August 3, 2007

Out of Ironman Wisconsin?

Sometimes life throws you a wild pitch that hits you when you least expect it.

I found out earlier this week I have to be in court for a medical case (that's been dragging along now for 4 years) that I'm personally involved in but hasn't really personally affected me.

September 10 at 9am.

I called the attourney.

He confirmed.

There's absolutely no way around it, and I have to appear.

Ironman Wisconsin starts September 9 at 0700.

It will take me about 12 hours to finish, putting me at 1900.

The last flight out of Madison that will put me in Birmingham by 0900 September 10 leaves at 1921.

It takes 12 hours 41 minutes per Google Map to drive from Madison to Birmingham.

Prior to court, I would need to shower and have on court clothes.

Cutting it close...

I think I'm out of Ironman Wisconsin.

I think I may be changing my 8 hours of triathlon entry to the full 24 hours of triathlon on September 1-2.

It's a wild pitch, and it hit me square in the shoulder. But it's not going to knock me out... Not going to put me out of the game. I'll still get on base... I'll still get another turn at bat.

I'll still win this game... Just not this time.

20 comments:

Lisa said...

Oh no! Maybe something will change before then. Your season sure has been challenging! Good luck!

Laurie said...

That's too bad. You will definitely have future opportunities to finish the Iron distance.

Iron Eric said...

Life is just not fair sometimes. On the bright side of things...you are not opting out because of an injury. I am always cutting things close, but man. That would be almost impossible to try to make. Plus you would need a goods night rest to recover.

Donald said...

Ugh - this sucks. And there's probably a 95% chance that you'll arrive at court only to find out you've been delayed for 2 or 3 days, but of course there's no way they'll tell you that up front. Hopefully the schedule will change in your favor.

Michele said...

oh, that stinks. I hope something changes for you before then.

Good luck.

Carrie said...

What if you finished IM in 9hrs? :) Just kidding.

We'll hit one out of the park at 24hrs!

Joy | Love | Chaos said...

Don't count yourself out yet -- you never know about last minute changes to the court date.

My fingers are certainly crossed!

rocketpants said...

That is such a bummer! Fingers crossed that something in the court date changes so you could do IM MOO.

Iron Girl Nyhus said...

Hey... court changes all the time! Hopefully it will this time too. Keep your mind in the game!

Bill said...

Seems to me, although this would be common sense and doesn't apply in court cases, that you should be able to petition the judge. Lay out the expenses you've already incurred, the time spent training and the emotional impact of having to put this on hold for a case that's been pending for four years. I doubt that pushing the date one or two days to the right is going to make that much of a difference.

Failing that, I'd suck up the contempt of court charge. Then explain the exact same things to the judge and ask why the court has contempt for something that you've invested the entire past year in preparing for.

Of course, I'm no lawyer, so take that for what it's worth.

M said...

Wow. That really sucks. But your attitude sounds super positive, and as I am learning, everything happens for a reason.

RunBubbaRun said...

Ohh that sucks, especially when it is forced upon you like this..

Hopefully the court dates will change for ya.

But a 24 event is not a bad exchange, less the glitz, but more harder.

Bullet said...

Bummer, although I don't think I could handle you becoming a 2 time Ironman before I get my shot. Hopefully things will work out for you.

21stCenturyMom said...

I'd love to echo Bill but I know better. Court dates don't flow like that. I hope something happens and you make it but then again, if you do the 24 hours on the 2nd you won't really be in shape to do IM so I guess you need to commit one way or another.

My first thought in all of this was "What about ME??!!" I wanted to meet you. *sniff sniff*. Maybe I just need to go to Colorado or go visit your Viking.

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

If you can't do WI because of this court appearance, that's not so bad... This change in plans would have really, really sucked if you still had your first IM on your to-do list. Good thing you already ARE an Ironman. Remind me again whose idea it was that you do Zurich as a "starter" Iron-race? ... just sayin'.
;-)

I'll still keep your Madison rooms reserved until you are certain: they have a 48 hour cancellation policy, so there's no harm in holding it a few more weeks.
But if 24hours is going to be your Sept race, I know you will have a blast! Bring your camera... ;-)

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

Oh no...I hate that. But not something that can be helped, so no need to fret over it. I like your take on it, though - you'll definitely get another at bat!!

Cindy Jo said...

HOW FRUSTRATING!!!! I got irritated just reading that.

They'd better not postpone it the day of. That is VERY common - show up at court only to learn of the delay/extension that morning.

Robin said...

Oh, such a bummer! If I lived anywhere close, I'd fly over and give you a hop. With all the doctors you know, not one of them flies a small plane? Just thinking outta the box here...

Brent Buckner said...

Rats.

Triteacher said...

No flippin' way!!! You have a much better attitude about this than me. I'm with 21st C-Mom. *Sniff*