Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Power Of Suggestion

Just finished a beer. A celebratory beer. What's the celebration, you ask? Well, Mama just entered her 10th Ironman!

It's amazing how these things come about... the other day I got a phone call from a triathlete... the husband of one of my good friends and training partners from Arizona. He said he wanted me to train him to do IM Coeur d Alene next summer. Ok. Can do. Then his wife posts on FB that she is in too! Theresa and I did Brazil together in 2002 and Canada in 2003.... or maybe it was the other way around? I can't remember. I'm too old and have had a beer already. Regardless, a long long time ago we traveled to foreign countries together and did Ironman races. Then we traveled around afterward and had a blast. Fun times.

Anyway, Theresa started bugging me about doing it too... this is how it always starts...

I dismissed the idea at first... of course... not interested. But then I started thinking about it... the timing of the race is pretty good... I've never been to Idaho... the race is still open... I hear it's a great course...

So what did I do? I tried to talk Nalani into it too. I put a little bug in her ear (or a post on her facebook page) and told her to chew on it.

Then I casually mentioned it to Scott. Just to get a feel for whether or not her would freak out or be open to the idea. He immediately started talking about renting a motorhome and exploring Yellowstone afterward with Moana. (It appeared that he was open.) I was 70% in. Now I just needed Nalani.

And wouldn't you know it? All Nalani really needed was the suggestion... at first I think she sort of dismissed it... but then she got to thinking... and then she flew it by her husband, who apparently said YES ten different times in ten different ways...

SO, tonight was the night... we texted the whole time and did it together. Opened a couple of beers... filled out the little forms... texted back and forth about what interesting facts we should write about ourselves (I told Nalani she should write that it took her two beers before she would fill out this form)... and hit ENTER. So now we're in. Ironman #1 for Nalani. Ironman #10 for me!

The owner of Coffees of Hawaii (my boss who I've never met) has done the race 7 years in a row and he'll be back next year for #8... Maybe we can talk him into getting us COH race gear to wear while we're there... Are you reading this, Albert? Dress us up! Lol.

Anyway, I think it's interesting how the power of suggestion works (note my little message to Albert, above)... a week ago this was not even a blip on my radar. And now I'm a confirmed entrant. Sometimes all it takes is someone to suggest an idea to you, and the rest takes care of itself.

18 comments:

Lizzie said...

Congrats - excited to follow you on another IM journey! Not sure if you are allowed/want to post about this (or if I glossed over it in an older post), but how did that couple who were doing their first tri over the weekend go? I remember you said they were really excited!

Tim Kasparek said...

Congrats on the big decision Michelle! CDA is a great race and a beautiful area of the country, you'll surely love.

Unknown said...

Congrats!! :) Yellowstone sounds fun too!!

Katie A. said...

Whoo hoo! #10! With all your pals - this will be fun to watch your training and then...the big race! Congrats on taking the leap! And congrats to Nalani :)

Teresa said...

Love CDA!!!! That was my first one....so excited for you!!
tn

Kim said...

woohoooo!!!!! you deserve that beer - 10 ironmen? girl you are my hero.

Shevaun said...

I am racing IMCDA 2011, IM #3 for me. I have been following your blog for awhile. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to say Hi at the race.

Regina said...

Uh, the rest takes care of itself? Like training? I doubt training takes care of itself....

Awe...I keep telling myself it is impossible to do a full IM with a kid and a job. Am I copping out? Crap, I feel so small now.

BTW, I don't need a reason to celebrate just to have a beer, I'm just sayin"..ha!

Allison Chapple said...

YES!!! If you need a suggestion of where to stay, we rented a basement apartment that was a block from the race start and was AWESOME. I love that place...

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" said...

I LOVE Matt & Theresa :-) So excited they are doing CDA. My husband and I train with the tri-scotts group too & happy to have more signing up for CDA. It will be our 3rd time there :-)

Beth said...

Ahh...that's how it always starts!!! :) Sounds like it will be an awesome time!! :)

Angela and David said...

Congrats on the decision! You are nuts (in a good way). After Kona I am hanging up my IM shoes.

X-Country2 said...

Go get 'em!!

mtanner said...

YAY! Michelle I am doing it too! I can MEET you. (unless you come to Cali before!) You will absolutely love it. I've done three years in a row!

Kate Parker said...

Congrats! CDA was my first (and only) IM. So beautiful there.

Rebecca DeWire said...

CDA is such a beautiful area. That sounds like so much fun to train for the event with friends and then race together. Good luck with your endeavor on #10.

Unknown said...

I just signed up for it too!! Can't wait. I'm super pumped. I was looking for one to do next year. I guess this was all it took. It'll be nice to see some familiar faces there.

Running and living said...

Awesome, great job. For some reason, I can't imagine you without IM training. You and IM go together so well!