I went to movies to see how the apes are hanging and during this time sweetie, who has enabled this entire journey of finding the triathlete within me and whose support I appreciate beyond words, had written a guest blog post. One word: GRADITUDE.
So, here you go:
The blogger himself went to movies tonight, so I saw my chance to sneak in to write few words about the upcoming Ironman race and his preparations. Actually it's a shared thing, because we both are racing in Copenhagen.
When we signed up for the race last year, the biggest challenge seemed to be to find the time to train. With full-time jobs, requiring traveling time to time, and our son deserving the most of our free time, it hasn't been an easy puzzle. However, with flexible attitude from both of us and willingness to train during non-optimal hours of the day, the year has been quite smooth. The training hasn't been optimal, far from perfect, but I believe it's been good enough for both of us to have a good race in two weeks.
Although he is the one who has much more experience from endurance sports, namely running, I already have two Ironman distance races under my belt. Thus, it's been really fun and interesting to follow his preparation towards his first Ironman over the past 11 months. There have been ups and downs, excitement and desperation. Oh yes, all of them. Many times, back and forth.
First it was the swimming that required change of attitude and simply more time in the pool. During the spring months I started to hear more often comments like this "It was actually fun today" or "I felt good today" instead of "I can't stand this", I knew his swimming was going to be ok.
Towards the spring it was also obvious that he was getting faster and faster on the bike. Especially he was speeding in short tempo rides. No problems in sight in terms of pace or endurance. However, patience, pacing, and ability to tolerate the head wind have required most of his attention recently. And those are much harder to train than physical fitness.
Running has been and of course still is his strongest discipline. With much diverse training than ever before and focused strength training, the nagging hip and hammy injuries have stayed in control. And I can see that the joy of running is gradually returning.
Things were looking really good before half Ironman in Joroinen. As you have heard and read it was far from perfect dress rehearsal for the full Ironman. Bonking in running wasn't pretty, but probably it was just what he needed. I guess multiple sub 3 hour (even sub-2h30min) marathons hadn't prepared himself for the feelings that sneak in your mind during longer races. After few hours of rolling in disappointment and desperation, there was a shift in his thinking. He understood the importance of mental preparation and endurance and have worked hard to get his head ready. Writing mantras to his water bottles and choosing uplifting music :)
Yes, I think he is ready - ready to endure the fatigue, take the pain, but also enjoy the event.
But what about the tattoo, are you really going to get it?
Cheers,
s.
And it is me again.... Yes, I am ready. No matter what the final result may be, I have had a blast.
No comments:
Post a Comment