Ironman Vs. Ultra Distance Triathlon

 It wasn't until recent that I found out that there was a difference between an Ironman and an Ultra Distance Triathlon. When you look at the distance for each component they are the same and when you look at time to complete by, they are the same, and they both follow USAT sanctioned rules, so why the big difference. It's a little thing called Trademarking!

The Ultra Distance Tri I am doing in September is just that. It's not a part of the Ford "Ironman" Series. When I cross that finish line after 11+ hours, the announcer will not say, "Megan Howe, you are an IRONMAN!!" Is there a benefit of one over the other. Why will some people only do "Ironman" events and non other.

I think the thought that some people have, is that it's not an Ironman. Even though it's the same distance, same pain, same time training, because it's not called one, then it must not be as hard. Well according to Triathlete Magazine, the Chesapeakman Ultra Distance Tri, is listed as one of the top 10 hardest/best ultra distance events. There were only a few "Ford IM" events listed on there, so maybe there should be so much hype over a trademark.

Don't get me wrong though, I am not knocking that series by any means. My first IM was a Ford series event, and I did it because I wanted all the lights, and more so to hear the announcer say in front of everyone that I was an Ironman. But now that I have done that, experienced that, I have new priorities. I want to cross that finish line and have my family see me do that. So I picked a race not only for it's logistical location, but also because it is such a well run and organized event. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if there is a TM next to the them, you are still swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running 26.2 miles. That in itself is awesome.

Yesterday I registered for the National Marathon in Washington DC. I wanted to do a few races this year before the big one, and I also needed extra motivation have a successful winter training as well. The marathon is at the end of March, so that will leave my training for some nice snowy days! There are a few things I will need to invest in for the marathon training. Winter running shoes, head lamp for running in the dark, and blinky reflective arm and ankle bands so cars don't run me over! I really don't want to spend all my training in the gym, that would be terrible. My official start date for the Marathon training is December 6th and the UDT (ultra distance tri) will be January 3. I have already written my marathon program out and have started to write the UDT program. John and I will be traveling to Florida in May to ride the MS150 Charity bike ride for Multiple Sclerosis with my dad. More about that later!

On a final note, I am so happy, excited, proud, oh and excited that I will have a training partner and a day of-suffer through the pain partner at the UDT. My cousin Marita is doing Chesapeakman. You will be hearing a lot about her, because we will be training a lot together.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. My family will be celebrating our Thanksmas holiday (not sure if i ever explained that). Can't wait to see the family.

All the Peas are married!!

This weekend I not only got to see my friend Crista get married, but I was her "day-of-coordinator." I got to help run the show, which was so much fun. I love being in control and telling people what to do...

anyways, back to Crista. Crista was the last, but not least Pea to get married. What is a Pea?

The "Peas" are a group of friends who will grow old together and their kids will become great friends. The Pea's started with my sister Michele and her best friend Cara. They went to High school together and didn't like eachother, but once in college at the University of South Florida they became best friends, eventually moving to Washington DC, to join the other half of the Peas, Crista and Kate. Crista and Kate were also college best friends at Stetson University in Florida. The four of those girls created this bond that was unbreakable, regardless of the different guys or friends that came and went and some that stayed, there friendship lasted.

As an outsider to the group, we wondered what would happen when the Peas would marry off and start to have children. My sister Michele was the first to get married, and the Peas still stood by. Then Cara got married followed by Kate with Crista closing up the deal. The friendships are still just as strong as in the beginning and they have even added a new member, my sister-in-law Alycia. They recently performed Mambo Italiano for Crista and Firoz at the wedding, and it was a smash.

I guess where I was going with this the importance of friends and support. And to cherish those friendships and treat them kind. At some point during my training, each one of those Peas's helped and supported me, and I am so lucky to have them.


Aside from the awesome wedding, the rest of the weekend was filled with awesome food and hanging out with family and the babies. Oh how I love the babies.

Thanksgiving is almost here, and for our family that means we will have our "Thanksmas" so I have a lot to get done. I am looking for a turkey trot to do on thanksgiving day as well.

Gobble Gobble.

The Winter is approaching

(costume I made for Crista's 80's theme bachelorette party)

The winter is hitting us early here in Philly and I am not very excited about that. With day light savings in effect, I can already feel the on-set of my winter depression beginning. This will be my 4th winter in the north and I am still not used to it or even close to embracing it. Thank god for training and UV lights, otherwise I would be 15 pounds heavier, paler and severely depressed.

I am still at the same place with my "limbo training" as I call it. I run when I can and want and occasionally lift, but more for the joy and not for specific reasons... well... and so I can still eat the same amount as before without the weight gain and the guilty feelings!!

I am starting to narrow some things down I want to do with my program next year and have been looking into new programs and training tips. I have even had some dreams about the open water swim in the ocean... it's always a good sign that your heads in the game when you start dreaming about the training, especially for it has even started!

I will come out now and admit that I am very nervous about the ocean swim at Chesapeakman. When John and I were on our honeymoon, I did some swimming in the ocean and I didn't really enjoy it. I felt dehydrated very fast. Not because I was drinking the water, but water does get in over time and it dries you out. Also I have heard the currents are very strong in the bay, so that concerns me too. The only positive thing, is that the swim portion is two loops, so you actually exit the water then have to re-enter. I will have to make sure to get several ocean swims into my training.

John and I are approaching our 6month anniversary of being married (don't get nervous we don't really celebrate) and it's crazy how time has really flown by. Married life is good, not really any different than before except all the name change and the financial. You can't just go spend like you did before because it's mutual money. That has been an adjustment... more for me than John!!

This weekend, we are heading back down to D.C. to watch our friend Crista get married to Firoz. I am excited to be her go-to-girl for the day, making sure everything is in the right place looking perfect. I also get to see the babies and steal them from there parents!!!

Have an awesome week!!