Monday, July 6, 2009

Race week

Well it's here, race week. I have a sprint on Wednesday, then two days of light training and then the race Sunday...and the big question? Is a crazy dream worth economic suicide. Part of me feels that if I get that Kona slot I should just turn it down...save my money after all Kona isn't going anywhere and when I'm 30+ I'd be better prepared for it, I might enjoy it more. But the other part of me is this could be a one time shot...one of those deals that you get only once, and either you take it or you don't. Either you suck it up and go after you dream or you kill it. You end up Moonlight Graham, that 70 year old doctor still wondering what it would have been like to get that one major leauge at bat as a 20 year old kid. If I get that slot there is going to be a lot of soul searching and cost benefit analysis going on in those 10-20 minutes from result posting to roll down.
My training this weekend went well. Lots of miles in the saddle and an open water swim. I needed to fix the front deraileur but luckily I had the issue on a training ride not a race. My new HEAT gear in today. The jersey is a little snug but it'll stretch with a few races. When I throw on my race gear nothing else matters...it's just go like Hell and hang on for dear life. Sure there's a stack of bills on the table worries on if I'll get my degree over the summer or if I'll have to suck it up until December, the real world questions of what to do with my life. But those are for pre-race and post race in the race there is nothing else that matters but the finish line.
Part of me wonders if racing is worth all that I put into it. Sure it makes me happy but is it worth the time I could devote to a second job. Is it worth the money I put into it...after all my stack of bills isn't getting any smaller. Is it make me focus more on the short term and not enough on the long term? I really don't know if it's hindering or improving my life but I do know I'd be partially empty without it.

8 comments:

Trihardist said...

No, it's probably not worth it. It's probably unreasonable for you to devote so much time to this weird thing that is a huge money drain and is making you exactly $0/month. And it's probably irresponsible and stupid for you to spend all your resources on it.

But who cares?! If you get the Kona slot, DO IT!

Bullet said...

Hope this is the hardest question I have to face today. Let me preface this by saying, I'm 34, I've been in my job for 10 + years now. Money isn't growing out of my ears, but it's not an issue. I have a mortgage, more bills to pay than you, a wife, and a kid on the way. Responsibility is high. There is no room for crazy excursions or chasing big dreams like Kona. Money may be tight right now, but you have the rest of your life to be responsible and to do the fiscally smart thing. When you get older, that extra $2000 won't be spent on a new set of wheels or an entry and plane ticket. It'll be spent on a new fridge or a new coffee table that better matches the drapes. Or even better, diapers. I think you look at your place in life and decide that this may be your one and only chance to be irresponsible before life gets in the way. Enjoy your time while you have it! Last point, look at the qualifying times for the 30-34 & 35-39 age groups compared to your current age groups. These guys are all pulling these numbers while working full time jobs with families. Could you beat them? Good luck with whatever you decide. I have no doubt that if this is a dream of yours, you'll make it happen.

Charisa said...

Good luck and have a blast! You will figure out what to do after the race :)

Runner Leana said...

Come on...the answer to your question is at the top of your blog:

Goal for 2009: Make Kona or Die in the Attempt!

If you get that Kona slot you ARE taking it! Don't wait until your 30s...those are some super competitive age categories. Bullet's advice is so true...

I met someone recently who is mid-30s and will let every other goal fall by the wayside if it interferes with his Kona goal. He hasn't qualified yet and keeps sacrificing other things in his life in the meantime. Don't let that be you.

iron-boyer said...

Stop distracting yourself with questions like that and race like the wind. I know you can do it and once you got it the answer will be clear to you...KONA her I come.

MaineSport said...

Dude- Kona is Kona. If you love the sport, there's no comparison. Finishing Kona is either a literal or figuartive tatoo you'll wear the rest of your life. DO IT!

Anniversary Moments said...

if you get the spot....then it is your time to get the spot...you can't take the money and all that stuff with you, but the experiences, the journey to Kona, that is the stuff dreams are made of.

Queen K, here you come!! You know it, deep down you know it!

iron-boyer said...

Nice race result I saw there this morning...36th overall and you finally got your bling from the podium. CONGRATULATIONS