Why Now?

For years, I had been enjoying my "comfortable" space as a short-distance triathlete, sticking to sprint and Olympic distances, but still enjoying half marathons.  In that time, I was asked on numerous occasions as to WHY I hadn't decided to go long course.  I had so many reasons...I didn't feel ready, races didn't fit my teaching schedule, race fees were so expensive, etc.  It just wasn't my time.  Yet.

I finally took the plunge last summer and registered for both Ironman 70.3 Oceanside and 70.3 Kansas for the 2014 season.  

Many don't know, but it wasn't my first time planning to race an Ironman 70.3 event.  In late 2009, I registered for Vineman and even had a hotel reserved.  At the same time, my mom's health was declining quickly with her complications from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  Why I chose to register I will never know, but shortly after she passed in winter 2010, I notified the WTC and received a partial refund, which then opened up a spot for someone who could do it from the waiting list.  To be honest, I wasn't ready at that time - aside from her illness - and did jump the gun.

Fast forward a few years, through a few coaches and then self-coaching to what became a breakthrough in my training with new Coach Frank Sole of Sole Swim Solutions - a very wise mentor who has stuck by me for almost two years now, and has brought me into the studio as a personal trainer and swim coach as well.  I'm in the best shape I have ever been in and he has consistently pushed me to believe I am a stronger athlete than I had thought, which has helped me immensely to consistently race PRs, and improve on the bike and swim.  It just makes me want to work harder.

So why now?

On December 15, all the work paid off and I broke my goal of a 2-hour 13.1 with a time of 1:57.37 at the Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon.

So why now?

On December 29, the previous all-time PR was broken with a time of 1:55.45 at the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon - one VERY tough course!

SO WHY NOW?  Now IS the time.  It's time to get those 70.3s crossed off my bucket list, to prove that I CAN do it, that I have been able to do it for a while now...to get out there and kick some swim-bike-run butt!  With the Lord, my awesome husband, fantastic coach, and Team Betty behind me, the question is WHY NOT?  I couldn't be more excited for the 2014 season!  I CAN DO THIS!  And if my mom were still here with us, she would tell me nothing different.  :)