Ok, so as we all read this there is a picture of a blue Immunocal box on the right side of the screen, and I know it's probably become like ugly furniture- you know it's there, but you fail to see it after all this time. However, today and in a few blogs to follow, I will remind you to notice what is written on top of that pic, the line about recovery, because today starts a little segment I'm calling "Learn Something New!" I might be an uber-geek, I might be a self-sponsored, shameless athlete whose business supports her racing; but my ultimate mission is to encourage you in your season, to inspire & perhaps help you to tri. So, now, by reading this blog, you too can get faster & you too can participate in your A race in peak condition- first, though, you need some schooling.
Why? Because this weekend I spend 2 hrs with a team of triathletes, and 3 of them were smart enough to ask questions. I don't mean that like the rest are not smart people; I mean that sometimes we simply do not know that we do not know.
And what is it that most triathletes do not know? That the ROI of training is completely lost if we do not recover efficiently. Now, if you train 5 hrs a week, and you race 3 sprint distance tri's in your season, well, then recovery is not your problem- race strong! But, if you are at all serious in this wonderful world called endurance sport, and you are wondering how you will ever get better when you are already giving so much, then perhaps your recovery is where you are failing.
Like a monthly spending budget that doesn't take into account the 2 daily XTra Tall db shot coffees at Starbucks- at some point, you will overdraw from your bank.
The disastrous result is not just serious lack of reserves; in a multisport lifestyle, there are serious health & injury dues that will need to be paid. We believe over training is simply a result of being a badass who trains hard a lot of the time. Well that's not right, not at all, so lucky you I am here to help you learn some of the science of endurance training so you will be able to make recovery a part of your training program. Because in your everyday business and on race day, the best person is the person whose physical & mental self are 110% willing & ready.
After years of helping others be fit, of teaching nutrition and proper weight management, I have taken on the science of the immune system. Learning these details has changed my life, both my everyday existance and my training... how? Because there is a very big difference between thinking you are healthy, and really being healthy. That took me years of university, of seminars, of trail & error and asking questions. But I'm a nice person who loves her sport and her readers.. so here, very short yet sweet, eazy to understand, is Part I of Your Science Fix:
Why The Immune System = Recovery.
Actually, in the world of endurance training and stress, it plays a major role in metabolic regulation and therefore also in our available energy. What does that mean? A healthy immune system is responsible for making sure the muscular system gets repaired by our inflammatory and internal healing processes, that the heart and lungs respond to training as they should, and it prevents us from lacking the energy we need after training to fight off virus and bacteria.
As a triathlete, you must know that common over training symptoms are warning to an immunodeficiency: longer need for recovery, increased fatigue, sores & herpes, restless sleep patterns, an unusual appetite, aches & pains without reason, lingering injuries, mood yo-yo & depression, the common cold that won't go away.
It is not in our bodies best interest to be in pain. Training should hurt, in the moment, not 4 hours later. And certainly we all know that the common intake levels of caffine, sugar and advil are the opposite of healthy, not to mention give us very short term results.
Be aware of your body, program your recovery just as your do your training... the season has yet to start, poor planning now could easily prevent you from arriving in peak shape.
Recover, then Train Safe!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Jules G.... U are NOT an IM...
NOT an IM. Not at all. And I don't mean IM as in Ironman... no, I'll never be that so you must stop holding your breath. Challenge(woman) in Roth is planned, but that's another blog for another day.
To my point of NOT being an IM: The pool. Good gosh can those Master swimmers IM. They absolutely love it, and I think they are starting to enjoy the site of skinny, wimpy me dying after each set. It's not that I am not enjoying these new challenges, I actually do like doing the butterfly, and believe or not I am quite fast in my breast stroke. They are both great pectoral stretches that I am rather fond of, plus, really, let's be honest- is the butterfly not the sexiest thing one can do alone in the pool? But, after 12X125m IM yesterday(50m butterfly) I admit, once again, I was forced back to a lifeless caterpillar. All my fast legs won't save me this time. It's war with these Masters - I'm reducing my runs to 3 X wk, just to save 1 training session for the pool. I'll lead lane 5 if it kills me!
A triathlete on a mission. Thank the modern day Gregorian calendar that Rev3 Quassy is still many months away, because the Endurance Nation would be quick to point out this is not 'specification' at all.
I've got time. I can do this.... because to make IMPOSSIBLE into POSSIBLE, you must kill the IM.
