Photo: My view riding at the back (not the front)
Normally, by this time of the season, I’m fully engaged in training for an Ironman, feeling strong and eager to toe the line in a race. However, right now, I’m just not “feeling” it.
After I had watched the Columbia Triathlon a week ago, Krista had asked me, “Did you miss not racing?”
I answered, “No, I was happy to just watch.” Truthfully, I was.
I guess it’s not surprising when I think about it. I’ve raced in 24 Ironman-distance triathlons since 1997. Last year was an amazing year for me: Marathon PR of 2:46 at Disney Marathon the day after running a 1:22 in the Disney 1/2 Marathon, Ironman PR of 8:51 at the Quelle Challenge in Germany, winning Vineman and being inducted into the Vineman Hall of Fame.
I think it’s time for a break until my desire returns. I’m not sure if that’s a few more days, a few more weeks or the rest of the season. No idea.
I like how Timothy Gallwey in his book, The Inner Game of Work, talks about desire:
Desire wants what it wants. Desire is a feeling that can produce a picture or a vision of what it wants. It may or may not be similar to what other people want, but true desire is never borrowed from anyone else. So the hardest thing about getting a clear picture of your direction is to be able to distinguish your picture from that of the many pictures that are painted by other people.
I’m trying to get a clear picture of my direction and my true desire. Last year, my desire was to go faster in Ironman so that set my direction: train smarter and harder. I’m not feeling that same level of desire for triathlon this year.
Does this mean no swim, bike or run? No, of course not! It just means swim, bike and run how I feel. So likely I’ll be riding less at the front.
Participating in the Special Operations Force Academy a few weeks ago re-opened my eyes to all of the other cool things out there to experience that I’ve ignored in the past because of my singular triathlon focus: waterfall rappelling, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, diving adventure racing, ultra running, XC skiing, hiking, etc.
I’m excited to try some new things!
Peace,
David
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David B. Glover
Professional Triathlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net
© 2008 David B. Glover
