70.3 IRONMAN…..It costs HOW MUCH?

I was just lamenting with Stephen how much these 70.3 Ironmans cost! They are clear up to around the $300.00 mark! “My goodness!! They really need to get these prices down a bit! It’s outrageous,” I complained.

Well, then we started talking. Stephen said the most interesting thing. He said, “I think it’s a lot of bang for the buck, actually.” He went on to say that it’s a race entry, yes, but it’s much more than that. It’s a goal that you have, usually for at least six months. So, it’s something to work towards!

I quickly started thinking about what he said and turned my thoughts around! He was right! For me, when I sign up for a 70.3 (and I’ve done 9 of these bad boys now), it is my big bright orange carrot! Dangling there, so attainable, and so motivational. It get’s me out of bed and out on the mountain to train, especially on those less than ideal days; the days I’ve stayed up late tending my sick child….the days that are cold, or windy, or snowy, or too hot! On vacations, instead of eating and drinking (solely), there is also a healthy dose of exercise going on. Those exercise sessions get me in on the best part of the day too! I get up early and go run around the city or up in the mountains. I might go swim in the beautiful lake, or bike up into the neighborhoods that I normally would never have seen. I see the sun rise above Central Park.  I feel the rain on my face along the country roads. It’s a great way to start the day (or finish it!).

The races also take us to amazing places where we vacation! Hawaii, Panama, Pays d’ aix France, Maui, California, southern Utah, Wisconsin, Idaho…all over. I love it! Even the nearby little local races, which have a much smaller entry fee, result in the best ever sites, and the most wonderful people to meet.

That’s another thing! Since I started going to the 70.3 races, I’ve met people that have become my BEST friends. That is worth all the money in the world!

That entry fee could just as easily be spent (squandered) in many other ways! I could buy one of those leather Louis Vuitton purses…probably add another decimal point or two on though. Then, I could walk around advertising their logo. Personally, I don’t get much satisfaction out of that. I could go out to a really fancy dinner….I could probably pay for a few months of direct TV….I could easily spend that much on a gym membership, or some snazzy gifts…I could get a big awesome tattoo or go to the salon a couple times (naaa, I prefer Great Clips!). Anyways, point is, maybe that $300 is a pretty good deal. When I cross the finish line, I always give myself a little hug. I usually say something like this; “Good job, Wanda. I’m proud of you. You did it. You did it.” There are NOT many times in my life when I say such a nice thing to myself:) That alone is worth the money.