Do You Really Want to Know The Answer to That Question? Part 3

See Part 1 and Part 2

Part 3: The Future

I’ve mentioned before that it’s weird to have my life so planned out. I’m used to flying by the seat of my pants and making decisions that simply made me happy. But when you do an Ironman, training dictates your life. I planned out my 2011 and part of 2012 based almost exclusively on completing Ironman Arizona on November 20, 2011. Because I’m a planner, here’s a detailed look.

Ironman Life Plan

• IM is hard. I need my Team to do it. Stay in DC for the support while Mike moves to Hawaii.


• Government job outlook is bleak for me there. Sit tight and wait for the perfect job.


• I accepted a new position in DC and verbally committing to stay until Spring 2012.


• The Kili hike was moved from Feb to August. While it’s a bit of an inconvenience to have it closer to IM, I was ok with it.


• Registering for the Flying Pig Marathon.


• We didn’t find any long-term housing for Mike in Hawaii since it would just be him for a while.


• Me staying in DC meant that we didn’t have to rush to rent or sell our house here.

What Would Have Happened with No IM

• Move to Hawaii.


• I would have looked for a job in Hawaii months ago.


• I would have stuck out the old job and bailed right about now so I could move to Hawaii.


• I would have hiked in Feb so I could prep for a move to Hawaii.


• Eh, probably would have done the Pig anyway.


• Would have looked for a place to buy in Hawaii that would have suited both of us.


• I would have had a busy winter prepping the house for rental and finding renters.

Now I’m just accepting of my fate. I’m optimistic that things will work out for me, they always do. EVERYTHING happens for a reason and if I’m not supposed to run, something else will come my way. The small circle of friends that I’ve told has been super supportive. I didn’t really think this was that big a deal, but it seems like they did. Maybe it’s because I can look back now with a degree of perspective I didn’t have on Friday afternoon.

I told one friend on Sunday who was super supportive. In fact, I told her that when I write my blog posts, I am sure to include some kind of positive outlook because she is quick to chime in and steer me back that way. There are three friends who do that regularly. It forces me to step back from the whining and look at what I have, what I’ve accomplished, and where I can go. So, here’s to you Holly, Cat and Christy. (Didn’t think I would call you out did you? :) )

I really am ok. The purpose of these posts were really to help me sort through what’s been going on and come up with a plan. I’m still annoyed, frustrated, and pissed off, but I’m ok. Really. I’ve accepted the fact that life will be a little different and I’m ready to embrace the change. I actually really like change. I totally cool with what happens to me after November 20, 2011. The part that I have to work on (and I have a plan) is getting from today to November 19, 2011.

More to come later I’m certain.