I was going to title this post “Fitness Goals” but some of these things may stay in the fantasy category. All I can say is, I got big dreams so I better hop to it!
Marathons (ain’t done with you yet!):
New York City
(source)
I love races with tons of spectators and I’m guessing NYC does not disappoint in that department. I also love the fact you get a tour of the city-Chicago is the same way.
Unfortunately, this marathon is a lottery (so you may or may not get in). If you do get in, you’re lucky enough to pay like $250 bucks for an entry fee…yikes. So, this one is on my list but maybe a little down the road. After Boston 2 years in a row, I think the entry fee alone would make my husband sick.
Boston
Oh Boston…what a mess. It’s still on my list because technically I didn’t finish. They extended an invitation to those who didn’t cross the finish line this year but this would have been my third year in a row and it’s just getting exhausting (training, traveling, expenses, etc). One of these days I would love to go back and finish. Maybe I can re-qualify with the NYC marathon? 🙂
Rock and Roll Arizona Marathon
I’m from Arizona but have never ran a race there. It would be such a great race because the sun is always shining (almost always), it’s relatively flat, and it’s in January so it’s not hot: perfect!
You know what else I’d love to do? Run a marathon-or any race-with someone I know. I usually do all my races alone but I have done a few with friends and it is so much better. So, if any of you have a race you’re going to sign up for (in Colorado maybe?) let me know!
Other Races (not marathons):
Leadville 100
(source)
This is for the straight up crazies.
The legendary “Race Across The Sky” 100-mile Run is where it all started back in 1983. This is it. The race where legends are created and limits are tested. One hundred miles of extreme Colorado Rockies terrain — from elevations of 9,200 to 12,600 feet. You will give the mountain respect, and earn respect from all. (source)
So, nothing like a marathon. Not even close. A part of me wants to do this because it is an unbelievably insane challenge. A different part of me is not interested. The part that doesn’t want a life of knee pain. I’m also curious how these runners train for this thing? Do these people have jobs? Just nutty. But awesome.
Speaking of nutty…
An Ironman
Because you’re not tired after a marathon right? Keep going!! Ha.
These people are another group that makes me wonder….do they have jobs? Families? Do they fall off the face of the earth while training for a year? I don’t know but I kind of want to find out.
An ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. So…first I need to buy a bike. Then practice riding the bike in a parking lot because it’s been like, 10 years since I’ve been on one. Swimming is a whole different story. Basically this one’s going to take some time to train for.
Fitness:
Bikini Competition
So, some of you may be thinking, “those girls are way too muscly” or that bikini comps are a little degrading or narcissistic. Maybe they are….but all I know is these girls work their butts off. In the gym and out. An incredible amount of discipline. It’s sort of similar to other races/competitions in that the prepping is the hardest part. It would absolutely be a challenge but I think it would be rewarding in the end (at least to say you did it once). Speaking of, check out Better with Veggies. She just did her first competition and did an awesome job. Hard work pays off!
Where to start? Basically any of these races/competitions are going to be a crazy amount of work. I’d also like to have another baby sometime in there so, like I said, some of these may be fantasies…or maybe just a few more years off. We’ll see!
What are your fitness goals or fantasies?
I put my name in the lottery for NYC this year. I hope I get it!
Also, if you are looking for a great ironman race, the one in Madison, WI is hard to beat. The marathon portion is all within the city, so there are lots of spectators. I have had a ton of friends do it.
awesome!! i hope you get into NY too!! i want to hear all about it if you do. would that be your first marathon?
It would be my 5th. I’ve done Chicago 3 times (finished 2 of those times…the one I didn’t finish was in 2007 when they called the marathon bc it was so hot and someone died. I got to about mile 21). Then I have also done Houston. That is a GREAT marathon as well. Lots of spectators and you run through some really cool areas of town. And it also helps that Houston is extremely flat.
OK, so some of that stuff is actually nutty – awesome, but nutty. I don’t think my knees are up to a full marathon, but would gladly schedule a half to run with you. Something in the spring??
(And, fwiw, Wesley claims he has a ironman in his near future. because he is also nutty. ironman family reunion? )
haha ok family ironman. i prob need at least like, 5 years to train.