Staying motivated for the long haul

Happy Sunday everyone! It has finally happened.  I have officially taken to plunge and now my journey begins.  Back before Christmas 2020, I signed up for Ironman California’s inaugural race this October.  Today I begin the official 30 weeks of training.  I’ve been asked what I’ve been doing for the last 3 months.  Pre-training, or as I like to say training so that I can actually train.  There are days I am doubting my ability and reasoning behind my why.  Staying motivated for the long haul is part of that training. Success happens when you are willing to work hard.

Training Alone doesn’t mean going it alone

Part of what helps me stay motivated is you, my faithful readers.  I may spend most of my days’ training alone, but in my mind, you are right there, cheering me along, feeling my pain, and pushing me to be better.  So, as I  move along this path, I shall share all my mental challenges, my fears, my doubts, and all the excitement behind my first IRONMAN distance preparation.  You will help me stay motivated for the long haul– #RoadToMyFirstIRONMAN.  

Week #1- Base Phase 1 Week 1 Training 

I begin the training for my first IRONMAN full distance – 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.20 km) run, and my third triathlon ever with a plan written for me this time.  Yes, even coaches need coaching.  I was tired of writing out my own plan and opted for help from Coach Phil Mosley and My Pro Coach.  He has me adding weights to my swim, run, bike mix this season. I think that while it will take extra time, it will be well worth the effort.  Now I just need to focus, one week at a time, and not lose my motivation for the long haul ahead.  

Why Am I Doing This?

I’ve already been asked why I am doing a Full Ironman when I haven’t even done a half.  They say riding 112 miles on your own is so crazy and I should join a team.  Well, I’m not a team kind of person.  I enjoy the solitude of training.  I’ll be just fine…

I also believe that moving up to the IRONMAN full distance for the first time – without having a half IRONMAN done yet – is the craziest thing I have ever done, but hey, that’s how I ride.  

This is how it feels – at first, it’s exhilarating.  I think this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but then I remember, I gave birth to twins in my living room.  There’s nothing I can’t do.  That being said, it’s still insanely challenging. The thought of all this training feels overwhelming and even stifling at times. Some days I think there is no way I  will make it through.  But then I realize that this is more than just training my body.  The hardest part is going to be training my mind.  So, I take things one week at a time.  Small bites over time will add up to success.   Thirty weeks to go to my first IRONMAN distance – IRONMAN California.

The journey is going to be challenging. It will include overcoming fear, discomfort, doubt, and pain.  It will require making some tough decisions and sticking to them.  I have no doubt I will have some setbacks along the way but, I’M NOT GIVING UP! (my kids have already told me they won’t let me quit!)

While training is physically uncomfortable by nature, I enjoy a good challenge and look forward to the fun of training, and hopefully remain focused on what I am doing, not how I am feeling.

Signing up for an IRONMAN race is definitely a long-term commitment.  I hope that you will join me each week as I share in my adventure.  Here’s to staying commited for the long haul. ❤