time for an update

Well... training camp was fun but exhausting. It was hard trying to fit in with a group where everyone already knew each-other and seemed to be tight-knit. The camp was a little loose on providing athletes with maps, information, and structure. The camp DID give me a big confidence boost for IMC on day one of riding when we went up anarchist climb. In fact, had I just done anarchist and spent the rest of the weekend running and swimming I would have enjoyed it much more! Unfortunately I had a slight back injury and riding the IMC course proved difficult and slow because of it.



Feeling confident in my training plan and where I need to be at "right now" or "in the now" kept me from sucking it up on day two and giving in to more pain. After 5 and a half hours of riding I called it a day. I saw what I needed to on IMC so I could make a mental picture.

I ran up against some negativity but on reflection may have brought it on myself. I said outloud to another participant that I felt confident I could ride the race in approximately 7 hours. She challenged me on this, saying that was her goal time and (not knowing anything about me) said I should add an hour to that to be realistic.

I actually laugh at it now - and am no longer hurt by it. She obviously sensed that I was unsure of myself and dove right in to that sweet spot of my own insecurity and filled it up with her own! Negative thoughts and negative self-talk can have this funny dance when we interact with other people. I'm dusting it off as a learning experience and very proud that I just got up and walked away!

It was interesting that no one asked me about my hair at the camp. Are they being polite? When we stopped on the way home in Hinton a stranger asked me about it and told me her own story of supporting a friend who had breast cancer by shaving her head as her friend went through chemo.

So after camp (big surprise) I was smashed. I didn't feel like training much afterwards but tried to keep some of my swim and bike sessions. Recovery from travel and riding was much harder than the recovery from the marathon!

I was really looking forward to Coronation Triathlon. It's a really fun race with Groat Road totally closed off for the bike and a challenging run down then back up it. I was fortunate this article fell in my lap just prior to the race:

The Myth of Glory

and I took it to heart. I raced without looking at my watch and without bringing my garmin. I just went out to do as well as I could. I woke up with a chest cold, cough but ate my cereal, drank my coffee and rode my bike to the race.

I was so lucky to see Kerry and Anna since they really gave me a good positive energy boost just prior to the swim start and all along the course with their super duper cheering! The swim felt great. I got a bit tired near the end but didn't push very hard overall. Just conserved a bit, passed when I had to - had no idea what my time would be but was happy when I read the results that it was 20 minutes and change. Got to the bike and hopped on (ok I need to work on being faster getting on and off my bike) and rode the very fun course. Again not knowing what my time was I just pushed the best I could and maybe held back a little too much until the end when (I believe) I had my fastest lap overall.... no idea though!

On the run I just promised myself to only walk at the aid station at the bottom. Sure enough I did just that and put in my overall fastest time for this event.

My family was there at the finish line and I was so lucky they came out to cheer. I must have been so focused I didn't hear them at all on the course but noticed John right at the end. I got to see Greg finish and even though he had GI troubles near the end he looked very strong.

I am learning the following:

1. stay with the training plan (there's a reason for every workout - camps give good psychological boosts but their physical toll can outweigh this);
2. there's nothing at stake on race day;
3. getting faster at swimming this year has taken a completely different approach to my training. accepting it and working at it has shown great results;
4. triathlon is not my life but can be incorporated into my life. I feel the Method coaching from ironguides and Greg and Naomi has really allowed me to not get stressed out this year. The coaching reminds me to enjoy my training and I am immensely.

Most importantly I am thankful that, though I am often frustrated with my body and the slow progress I am making at getting to my ideal physical self, my body gave back to me what I had put into it as far as training and recovery. What a gift!! :)