How to survive low moments in an Ironman, other triathlons or life in general
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ~ Viktor Frankl, author of Man’s Search for Meaning ~ “Low moments” in a race — especially an Ironman triathlon with its 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run — and in life are inevitable. So how do you get through them? Attach “meaning” to your race (and this applies to the rest of your life, too). In other words, ask yourself the hard question:...
Read MoreYou are what you eat…err, rather, you are what think
“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” - Henry Ford (1863-1946) Remember the adage, “You are what you eat?” There is a corresponding adage: “You are what you think.” In other words, your thoughts influence your feelings, which influence your behavior. Think positively and you’ll have positive outcomes. Think negatively and the opposite holds true. One of the most consistent findings in sport psychology research is that confidence – a belief in one’s abilities – is a positive a predictor of performance. If you have...
Read MoreFrom athlete dropout to triathlon pro: Achieving an impossible dream
Yes, it’s true you can be anything in life if you want it badly enough and are willing to work for it. I’m actually a great example because I was an unimpressive athlete growing up. In fact, in most cases I was a “drop out” in just about every sport I attempted. I only went to one swim practice in first grade then quit because I was too intimidated by the older kids. I played hockey then softball then soccer in grade school because my mom signed me up, and truthfully I sucked at all three but everyone received playing time at that age. In high school in California, I...
Read MoreAdvice from an Ironman triathlete’s wife: How to make the relationship work
In the recent Wall Street Journal article, A Workout Ate My Marriage, the author states: “The exercise widow often wakes to an empty bed—a sure sign of a morning workout—and may find dinner plans spoiled by a sudden avoidance of anything heavy before a night run.” This obsession with exercise can result in “Divorce by Triathlon.” Finding the right balance is something I’ve struggled with and I’ve been through several relationships in the past that ended with the resentment of my focus (obsession?) with triathlon training and racing. I know many other...
Read MoreDo you need a coach? How can you afford not to have one…?
I am afraid of heights but I liked to climb “things” as a child (I still have a scar on my chin and forehead as evidence) so I started indoor sport climbing a few months ago to try something after more than 15 years of being a triathlete. I have no illusions that I’ll ever become a climber like Chris Sharma, but I’d still like to become a “decent” climber (and quickly) so that’s why I’ve been taking classes every week (i.e. hiring coaches) at Boulder Rock Club. Hiring a coach helps me with four things: 1. I accelerate my learning curve....
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