good choice for you.<br><br>
When I was finishing grad school last summer-Sheldon can attest to it...my workouts were CRAP! BAD! Non-existant!<br><br>
So-with that said-lucky I finished grad school b/c after that I got my training in.<br><br>
I like how you have a plan B goal race...AND you can still do the tough timberman next year.

 

[Thor]

First off, sorry to hear only for that although I am not racing Timberman this year I was probably going to go up anyway.<br><br>
Second, of course you made the right decision. It's right for you. The decision is done. Now don't look back. This year you'll lay down so much more base so that next year you can turn that into even more speed and then go back to the Timberman 70.3 and make some serious waves.<br><br>
And if you still have the slot for this year, you could always revisit the decision in a few months. Either way, what ever you decide... it will be right for you.

 

[Yo Mikey]

You made a good and well thought out decision. There will always be more races (even though it's been an important one you have been training for), simply regroup your goals and keep them close and in sight.

 

[em73]

I fully sympathize with your commute issue (I have to get up at 4:45 to have a chance of working out before work... it takes me almost two hours to get to work). Better to make a decision now and have some peace with it than to make yourself crazy trying to do everything.<br><br>
Cranberry will be my first ever Oly this year - maybe I'll see you there.

 

[juliemboyle]

Thor: They are giving me a refund, which is great since it was $200+<br><br>
This is my race Schedule:<br><br>
4/6 Great Bay Half Mary<br>
5/13 Big Lake Half Mary<br>
6/4 Mooseman Oly<br>
7/27 Danksin Sprint<br>
8/24 Cranberry Oly<br>
1 or 2 more Half Marys in the fall<br><br>
So, my 2 new goals for this year are:<br>
Break 2 hours in a Half by the end of 2008<br>
Break 3 hours for the Cranberry Oly<br><br>
I feel relieved, I was feeling really stressed about how the hell was I going to do Timberman and still have a family life....if there were no children that would be a different story.

 

[CCRaces]

Julie, I'm sorry you had to bow out this year, but I think you made absolutely the right decision. You still have a good schedule, with plenty of races to keep you mentally and physically in shape without taxing you too much. I predict a Ronbo at your Cranberry Oly.

 

[Snooze]

Well, my wife and I will try to represent for you then. It will be my first half, so I bet Ill get a PR. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[teacherjen]

I think you made the right decision..life is all about balance, and making the right decision for you and your family now means giving up THIS race, THIS year.<br><br>
You've still got important goals for this year, and those are just as important as going long..... just imagine what all the great speed work this year will do to your Half Ironman time next year!

 

[pete_72]

<i>I feel relieved, I was feeling really stressed about how the hell was I going to do Timberman and still have a family life....</i><br><br>
No question you made the right decision if you immediately feel like this. good for you, and good luck with the goals!! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[3chilipeppers]

If you feel relieved, then you made the right decision. I just made the decision to not do an Oly on Memorial Day, and I feel so much better. I'm still a little nervous about trying to do a HIM, but I have until Oct., and I'll only be doing 2 other races between now and then.<br><br>
I have some of the same goals as you -- break 2 hours in a Half (it will be next Feb., though) and break 3 hours at my Oly!<br><br>
Those are great goals and goals you can achieve and still have a family life! After this HIM, I'm taking it easy next year with sprints and Olys. I haven't signed up for my HIM yet, but I'm going to do it this weekend. There are no refunds or transfers (you can get 50% back), so I want to make sure I'm going to do it.

 

[Kate60]

Hey Julie, it sounds like a smart decision. I mean what's the point if training is so stressful you can't enjoy it. Go kick some OLY a$$ this year!

 

[wipaddler]

<br>
hey it will be my first too! We should meet up!! <img alt="banana.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif"> ( and yes I'm being a smart ass.)

 

[Heather H]

As everyone else says, of course you made the right decision, a tough one, but the right one.<br><br>
You're commuting 15-20 hours a week? I'd be INSANE if I had to drive that much, and I assume it's in heavy make you want to pull your hair out traffic? Then you need the extra non training time to relax and get the bad traffic mojo out every day!

 

[Silly Sally]

Hey Julie,<br><br>
Wise decision. You have to go where your heart tells you and balance is essential. I don't know know how full-timers train for HIM or IM. I know I couldn't. I'll be working but not full-time but contractually, that's how I'll be able to.<br><br>
Hope your learning curve at work isn't too hectic or too stressful ...<br><br>
Sally

 

[hobey]

Julie: The most important thing is to be at peace with your decision and it sounds like you are. 70.3 will always be there when you want it. I'm looking for you to kick some Oly a$$ this year.

 

[SpartyGirl]

Happy and relieved. Sounds like you made the right decision. Good for you for knowing when to say when.

 

[ksurp]

Julie I'm sorry to hear you won't be doing Tman but you've made the right decision. Keep the balance and be happy!<br>
I'll look forward to seeing you at Mooseman Oly.

 

[Yo Sake]

Yes you made the right decision. You are in peace with it. Have fun chasing other goals!!

 

[juliemboyle]

Monica: We have to hook up at Cranberry!<br><br>
Kelli: I didn't realize you were doing Longhorn! That is put on by the same people that do timberman, mooseman and big lake. They do such a great, great job, I can guarantee you it will be a wonderful event.