on our minds...

Below are things we need to do to get prepared and trained:
· Purchase a road bike & cycling supplies
· Purchase a wetsuit
· Find a training program & learn the terminology
· Stop using snooze
· Get back in the pool. Of course, open water swims during the summer regardless of potential diseases from the bacteria-infested Lake Michigan.
· Take long bike rides (to date our current longest is 25 miles - only done 5 times)
· Learn how to fuel our bodies
· Do more cross-training
· Lessen (not eliminate) our 3 a.m. party nights. We’ll adopt our dad’s belief that “nothing good comes after 11 p.m.” And yes, we know that we will be too tired and not in the mood for late-night socializing.

What kind of impact will our crazy decision have during the next year?
· Decreased wealth (registration, road bike, cycling supplies, running shoes, swimsuits, wetsuit, training classes, training races...)
· Decreased time (sleeping, relaxing, socializing….)
· Decreased flexibility in eating
· BUT, Increased health and fitness

So, why did we sign up for Ironman Wisconsin 2008?
· Marathons lost its allure! For some odd reason, we’re okay with the “hidden” marathon in the Ironman.
· We want a new challenge. Good thing we decided to go with one of the most, if not “the” most, difficult challenge.
· Madison needs a chance to redeem itself in endurance events. The 2006 Mad City Marathon should have closed prior to the race because of hot weather as opposed to 5 hours into it. Unfortunately, we had already pained ourselves through it.
· An IRONMAN BODY…enough said!
· Bragging rights for a lifetime
· Who doesn’t want to hear...”(insert name), you are an Ironman!”
· A potentially 17-hour workout lets us of the hook from exercising for 7 weeks (assuming 30-minute workouts, 5 times a week…we rounded up)
· We love Madison & have a lot of memories here. It is the home of our grandparents, aunt and uncle as well as UW-Madison (Kirstin’s alma mater). Since Chicago doesn’t host an Ironman, we couldn’t think of a better place.

Ways you can support us?
· Recommendations on brands, gear, training, nutrition…ANYTHING. Any advice, suggestions, or words of wisdom would be much appreciated.
· Be part of our cheering squad - “Team 140.6isters!” Keep in mind, this is not specific to the actual event, we anticipate needing help throughout our training season. We’ll give you ideas!