It's a simple question with numerous variables. To be frank (as long as I can still be Nick!), this wasn't even a consideration at the end of the season and I'm not even sure it's a serious question even now. However, I currently do have the smallest of inklings to contemplate it.
Constitution has entered Ironman Texas. It's in May. All the shit stirring has begun. Napoleon and I will be shadowing his training to maintain fitness. Therefore, naturally, the will be a slight and small desire to join in on race day. However, it is not just me. I am one part of a team. A family. When an individual is undertaking this type of endurance feet they are not only having an impact on one life. Many are likely to be affected in the process. We aren't olympians. Just normal everyday working folk who happen to love a little bit of pain and suffering in our spare time. A desire to attempt distances that most would not consider a "normal" desire. A major part of the appeal for me is just that. To venture to where some would simply scoff and turn away. I think an analogy that I can identify with is when my parents used to forbid me to go somewhere or do something (in all cases quite justified). I wasn't an adventurous type at a young age, but the minute you were forbade the lure doubled in size. The idea of someone telling me that attempting an Ironman is crazy (myself included after finishing my first half iron distance) makes it all that more alluring.
With all that in mind, there is also a time to step back and reflect on the selfish pursuit of such a goal. There is no team out on the course. No outside help. By definition we are a selfish bunch in the pursuit of individual glory. Narcissists. To simply blindly commit without consideration of those around us would simply be demonstrably unfair. One of the many things I learned from training for my 2nd and 3rd iron distance races was that training alone is not why I do this. Being with company whilst training and racing is what appeals. The race day in Henley was fantastic. Sharing the experience with my family and friends who had not experienced such a race before. Boulder, again was a lonely endeavor until race day at which point it exploded in to a fantastic group experience. A reflection on the exciting surroundings we found ourselves in. Even though the training would be with the original group of lads, the destination is what completes the journey and the destination in this case just doesn't appeal. That has to be, for me personally, a key element. Each race so far has had an appeal. Nice's southern French coastline. Henley's hometown feel. Boulder's glorious scenery and old friends. Texas just doesn't yearn to be raced. To be honest, right now, there isn't a race I can think of that would drag me out of semi-retirement from iron distance racing.
That said, there are a number of half distance races that hold great appeal and are licking their chops at my 2015 race calendar. However, only one may be picked.....for now :). And the race streaking clear at the top of the list is a race held in Door County, WI. Like it has been discussed previously, 2015 is the year of speeding up. Getting faster and more efficient on the bike, so I can chase that pesky Frenchman down. What better place to achieve this than in Door County. A stunning lakeside vista that is shore to be a destination that brings appeal to all The Team.
So the goal is set. The one race (or maybe two or three :)) has been chosen. Let's see if I can behave myself enough this winter to deliver the body in to spring well trained and chomping at the bit. The calf is recovering nicely, so now to be smart about it all. And with that.....
Good luck to us all!
