When I first signed up for this Triathlon it seemed like a distant dream. I thought I had ages to train for it and prepare myself mentally for the challenge of doing three disciplines consecutively. The truth is that I when I decided that this is what I wanted to do I knew I wouldn't have a lot of time to prepare but I do think I have used what time I had effectively.
But this still has not stopped me from getting exceptionally nervous everytime I think about it. It hits my stomach like a wave. I can feel my heart skip a beat and I then get this intense feeling of "Oh my lord, can I do this?". Then the side of my brain that rationalises kicks in and I realise I can do this . The only one holding me back is me and my thoughts.
What have I got to lose? Nothing. What have I got to gain? Everything. Am I proud of me and everything I have accomplished? Hell yeah. I am going to tackle this obstacle the way I have tackled all the other obstacles in this past year. With my head held high and a smile on my face, even when I felt like crying and running away. I am a strong human being both physically and now most of all mentally.
Showers early. Morning clouds. Mild.
Winds: 16km/hr
Rain: 37%
Min: 18 Max:25
I have the running bug. As far as I have heard it is very contagious. Anybody who comes into contact with a pair of runners, a singlet, shorts and a stretch of road becomes deliriously infected. Those infected are seen running with a glazed look in their eyes and a digital device plugged into their ears - known as an IPod. Do I want to be cured of this disease? NO WAY.
I have been doing the bridge to bridge with my best friend for a while now and initially could only do it as a walk. It is about 7km in length and incorporates straight stretches of road mixed with uneven bush paths and hills. However, this week I am pleased to say that I have walked/run it in 44mins.
I have gone from walking 3mins mixed with 1min running, to now running 10mins and walking anywhere between 3-5mins minutes, depending on how I feel. This is good for me as I had not run for a while due to my shin splints. I feel great. When I am walking now, my legs and mind become fidgety and want to keep running. I have to pull back on the reigns and remind myself that all good things come with time and patience.
Self analysis of this last run has made me realise that having my shoulders down in a relaxed-neutral position promotes better running form. Also, keeping my arms relaxed as well as my hands makes me relaxed. I was running like "Rocky Balboa", arms all pumped up like I was ready to go to battle with Apollo Creed. This totally expends more energy than I had, hence the reason I was getting tired at a faster rate. Having my torso and shoulders relaxed allows my legs to do the bulk of the work. I am also able to breathe alot better as my diaphragm is able to expand appropriately. Thankyou Susan, this is Stage 1 in my transformation as an effective runner.
I just recieved an email from the organisers of the Triathlon that it could possibly be turned into a Duathlon. ARGH. They recieved advanced warning from the Royal Algal Coordinating Committee that they have had their first blue/green algae alert in the lakes due to all the rain and runoff and then intense days of heat. I know I should be happy, swimming in blue/green algae can make you really sick, however I really want to do the swim leg, thats my strong leg.
Running for two legs is going to feel very hard. Physically my legs will fatigue extremely rapidly. I thought by doing a Tri that my legs can atleast rest a little in the swim, but now the whole race will be based on the strength of my legs. Oh boy, am I in trouble. I told my best friend who is also doing this with me and she is a runner, although she was disappointed because she too wanted to swim but I could see the look of "Oh yeah", glistening in her eyes.
The decision wont be finalised till the 5th March, two days before the event. I still need to get my TriSuit but now question whether I need one at all. I just have to get it and then hope that all turns out for the best. It will be okay, not my desired dream but an offshoot.
During my journey to date, I often remember back to that time in March when I saw my photo and determined then and there that I needed to lose weight and take control of my life.
I now ask, what was your turning point? What made you decide that that day was the day? Please share, writing down your journey really helps solidify the reason you chose to change. And besides, I love sharing in peoples journey's as well.
Seeing as my Triathlon is fast approaching and I had not even run 2.5km for quite awhile since injuring my shins - I thought it best to see how I would feel. It came as quite a surprise as to how painfree and strong I felt.
I had gone with Susan to see one of my friends do a run through of the Enticer with her friend at the Regatta Centre. I wanted so badly to do it but I had only just recently sold my new TriSuit to a friend for two reasons - 1. I felt a little self conscious in a bright red Santa suit and 2. the torso would pull with movement and consequently leave me with an unsightly look in the nether region.
So whilst at the Regatta, Susan and I thought best to make use of our time. Susan shadowed my friend Mel to push her in the run leg which she did really well. I tagged some 20 seconds behind and set myself a pace which I knew I could keep for the entire distance. It wasnt a fast pace but a nice steady rhythm that felt comfortable. I focused on trying to keep my torso upright which I had noticed starts to slump when I become fatigued. I also focused on keeping my stride the whole way, focusing on foot placement. When I get tired I start to shuffle and shorten my stride, falling into the step rather than making each stride purposeful.
As I approached the finish I felt like I had some energy left as a result I picked up the tempo. I wanted to give it that last little bit of "umff" to get me home. When I finished Susan told me my time, 12min 48secs, I was so happy. Anybody would have thought I just completed the Enticer. Reaching my goal, no matter how big or small is like a triumphant achievement to me. It is what keeps me focused on reaching another goal.
Your hard work will be rewarded.
"The path to a dream is paved with sacrifices and lined with determination. And though it has many stumbling blocks along the way, and may go in more than one direction, it is travelled by belief and courage and conquered with a willingness to face challenges and take chances" Barbara Cage
