Just like Ironman ’09, I thought I would give Iron Dad a bit of a headstart with the blog (and the training)… build his confidence, and then blow by him.
That’s my memory and I’m sticking to it.
In truth, it’s been a bit of a slow start to the training season. Until today in fact, it’s been a no-start…but the tides are turning and I’m ready to reconnect with my former Iron Self. While my dad put in another solid training and racing season in 2010, I rode out the glory of an Ironman finish for a lot longer than it probably deserved and am back to fitness start in a lot of ways. Â
And also unlike Iron Dad, I have very little insight into the next 285 days.Â
Here’s what I do know:Â
- I’m signed up for Ironman Florida on November 5th, 4-days before my 29th birthday (and the last year before I move into one of the most competitive women’s age groups)
- I’m registered for the Vancouver 1/2 Ironman on July 3rd – a race I have also done before… and am glad to have my dad joining me this year! Time to start your hill training pops 🙂
- I’m registered for the Vancouver 1/2 Marathon on May 1st – a great short-term goal to help me focus on my running early on in the season (trying to avoid another 7.5 hour IMFL marathon this time around)
- A new condo purchase means funds are a bit tighter this season – so I’m going without a coach this time around and am looking for more social/group training opportunities which can also fit around a full-time work schedule.
- Dad is going hard this year, despite some disintigrating joints, so I’m going to have to step up my game if I am even going to dream of keeping up (or at least making that elusive post-race dinner reservation)
I will leave it to Iron Dad to share the latest and greatest on training philosophies and principles (maybe he’s already hidden a training schedule in here for me somewhere…). With a full-time job, a limited bank account, fewer Ironman finishes, no coach and a much more relaxed attitude towards training (none of these are recommendations) I hope I can connect with those of you who have similar realities, as I figure out how to make it all work.
Whether you have resolved to complete Ironman this year, or to finish your first 5k – it takes a LOT of energy, creativity, relentless determination, guts and support to make it work in the context of your likely already hectic lifestyle. Not to mention all the excuses we choose to put in the way just to make it a bit tougher (I have a big list I’m already working through).Â
I have decided that rather than always thinking of my ENORMOUS Ironman goal, I would break it down into smaller, more tangible pieces. Today – it was digging out my run gear from still un-packed boxes and showing up for the first day of my 1/2 marathon run clinic. Eventually, I will start to consider my bike and swim and bricks and nutrition and schedule and equipment… but today it was lacing up my shoes and running 5k.Â
You can’t finish the race without crossing the start line.
Looking forward to sharing our journeys together,
Daughter
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