I chose to volunteer at two positions one at the start, one at the finish. I wanted to experience first hand the excitement from beginning to end of those special 17 hours. Before the race, Annelise and I would meet or see people and get their stories. Volunteers, past and current participants, locals, spectators, you name it we met them.
This was key as it allowed us to work off some nerves, to cheer on some athletes directly, and to really learn what the race is about to so many people. And did we ever see people. From the elite racers to those on a personal journey to health, and every single type in between. There were those without limbs. Those with extra pounds to lose. Those with no pounds to spare. The common thread? They were all, each and every one of them, athletes. They put in the work. This was the dream. Be it to finish, to finish at a particular time, or to qualify for Kona, a dream was in front of 2500 people that morning.
I am posting up over on the journey blog individual stories throughout the week as motivation for my 60 day challenge, however here I want to go over the bigger picture. What I have taken away from this experience.
Meeting people and seeing people finishing the race with tears streaming down their faces was amazing. Out of all athletes this year, there were 1000 first time Ironman athletes, three disabled athletes, and o hand-cycle athletes, even though they are allowed to race. Ages from 18 to 80 were in the field. Ironman is not some unattainable thing. Ironman is just something that you must work very very hard for. So here are the knowns:
Ironman requires training and planning. And a solid support system from family and friends. No question. Logistically speaking, there is a lot to the race due purely to the size of the field and the length of the race.
Ironman will hurt. No matter if you finish in 8:55 (the top female finisher and new female course record time) or in 16:59:59.
Ironman will require a solid nutrition plan. Not just in training but in lifestyle.
And here is the ultimate personal truth:
I cannot continue to put in the hours of training required to
accomplish my goals, only to counteract them by poor food choices and lack of proper recovery and rest.
This must and will stop. Seeing the race this year has solidified this in me. Annelise and I talked about fueling the body at the micro-nutrient level through whole food choices. Lean proteins, vegetables, nuts, oils, fats, appropriate carbohydrates. I must also get in adequate sleep. I cannot burn the candle on both ends and expect to see light for long.
I have committed to working with Coach Bonnie on addressing the nutrition and training aspects. I see myself living in "the lab" this winter on my bike and running testing and seeing where I am as a baseline. I am not doing this for an time finish goal, I am doing this to align my self optimally with the best chances for succcess. That means having a strong support system around me, being honest with myself and my coach as to my intentions, goals, and abilities, and then getting to work.
Mike has informed me that my priorities this year will be swimming, biking, and running and should he find me at home without a note from Bonnie saying that I should be there, he will promptly be kicking my butt outside to get on the bike or go for a swim or run. I believe him. And, I love him for that.
I have five weeks of school left in my Master's degree. I have made it through 47 weeks of non-stop school thus far and am ready to be done with this degree. I am ready to put myself first on a physical level. I am very excited that my family and friends are behind me in this journey. It is for real. It is happening. I am ready!
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| It is official! We are IN TRAINING! |
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