To click or not to click

I've been thinking about signing up for a half ironman race this summer. But should I? It is such a commitment. But I am always more dedicated when I have something to train for in the future.

Last fall I ran my first marathon. I loved it! Well, I loved raced day (all 4 hours and 21 minutes of it:) I loved the pride and confidence that came with finishing the actual marathon. I wasn't over the moon in love with the 5:00AM endurance runs on the weekends. But it did keep me in shape and more disiplined over the summer months.

I originally wanted to sign up for another marathon in the spring, but I was sick for 3 months. After the October marathon I was hit with pneumonia not once but 3 times (the last time was double, nice). Pneumonia is tough on anyone, but I also have asthma. I literally felt every breathe I took, and most often was fighting for it. Finally in January, I was able to start working out again. I've spent this month slowly getting back into a workout routine. But I am no where near where I used to be. I was running half marathons without a worry in the world of finishing. Now I am having to walk during 5 mile runs, and the run is barely a jog.

So, I'm thinking the marathon in May, might not be doable. But a half ironman in July? I think I can be up and running by then. I have been doing triathlons for 11 years. The longest one I have done up until now was olympic length (0.75/28/6). It took me 3 hours. And that was my goal and I was ecstatic. And...I was one of the last people to cross the finish line. So I checked the results of last years half ironman event and I guestimated my times and I will be in the last group to finish (guessing I could make it in 6 hours). It does bother me. It somehow makes it feel like less of an accomplishment. But why? Am I being silly? I will have still completed a 70.3 mile race, why should I rain on my own parade.

So I am left here going back and forth, to click or not to click yes on the registration link.