Oh may aching hips, quads, knees and feet. WTF! is happening to me?
That's how I felt Monday morning. I had such a hard training weekend that ended with a 60 minute run on Sunday eve. I got out of bed Monday morning and I was walking like Fred Sanford (40 somethings, are you with me here?). Last week was supposed to be a recovery week but I feel better today after 2 long swims, short run and a med. bike. I almost feel recovered today. Is that how a recovery week is supposed to affect me? With a 3 day delay?
I know running is my weakness, always has been, but I can't seem to get past the worry I have that I'm gonna crumble at mile 15 of the run. I've followed my Ironman training program nearly perfectly and I've only cut 2 runs short in the past 5 months. Good thing I still have 2 months to pull it together and sharpen things up. I'm keeping positive and I'm still excited for my first IM. I know that If I haven't burned out by now, the fire within is still burning strong and hot. It's very humbling and inspiring to read all the other Tri-geek blogs and see what others have overcome and endured to compete and finish IM races. Dehydration, broken pedals, flat tires, asthma, diabetes, ALS, cancer. WTF am I complaining about? I have not earned the right to complain. Oh sure, I have my little genetic and physical defects but I enjoy swimming 3,000 yd. workouts, biking several hours and running...well lets just say I can run a long time but it really challenges my mental focus.
The sport of triathlon is manna to me and I think I'm privileged to still be in the middle of the pack at the finish line. Have I just talked myself out of my little personal pity party? Huh, I guess so. Must be the caffeine kick'n in. I'm gonna go ride.
3 comments:
I'm not 40 yet, but I do remember Fred, what was his wife's name? Elizabeth? "Elizabeth, I'm comin' to meet ya honey, oh this is it, this is the big one..."
What a great post. You know, sometimes it helps just to get all your aches, groans, complaints, frustrations, whatever out on the table. Acknowledge them. Then move on. You've done it.
Hopefully your weather is a bit nicer and is perfect for some kick-butt training. Take it easy on there, listen to your body, enjoy your recovery week, and picture that IM finish line in sight! It's yours!
Hope you enjoyed your ride.
-Steph
You'll be fine. You'll be fine. You'll be fine. If you have to keep repeating it to yourself over and over under your breath, do it.
And if you can't run, you can walk. And if you can't walk, you can sit down in a med tent till you feel like you can again. Relax, it's a long way, break it into 5-foot chunks if you have and get through one chunk at a time. Just don't ever think that you can't.
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