How is a pregnancy like an Ironman

Soooooo you probably knew this post was coming.  I mean come on I don't get to do race reviews or brag about how I rode x# of miles and puked up a new gel that I tried, or how that cool new race gear has made my life so much easier but I still need to distract myself, so why not write about this.  I'm only 8 WEEKS away from the finish line!!!!  I've been meeting with prospective pediatricians instead of running buddies and my brain is itching for some competition not baby talk but so instead I'll bide my time..

What does Ironman and Pregnancy have in common?

* Months in advance you have thought about the possibility of completing such a daunting and strenuous task but deep down you still aren't quite sure if you can truly do it. 

* You talk about should I do it shouldn't I for a while and drive people nuts.

* Out of no where it happens you are signed up and have to start training, you hope that last bout of going out happened before there was any chance of side effects...

* Should I use the Galloway/Bradley method?

* There is some nausea and dizziness as your body gets use to the new strains and types of fuels.  You have doubts if you can make it through many more months of this (Phase I) build phase.

* Then you hit Phase 2 you have a surge of confidence because you are all of a sudden feeling better, got your energy back, full of positive feelings, start letting yourself think this isn't so bad I can do this!!!

* Phase III Nerves start to kick in, what was I thinking!?!?  Am I ready for this?  My life is going to change forever!!  Did I do enough to prepare? 

*  Do I cheat or go drug free?  (Ok, Ok, I'm KIDDING) It's not cheating for pregnancy just for sports..... but you get what I meant, the decision has to be made...

*  Do I need a coach or can I do this solo?

* Gear check, pack my bag, what will I need for race day?  Who's going with me?


* Ready or not........  Ready, set, go!

* Finishing feels so good that you forget all the pain you just went through (I hope so one of these I've done twice and one of these I have yet to experience for the first time!)

* You get some pretty awesome bling at the finish line!!  And brag and brag and brag until people are sick and tired of hearing about it.  So do I get a t-shirt too? :-)

Any of these t-shirts would work:

Do you ever find yourself comparing things to your races?  Even if it may seem a little inappropriate?