How did this happen?

For many years the thought of Ironman has been in the back of my mind.  Every time it raised itself I would go searching for races that were not too distant in both the chronological and  geographical sense. And every time I would find that those events had reached capacity.


So when Ironman NZ notified that me that "Entries are now open for 2012" on March 15th it raised the big question once again.  Is it time?

Then the following morning in my email: Rush on Entries for 2012 Ironman NZ.  It seems that after only 8 hours 70% of the available entries are taken.  This is just like a house auction.  The pressure is on.  I adopt my usual stance - Procrastination.  I'll think about it shortly, I'm busy right now.

The pressure really came on at 2pm Melbourne time when the next email came through.
  
Entries are now 95% full!  Wait, I'll check with Deb (my wonderful wife)!  She will tell me I don't have time, I'm too old, we have other commitments...

But no, her immediate reply is that it will be good for me to have such a goal.  I now have nowhere left to hide.  At 2:08 on Wednesday March 16th I receive my email confirmation of entry.

No going back now!

What have I done? Before I can even start to prepare I have so much planning and organising to do. Do I get a coach, can I use my roadbike, what other gear do I need, how will I train while travelling?  And on and on.