My run training partner napping 
Well, here you have it…..I now get an extra 9 weeks to train for an IM. After a talk with my boss at work, that did not go so well about taking time off, which led to a long talk with Coach P and Reid, we decided that it would be best to not do IM CdA. Although I race as a pro triathlete, my real career at Oracle has to come first. I do not want to put my job in jeopardy, so making the tough decision to not race CdA during this tough time at work, is the best decision I could make.
It was a tough decision, but with the help of Coach P and Reid, we looked at it more as a blessing in disguise. I am a huge believer in things happening for a reason and at this point in my training and racing, I think CdA was not meant to be. I have to look at the bright side and that is that I get extra time to train and get things dialed in, especially with my bike seat issues
So, I am looking forward to recharging and getting super fired up for these next 9 weeks. I have not made my decision yet, but I am deciding between IM Canada and IM Louisville. Both races have a lot of great things about them that suit my strengths. We will see as it gets closer…..
Thanks so much to all of you who have been wishing me good luck for CdA. We will just have to wait until August and I promise it will be a good one
Happy training!
E
19 Comment(s)
Marco "Bodhi" said:
Hello Eileen,
can you take Belle along run to this?
Malcolm always makes worn-out to 10-12 milen.
This also can be I run too fast.
says hello kind
Marco
http://www.bodhi-ultrarunner.de
Melissa said:
Hi Eileen. I’m so impressed that you are working full time in a (what I guess to be) demanding job and are also a super-fast athlete, let alone Pro! That’s awesome and an accomplishment on its own. I can relate to the quarter-crunch time with your job, I get that in my job too…how do you do it all?
Good luck in your IM decision and the extra weeks of training!
triclancy said:
Reality Sucks, but you are right…your job has to come first. Kudos to you for making a tough decision. I agree with you…with all the racing you’ve done lately, taking 9 weeks to really hone your performance and then do an adequate taper will pay HUGE dividends in your next IM!
Sarah said:
Eileen -
Making decisions like that are never easy, but I totally believe in the same thing – that things happen for a reason.
As I told you before, it’s so impressive that you’re balancing work AND life as a pro. Unfortunately, that sometimes means that the bigger priority for the long term (career) has to come first. That’s just life.
BUT you are CLEARLY looking on the bright side and I think in many ways, it’s going to really pay off that you’re getting more time to train and going to be able to do another race in 9 weeks. I’m willing to bet the release of pressure and the extended training time is def going to help.
Enjoy the recharge!!!!
S
Anonymous said:
Tough call, but you are a busy working woman and work does come first! Think about what your buddy said about the best pro’s being the flexible ones, willing to make changes anytime. You are so inpsirational!
P.S. Adorbale dog, the cutest yellow lab I have ever seen
Matty
Damie said:
I, too, believe things happen for a reason. It will be exciting to see what this decision will bring for your future!
Anonymous said:
I LOVE BELLE! Can I have her?
LOL
Jessi
Mel said:
E, you are doing the right thing…when there is “questioning” on doing something…then it is probably best you don’t do it!! You have many races to come and you will rock them
BreeWee said:
E! Your attitude is so cool right now! This is the exact thinking you have got to have and you sound so positive in this post, more than when I first found out. I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!
9 weeks, tons of time to get that seat ready! Oh, I put a book in the mail for you yesterday, you can have 9 weeks to read it and then RACE YOUR LITTLE MENTALLY POSITIVE bum right off!
Fin stuff, where are you gonna go!? What course do you like? oooooh, I am excited for you! Smart move!!
Patrick said:
Tough decision but the right one for sure. Plenty of time to really focus on the game plan.
Keep the right attitude, unlike some people I know (BW)LOL!
I can’t wait to follow you on your next race. happy training, be safe!
P-
PS don’t you ever wash that dog? Looks like Bree after 5mile run!!LOL!
Patrick said:
Wait….you’re married too?
Eileen Swanson said:
Pat, She is SUPER CLEAN! She gets a bath more often than most
LOL! And she goes to the lake once a week 
E
BreeWee said:
Pat you are so mean! E takes better care of that dog than most moms care for their real babies! When I was at her house Belle even ate gourmet steaks and organic chicken! AND I do not look like that after a 5 miler…
Or maybe I do, that might be a compliment because that dog is pretty darn cute! E, come out here soon, we need to gang up on Pat… he is making trouble!
Eileen Swanson said:
Oh yeah Wee, I remember that time when you were over…..so FUN!
E
Kellye Mills said:
I’m a big believer in everything happening for a reason… so I’m sure this is the right thing for you! I’m always amazed that you have a full time job and still race pro!! AMAZING!
Patrick said:
LOL…..well i guess the dog looks adorable after I take a second look! At least you bathe your dog cause I think Bree only showers once a week!!LOL!
Bree’s just ticked off at me for beating her in butterfly!!
Trigirlpink said:
Pat is hogging the comment section…my finger is getting tired from pushing the scroll down button… hee hee
AnY WHOOOOO……. I am so jealous. Definitely a perk for being a pro. I wish I could have at least transferred my entry to a later in the summer IM. I didn’t even blink an eye when I read you’ve decided not to compete there. One thing I do know….. we (you and I) won’t be swimming with ice bergs!!!!!! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr… My husband said …”no way would you make it through the swim in 55 degree water. Too bad I can’t prove it to him!!! I say do Canada! I hear it’s a very very pretty course. Maybe you’ve done it????
Cy said:
Indeed the balancing act is tough, but you have a great perspective. I also believe things happen for a reason-Make the best of the next 9 weeks and you’ll be ready for a SUPER Ironman.
Of course, as a Canuck, I’m partial to IM Canada, but you’ll know which one calls your heart soon enough.
Katie Weaver-Jongerius said:
Of course I have to vote for Louisville E because I’m racing there!! =)
Tough decision to make but all things happen for a reason and like you said, sometimes the desk job is more important.
Let us know what you decide!