Looking back on this year's Ironman journey, I think of the many times when I wanted to not put my workout clothes on, not jump in the cold water, not get out of bed for early morning workouts, not go faster, and not work harder. But even though I didn't always want to do these things...I did them anyways. Because I knew if I wanted to get faster and stronger and healthier, I needed to do them. There were also many times when initially not wanting to do something turned into wanting to push myself further and then wanting to work harder. I would think to myself, I'm just one of the many. I liked to think about the other people physically working out just as hard to accomplish whatever it is they were aiming for at whatever baseline level they were, whether it be an endurance sport or a basketball, football, or tennis tournament, etc. I liked to think about all the people in the world overcoming their own personal challenges and overcoming our worlds challenges. During those long swims, black line after black line, flip turn after flip turn, so many thoughts would go through my head as I tried to keep count of what lap...but then when I was able to revert those thoughts back into the present moment and focus on my breath and movements I was able to feel stronger and faster. When I had to do track speed work all alone, thinking about other people doing the same thing somewhere in the world, somehow made me want to run faster and keep going. Occasionally, I would feel like my heart was beating so fast, it felt like it was going to explode during speed work. Or I would feel like I was going to fall off my bike during hill repeats. During my first month of training I didn't enjoy that...at all. But getting back into shape after time off is always hard. As the second month of training started I noticed improvements both physically and mentally, and I started to embrace and enjoy those challenging workouts. The journey (race including) was a balance between the many thoughts and the present moment...the imagination and the right now...the knowledge and the actions...the past experiences and the internal/external awareness...the help of so many other people and the appreciation for that help. The journey doesn't end...it keeps going. This is the recovery week. Compression gear, water, nutrient rich food, yoga, swimming, relaxation, socialization, and lots of sleep are in line. The Louisville Ironman was just one of the many journeys.
Next up is the Evergreen Lake Ultra and a Half (44 mile trail run) on September 15th in Illinois and then the Virginia Double ANVIL (4.8 mile swim, 224 mile bike, 52.4 mile run) on October 11th. P.S. If interested in being support crew, shoot me a message please. Because I need you! But, no I have not fallen off my rocker. Remember that first time you did a 5k, or a half marathon, or a marathon, or an Ironman. I want to experience the unknown again. I've thought about these distance events for a while and now is the time to do. I've been discouraged by few, but encouraged by more. I'm doing these because I feel good, I want to, and I believe I can. Oh...and because I have the best coaches in the world at Veritas Endurance Coaching. If something happens along the way and I DNF, that's ok:) But there's something inside me that is making me try...and I just can't deny that inner eye.
So, before I forget, I wanted to share some of the many thoughts that go through my head while spending long hours by myself in the water or on the road on race day. There are way to many thoughts to even remember and if you participate in endurance sports, then you probably understand. Some of these thoughts I'm proud of and some not so much, but I'll share them anyways. My favorite thought is telling myself that I'm one of many in this big world. I'm one of many happy, one of many hurting, and one of many loving. One of many, but on my own journey...so don't hold back...live that journey. Here's my 2013 Louisville Ironman race report. Maybe I was one of many thinking some of these thoughts during the race:)
Swim
- move b**** get out my way get out my way get out my way (not a word I'd typically say...but it's a song we've all heard...and very appropriate for this OWS situation)
- touch my leg one more time, I'm going to kick you hard
- stop hitting me!!!!
- that was a big gulp
- did she just try to purposefully push my goggles off? oh no she didn't, go forward, fight forward
- just give me some space!
- do you think you could swim a little straighter? are you doing this on purpose?
- shoot, water is in my goggles, I'm going to get an eye disease, should I stop to clear or just deal with it?
- I'm going to run you over
- inch by inch, just focus on these six inches in front of my face, that's it
- oh yes, this current is nice
- ahhhhhh, space
- reach further
- kick a little harder
- breath
- where is the buoy? I can't see, where is the finish?
