Kona/Vegas (baby!)

This time last year I was packing my bags (and probably grumpily, my bike) and heading to Sin City for 70.3 Worlds.  I was also doing some very big miles in preparation for my 2nd Ironman in Kona.  It was a busy and exciting time of year.

After Kona last year when I was making the decision re: racing professionally vs AG for 2012, I did the pro/con list like you're supposed to do when making a big decision.  (okay, maybe I just did it in my head vs writing it out, but that still counts!)  Truthfully, one of the only cons on the list was the likelihood of missing out on Vegas/Kona this year.  I knew at the very least I'd be sitting out a year or two of these awesome races that had been the highlight of my seasons the past few years, and I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it!

So as the time approaches for championship season and many of my friends are packing their bags for Vegas and soon Kona, I evaluated (as much as I evaluate stuff...which is not that much!) how I was feeling. 

Answer?  Well, I'm feeling pretty awesome to tell you the truth!

The sadness that I predicted I'd feel about missing Vegas and Kona hasn't surfaced, not even one bit.  And I'm guessing that's for several reasons:

1) It wasn't Vegas and Kona themselves that I loved so much as it was the CHALLENGE that those two represented.  It was the excitement of getting to race the best of the best.  I still have that challenge - now pretty much every time I race, so I'm not missing out!

2) I still have much to look forward to in my season (I'd probably be sad if I was done for the year) and many more miles to train and race!

3) I have so many friends and teammates racing in Vegas and Kona and I feel so uber excited for them.  I can live vicariously through my friends!  :)

4) My decision to race pro was a good one for me.  You never know until you do it.  And before the year is out I may change my mind.  But for now, I'm happy to have done it.

So although I won't get to swim with the turtles anywhere this year (unless there are turtles in the Poconos??  :), or eat at Lava Java, I am okay with that.  And I'm also REALLY excited about my goal of trying to qualify for Vegas next year.  It's just the type of challenge that gets me up out of bed in the morning! 

And to all those that ARE racing this weekend and the first Saturday in October - ENJOY!  What an awesome opportunity.  I will be cheering you all on!

Vegas 2011.  It was hot!



Kona 2011.  It was REALLY hot.  And I got a big blister.  :)