Today is like the first day of spring. The sun comes up and you know that your favourite part of the year is about to begin (realistically, it's bloody cold outside and the ground is covered in deep snow). The drive is being reawakened. The dreaming has begun. The suffering of the last race all to easily forgotten and replaced by grandiose finishing celebrations. "I will do it better this time" "I know my mistakes. Won't make them again". These form of thoughts conveniently enter the psych and drive you on.
Ironically, the first day of my purchased training plan is "watch videos". Not a bad start really. Who can argue with sitting around and doing bugger all on the first day of the Ironman season. The body is certainly not as fresh as it was the first day of the first season of this, but I'm sure with a little grease and oil the joints can be freshened up and cranked back to life. The major muscle that needs awakening is the brain. Content in the winter mindset of "plod on" it needs to be enlivened and reset to structure and training.
The next 24 weeks are dedicated to training for my 3rd Ironman in Boulder, CO. The real goal of this training is to make sure it appears seamless to my family. Mildly unobtrusive and certainly not obsessive (as was the first year of all this). That's where the blog comes in. A mental vent to the unknown world so that I may not flood the family with it. Instead, I will flood Mitch and my training partners with it. Ha!
The pool appears to be calling my name the strongest. Much time was spent pedalling and running in the recent months and a re-focus is needed on the water. The masters swim team has helped enormously already, after only a few freezing plunges in to the winter indoor pool (it never feels that warm!). Improving that aspect is a goal of mine. Be more efficient, to allow a better shot a improving on the bike split.
All that nice drivel aside, in reality, just finishing the mammoth challenge of completing an Ironman in Boulder is plenty. It is highly unlikely that records will be set and that the finish line will be crossed in any earth shattering time. However, the subconscious will always be behind you, tapping on your shoulder, saying "you know, there's always a chance".
The training plan has been purchased. The bike will be tuned up soon. The structure that is needed to complete this particular race is in place. Let the games begin. Remember, we're not crazy, we're nuts.
Good luck to us all!
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