Seattle Triathlon TEAM

Wow. It’s been awhile since I posted a blog about my ironman training.  Every time I sit down at my computer to compose my thoughts and chart my progress I think of something else to doing or wonder what I want to write about.  I finally have sat myself down at the computer (with a good snack) to reflect on my progress so far. 

I am 20 weeks done out of a 36 week training program.  The optimistic angel on my shoulder screams “HOORAY.. more than halfway!”  The pessimistic angel whispers “You still have 16 weeks left… and those are the toughest weeks.”  It’s a constant battle between these two voices and sometimes I just can’t tune either of them out enough to actually enjoy the experience. I feel like my life is on the repeat cycle:  Monday I drag my sore & lethargic body out of bed and tell myself to keep going, Thursday night I find myself bubbling with excitement about having Friday off and on the weekends I work my butt off during the long workouts. 

Things I have learned:
- Try not to hold onto things I can’t change (example: pouring rain during a track workout)
-  Smiles – I have to give them to receive them. Being positive with people allows more positivity into your life.
- My husband can piss me off with a single comment during a workout.
-  My husband can save me from having a total mental breakdown.
-  Yoga – I must clear my mind in order to reap the benefits
-  ICE, ICE, ICE baby… morning, noon and night to aid recovery
- Recovery socks – not sure of the actual physical benefits but I know I “feel” better when I wear them.
-  Friends are great training partners.  Thank you to all of you who have been there with me!  And thank you in advance for those of you who will continue to let me drag you out whenever I can.

The hardest part of training for me has been the mental aspect.  I struggle with knowing my limit and accepting that every day I won’t be able to perform exactly how I might like.  I have had two mental breakdowns; both have happened during the run they occur because I have time to think.  Last weekend at Lake Chelan my husband and I did a bike ride (65miles in the sun) and it went great.  Then we put on our running shoes and went out to do a 50 minute run.  Right from the start I didn’t have the right mindset, and I just let all the negative thoughts get the best of me.  I ran… I shuffled.. I walked… repeat.  It was painful, but when I hit the 30 minute mark and realized that I been running for about 1/10th of what a marathon might take me during the Ironman I broke down… majorly.  I kneeled over and started to cry.  Big fat tears, big sobs and total meltdown.  I’m not proud to admit this moment… but I am hoping it will make me stronger.  My husband stopped, hugged me, wiped away my tears and gave me a pep talk.  I made it through the rest of the run because of my husband.  The next day (Sunday) when I put on my running shoes for the long run of the week I was leery…  but a good route and a good friend made the run and following bike ride a success!  So lesson learned: take each workout 1 step at a time, do my best and believe that the work I am putting in will set me up for success in August. 

Up next to learn:  Proper nutrition that works for me!!! (stay tuned for a future blog about this journey!)