Choosing an Ironman Race – which one?
“Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!” — Commander John Collins, USN (1978) A client asked me recently about choosing which Ironman distance race (2.4-mile swim / 112-mile bike / 26.2-mile run) to compete in: “Just thought I’d reach out and get your input for choosing your first Ironman and how to go about registering. I’ve decided I’m going to try to tackle an Ironman next year. I’ve heard of the great difficulty in registering for Ironman events because registration is mostly open to the athletes...
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 MoreTime to take a break from structured triathlon training?
I hazard to guess that burnout is common in the sport of triathlon (and likely other sports as well), especially if you’ve been in them for a while and have made them a priority in your life. Sports psychologist Radecke defines burnout as a “withdrawal…noted by a reduced sense of accomplishment, devaluation/resentment of sport, and physical/psychological exhaustion.” So there’s both a physical and psychological component to burnout to differentiate it from over training, which is more physical. Although the symptoms of burnout are unique to each athlete, a good way to tell...
Read MoreReflections on Luray Triathlon and Changing Ironman Goals
I feel tired. One week after the Luray Triathlon and I feel worse than if I had raced an Ironman (I’ve done 2 so far this year). I’m mentally and emotionally drained. But, this is what I’m about: “Using high energy to achieve a calculated outcome” per my Personalysis assessment from when I worked as a business analyst at Capital One. I give 110% for a couple weeks then I crash. I’m still crashed. When I think about the things I’ve done in my life, I am perhaps most proud of the Luray Triathlon. Yes, it’s a business, but it’s a also...
Read MoreVineman – a Beautiful Race
I felt the fingers brushing my feet every few minutes when I slowed to pop my head up to breathe during the 2.4-mile swim, but I was content to lead the two swimmers I towed behind me. “I’m happy! I’m happy! I’m happy!” I kept repeating this phrase to myself again and again on the 112-mile bike. I smiled at the photographers and, on my second bike loop, I greeted as many athletes that I passed who were on their first loop with either a “Great job!” or a nod. I never really had any “bad” moments on the bike; I simply pushed my big gear at my low cadence to gap all the...
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