The Happy Turtle's Journey to the Start: An Ironman Tale

For those of you that believe that you have to be sleek, slim, cut and fast to be an Ironman, think again! Some of our bodies just don’t fit that mold but we have the guts to set our intention, make a plan and see it to the end. In my heart, I believe that turtles CAN fly! The turtle society is not just challenged by fitness, but by the time limits imposed by race companies insisting we keep up with the status quo so they can get to the bars before last call. Well, I suppose there has to be a cut off or us turtles might be out there for days enjoying the sun on our backs. Some stare at the turtles on the course wondering why it even embarks on such a journey and what purpose it has. It is old, weathered, wrinkled, and slow no matter how you twist it. I just know that you can train a turtle and the turtle might teach you a thing or two along the way. We are old and wise and we have a shell that cannot be broken. We want a taste of victory just like our other friends. I cannot find another creature that I am most like. Join me on my journey from start to end to help the Happy Turtle win again!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Out With the Old and In With the New

Is there ever really an end in the world of triathlon.  Being of the analytical type, I will venture to say that the end of one year is as good a time as any to reflect on the past and plan for the future. We triathlete LOVE to plan!  We plan our workouts, our race seasons, our nutrition, our fashion, our goals, etc. etc. etc.   The annual training calendar may not exactly start in January, but it is as good as excuse as any for fresh starts and new beginnings.   Time for a cleanse to wash away the impurities and start from a fresh slate.

FLASHBACKS FROM 2013:
Desert Classic Duathlon
Leadman Triathlon
Tempe Triathlon (PR, Olympic distance)
Triple Summer 70.3 Series:  Deuceman, Vineman, Mountainman
Esprit de She Sprint San Diego
USAT Duathlon Nationals in Tucson
Hot Chocolate 15k
Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon

Liabilities:
New job this year with increased exposure to illness and injury
Auto accident
Weight gain
Loss of fitness and form

Support system:
Family
One Multisport Tri Club
Triathlon Community
Coaches
Equipment

FLASHFORWARD 2014:
Boulder 70.3
IRONMAN Chattanooga 140.3....CHOO CHOO!
Power
Flexibility
Form
Nutrition
Training  plan: using Joe Friel's training programs for guide and sport specific coaching in cycling, swimming, and nutrition

Life is like a pedal stroke, one stroke leads to another with no real beginning or end once you figure out how to make a circle until some interruption causes you to put the brakes on or forces you to slow down.  May you find your rhythm in 2014 and your year be filled with long slow steady miles of happiness and health along with all the exhilaration that builds up on your climbs and the thrill of a life's descents.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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