More photos (stolen off Johanne and Melinda's blogs!)

Here are some more photos of Ironman registration and our group of ladies.  Melinda is top (trigranny blog), some of the ladies at our breakfast meeting (Kim, Johanne, Kate, Melinda, Annette) and Johanne on the bottom.  (doing what I like blog) 

The others doing the race are Peter and Tana.  Peter is my brother in law.  He was going to do it with me originally but my sister-in-law was pregnant with twins.  Timing wasn't right.   Now he is going to join us in 2012.  He will be another local training friend for us.  Tana graduated from the law school where Kim and I worked a couple years ago.  She volunteered and was inspired to sign up.  She is fit and determined so I know she can do it.  I'll find pictures of them soon.

Kate's Registration Day

Here is my registration story!  As, I told you all earlier, I started a new job today.  That caused me to worry about my Ironman registration.  My plan was to take my lap top and be online at 11:55 to get in right away.  I get work, hook up my laptop, find the local wireless . . . I'm all set. 

The head attorney (my boss) was out of the office most of the morning but discussed me attending an 11:00 meeting.  I immediately got nervous about the timing.  I wasn't sure where the meeting was going to but thought I could make it work.  My co-worker then came in and started discussing an 11:00 meeting.  That meeting was two doors down in a conference room.  This must be the meeting the boss was talkig about.  PERFECT!  She said it wouldn't last long and if it ran over I could excuse myself to go register.  PERFECT!

At 10:59 I started to walk out of my office for the meeting when the secretary comes in and gives me the directions to a DIFFERENT 11:00 meeting at the tribal casino.  UGH!  The tribal casino is 10 minutes away.  I book it to my meeting hoping it will be short and that I can get back in time.  Last year I thought registration stayed open for an hour.  My year it was 20 minutes.  I knew my window was small no matter what. 

I attend the meeting and it was awesome.  I think I'm going to enjoy my new job.  BUT the meeting went past Noon.  By the time I travel back to my office, it is 12:37.  I try to register and it is sold out.  I about cried.  Without talking to my husband, GULP, I went ahead and signed up for a Foundation slot.  [For the non-Ironman folks reading this, Ironman registration is pricy.  Regular registration is $650.  A Foundation slot is $1300!  Half of the Foundation entry fee goes to charity.  Can you believe that?! ]

I had to do it though. I couldn't get shut out of this race. I am so excited to train with all these other ladies.  It will be such a better experience than the last time.  I can't wait! 

So that is my story.  I am registered for Ironman Arizona 2012.  I better spend a lot of time training b/c I won't be able to afford to do much else! 

PS - I told my husband and he was fine.  He said "Merry Christmas!"  He is the BEST!

The Moms Register for Ironman 2012

Annette's laptop is broken so I thought I would share a photo from her Facebook page.  This is Annette, Kim and Kristin at the Ironman registration at Tempe Beach Park.  They kinda look like movie stars!  Congrats ladies!  I know 2012 is going to be a great year! 

Also registered:  Kate, Melinda, Johanne, Tana, and Peter (our IronDad!)

Registration complete!

Well, it's done!  I (and all of the other Ironmoms) are registered for the 2012 Ironman Arizona!!!   I have to say that I am both excited and slightly terrified.  I volunteered at bodymarking and runner's aid station #6 yesterday and the experience was both inspiring and frightening.  I was amazed at the athletes of all shapes, sizes, and abilities taking on a race like Ironman.  I was frightened by the varying levels of exhaustion and pain I was seeing in the athletes as they approached the finish.

After seeing all of them, it confirms to me that I know I can do this.  The experience will be difficult, but it will be an amazing accomplishment and I excited to be in the company of the other Ironmoms and athletes in less than a year on that Ironman course!!!  Time to train.  :)

A new wrinkle in my Ironman Registration

As you all know, I've had this Ironman on my mind for some time.  I had the Ironman 2012 volunteer sign up date on my calendar so I could be one of the first ones to sign up.  Since I was early I had my pick of volunteer assignments and was ready to go.  Everything was going according to plan. 

What I didn't factor into the mix was a new job!  I have a great new opportunity BUT guess what my start date is?!  Ironman Registration day!  11/21!!  UGH!  I have to be to work at 7:30 right when registration starts.  WHY?!  WHY?!!  Darn my luck! 

I briefly (only briefly) considered seeing if I could change my start date or time until after I registered but realized I was being CRAZY!  I now have a back up plan. 

BACK UP PLAN:  I will have to take my personal laptop to work and be ready to go once it opens up.  Hopefully I can time it just right!  I can see it now.  "Sorry, I know this orientation is very important but the Ironman is a priority!  I must excuse myself now."  Hmmm.  Bathroom break?  Lunch break?  I'll have to get the timing down just right.