Explanation Impossible!

Have you ever told someone something that you are planning on doing, and then realized that they REALLY don't understand at all? That would be me with my bike ride across Florida!

I contemplated whether or not I was going to tell my dad about it. I didn't want him to be upset with me. But we talk EVERY day at 5:00 pm and if he cannot get in touch with me he blows my phone up, so I figured it was best to tell him I would be unavailable to talk. I did my best to explain, but he only halfway listens. Here are a few of our following conversations:

Dad: "I was thinking about your marathon. It won't take that long right? If you are averaging 30 mph...."
Me:"It's a bike ride. And I won't be averaging 30 mph it will be A LOT slower."
Dad: "So more like 10 mph? Hum.....yeah.....that's gonna take a while."

Dad: "What did you do today?"
Me: "Rode 150 miles."
Dad: "Wow! You are really getting ready for that marathon!"
Me: "It's a bike ride Dad."

Dad:"Are you going to workout today?"
Me: "Yep. Swam this morning, now I am going to run and lift weights."
Dad: "Dang! That's a lot of working out. I bet you are going to win your age group in your marathon!"
Me: "There are no age groups. It's a solo record break attempt"
Dad: "Well then you sure sound like you are going to kick Jason's ass!"

Dad: "Hey, how did that thing go last night where you stayed up all night? Was Jason with you?"
Me:"Yes, it went really well. I rode about 211 miles."
Dad: "111 miles? That's great honey!"
Me:" No Dad, TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN MILES."
Dad: "HOLY SHIT."

Even better than explaining things to dad is telling the people at work. As you know, I work in a retirement community. I LOVE my "old peeps". They live vicariously through my training and adventures. They really and truly love hearing about my races. Everything I do is a "half-marathon" Most of these people are in their 80's and 90's and cannot conceptualize this amount of physical activity. They are very active, but organized racing, especially done by a woman, was totally unheard of when they were young. They ask the funniest questions and think of things that you and I never would. When I told them about Jason's first 100 miler, done in the rain and mud the first thing they said was "How did you keep the mud from getting in the car?"

So every Monday they wait in anticipation for me to tell them what I did. If I "raced a half marathon" and won my age group, by the end of the day I am an Olympic speed skater. Information gets very skewed very quickly around here.

I told them about the bike ride mostly because I am not sure what type of shape I will be in after it. Last year after Cedar Point 140.6 they offered me their walkers. I didn't want anyone to be upset if I am limping around for a few days. It's taken about 2 months of me telling them about my training for it to FINALLY sink in. They get it. I am going to ride all day and all night. And NO, I will not be stopping to brush my teeth.

When I arrived Monday a man said "Dani! What did you do this weekend! Ride 100 miles!?" After I explained the overnight 211 miler the sweetest 94 year old lady looked me dead in the eyes and said "I will be praying for you."

Not sure if she meant my physical well being or for my sanity, but whatever. I'll take it.

4.8 Mile Swim, 224 Mile Bike, 52.4 Mile Run....I'm in!

My favorite refrigerator magnet!

"The risk of injury from the activities involved in the Florida Double IRON Triathlon is significant and includes, but is not limited to, the following: drowning, near-drowning, sprains, strains,fractures,heat and cold injuries, over-use syndrome, injuries involving vehicles, animal bites and stings, contact with poisonous plants, accidents involving but not limited to; swimming, biking, running or other convenience, and the potential for permanent paralysis and death. While particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist"

SIGN ME UP!!!

Originally, the thought was that I would do the double Iron in Virginia in October. It's a lake swim, with a hillier bike course, which would suit me better. Then Jason reminded me that I don't like long runs in the heat (like I've ever REALLY run long in the heat!) but he is right...if I am going to run a gazillion miles I would prefer for it to be cold. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get myself in shape quick enough for a February 24, 2012 double, since my focus is a 419 mile bike ride December 4th. A friend convinced me that my bike fitness was going to be SO great, that I could do a serious run focus and I would be okay. He told me he would train with me and do the race. Uh huh. He isn't. But I am.

I think it's quite fitting that I sent my race application and money in on the 5-year anniversary of my accident. My 5 year gift to myself I suppose! The website for the race is full of people that have done tons of really cool stuff. I am excited to be around so many nuts in such a small place. I am thinking about looking into a vaccine for my crew members so that don't catch whatever everyone else has. Seriously, check out these resumes. Don't you love how mine just lists Ironman Lousiville? I've done other stuff too, I promise! Does 50 sprints = an ultra? No? Dang.

So I am not "officially" in yet, my application is sent off and waiting the race director's approval. He asked for a recent picture and I attached a pic of monkey in a karate outfit. On the "for" line of the check I wrote "281.2 miles of AWESOME!" Hope he gets my sense of humor. In the meantime the website tells me that there is 113 days, 15 hours and 46 minutes until the start of the race. WOW. That seems really close! Guess I better get to training!

More to come on this adventure!