- should I pee now or wait till closer to the end so I don't have to in transition?
- yes! made it out of the Ohio River
Bike
- is that my head on a giant sign? oh no they did not. I can't believe they did that. It's huge. My friends are crazy, I love them, I love it!
- one down, two to go
- my bike is very pretty
- this new lizard handle bar tape is nice
- have fun and enjoy the next 112 miles
- ugghhh, my left hammy is tight, this is not going to be fun
- breath in air, breath out the tightness
- spin from the hips
- loosen up
- these people are flying by me, maybe I should pick it up?
- no, keep the HR down, keep it loose, it's my race, this is between me and the course, no one else
- what a beautiful day out here
- the volunteers are so nice
- ok, everything is feeling good
- let's get up this hill, sit back down, stop pushing, gear down, spin the legs
- how the heck is THAT person on THAT bike going so fast?
- be nice
- no need to crush this hill, you have all day
- remember you still need to run a marathon after this bike ride
- he's cute, nice accent, I wonder if he's from Georgia?
- hope I don't get a tack in my tire, better keep an eye out in LaGrange
- I've got this peeing feeling oohooho this peeing feeling, I've got this pee'ing feeling but I can't can't ohoohoho
- yay, I see people I know!
- go a little faster
- breath
- drink drink drink
- oh my gosh, that's a pro that just passed me on their second loop. cool.
- awww, look at the horses!
- almost time for a Bonk Breaker
- move over
- why do people pass you, then slow down and take a water break? I mean really?
- oh well, step back or spin forward, I'm racing my race, not theirs
- 20 miles left, let's do this!
- ouch my neck
- time for a little on the bike cat/cow yoga
- 10 miles left, spin it out and bring it home!
- I see the city
Run
- here we are a'last
- I feel good, go easy, keep that HR down
- it's hot
- there's my head again!
- I have gallons of fluids in my belly and I still yearn for more, but not sure they'll fit
- I feel like I'm pregnant with all this water in my belly
- how can I consume more water if I don't get rid of some?
- that says mile 15, but I'm only at mile 2, next time around I'll be happy to see that 15
- just pretend like you're running 50 miles instead of 26.2
- there's Team in Training!
- Spike, think about all those people with cancer, run for them, don't stop, they can't stop fighting, you don't stop fighting
- two laps ain't nothing, just four 6. somethings
- yes! a firetruck with hose! I know it's going to suck having wet shoes and socks, but I'm going all in
- the bottoms of my feet hurt
- push through, the bottoms of your feet do not hurt, go, you're not stopping
- 6 miles down, take in some cals
- yes! a priest just came out with his bells to cheer! bless me! I love you God, shine down and get me through God
- look at all these awesome people God made, he's shining through all over this race course today
- nothing but peace right here right now
- look at that sky
- smile
- I just want one pretzel, give me some salt, I need some salt, noway I don't want a cup of pretzels, just one
- these volunteers are awesome, make sure to tell them and thank them
- ugh, this will be my last sip of Perform, that sh** is strong
- there's Team RWB Cincy crew!
- there's Team RWB racers!
- she's blind and running with a guide, now that is awesome. you go girl.
- think about all the Veterans and Soldiers you know, think about what they have done, what they have sacrificed and fought for, don't stop, keep pushing, keep moving forward
- water...all I want is water...I want to drink water...I want those water sponges...ice...I want ice
- that pool where the Perform is icing looks amazing...how great would it be to just jump right in there?
- don't do it, you won't want to get out
- take the coke, you need a little pick me up
- it's mile 22 and I haven't hit 'the wall' yet, this is good
- is this kid really persuading me into taking his chicken broth?
- these kids volunteering are smart! ok, I'll take it
- is that lady still running with blood all over her face? wow, shouldn't someone stop her?
- oh yeah, I just hit the 25 mile marker, 1.2 miles to go, that's nothing
- this is great, this is the Ironman
- run you're little heart out to that finish line
