Am I crazy for even considering it??

I went to a party Saturday night and hung out with some pretty accomplished athletes (multiple Ironman races among them... really super studly folks!). Two in particular spent a large amount of time trying to talk me into a Half Ironman race this year.

I really have no interest in a Half Ironman. I mean, realistically we're talking about 6.5 to almost 7 hours of exercise. No thanks. Not for me. I'm far more suited to shorter, faster races. I'm all fast-twitch fibers, baby!

But their confidence in me has me thinking... I mean, why not? I'm always looking for new ways to torture, I mean challenge, myself. I know people who are far less fit who have finished the HIM distance and lived to tell about it. I know I can swim and run the distances with little difficulty. The 56-mile bike ride scares me a bit, especially when followed by a half marathon... but my training would amply prepare me for it.

Am I nuts to even think about doing this? Shouldn't I focus on my more immediate goal -- kicking the Olympic distance's ass this year? I really want to go back to the Northeast Triathlon and kick its butt. I know I can do better than I did two years ago, primarily because I now know exactly how hard I can push myself (which is WAY harder than I pushed on race day in 2008).

What say you?

Congratulate me!

I was offered an AWESOME new job this week. After much deliberation (not really... I knew I would say yes!), I accepted it.

As of February 1, I will go back to government as the Public Information Officer for the school district in which I live. As my friend Joe said, I'm going back where I belong.

My heart is heavy at the thought of leaving these kids behind, however. I will stay involved with the Fast Cats track team and the wonderful girl I tutor. I won't be able to live with myself if I don't. As torn as I am about leaving the kids, though, I know with absolute certainty that the new job is a better fit for me -- personally and professionally.

So far 2010 ROCKS.