I realize that triathlon lifestyle is new, fresh, and exciting to me. I also understand that I don’t “know” everything. In fact, I know nothing. I’m just trying to learn and become more in tune with my life, body, and what it all means. And I think deep down we are all about the same.
We want the same things. To feel safe, happy, and loved. It’s not about money, or shiny objects. When you have friends, a good circle of inspiration, and support, that’s really all that matters.
Triathlon isn’t about the races. They are certainly a benchmark for the work and effort, but races are just numbers. Getting to race day is what it’s all about.
I have no idea how many hours or miles I’ve put into race Ironman Wisconsin, and honestly it doesn’t really matter. The whole process is what matters because after I cross that finish line, the race is over.
What will happen if all of this was only about the medal? The highest of highs followed by the lowest of lows. Will I need another target or will I realize that I am still moving toward something bigger and more important that can never be described as something with form?
For years I have talked about what I call “designing my lifestyle,” and in all honesty, signing up for Ironman was a forced step in that direction. My life was becoming loose and unfocused, but most importantly, unsatisfying. It was filled with delusions and big, optimistic fantasies you discuss on a bar stool.
Oh, I had fleeting moments that “appeared” like the right direction, but, I’d always get hooked by a long cane like the Vaudeville player that wasn’t performing. I’d return to the stage, only to get cancelled again. Nothing stuck.
Ironman training has, in many ways, given me a renewed legitimacy to be myself. I know that sounds drastic, but I have worked very hard and hard work is really what it comes down to in life. You chip away the rust and something new emerges.
When I signed up for Wisconsin, I felt like an impostor. I wasn’t an Ironman, who was I kidding? But thousands of hours later, I know I belong. Preparation breeds confidence.
I have gone from someone who “thought” they could finish Ironman, to someone who knows they will finish. That is a huge distinction because I think most of us believe we can start a business or climb a mountain, but do we know we can?
All of these ideas, all of these dreams, are nothing without action.
As I get closer to the race I am reminded of something a random guy said to me, “The problem with most people is they get caught up in this concept of ‘premature optimization’ and nothing ever happens.”
We can plan all day, all night and the next day, but nothing will ever happen until we actually do something, or move toward a finish line.
We need to jump in that pool and swim two laps before we’ll ever understand what it takes to swim 2.4 miles. And let me tell you, it takes a lot. It takes a shit load of swimming to get your mind and body in that place. But, wow, what a feeling it is when you know you can swim that far. Or bike 112 or run a marathon.
I have heard it a million times. “I could never swim 2.4 miles,” and it always reminds me of the famous quote, “Whether you believe you can or cannot do something, you are probably right.”
Who am I to think I can write a blog about triathlon training? Who am I to think I can finish an Ironman? Who am I to think any of this matters to you?
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Day 7 Lesson – from my Neighbor James – They say 7 is a lucky number, but when you 7 days out from ya dance, that superstition get all crazy up in ya head. I was wearin the same socks all week and momma was like, “Damn, boy, I bought u some new socks and you gotta go stinkin up the house cause you worried bout your tap dancin.” She was right, cuz my feet stunk like the trunk of your damn car, Mike. Ain’t no pair of socks gonna win that race. Change that shit up.