Longevity and Consistency in Ironman Training

Imagine what it would be like to do 162 Sprint Triathlons from April to October for 17 straight years.

You don’t have to win, or even podium, but you have to show up . . . and finish.  Could you stay healthy and motivated enough to do it?

My slew of injuries got me thinking about longevity and consistency, which led me to Cal Ripken and his 2,632 consecutive games streak.  Talk about an Ironman.

cal-ripken-streak-consecutive-games-played-conspiracyI know what you’re saying, “It’s only baseball,” but let me tell you, I played baseball my whole life and it is very similar to triathlon.  You are constantly battling nagging injuries that beg for a day (or week) off.

Ripken should really go onto the triathlon circuit and speak about preparation and mental toughness.  I’m guessing his major theme would be to “stay within yourself.”

He didn’t dive for every ball, and didn’t risk hamstrings by over-extending for infield hits, he stayed patient, because just like Ironman, the Major League Baseball season is a grind.

His lifetime batting average was .276, which is basically 1 for 4.  Every night, he was one for four.

He studied opposing hitters more than any other shortstop and his defensive position was impeccable.  He saved steps and energy by being prepared.

Ripken wasn’t overly flashy, he just kept grinding his way toward the finish line. He managed pain and stayed with his game plan, regardless of who may have criticized his effort.

I am certain there were times in June when he “could” have swung for the fence to end the game with a dramatic home run, or dove to stop a ball from the outfield, but he knew that would put the end-game at risk.  His comfort pace was 9 minute miles and he rarely dropped to 8:30 early in a race.

I was a Brewers’ fan growing up and rarely liked opposing players.  Ripken was no different.  He was the enemy and often hurt my favorite team.  He was always there and I truly got sick of seeing him.

But now I can easily say he is one of my favorite and most respected athletes of all time.  Tons of guys put up better numbers and won more awards, but Ripken’s consistency is unparalleled.  And really, when you’re talking about racing, teammates or friends, what is more valuable than consistency?

Ripken understood one of the most valuable principles:  90% of life is showing up.

Or, maybe he carried Yogi Berra’s famous quote on his glove: “Baseball is ninety percent mental, the other half is physical.”

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A Half Marathon, 10 Mile Swim, and 1/2 Triathlon Weekend

This weekend will be action packed.  I’m sitting in a Murfreesboro hotel preparing to shoot video for the Middle Half Marathon in the morning.  Robbie is in a hotel in Chattanooga resting for his 10 Mile Swim.  After that ridiculous feat, he’ll drive to Huntsville to meet with me, Wasky, and Corey where we’ll spend the afternoon watching a live stream of the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Then Sunday, it’s Goosepond.  

This will be the second time I’ve shot a video for the Middle Half.  The first was two years ago and I was stressed beyond belief because running was foreign to me.  I was amazed that these crazy people were actually running a half marathon.  Sunday I will do that after swimming 1.2 miles and riding 56.  In two years I have not only overcome my fear of running, but blown it out of the water.  

The thought of swimming 10 miles blows my mind, and I’m totally stoked Robbie is doing it.  I never even heard of such a thing.  He’s a great swimmer, but ten miles?  Damn.  And it’s not like he trained for it, he signed up this week.  I don’t know what the equivalent would be in running.  I’m thinking at least two marathons?   You tell me.

Kona.  I am so stoked to watch it online.  I’ve never done that before, but hear it is awesome because the commentators know what they’re talking about and it’s not a bunch of personal stories.  More about the race.  It will be a great way to get jacked for Sunday.  

I’m very curious to see how Goosepond will play out.  I haven’t really done much of anything since Wisconsin except sleep and drop in an occasional swim, bike, and run.  They certainly weren’t long, although I did run 10 miles last weekend and can still feel it.  I haven’t decided if I am going to go after this race or let it come to me.  I guess I proved I have some patience in Wisconsin, but one of my faults (or strengths) is that I don’t do well with going slow.  It’s almost easier for me to go fast and just get it all over with, so I just hope my body feels strong on Sunday.  

The other thing that’s different is two years ago on this night I was in the hotel lobby sucking down beers the night before this video session.  After videotaping I went back to the Pub and drank the rest of the day away.  Now I’m blogging a good friend and coach who will swim 10 miles in the morning and my HALF TRIATHLON on Sunday.  I guess I really am impatient.