Seattle Triathlon TEAM

Triathlon is More Than I Bargained For – The Power to Choose and Pay It Forward!

Why Tri?
How many of you are new to triathlon this year?  How about going into year five?  How about double digit years?  That’s what I thought – I see all those hands raised out there!  We are all drawn to the sport for various reasons but we all share a very similar journey.  That shared journey is the sheer challenge and gratification of physical and mental exercise.  Now, what you get out of that exercise and how you apply it in life is totally up to you!

Real-Life Example
Let me give you an example.  This weekend I had a run time trial test to check my fitness running a 5K distance.  This test provides feedback on speed and heart rate fitness and is typically done on a flat course or track.  My last test was 3/1/12 so approximately two months ago.  I was entering this test on limited run volume and speedwork due to physical therapy and recovery during this timeframe for some calf issues – primarily shin splints.  The good news was that my symptoms had been improving at a good pace over recent weeks.  This was good for my mental and physical state of mind going into the test.

Saturday morning comes around and I fueled with my standby oatmeal, banana, and almond milk.  Then I picked out an outfit that I felt fast in when I ran.  After all, you gotta look good when you’re under pressure right?  Then I headed to the track where I have completed the test in the past.  Bummer – there was a soccer game going on so it didn’t look realistic to run around the game going on.  Ok, plan B – head to the other high school track just a mile up the road.  I continued with my mental prep and getting psyched to have a good run.  Score!  The track was open and there were people running around the track.  The sun was out and the test was stacking up to be a successful one.  I started some running drills and did one loop around the track.  Then a guy flagged me over his way near the gate.  He said, “I’m sorry but you’ll need to exit the track in 20 minutes as the track is rented by the next group”.  How could this happen?  Everything was stacking up for a good test…this couldn’t be happening to me, not now! 

I headed back to the car with my husband and we decided to go to a tried and true flat gravel trail that we do a lot of training on.  It wasn’t a track but it was flat and continuous.  Long story short – I ran the test and maintained my fitness stats – no improvement or decline from my last test.  I chose to take that as a positive victory rather than a negative and also learn from the dynamics of multiple attempts and mental roller coaster of starting my test.  It could have gone either way – it was my choice.

Why I Choose to Tri and Pay It Forward Through LUNA Chix?
Whether training or racing, triathlon provides each individual with tools and preparedness to tackle “everyday life”.  The physical exercise benefits are obvious.  It clears the mind and strengthens the body.  The mental exercise benefits have been the icing on the cupcake!  I have learned so much about myself through the prep and application of mental fitness.  These lessons learned are applied in everyday life whether personal or professional.  I choose to make triathlon a lifestyle choice for the completeness it provides to me both physically AND mentally.

I am a LUNA Chix because of the importance I place on triathlon as a key pillar of strength in life and for the bond it creates with others (even though it’s an individual sport).  I get a thrill in seeing others contemplate and breakthrough physical and mental challenges in the sport that are so easily transferred and utilized in everyday life situations.  I also love the fact that no matter how long one is involved in the sport, the physical and mental elements are just as rewarding and challenging as the year prior.  It’s a continuous learning environment.

I choose to live an active lifestyle and pay it forward by helping others realize their true potential.  What are you going to do today?  It’s all about choices…triathlon helps you prepare and navigate life’s many experiences – both positive and negative.  Come join us at a future LUNA Chix triathlon workout…the choice is yours and we’d love to help you “tri” this lifestyle on for size – for the health of it!