Today I pack my bags and head out to Arizona with my
dad. It’s going to feel weird packing to
go to a race but not having to pack any of my race gear and no bike on the back
of the car. I’m still excited and
nervous for the race though! My parents
are photographers by profession I just do it as a hobby and I feel that with
all the hard work these people put into it they deserve the best. Luckily we are there to take pictures of all
the action behind the scenes that makes everything happen. We are taking pics of the volunteers that
help put all of this together, ensure racers have their transition bags and don’t
take off on the bike without their equipment I could go on and on but you get
it.
When I did this race years ago I thought I would be an
emotional wreck at the end but I wasn’t, not one bit. I think I was just so happy to finish that
was all that ran through my head, that and get me food! But now that I will be on the other side
watching the finishers it will be very emotional! We’ll see….
Another thing that has me nervous is that my dad and I will
have 7 hours in the car on the way there to decide if we are signing up for
next year’s race. As you know this year’s
IM entrants have first preference to register for next year but then volunteers
have second preference then people who happen to be on sight and finally
online. To be honest I haven’t
completely decided how I feel about doing another Ironman. The thought is exciting but after I did my
first one I said “never again” been there, done that, proved myself, the
end. But how do you say no to your dad
when he says he’s ready to get back into shape and he wants to do an Ironman as
a life goal and he wants it to be our first father/daughter
triathlon?!?!?!! He’s the one that
inspired me to ever get into triathlons.
I remember when I was 12 watching him finish a triathlon that was a
Hawaii qualifier but didn’t qualify because he had a bike crash and he had road
rash so bad that he wasn’t able to get into the water the rest of our
trip. Taking him the sponge with water
to try and wipe himself down. I remember
him bragging about us when we went to Ironkids nationals and now I see his face
light up when he tags along to my local races wishing he could get back into
it. So I think I already have my answer…. Good luck Ironman racers I will be there
cheering you on and snapping shots! I
might not post for a while since I will be out of town but once I’m back I
might be announcing my 2012 season to include an IM!
Don't forget my giveaway HERE it's your last chance it ends on Monday!
What is your big race for 2012 that you are excited nervous
about? Have you even started planning
your 2012 season?
3 comments:
That will be so cool if you and your Dad do an IMAZ next year together. That is something you will never forget. Have a great time while there!! I will be tracking a couple of racers/bloggers online.
Already have the 2012 race season planned out. Kind of enjoying the no structure training for now until the end of the year, then back at it!
Have fun in Arizona!!! You should try out Slices, its a small, hole in the wall Pizzeria that sells slices off Mill Ave
I think it's so exciting, I so wish I could be there to volunteer - and one day participate! I have toyed with registering on Monday for IMAZ (provided slots are still left for us non-participants and non-volunteers) but just too pricey right now for me. I think the 7-hours with your dad in the car would be great actually....my dad passed away many years ago and though he and I were not really close, 7-hours together would be awesome right now :). Have a blast!!!!
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