Do I or Don’t I? That’s the Question

I've always enjoyed a good workout.  I've been athletic my whole life and for me, it keeps my stess levels down and keeps my mind where it needs to be.  Last year, I decided to take part in the Jersey Girl Triathlon in Long Branch.  A triathlon was something I had always wanted to do.  And this one was a sprint triathlon meaning swim for a few hundred yards, bike for 10 1/2 miles and run a 5K.  The distances were achievable, so I went for it.  It was something that was always on my 'Bucket List.' Or, at least I thought it was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime thing.  But, here I am again, the emails from Jersey Girl are coming in and I just can't decide whether I should go for it again.

This is the deal.  The swim comes first.  I spent about ten years as a youngster in Florida, so swimming isn't a problem.  In fact, I'm a pretty strong swimmer.  Of course, last year, it was an August day, so you'd think the water would be warm and calm.  It just so happened that it was a red flag day at the Jersey Shore.  The waves were huge.  That wouldn't have even been much of a problem, but the water was cold.  I don't do cold very well.  I couldn't catch my breath because it was so cold.  So, what should've taken me about four or five minutes took me closer to ten.  I wasn't happy with my swim time, so the competitive side of me wants to get back in and try to beat that time. 

The swim is followed by the bike ride, which actually isn't a problem at all.  It's a beautiful ride through Long Branch and it gives your body a little "break" before taking on the three mile run.  It also allows you to try and make up some time if you feel you didn't swim fast enough.  I enjoyed the biking part of it. 

Once you jump off the bike, it's on to the three-mile run.  Of course, your legs at this point feel like lead weights.  They're heavy and you're still a little wet from ocean water and sweat.  It's a pretty run along the boardwalk though.  There are a lot of people lining the streets cheering you on.  It's very motivating and it feels really good when you hear the excitement of the crowd. 

When you cross the finish line, that's what makes it all worthwhile.  You feel like a rock star!  Even more than that, the sense of accomplishment sends this adrenaline rush through your veins like no other.  You feel like you can take on the world. 

So, here I sit, looking at the emails and going back and forth.  I work with a personal trainer three times a week, I get on the treadmill at least two other days of the week, so I'm active.  I feel good about my fitness level.  I have nothing to prove to myself.  But, there's that competitor in me that wants to beat my time from last year.  I know there are worse dilemmas I could find myself in.  But, what would you do?