Easy like Sunday morning

Post #: 17

Weeks of training complete: 18 weeks

Time until Ironman: 14 weeks

Miles swam: 70.254

Miles biked: 1,046.52

Miles run: 275.98

Goal: $5,000
Total money raised: $720

We've been faced with the possibility that our lives will dramatically change in the new few months. With Heidi's company in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it's hard to know exactly what the next few months hold for us. The company is closing stores, letting people go. It's like that a lot in Arizona these days, though not as bad, I suppose, as places like Michigan and Illinois, where cities have been hit doubly hard.

This potential change has forced us to run through a lot of potential options - do we sell the house and downsize? Have confidence that we'll find another job? Rein in the budget and make do on the absolute necessities until the economy regains steam? Conversely, should Heidi go back to school and re-educate herself in a field that has a long-term demand growth curve? You know, like something in the medical field? We've made lots of lists and looked at lots of numbers and a few days ago, I was certain we were going to sell the house.

I think it was my dad that talked me out of it. See, as anybody who watches the news all over the country knows, Arizona's housing market has taken an absolute beating. Homes that were selling for $350,000 are selling for $175,000. It really is that bad. But there are pockets in Phoenix that have held up, and we're fortunate enough to be in one of those pockets, centrally located close to Arizona State University, which economic downturn or not keeps growing into a monstrous behemoth (with a football team that's going to kick some serious ass this year - that means you Bulldogs). And, as my dad said, if the price is holding through this downturn, imagine what it's going to do when the market comes back. I think he's right, too. I can't help but escape the feeling we'd kick ourselves in the ass for years to come if we moved.

We have to bear down and find alternative solutions. So we're working on it. We're blessed, anyway, to have the luxury fo some time.

The days are gradually getting nicer here. We had more rain (again!!!) last night and the sky was clear and blue. Clouds kept the sun at bay until about 7 a.m. this morning and there was a gentle breeze. Perfect running weather.

Today, I'm planning on spending some time with the kids - maybe take them to the park. Then I've got some work to do at the office. But now, I've got to sign off. Training continues to ramp up. Big weeks ahead - and two weeks from today, my first race - an Olympic distance tri (.9 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike, 6.2 run)

Talk soon.

Cheers,

Ed