I haven't posted in a while because I've been pretty preoccupied with work issues and training. I've also done a heck of a lot of traveling this fall making my life a bit scattered and my apartment completely un-hinged. It's not dirty, just that I keep returning with suitcases of dirty clothes and no time to unpack before I have to repack, washing just want I want to take and leaving everything behind. Yes It's been hectic but really very fulfilling. I've spent a lot of time with family and friends with all the travel. Caught up with old friends left behind from past jobs, spent time withe new friends in Europe. I've been given a gift of freedom this year; leave of absence. I am working on being my own boss and developing a stream of income outside of a typical employment situation. I'm also hedging my bets and applying for positions that might interest me. Who knows how it will all turn out? I've found, in my 58 years, that never once have my carefully laid plans really materialized. I'm taking the approach that I will hold some loose goals, and enjoy the process more these days. One of those processes is my triathlon experiences.
This year, after 5 years of effort, training and improvement, I'm convinced I have what it takes to finish the IM Louisville. 140 miles of effort in a singe day. 2.5 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking and 26.2 miles of running. It will be the longest race of my life and something that I have wanted to do since I was in my 20s dating an ironman.
I know people who do triathlons that are totally committed and spend all their time at training and racing. That's not the kind of athlete I can be. That's a good thing. I have to have a life with my athletic pursuits. I enjoy working out but not to the exclusion of art, networking, learning, reading, traveling etc. I think you have to find a balance. If you are around athletes who are so totally committed, don't conclude that you must be like them to be successful. You can still have a life as you dedicate your training time to yourself. It's okay to focus on yourself for a and hour or two each day. Your family, your kids, your work, will not suffer.
In fact, I've found that the depression I fought my whole life has drifted away. I have so much more energy, leaving me capable of giving more to others. I have a really positive outlook on my life. I spent a good part of my life down on myself despite any achievement. The research into brain chemistry and the effects of training (notice I do NOT say working out) are compelling. Serotonin is more active, pain reduction from endorphins, adrenalin produced for good stress, not fear stress, all work to build a better outlook on life. I happen to be an early riser so I prefer to work out early. It gets the training done and then I focus on my work and other activities. I don't have that "dinner or train or veg" question in the evening. It's all done. A nice glass of wine and a leisurely dinner, read a book, rest and relax and get ready for a nice night of sleeping.
When I train at night, I sometimes have trouble sleeping because the adrenalin is still pumping through my body. If I train early, my metabolism is still working all day and energizing my work and activities. I've come a long way since 2010 when I was over weight stressed, fatigued all day and really out of shape. My BP had begun to rise for the first time in my life. Even pregnant my blood pressure was like 120/72. I didn't have a wake up call, I had a call to action from a charity that offered training if I would fund raise. It was for a cause I believed in and one that had a personal connection. That year it took me 4:52 to finish my first Olympic distance..my first ever triathlon.
Last year I did the same one in 3:35. That's a lot of improvement. It took 5 years, but I feel it. I feel great, I feel 20 years younger and I enjoy my life a whole lot more because of these activities. If you are thinking about doing a Tri, have never been athletic and are afraid to even ask about it, ask me. I'll help you. I just got my USAT Level 1 certification making me a certified triathlon coach. I remember how hard it was. I remember how scared I was. I will tell you that it was the best fear I ever laid down. You can do it too. The photos are of my medals I've earned since 2010 and my first marathon finish. If you had told me I'd be here in 2010 with all these accomplishments, I would have laughed in derision. Now I'm laughing with joy. You can too. I'm planning my 2015 race and training schedule now. I'll be doing Half Ironman races in Haines City, FL and Muncie IN, and maybe an aqua bike. I'll be doing three Olympic triathlons, maybe one or two more. I'll be doing two century (100 mile) rides and plenty of training rides and runs in between. Don't let anything stop you, least of all your fears. They are just thoughts. Change those thoughts from I can't to I can and join me. You'll be glad you did.