To my point of NOT being an IM: The pool. Good gosh can those Master swimmers IM. They absolutely love it, and I think they are starting to enjoy the site of skinny, wimpy me dying after each set. It's not that I am not enjoying these new challenges, I actually do like doing the butterfly, and believe or not I am quite fast in my breast stroke. They are both great pectoral stretches that I am rather fond of, plus, really, let's be honest- is the butterfly not the sexiest thing one can do alone in the pool? But, after 12X125m IM yesterday(50m butterfly) I admit, once again, I was forced back to a lifeless caterpillar. All my fast legs won't save me this time. It's war with these Masters - I'm reducing my runs to 3 X wk, just to save 1 training session for the pool. I'll lead lane 5 if it kills me!
A triathlete on a mission. Thank the modern day Gregorian calendar that Rev3 Quassy is still many months away, because the Endurance Nation would be quick to point out this is not 'specification' at all.
I've got time. I can do this.... because to make IMPOSSIBLE into POSSIBLE, you must kill the IM.
Monday, November 29, 2010
MOOve over MOOvemember!!
I woke up yesterday to find a restored energy within my own brain. It’s not that I’ve been a total slug lately, but MOOvember is such a long month of sacrifice… as many friends do their part for prostate cancer, I couldn't grow a 'stache if I tried... so it's perfect timing that MOOvember is always the month I slow down, reflect on seasons past, do less, plan for the season ahead, and try to gain a few fatty lbs.
(This MOOvemeber- that was all so much easier than I remember it being!! Just this morning, I found my bum!)
When I woke up yesterday it was still dark, but I had fallen asleep reading the newest medical journal notes (ubergeek alert!) and the light from my bedside table was reflecting off my Timberman finisher’s medal across my room. I felt 15 again… somehow, the excitement of what I’ve accomplished, where I am now and what’s to come got all tangled together…. I woke up completely drunk off possibility!
The upcoming season (which started today!) is certainly going to be much different from last. It’s like me to switch it up, I get bored when life becomes too routine. I’m going to hold strong to my self belief, because this year I am out on my own. A self sponsored, self-coached wanna-be faster triathlete – hoping to add 3 HIM medals to her wall of fame, crossing 1 more off the Bucket List. The new business has given me the ability to work from home, to travel when I want, to be more involved in Dylan’s school, to get my little foundation off the ground and actually start making a difference in this tri-world. Hence, the toughest decision was made, and I’ll no longer be racing in my red & black… I’m teamless this season. I’m not at all hopeless, I’m just being my own person, with the freedom to fight the battles that matter most to me.
One can’t stand on the sidelines forever, at one point F being the cheerleader, get out there & fight…
So what do I need to change for 2011? Now that MOOvemeber is almost over I’ve certainly had more than enough days to pull out the training journal of seasons past, find my mistakes so I can attempt to correct them. Here is my long plan put rather shortly & free of detail (This is not Dave Scott type stuff, certainly my training plans are not good enough to be secret…):
SWIM: My swim is good for someone who just 1 year ago learned to swim. But it still sucks. 35 minutes in Timber was a lot of fun, but really, not a pace I want to ‘maintain’. I need to hurt in the water. I need to be pushed beyond the threshold. To do that, I joined the toughest Masters Swim Club within driving distance. They are nice people. They smiled and welcomed me into lane 5, then proceed to kick my triathlete butt with a series of painful and vomit inducing IM’s. That was Wednesday. I still can’t do a proper shoulder press. YAHOO! Out of my comfort zone, Ouch already!
BIKE: My bike doesn’t suck for lack of motivation. I love riding my bike and volunteer myself to +10hrs a week on it. That’s my problem. My bike rides become very similar to marathon training. I have so much fun out there, I start looking at the scenery, singing songs in my head. Smiling and laughing all the way through a 5 hr ride. Not what serious riders do, certainly not representing the Rules of the Euro Cyclist at all. I look too fit & my kit matches & my bike is white & spotless- I must put myself under more strenuous regulations this season. I’m also upgrading to a more serious, faster all carbon model this spring, with some deep rim carbon wheels… I’d better start getting fast, or I’ll be a stereotype by June.
