Ironman 2007 - Revisited!!

Well... I had thought my dreams of doing another Ironman race in 2007 were essentially over. We're expecting twins in September, and the race I had my heart set on (Ironman Couer d'Alene) is scheduled for late June of 2007. I just didn't think I'd be able to sustain any kind of Ironman training over the winter and be capable of racing in the early summer. Ergo, I punted, thinking I'd have to wait until at least 2008. My decision was cemented when the race sold out in late July.

Dan (my twin brother) and Mason (my best friend) suggested Ironman Florida. It's a viable option, as it isn't scheduled until November 2007, which would give me a LOT more time to get into the swing of being a new dad and would let the twins age a bit before hauling 'em to a race venue like that.

But... I don't really want to do IM Florida. First, I've done the IM Florida course (one loop of each discipline's course) at the 2004 Gulf Coast Triathlon, a half iron distance race. While the bike course is flat and fast, I really didn't care for the swim or run. Second, I'm not keen on ocean swims. Finally, I just don't think that Panama City Beach in November is a very good race destination.

In view of these factors, I was leaning toward declining to do that race next year. Then, it hit me. Why not do Ironman Wisconsin again?

• The race is in mid September.
• The boys will be almost a year old by then.
• Laura (my wife) liked Madison
• I can do minimal maintenance training through the winter and early spring, and then ramp up in June, July and August to be race-ready in September.
• I already know I like the course.
• My friend, Matt, wants a re-match with the course after his tough day in 2004.
• Dan is game for it.

So, what's stopping us from doing IM Moo '07? Nothing! We have about a month to make the final decision on whether to do it or not. So... I'm working on getting everybody on board, and hopefully, we'll all agree to do it and get into the race.