Ironman Recognition – Rock Star Moment

When I tell people that I’ve completed an Ironman (which I never do unless it comes up in conversation) they kinda give a funny look and say, “What’s that?”  Then, once I explain what it is, they get a look of horror on their face and ask, “Are you crazy?”

At work I wear an IM lanyard with my keys and ID badge around my neck.  I had a meeting and the person I was meeting with instantly asked, “You did an Ironman?”  My chest instantly puffed out and I sat up a little taller and replied, “Yes I completed IMTX last year and I’m training for IMTX this year!”  She replied, “Wow!  My husband will be so excited to know that I’ve talked to a real Ironman!”  Of course, I tried to be humble and downplay the fact that I was indeed an Ironman but inside I was stoked!!! 

Come to find out, her husband is a triathlete.  We continued to talk about triathlons in general for a few more minutes.  The whole conversation lasted about 2-3 minutes but it has had lasting effects.  In my day-to-day activities, especially at work, I don’t have time to think about training and I forget that I’m an Ironman.  When she brought it up out of the blue I felt like a rock star!  It totally made my day!

My Spectating Experience

Last week I worked very hard to cram all my workouts in so that I could take a trip to New Orleans with my best friend to watch my friend/runner complete his first marathon.  This was my second time being a spectator.  I was so excited and I can’t believe that I don’t spectate more.  I always decide to race too, which seems like I’m not being supportive.  But my thoughts are, why waste a trip and not get in a workout?  I hope all my friends and family understand.

I got up early Saturday morning to run before we headed to New Orleans.  I was very excited.  The day before, I was OK with not running the race.  I was happy that I could eat and drink whatever I wanted.  I also didn’t have to worry about staying off my feet and resting (well I did kinda have to worry, but not that much J)  Heck, I was even happy the morning of the race.  I didn’t have to wake up early and eat breakfast.  It was cold and windy, I was especially happy that I was all bundled up in my warm clothes.  I was even OK when the race started; I got to go to Starbucks! 

But as the race progressed and we watched and cheered the runners I started to get a little jealous.  Then, when we went to the finish line I was downright envious.  I wanted that joy of running down the finishing shoot and crossing the finish line.  Then, I saw the runners with their finisher jackets.  They said, “Rock N’ Roll Marathon Finisher” on the back.  This nearly pushed me over the edge!  I couldn’t even think about it (happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts).  I WANTED one of those jackets and I wished I would have run the marathon!  Crazy, right?

I’m so excited for my friend, he ran an awesome race.  But I’ve learned that spectating is an emotional roller coaster.  I now have a greater appreciation for my friends and family who come to races to support me. 

Ask and You Shall Receive

When I registered for IMTX 2015 the pain of the bike portion of IMTX 2014 was still fresh on my mind.  I told my coach that I really wanted to focus on the bike this year.  My race plan is to:  Survive the swim, have a solid bike ride, and run the run (well most of it anyway).  Well, that’s exactly what I’m getting, 4 bike workouts a week, 2 run workouts, and 1-2 swim workouts.  My coach told me that I should be good friends with my bike by the time IMTX rolls around.  What can I say? I asked for it!

Of course, it’s hard work.  But all I have to do is remember the way I felt at mile 105 (I wanted to die) and the T2 tent (at that point, death really seemed like the best option).  For more details see me IMTX 2014 race report.  I NEVER want to feel like that again.  So the only way to get better is to practice harder.  Now that I know what’s in store for me the hard workouts don’t seem too bad. 

The lesson: Push yourself hard and explore your limits.  Then use that knowledge and those emotions to push yourself even harder.  Before you know it you will be accomplishing your goals!

For me, IMTX 2014 pushed me to my limit.  I know what I have to work on.  Every time I get tired or discouraged I go back to how I felt during the race.  I survived it and I can survive these workouts. 

Girls Night Out

Ironman training and general tri training has begun for our tri club (Nacogdoches Endurance Training).  Swim practice is scheduled for Monday evenings.  I’m loving seeing my team mates.  I mean really really really LOVE seeing everybody!  Since I live in a rural area and have a packed schedule it’s easier for me to work out on my own.  But swim practice has become a time I get to work out and socialize with other triathletes.  Between sets we visit, compare workouts/techniques, ask questions, and grumble about our training plans and workouts for the week.  For me, swim night is my “girls night out!”  All we need are cocktails (chocolate milk) to make it complete!

