Could it really be?

So, I thought my big news of the season would be moving up from doing all Sprints to including an Olympic distance race toward the end of the season.

However, for whatever reason, I seem to be catching the Half-Ironman (HIM) fever and am giving racing one serious consideration. Here’s why:

• I actually have the time on a weekly basis to put in the training. I think this has got to be the most important, as skimping on training for such a long-distance event would be catastrophic.

• Directly behind in importance is that I have ample time to finish a Beginner Triathlete HIM training plan. Plus, I have two months before I'd need to start that plan, and I will do a couple other event-specific training plans during this time which will help with my base.

• What I also consider to be a boon is that I'm familiar with the course, having done my last tri there. Plus, I'll be able to train on it a few times this summer before the race.

Last year, after my first tri, where I barely made it through 400 yards of swimming, I debated on whether my next race should be shorter or longer (http://theironmountaineer.blogspot.com/2008/07/one-week-after.html).

I decided on the longer-distance race (http://theironmountaineer.blogspot.com/2008/08/and-answer-is.html) and I’m so glad I pushed myself to go the longer distance instead of acquiescing to what was clearly the easier route.

Well, after writing this out, it sounds like I’ve already made up my mind. Why do I do this to myself?