What's your dream?

One of my favorite movies is Pretty Woman. I still remember seeing it with my friends at the theater and LOVING the entire thing. Now I realize that the Oxygen channel will provide me with endless amounts of years I'll be able to relive the moment when Vivian gets pissed cause he told his lawyer friend that she was a hooker that he picked up on Hollywood Boulevard. Blew her cover. Classic. Anyway, at the end of the movie, remember when that guy walks across the street and says "Welcome to Hollywood, what's your dream?" 

That's one of those movie quotes that's always stuck with me. Who knows why but it has. We all have them I suppose. When I think about what I want from myself in this little life of triathlon I lead, I always ask myself that question..."what is my dream?" 

This year will be the biggest year I've had yet. It makes me a little nervous but it's not like I'm knitting a quilt or baking the worlds largest cupcake. This is serious shit. Of course I'm laughing as I type this.

So without further ado...

2013 - The year of my "serious shit"

May 5th - 2013 (that's a Sunday if you wish to come down and bring me good tidings)

Rev 3 Olympic Distance Triathlon

Swim - 0.9 miles

Bike - 24.8 miles

Run 6.2 miles

I've heard great things about Rev3 events so I'm anxious to get out and try one. This race will be my warm up for things to come...

July 21st - 70.3 Ironman Racine, Wisconsin

(Also on a Sunday and I will be praying by mile 6)

Swim - 1.2 miles in Lake Michigan

Bike - 56 miles

Run - 13.1 miles

Drumroll please.....(making drumroll sound while typing)

Ironman Wisconsin (the most serious)

Swim 2.4 Miles

Bike - 112 Miles

Run 26.2 Miles

(feel like Greek Goddess for the rest of my life)

I can tell you I'm excited for all of these things, especially Wisconsin but it's the word "excited" doesn't do it justice. There are no guarantees of finishing which is always the fun part to these events but the fact that I've got the guts to try makes me happy with myself. One of the things I've had the most time to reflect on is PERSPECTIVE. Last year I completed all but a full Ironman. I ran a ton of half marathons, a few full marathons, an Olympic triathlon and a Half Ironman. It was an amazing year. I even age placed a few times. But one thing that doesn't fill the void of complete joy is that I have to spend time away from my kids to chase my dreams. Are they worth chasing? Yes. Last year I was knee deep in training, pushing myself to places I didn't know my body could go but in the end, many times I feel like I wish I could have taken my kids to the park instead of my bike. I race for me, I race for them, to show them what is possible for them in their lives but if I have to trade in some training days for trips to the movies or parties then that's how it's going to be this time around. If it means crossing the finish line an hour behind where I could have been, then that's ok too. I want to be able to cross the finish line knowing that I made the right sacrifices. 

Have you had to make sacrifices like those before?? Reality check?