What was I thinking - Barcelona Ironman 2015

I'm only doing one so go big or not at all.

I have been thinking about it for months and finally yesterday was the day.  Registration for the Barcelona 2015 IRONMAN was officially open.

It meant I could actually register.

It meant I could put my money where my mouth is.

It meant I needed to commit to training so in 364 days I could complete the Barcelona 2015 IRONMAN.

In the 3 minutes it took me to complete the registration I went through a roller coaster of emotions from excited that I am going to do an IRONMAN to what the hell am I doing?  Very opposing emotions and thoughts all mixed together.  I pressed purchase. I received the notification that I was officially accepted.

Now I have 364 days to do this.  I created a training schedule months ago.  Physically I just need to maintain my fitness over the next few winter months before I need up the ante and increase the distance.  Luckily that means 10 to 15 K runs, 1.5 to 3 K swims and 45 minutes to one hour on the bike throughout the week.  It's manageable.

Now I need to start mentally preparing.  I'm going to be honest the open water swim and mass start scares me to no end.  I've read the books.  I've made a mental note of the strategies to employ.  I'm just hoping in 363 days, all the training will come together and I will make it out of the water and onto the bike.

I know I can do this.  Hopefully writing about my journey will help me cross the finish line before 16:59:59 - my main goal.  I just want to hear "Allison Read - you are an IRONMAN".