The Simple Life at the Deer Camp

Every December through early January we go deer hunting in Bienville, LA.  I hunt every weekend and during the Christmas holidays with friends and family.  At the deer camp life is just simple.   We cook breakfast, hunt, have a picnic lunch, hunt some more, cook supper, and visit/play dominos.  Sometimes I manage to fit in a run but I don’t stress if time doesn’t allow for me to get in a workout.   I do find time to read, crochet, and knit.  I find these simple activities very pleasurable and although we have a TV in the camp I rarely watch it and we don’t have internet.  For me this is a built in rest, relax, and recuperation period.

It is so nice to be outdoors for the majority of the day and there is nothing like hearing the hounds trailing and running a deer.  The thrill of the chase, talking on our CB radios, and trying to get a shot is so much fun.  Each year at the end of deer season I vow to get outdoors more during the rest of the year.  2015 is no different, I’m going to try to get outdoors and enjoy activities other than working out!  I’m also going to try to make life as simple as possible!

 



Me in my usual hunting get-up with my beloved Benelli 12-guage shotgun!

2014 Year in Review

1. Sometimes it’s about the journey and not your race time.  Just take a look back at my Ironman Texas race report.  I was coming off possibly my best race ever, Ironman Texas 70.3 in Galveston, and I was primed and ready to ROCK Ironman Texas.  Well, it didn’t turn out the way I anticipated but I’m so proud of my performance.  During the race all my pacing goals went out the window and I had the time of my life!

2. There is no such thing as a bad race or a bad workout.  Even though at times my performance fell short of my expectations there was a reason why.  Again, look at my Ironman Texas race.  I’ve analyzed all the events that took place before and during the race and I’ve some to the conclusion that my overall nutrition was lacking.  Therefore, this year I’m concentrating on nutrition throughout my training.   In another instance, I completed a short sprint tri about a month after Ironman Texas and I had to walk twice during the 5k run.  Holy cow, I was an Ironman and I was reduced to walking in a sprint tri!  I immediately emailed my coach and she told me this was completely normal.  This episode kicked off a summer full of speed work.  Now, I’m stronger than ever!

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  I need to improve on my nutrition and in the back of my mind I knew this last year.  I don’t know why, but I just didn’t ask for help.  This year I have already asked for help.  I’m getting more advice about hydration and nutrition.  I can’t wait to see the results of my new hydration/nutrition plan!

So here’s to a better, faster, stronger 2015!

Addicted?

Hi, I’m Summer and I think I may be addicted to working out. 

The days are getting shorter and we have been out of town the past few weekends.  I will also be out of town next weekend, the 10 days after Christmas, and the next weekend.  I’m finding it difficult to get in long workouts and I’m stressing out.  IMTX is only 155 days away!

This past week I missed a swim workout and 2 run workouts.  I didn’t workout Thur., Fri., or Sat.  I felt like crap and I was stressed.  Granted, I was at the deer camp and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I will probably write a post about how much I enjoy it.  But for some reason this past weekend I just felt yucky.  I did get in a 1 hour 20 minute bike ride and 2 mile brick run on Sunday afternoon.  I immediately felt better.  This got me to questioning myself, “Am I addicted to exercise?”

Yes, there are more serious addictions than exercising but just being addicted to anything does not seem healthy.  So this week I’ve really examined my workout habits and state of mind.  Of course I feel better when I exercise but I’ve decided that there’s more to it than that.  I have no problem setting long term goals, making a plan of attack, and working hard to achieve my goal.  Actually, this is exactly how I roll.  I have a goal (Ironman Texas) and a plan (thanks Becky).  That plan includes a tough off-season.  This time last year I was blissfully awaiting the beginning of ironman training in Jan.  I just wanted to finish and become an Ironman.  This year I’m more determined to rock IMTX (my goal).  The plan is to push myself harder.   To most this wouldn’t seem to blissful, but to me it is like heaven on Earth.  I know that the hard work will pay off! 

I become stressed when I miss several scheduled workouts during a week.  These workouts are the building blocks that will help me reach my goal.  So you see, I’m not addicted to exercise, I’m addicted to meeting or surpassing my goal. 

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not an exercise addict, I’m a disciplinarian.  I’ve always been my toughest critic and I hate to face myself when I miss a workout without a good reason.  One of my favorite quotes is, “The pain of discipline is less than the pain of regret.” 

Currently, I’m analyzing my strengths and weaknesses and determining which workouts are absolutely necessary.   I’m working on being more flexible in my planning.  Hopefully, this self-analysis and flexible planning will cut down on the stress levels!