If ever seeking to train for a triathlon, don’t believe the programs that say it’s only 10-12 hours per week. That makes it seem like you do a bit of training in your spare time, an hour here and hour there, maybe a bit more at the weekend. Lately I’m finding my days seem to fill up with stretching, hydrating, seeking protein (as a vegetarian this can be taxing), planning routes, working around the pool’s lap schedule. Because it’s three sports there is also pumping bicycle tires, charging my iPod, rinsing swimsuits, and keeping track of helmets, gloves, bike shorts, goggles, swim cap, sneakers, sports bras and breathable tops.

Training is fun, watching my body get leaner and tighter is thrilling; I feel stronger and wake up teeming with electric energy, my muscles tired but tingling with anxiousness to keep moving. But I’m weary of the schedule invading my day, plans having to be worked around my workouts. In a month I’ll be ready to have my life back.

But still, through it all I hear a whispering in my ear…The Maine Marathon. I’ve nearly convinced myself to do a half marathon, and would feel ready if I kept up some of the physicality I’ve gained this summer. But since I injured myself preparing for a marathon years ago, I’ve always had the lingering need to complete what I’d worked so hard to do. I feel like I’ll always be a person who trained for a marathon but never completed it. I’m at the edge of the road not taken and I’m wondering if sometimes it’s better to take the well-worn, comfortable path or push myself further just one more time.