Run: There’s not much I can say about my run. I ran all of Timber, I didn’t stop didn’t crawl didn’t walk. I negative split a rather not too impressive half marathon. I used to be a serious runner. A fast, always injured, always in pain with something torn runner. So leading into my first HIM this June, I am 110% focused on not being injured. I am recovering like a pro: Sleeping, drinking my Immunocal Platinum (this is not promotion, this is MY blog. Yes I rep the company- because the stuff works, just try it!) I take my Omega’s & get my sleep & eat gluten-free & am signed up to do my Bikram yoga all winter. I will continue to chase that 1:34 half for another year.
Life & Work:In 2010 I got 3 people running. Somehow, the little blog & the little life got 3 newbie’s out running. I hope to repeat again in 2011. I have right now the ability & the tools to help those who are sick, those who are very old, those who are young & should be fresh like me: I have made my life about helping others, and I have made sure this blog follows that same path. The big blue head is coming around, although the details and ‘legalities’ still have to be sorted, it will be used to buy an underprivileged little girl a bike, so she too may tri this season. The proceeds will come out of all sales associated to triathlon: let a few, hopefully many, help give back. If you trust me, and you want to take your recovery to the next level, know that you will gain faster times, a much healthier body, and you will have played a part. With a good plan and some active execution- we can all make a difference!!
Live your PB, & Train safe!!
(This MOOvemeber- that was all so much easier than I remember it being!! Just this morning, I found my bum!)
When I woke up yesterday it was still dark, but I had fallen asleep reading the newest medical journal notes (ubergeek alert!) and the light from my bedside table was reflecting off my Timberman finisher’s medal across my room. I felt 15 again… somehow, the excitement of what I’ve accomplished, where I am now and what’s to come got all tangled together…. I woke up completely drunk off possibility!
The upcoming season (which started today!) is certainly going to be much different from last. It’s like me to switch it up, I get bored when life becomes too routine. I’m going to hold strong to my self belief, because this year I am out on my own. A self sponsored, self-coached wanna-be faster triathlete – hoping to add 3 HIM medals to her wall of fame, crossing 1 more off the Bucket List. The new business has given me the ability to work from home, to travel when I want, to be more involved in Dylan’s school, to get my little foundation off the ground and actually start making a difference in this tri-world. Hence, the toughest decision was made, and I’ll no longer be racing in my red & black… I’m teamless this season. I’m not at all hopeless, I’m just being my own person, with the freedom to fight the battles that matter most to me.
One can’t stand on the sidelines forever, at one point F being the cheerleader, get out there & fight…
So what do I need to change for 2011? Now that MOOvemeber is almost over I’ve certainly had more than enough days to pull out the training journal of seasons past, find my mistakes so I can attempt to correct them. Here is my long plan put rather shortly & free of detail (This is not Dave Scott type stuff, certainly my training plans are not good enough to be secret…):
SWIM: My swim is good for someone who just 1 year ago learned to swim. But it still sucks. 35 minutes in Timber was a lot of fun, but really, not a pace I want to ‘maintain’. I need to hurt in the water. I need to be pushed beyond the threshold. To do that, I joined the toughest Masters Swim Club within driving distance. They are nice people. They smiled and welcomed me into lane 5, then proceed to kick my triathlete butt with a series of painful and vomit inducing IM’s. That was Wednesday. I still can’t do a proper shoulder press. YAHOO! Out of my comfort zone, Ouch already!
BIKE: My bike doesn’t suck for lack of motivation. I love riding my bike and volunteer myself to +10hrs a week on it. That’s my problem. My bike rides become very similar to marathon training. I have so much fun out there, I start looking at the scenery, singing songs in my head. Smiling and laughing all the way through a 5 hr ride. Not what serious riders do, certainly not representing the Rules of the Euro Cyclist at all. I look too fit & my kit matches & my bike is white & spotless- I must put myself under more strenuous regulations this season. I’m also upgrading to a more serious, faster all carbon model this spring, with some deep rim carbon wheels… I’d better start getting fast, or I’ll be a stereotype by June.
Run: There’s not much I can say about my run. I ran all of Timber, I didn’t stop didn’t crawl didn’t walk. I negative split a rather not too impressive half marathon. I used to be a serious runner. A fast, always injured, always in pain with something torn runner. So leading into my first HIM this June, I am 110% focused on not being injured. I am recovering like a pro: Sleeping, drinking my Immunocal Platinum (this is not promotion, this is MY blog. Yes I rep the company- because the stuff works, just try it!) I take my Omega’s & get my sleep & eat gluten-free & am signed up to do my Bikram yoga all winter. I will continue to chase that 1:34 half for another year.
