When it comes to "triathlon Deb", I've been kind of floundering since completing my half ironman at the end of July. At first that was necessary; I needed the break. Then it was okay. I was on vacation, after all, and part of the reason I did my big race earlier was so that I could enjoy the rest of the summer without heavy training.
Now, it's almost 3 weeks into September, and I'm still unfocused. I'm running, but mostly short runs of 6 km and under. (Although I am doing a 10km race on Saturday!) I'm not swimming as the local pool is still closed until next week. I haven't been biking either.
So, it's time to start asking some serious questions of myself.
What do I want?
I want more.
Long term, sure, I want to do an Ironman, but I want more now.
I want to reach my potential.
And, so far, I'm a long ways off. Sure, on race day, I go in with everything I've got. But, I can do more.
The monkey on my back is the extra weight I continue to carry. I feel like I'll never get close to my potential until I let it go. And, I think that is part of the reason I have been afraid to let it go. Because getting close to my potential scares me - a lot.
I have always been in a position of knowing that I can do better. I have always finished a race, and even when I was thrilled with my results, I knew I would beat it one day. If I really do everything I'm capable of, one day I am going to achieve results that will never be bettered.
And you know what? I'm ready to start on that path. One step at a time. It will take me years to reach that, but I'm going to start with the definitely achievable steps: Lose the weight, keep up the speed work throughout my training plan (I always seem to get thrown off of it, and finish out the training plan just getting the volume in).
I have signed up for the Calgary 70.3 again. I'm going to set a personal best on that course. In fact, I am going to blow away my time from 2012.
Love this! You sound alot like me. I have done very little since my half iron in mid July. I've been running...some and did do 1 half, but I've been on the bike like 3 times and in the pool - well none!! It's terrible. But I think I needed the break, and honestly health issues have pretty much forced it. But I'm ready to get going again and try to figure out where my potential lies.
ReplyDeleteYou can do anything you set your mind too!! Get out there and do it!
A bit of floundering after such a big goal is natural. In some ways I'm still struggling with the whole triathlon thing, finding a workout / life balance. In the long run, a bit of unstructured time like this is very good for you. It gives your body a break, but it gives your mind a break too, and that's almost more important.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise it sounds like you've got a good grip on things. An out there goal (Ironman). A medium term goal (faster at 70.3), and short term goals (trimming weight and speed work.) Can't wait to see how it goes!
Sounds like you are getting the fire back! I'm in a similar situation. Haven't been to the pool since my HIM in July.
ReplyDeleteGood for you signing up for Calgary again and being motivated to PR it. Looking forward to following along as you achieve your goal!
Unstructured off-season time is good, if sometimes frustrating. But you have a long term goal so you'll never get too lost! This gives you a chance to work on other things that will make you more successful for the big goals next year! :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the fear part - I keep looking at all the training and nutrition changes and lifestyle changes I need to do to fully commit and there is a large part of me that is afraid to make that commitment. I think it's the whole concept of inertia - a part of my brain just wants to stay the current course and avoid any exertion. Change is hard. Really hard! And part of me doesn't want to take that first plunge. But again with inertia, once the ball starts rolling in the right direction good luck stopping it! Now if someone would just give it a push lol!
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