To Tri or NOT to Tri.......that is the question....

There are 4 days left until the 2009 Arizona Ironman 2009 race and I am contemplating my desire to register for the 2010 race to be an IRONMAN.

I am a 202 lb. 36 year old Male, husband to the best wife on the earth, father of 4 blessings from the Lord, adrenaline junkie, and sold out individual for Jesus.

Do I need to be an IRONMAN? No.

Do I want to be an IRONMAN? Maybe - it depends on the day.

6 years ago I was a 265 lb. 30 year old who needed a life change....and to the Glory of God I changed to be a healthier individual so that I might be around as long as the Lord allows to enjoy the family he has given me. I have run 10K's, Half Marathon's, and a Sprint Triathlon in the past 2 years and I enjoy running and riding regularly with some friends of mine. Part of me wants to hear the "Your are an IRONMAN" statement at the end of the race that is so physically demanding and mentally challenging that it is so very enticing......and another part of me wants to show my kids that you CAN do it. I Can Swim 2.4 Miles (I am a fairly good swimmer) I Can ride 112 miles on a bike (I do 50 or more almost every Saturday) and I Can run 26.2 miles -- question is can I do them all in 17 hours?...

I have 4 days to make a final decision - as this race gets sold out in a matter of hours. I am volunteering this weekend at the IRONMAN race and will really get a good feel for the internal workings and the racers condition as they come onto the run course (where out aid station will be)....I believe I have made up my mind in spirit of wanting to accomplish this but am having a hard time swallowing the entry fee of $550....OUCH! Cheryl is supportive of me doing it but I am overthinking it as usual......more to come as it approaches the deadline.

Thoughts/ Comments welcome........