Life & Work:In 2010 I got 3 people running. Somehow, the little blog & the little life got 3 newbie’s out running. I hope to repeat again in 2011. I have right now the ability & the tools to help those who are sick, those who are very old, those who are young & should be fresh like me: I have made my life about helping others, and I have made sure this blog follows that same path. The big blue head is coming around, although the details and ‘legalities’ still have to be sorted, it will be used to buy an underprivileged little girl a bike, so she too may tri this season. The proceeds will come out of all sales associated to triathlon: let a few, hopefully many, help give back. If you trust me, and you want to take your recovery to the next level, know that you will gain faster times, a much healthier body, and you will have played a part. With a good plan and some active execution- we can all make a difference!!
Live your PB, & Train safe!!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Follow Me! Follow Me!
Lately I asked all my friends, and their friends, and anyone who has even just 1 friend, to follow this blog. I must thank those who took the time to click the blue follow box on the right of the screen- it’s neither my ego nor my belief that my writing holds any importance. It’s my way of simply making a point.
In the many tragic, and many beautiful things revolving around this sport- the brilliance of it will always be obvious in how anybody, with some determination, some spare time, & a dream- can make impossible into possible. Humans are freaks, with incredible mental & physical abilities. Chrissie just went 8:36 in AZ today- we can all achieve our best when we want, how we want. We can all be bigger & better than we ever imagined. This sport reminds us all, daily, that we all have that choice. I’ve made beautiful friends through this sport; I’ve been inspired to achieve greatness and also been kicked out on my ass. I’ve been happier than happy, and been so disappointed in myself I've made myself cry. I’ve lined up with fast woman, slow woman, skinny mini & big old strong women. I’ve been passed by a man with 1 leg, I’ve been humbled by a 6yr old with not one to stand on.
I came onto this blog site, made it my own, and created a little space on the www that feels like home to me. I’ve asked you all to follow, to perhaps enjoy, perhaps be a tidbit inspired…. Because there are many, too MANY, who still don’t quite understand the beauty of this sport. That it really brings people of all abilities and walks of life together. Triathlon is young, yet still we have come a long way from the original 15 men who lined up for the first Ironman in 1978. Our races, of all distances, sell out way to early in advance. We have corporate America supporting us; our most recent World Champ will be the newest face on the famous Wheaties box. We have our own bike, our own wheels, our own wars and our own race in the Olympics. The sport of triathlon is not rich in history, but it’s rich in community, it’s rich in opinions, and its filthy rich if you’re the WTC.
So, you must be wondering, if this sport is so fantastic, so bloody brilliant and so mainstream- why is one mom / wanna-be faster triathlete all of a sudden on a mission to get strangers following her blog??
Because, if anyone else has noticed, over the past year a very famous website has featured several pro / AGer blogs. They are informative, sometimes funny, void of emotion but none the less entertaining to read. THEY ARE ALL WRITTEN BY RUNNERS! When one of the biggest media & event names in our sport cannot, with it’s endless budget and very long list of contacts, show enough love to our sport to find 1 blogger…. Well, I’m on a mission to prove not that triathlon has history (Molina!) or that they are good people (Crowie!) or that they have something intelligent to say (Chrissie!) or that they are funny (IM TALK) no no no, I’m simply trying to prove that we can, as well as any ol’ runner- write.
Happy readings, & to my followers now & those to come- THANK YOU. You each inspire me every day, to be more of the Super Star Dylan already believes me to be! I heart you all!
Live your PB! Train safe, the basement can be a wild place!
In the many tragic, and many beautiful things revolving around this sport- the brilliance of it will always be obvious in how anybody, with some determination, some spare time, & a dream- can make impossible into possible. Humans are freaks, with incredible mental & physical abilities. Chrissie just went 8:36 in AZ today- we can all achieve our best when we want, how we want. We can all be bigger & better than we ever imagined. This sport reminds us all, daily, that we all have that choice. I’ve made beautiful friends through this sport; I’ve been inspired to achieve greatness and also been kicked out on my ass. I’ve been happier than happy, and been so disappointed in myself I've made myself cry. I’ve lined up with fast woman, slow woman, skinny mini & big old strong women. I’ve been passed by a man with 1 leg, I’ve been humbled by a 6yr old with not one to stand on.
