Allrighty so I was decided Vineman was the way to go. But then …

• I learned that there was a pretty big 70.3 on the same course on the same day. I hate, hate, hate running marathons when there is a half on the same course. It’s just mentally tough when you see 95% of the participants turn off for the finish and you’re not quite halfway.. I wondered whether I would feel the same way through the full distance (yup probably).
• I was having a little bit of trouble convincing my training group to do the Vineman. Training alone is not so much fun for me.
• My husband has a co-worker who has done an Ironman and he said Vineman wasn’t a good choice for me since I’m coming from Florida I should choose a flat course. (Okay never mind that I have what 50 friends who’ve done Ironman races around the world – my husband knows one guy and so that word is gospel … whatever, spousal support is really important in this endeavor). The irony of the flat course choice continues … wait for it.
• And lastly several people asked if I didn’t want my first race to actually be an Ironman – I actually don’t think I care about that to be honest. As long as it’s a well done race I’m in.

I came home from my long run last week and my husband said, “I think you should do the Vineman half and the Florida full.” These were his exact words. I couldn’t believe it. I am so over the moon that he’s supporting me in this journey.

But as it happens at post run breakfast the training group had been discussing races. They had been bouncing around the following races: Ironman Nice (in France), Lake Placid, Coeur D’Alene Idaho.

So I told my husband about those options. Idaho didn’t much excite him, Lake Placid was so-so but France he was pretty excited. Of course France is a hilly course. But since it’s in France my husband is less concerned that it’s a bad choice for me. See the irony? He did say I should check with my coach. So, I will.

So, we’re back to the drawing board a little bit. If I want to get into Florida I need to go up there and volunteer this year. So I’m checking the volunteer signups. Stat tuned because anything could happen.

Here’s a whole article on selecting the perfect first Ironman race.