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!

Sunday, September 14, 2014

To Do Lists

Preparing for 2 separate events in 2 separate locations can be a tricky thing while keeping your head above water.  My husband and I are 2 weeks away from the races we have been training for over the past year.  After a week of  pumping the brakes so to speak with a 15 mile long run, 5 hour bike ride with my TRI Club, and 3000 meter open water swim in our local lake, the main work is nearly done and rest and recovery are knocking on my door.  It is time to make the TO DO LISTS which will be great to occupy the tapering triathlete's time and wandering mind.

First things first, my best friend Scottie went for his TUNE UP last week and he needs to get ready for drop off to take the trip to Chattanooga.  He will drive in a big truck with many other shiny fast 2 wheeled friends along with a bag full of gear and we will meet up in the Ironman Village.

LIST NUMBER 1 is ALL ABOUT THE BIKE!
1.  Practice changing tires
2.  Put new tires on bike
3.  Clean bike up
4.  Inspect bike and take back to shop for any last minute adjustments if needed
5.   Prepare for Tri Bike Transport Drop off on Wed by 5pm.
       a)  Remove Pedals
       b)  Pack Gear Bag
       c)  prep tubes and CO2
6.  Contact TBT with questions regarding pick up and return
Image result for pics of packing bike up for tri bike transport
Even though the race is 2 weeks away, it is time to gather all my gear together since I am sending a bag with Tri Bike Transport.  I will use the detailed list in the Athlete Guide as a checklist to make sure I have everything needed for race day.
Image result for pics of packing bike up for tri bike transport
LIST NUMBER 2 is all about the GEAR
NUTRITION:
1.  Replenish Nutrition Stock:  Need more Osmo and Ginstinger Gels
2.  Prepare race nutrition:  Divide into bike and run bags.
GEAR:
 Image result for pics of triathlon gear bag
1.  Plan what gear I will use and gather gear for swim, bike and run.
2.  Swim:  wetsuit, speedsuit, swimsuit, cap, goggles, glide, towel, disposable clothes
3.  Bike:  helmet, glasses, computer, bike shorts, bike shirt, bike shoes, socks, bra, glide, CO2, tubes, tools, nutrition, baggies for nutrition, hydration, water bottles, sunscreen, chamois cream
4.  Run:  top, shorts, glide, shoes, dry socks, reflective tape, race belt, nutrition, hydration, water bottle, hat, sunscreen
5.  Other:  Road ID, extra clothes, socks, rain gear, sweat shirts, special needs bags
Image result for pics of triathlon gear bag
LIST NUMBER 3: FINALIZE TRAVEL PLANS
1.  Confirm Air Reservation
2.  Confirm Hotel and Car Reservations
3.  Pack regular suitcase and carry on
4.  Get necessary directions

Get everything in order for our son who will have his grandparents caring for him as they try to step into the role of parent, cook, chauffeur, task master.
LIST NUMBER 4:  PREP THE HOME FRONT: 
1.  Put emergency contact list and travel itinerary together
2.  Write up daily schedule for school and after school activities
3.  Stock refrigerator
4.  Arrange transportation to and from activities

Time to get head in the game
LIST NUMBER 5:  MENTAL PREPARATION
 Image result for pics of mental training
1.  Relaxation and Rest:  quiet body and mind, yoga, breathing, movies
2.  Mobilization:  Keep body loose with stretching, rolling, compression, massage, gentle, shorter workouts
3.  Mental training:  Mental practice/rehearsal, planning for getting through rough patches
4.  Race strategy:  Study course and athlete guide, prepare strategy for nutrition, transitions, pacing

It is time to turn the alarm clocks off, get extra sleep, and hit the refresh button.  There is plenty to do to fill up the hours that were filled with long swims, bikes and runs and finally get to the big celebration in Chattanooga.
Image result for pics for taking train to end of line
CHEERS TO THE TAPER and for the CELEBRATION AWAITING US AT THE END OF THE LINE..........CHOO CHOO!


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