My lack of blog posts lately can largely be attributed to something that is taking over all my free time. Something that requires lots of preparation all for one big day. Something that causes you to lose sleep, get into work late, takes up your entire Saturday each weekend, and that you research every day while you eat your lunch. Wedding planning!
Last year I raced an Ironman and this year, on September 28, I will get married. Although the actual event is just one day – the year leading up to both of these events is arguably more all consuming than the one day. Although it’s only been a month, I’ve already noticed some serious similarities among Ironman Training and Wedding Planning.
1) It takes over your life. Ironman was a eat, breath, sleep training regime at times and right now I feel like I’m living wedding planning. I get in to work a bit later some mornings because I have to stop at the grocery store to get stamps for a deposit I’m mailing, just like I would be late to work because my training session ran long. As soon as work is over I often have to rush to a tasting or vendor meeting, just like I used to rush home to get in my 2nd workout of the day.
2) People are always asking how it’s going. Just like everyone would ask “How is Ironman training,” people are always wondering how wedding planning is going. I certainly loved to talk about training and I love to talk about wedding planning so I enjoy this question. Just like Ironman, however, I know most people are usually asking it to be polite. 😉
3) Both require extra food. Ironman training left me ravenous – I ate big meals and tons of snacks to satisfy my never ending hunger. Wedding planning involves lots of dinners and drinks with friends and family to celebrate your engagement, celebrate finding a gown, or tasting reception food.
4) Both cause nightmares. I had several horrible Ironman dreams during training and now I’ve already started having wedding nightmares!
5) Internet research and blog reading increases. During Ironman training I was online constantly reading blogs of fellow triathletes and Ironmen as well as researching nutrition, gear, and anything else triathlon related. Now I’m online researching weddings and honeymoons instead!
6) Both cost a lot of money. No further explanation needed.
7) Both are totally worth it! Crossing the finish line at Ironman CdA was certainly the highlight of that year and I know that my wedding day will be one of the best days of my life. I can’t wait to vow to love Mike for the rest of my life!!!
If you’ve done an Ironman and planned a wedding, which was harder!? Which do you prefer?
I would say that Ironman training is harder but that might be because it’s been so long since I planned my wedding that I am forgetting the stress. I did love planning my wedding it was so much fun, enjoy this time it’s short then you’re married forever 😉
MAN DO I HEAR YA! But the good thing is that you’re right: BOTH are totally worth it. Enjoy the journey!
Yep. Done both and doing both. My soon to be husband in 5 weeks (Sept 5th) is also a 2X Ironman. I’m doing yet another full Ironman a week after our first anniversary next year. We cut back to half ironmans this year. The stress does take tole though. I hear you.
Yep. Done both and doing both. My soon to be husband in 5 weeks (Sept 5th) is also a 2X Ironman. I’m doing yet another full Ironman a week after our first anniversary next year. We cut back to half ironmans this year. The stress does take tole though. I hear you.