I came onto this blog site, made it my own, and created a little space on the www that feels like home to me. I’ve asked you all to follow, to perhaps enjoy, perhaps be a tidbit inspired…. Because there are many, too MANY, who still don’t quite understand the beauty of this sport. That it really brings people of all abilities and walks of life together. Triathlon is young, yet still we have come a long way from the original 15 men who lined up for the first Ironman in 1978. Our races, of all distances, sell out way to early in advance. We have corporate America supporting us; our most recent World Champ will be the newest face on the famous Wheaties box. We have our own bike, our own wheels, our own wars and our own race in the Olympics. The sport of triathlon is not rich in history, but it’s rich in community, it’s rich in opinions, and its filthy rich if you’re the WTC.
So, you must be wondering, if this sport is so fantastic, so bloody brilliant and so mainstream- why is one mom / wanna-be faster triathlete all of a sudden on a mission to get strangers following her blog??
Because, if anyone else has noticed, over the past year a very famous website has featured several pro / AGer blogs. They are informative, sometimes funny, void of emotion but none the less entertaining to read. THEY ARE ALL WRITTEN BY RUNNERS! When one of the biggest media & event names in our sport cannot, with it’s endless budget and very long list of contacts, show enough love to our sport to find 1 blogger…. Well, I’m on a mission to prove not that triathlon has history (Molina!) or that they are good people (Crowie!) or that they have something intelligent to say (Chrissie!) or that they are funny (IM TALK) no no no, I’m simply trying to prove that we can, as well as any ol’ runner- write.
Happy readings, & to my followers now & those to come- THANK YOU. You each inspire me every day, to be more of the Super Star Dylan already believes me to be! I heart you all!
Live your PB! Train safe, the basement can be a wild place!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
It Was Time...
It is the end of an era. Well, maybe not an era, but it's the end of the 2010 season- officially. Why? My beautiful blue 70.3 athlete's bracelet just fell apart, and slid off my wrist in an 'omg' tear jerking moment this morning.
sniff sniff...
Ok, have your laugh. There is a reason I am good at what I do, I care way too much about the little details of life. Make no mistake people- my crunchy, washed up blue wrist band will be framed with my medal by next week. I'm more than proud of it. I'll make a shrine out of it! I'm not a hoarder by any means, but somethings one must keep as reminders... Hence the only two newborn things I kept of Dylan's are his mini running shoes & a teeny tiny (unused) diaper. I see them, and they inspire me to be better.
The milestones of life shamelessly define us. We get teary eyed, yet we smile proud, as we know the person we were before is somehow very different from the person we became in that moment.
Dylan was 36hrs of pain & now 4 years of giggles & adventure. Timberman was 6hrs of fun filled determination. One is my beginning, the other my second chance. One was joy lost to uncertainty & fear. The other was very much the opposite.
Don't leave all that you are in a FB application of what type of tree you'd be, or what dog you most resemble. Triathletes are not Chihuahua's. Wondering why you are here? Why this sport continues to push you, motivate you, inspire or scare you? Here's my tidbit of wisdom for the upcoming 2011 season: just do it, you'll find a whole new person underneath.
2010 was the year I faced my fears. I did every single thing I was too chicken shit to do in 2009: I took motherhood by the hand, and walked with it, at my own pace with my own amateur program, and I qualified with brilliance. :o) I saved a friendship that encompassed personal heartache- putting someone else's needs way ahead of my own. I rode my bike out on the open highway, even after the tragic losses that devastated our community. I learned to swim, despite the inability to control the asthma that came with it; I caught my breath. I started & finished perfectly the race I sincerely didn't believe I could do: I didn't back out, or find an injury excuse, I went alone and did it all on my own like a big, brave girl. I took the dream job, the one I've wanted for years- I've embraced it and am making it a success, helping people left, right & centre. And I really don't care if you believe helping others is a silly excuse for a career.
I'm not bragging, I'm not even trying to impress myself. I am trying to tell you that you don't have to jump over the edge.... just take a step, and another step.... and each one after that will follow out of the remarkable momentum you created in your own life.
WTF, Jules? You ask. What does this have to do with triathlon? A lot.
