Physical, Mental and Holistic Being

There are so many aspects of preparing for an endurance event. Everyone first goes to the physical training. Reality is, that’s the easy part. I laugh when my coach tells me that she wants to see me cross the finish line because this has taken so much time and energy and money the last two years. I shake my head when someone says they’ll help me finish by helping me train in one leg or another because this is such an important personal goal that they want to see me do it.

My reality is that last year it was a big focus. Yet, I truly didn’t have time to be disappointed while in AZ- I was too focused on the immediate details of getting myself and my gear out of there. I did not like using the term DNF to describe my race when asked at home, but then I talked about it very little with anyone but immediate family and very close friends. The why on that is about what I do. Training for an Ironman doesn’t bring me closer to someone contemplating getter started in exercise or to the trainer who is just building his or her business who can’t find the flexible time I have now, it puts more distance between us. So I don’t talk about it. It isn’t for anyone but me that I’m doing it so I haven’t missed that. I don’t need the pats on the back, and don’t want the raised eyebrows from people who think it’s extreme. It’s really just one step, one stroke, one revolution after another according to a plan. It’s doable. Though I do appreciate sharing the ups and downs of training with someone going through it; it’s like another language to others.

But I’d never risk a long term injury or damage in order to cross a finish line. I’d never keep training so low that race day is miserable just to save myself for that day to reach a goal. The truth is I’ve benefited every day that I’ve been able to dream it and train for it and I can’t imagine exercising without a goal any longer. I’ll put time and energy and money into a training program in 2012 and 2013 and so on even though it won’t be for Ironman endeavors. I’m living better every day I’m training. It’s all been worth it no matter what.

I don’t think too much about what I’m going to eat as a reward after I workout either which is counter to what I’ve found to be true for many fitness enthusiasts. I instead usually am thinking whether I am eating optimally to rebuild and then fuel the next workout. It’s just more fun that way for me.

The other way seems more like punishment that I have first to do first. I actually like the training. I write when I ride and run. I solve problems when I’m swimming. When I return I’m sweaty and smelly and dirty but my head is clear. I’ve had time to reflect on how fortunate I am to even be able to choose it. It’s a privilege not a right.