Decisions, decisions

Beaver Lake, where we've done all of our open water swim practices so far. It's beautiful!

So, I have made the decision (after lots of pondering) to switch from the 1/2 Ironman to the Olympic distance at the Black Diamond triathlon in September. I just feel that it'd be a better plan to continue building a better base, getting faster and getting more experience at the shorter distances this year, so that I'll actually be able to do well in a HIM in 2011. I feel that I could probably manage to finish this year, but it wouldn't be pretty, and I wouldn't be satisfied with just finishing (especially if I were to come in last!). I'd rather do well at sprints and oly distances this year, and build from that base to actually do well at a HIM next year.

It'll also be helpful in letting me see how much training I can realistically fit in with how much time and energy I have so that I don't end up overtrained or overwhelmed. Baby steps, right?

Part of me is a little bit disappointed, and a little bit feeling like a failure, and a little bit humbled. But hey, I'm only 23, I don't need to do everything NOW. I just keep reminding myself that the HIM will be a lot more fun and successful if I take the time to build up to it and prepare for it the best I can, even if that means waiting another year to do it. Good things come to those who wait, right?