We are part of a sport that puts definitions and boundaries on success. Times and distances, I did this, you only did that. I ride this, you still have training wheels... What would happen, in 2011, if you decided to be your own cheerleader and your own sponsor? If you do it in your own way? If you take on 1 challenge and forcefully attack it with all the fire in your belly? If the only thing stopping you from tri-ing this season is a fear of swimming, or riding, or overdosing on gels... I urge you to take 1 step outside your habitual life to just do it. Start small, in the basement or in the slow lane, bring a buddy for moral support, and try to kick his/ her ass in the process. You might not want a cheap, plastic bracelet- but you'll get a new definition of who you really are, and who you'd really like to be.
Empower yourself. Live your PB. Train safe.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Here I Go Again...
Inspiration. Motivation. Gogogo. Yahoo... There are many words we toss around in sport. Marketing slogans, brilliant North Face ads, silly unimportant blogs... Words are genius as they have the power to both build & destroy. Courage was the word of the year for me. I built my life around it for the 52 weeks leading into Timberman. Really quite impressive how 7 letters stuck together could have such a life changing impact. I took my love of quotes & North Face ads and transferred them here- the little blog that could. An outpouring of my personal life in a too-much-info filled world. Maybe I need more friends who will listen to me, maybe then I wouldn't feel important enough to write...but I started this blog simply because I hoped that my quest for courage would inspire someone to find a trace, at least, of that same courage in themselves. The courage to love, to live to the fullest, to tri. To TRI. Like the bumper sticker! Turns out, the person I inspired the most on this Yellow Bricks journey was myself.
Now that Timberman has come & past, many have asked what would happen next? Is the journey over? Do I log out of this blogspot, never to return again? I didn't know really, until now. I did know I fell completely in love with the 70.3 distance; head over heels enough to do many more. But would any readers really care??? I doubt anyone reading this needs training advice from newbie me.... Most of you probably do 70.3 more justice that I did anyway.
What I also know to be true is that the drive I had to get to that finish line at Timberman is gone. Not to mean that I am not motivated to continue, rather, the goals I had going into that race were fulfilled. It was an emotional journey that represented a lot- having completed the race exactly as I had hoped made those particular dreams a welcome reality. I found the courage I was desperately searching for. So what goals remain now? What can I promise you, the reader of all my nonsense?? What can I offer you now???
Well, I have always believed that triathlon, in all it's goof's & glory, is very much like everyday life. It's composed of learning and constantly striving. In the 20 hours a weeks I spend training, maybe 5 are good. 5 make me feel like I am doing something right, the remaining 15 force me to focus on something other than how bad ass I think I am. Like a job, like being a parent, a best friend, I suppose like being someone else's better half.... there are constant reasons to get out of aero, refuel and adjust, so that you can be better, stronger, more patient, more giving of the 99.9% you originally promised to give.
So Yellow Bricks will also adjust. As I now look to the future with courage & confidence, I see my goal is very different. Selfishly, I will drag Dylan around this great planet checking races off that Bucket List one by one. Hopefully within the next 49 years we will do them all. ..We have each other, and a costly but vast selection of planes, trains, and automobiles to bring us where I want to be. We are lucky beyond. So just like Dylan must give away a less amusing toy every time he gets a shiny new one, I will also share the love of this incredibly giving sport with those less capable. Timberman was very personal. Now I find a new motivation to race for something other than my own needy ego. There are some not as lucky as Dylan & I.
I haven't decided yet; there are several 'causes' quite close to my heart. I also promise next season will not become an open hand looking for your money... We can, as athletes & wkend warriors & everyday wonderful people, make a tangible difference in other ways. I will use my imagination and come up with 2 'funraisers' for next season: 1- 70.3 Rhode Island in June
2- Cedar Point Half Rev in September.
Yellow Bricks will continue to be a tiny blimp in the www........ as my 70.3 athlete bracelet is still around my wrist, this blog will serve as a confessional, a motivational tool, a reminder that anything & everything really is possible.
Thank u, & train safe!
Now that Timberman has come & past, many have asked what would happen next? Is the journey over? Do I log out of this blogspot, never to return again? I didn't know really, until now. I did know I fell completely in love with the 70.3 distance; head over heels enough to do many more. But would any readers really care??? I doubt anyone reading this needs training advice from newbie me.... Most of you probably do 70.3 more justice that I did anyway.
What I also know to be true is that the drive I had to get to that finish line at Timberman is gone. Not to mean that I am not motivated to continue, rather, the goals I had going into that race were fulfilled. It was an emotional journey that represented a lot- having completed the race exactly as I had hoped made those particular dreams a welcome reality. I found the courage I was desperately searching for. So what goals remain now? What can I promise you, the reader of all my nonsense?? What can I offer you now???
Well, I have always believed that triathlon, in all it's goof's & glory, is very much like everyday life. It's composed of learning and constantly striving. In the 20 hours a weeks I spend training, maybe 5 are good. 5 make me feel like I am doing something right, the remaining 15 force me to focus on something other than how bad ass I think I am. Like a job, like being a parent, a best friend, I suppose like being someone else's better half.... there are constant reasons to get out of aero, refuel and adjust, so that you can be better, stronger, more patient, more giving of the 99.9% you originally promised to give.
So Yellow Bricks will also adjust. As I now look to the future with courage & confidence, I see my goal is very different. Selfishly, I will drag Dylan around this great planet checking races off that Bucket List one by one. Hopefully within the next 49 years we will do them all. ..We have each other, and a costly but vast selection of planes, trains, and automobiles to bring us where I want to be. We are lucky beyond. So just like Dylan must give away a less amusing toy every time he gets a shiny new one, I will also share the love of this incredibly giving sport with those less capable. Timberman was very personal. Now I find a new motivation to race for something other than my own needy ego. There are some not as lucky as Dylan & I.
I haven't decided yet; there are several 'causes' quite close to my heart. I also promise next season will not become an open hand looking for your money... We can, as athletes & wkend warriors & everyday wonderful people, make a tangible difference in other ways. I will use my imagination and come up with 2 'funraisers' for next season: 1- 70.3 Rhode Island in June
2- Cedar Point Half Rev in September.
Yellow Bricks will continue to be a tiny blimp in the www........ as my 70.3 athlete bracelet is still around my wrist, this blog will serve as a confessional, a motivational tool, a reminder that anything & everything really is possible.
Thank u, & train safe!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Glory Days
I'm going to vent... don't say I didn't warn you.
I'm venting in a good way... but I'm insulted & frustrated & I must get it off my bosom.
It was mentioned to me that registering my 4 year old to race another 1km might be a 'stupid idea' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF??
Apparently 4 is too young to learn the values & integrity that come from racing, and 1km can be run on the soccer field any day, why should I pay and why should he even bother??????????? WTF??
First off, I'll start by admitting that yes, I am thrilled & I take great pride in the fact that Dylan is competitive. He enjoys his victories, no matter how big or how small (he's 4, having proper aim in the toilet is a victory). And I believe he should. We celebrate a 'perfect pee' because I am raising a person here, one whom I can only pray I have raised to be a decent and contributing adult one day. Much the same way we stand straight and look at where we are 'shooting', we also train for these 1km races because he has learned that reaching a goal is a victory no matter how cumbersome.
He knows that the medal comes with a rush of pride in his little-big heart that he did it on his own. No piggyback, no scooter, no alternative way of making it real. The raw human truths that exist for us as we swim, bike, run our way through the miles are just as evident and life changing for him in 1 km. Now, I'm not crazy enough to believe he puts as much stress on the local kids race as I did on Timberman... he can't yet read a calendar, and he certainly cannot be introspective enough to be passionate about running- but kids get it. They get it better, obviously, than some adults... that when you say you will do something, and you proceed to do it no matter how much it hurts (remember when he hit The Wall in Ottawa.... ouff...) that the accomplishment changes you for the better.
Just as I believe every single driver should be put out in traffic on a bike before handed their drivers licence, I think every small headed, emotionless adult should be forced to run a kids race. 1km. I bet you the majority couldn't do it as brilliantly as those kids do, and I bet you my next half marathon entry that they would cross the finish line crawling with a whole new respect for the amazing spirit that lives in all athletes, no matter how old or young.
We live in a society where a packaged fruit twist has replaced an apple, where video games and Diego are more entertaining than hide-n-seek. It seems horrifying to think that anything as simple as kicking a soccer ball through grass could ever replace the emotion-filled, high 5 spirit of the 'marathon'. If Dylan running his intervals up and down the driveway replaces 10 minutes of Disney Channel dullness I am celebrating that as a mothering victory. I take amazing pride in my boy's races, not because I want him to be the next Crowie, but because I want him to be somebody.
1km September 19th: race report to follow.
Train safe,
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)