When the blog was first named it was named for the three guys who set out on a journey to finish an iron distance race. 140.6 miles in one day, under our own steam, using various methods of self inflicted forward momentum. This is always a challenge, no matter how many times you've completed the distance. However, you need purpose is absolutely necessary to drive you forward, to want to endure such a feat.
There was a charitable purpose to the last attempt in Idaho. A real purpose that could drive you through the massive amounts of training to be ready for race day. Ready I was, yet the mental training wasn't up to snuff and yet again I found myself hindered out of the course and unable to unleash myself to my full potential. Another mediocre time. It was almost as if time was meandering on by. The motions being followed. Familiarity ringing strong in the ears as the course passed us by. The swim is brilliant. The run very enjoyable, as you see the faces cheering you on. However, that bike has become so.....very.....boring. Self-inflicted. Self hindered. It could be exciting if I was confident enough to unlock the hooks that mentally dig in and hold me back.
There is no doubt in my mind that another iron distance (or more) is part of the future. The near future? Perhaps not. A few things need to occurr before jumping back up that well worn path. The enjoyment and subsequent desire needs to be re-ignited from within. Riding 180KM is still something that can be fun. Heading out with the lads for a day on the bike with purpose is something that can always be fun. As part of a race, that enjoyment needs to be re-discovered. The foundations of which are in proper racing. The endorphin rush of smashing a course that you have the most confidence in and letting go of the oars. Throwing caution to the wind.
How can this be done, I hear you ask? Short....er course racing is where the fun can be found once again. Different challenges from within the triathlon world. Enthusiasts are re-inventing how we swim bike and run everyday. Super Sprint; Olympic; Half Iron; All three in a weeked????? There is no question that, mentally, I am "burned out" on long course racing for now. Hopefully, some good short course and varied fun can make 2016 a very fun year.
First up race on the calender will be a fun indoor shindig at the Lifetime Indoor Tri at our local university. Shake off the cobwebs time trial each discipline for 30 minutes at a time. In fact, Lifetime is likely to gain a lot of my dollars this year, as they dominate the local landscape of triathlons. Well run and local. That's what the doctor ordered. One race a month (June-August), with a half ironman thrown in for a bit of fun :). What's not to love about that kind of schedule. Become fast and start truly racing again.
There has been a fair amount of the famous soul searching this autumn. It has presented a few welcome challanges and has reinvigorated the inner workings. Purpose is key to keeping one moving forward. Purpose. For me, regarding triathlon, is racing for those who can not. December is a month that will always be reflective since the loss of my father almost a year ago. He didn't have the chance to even attempt a triathlon, as so many others don't. We all take it for granted, those of us that find health an easy option. It is for my father and so many others who don't have the option to attempt a triathlon, or any other sport, that I find purpose within sport. This will be my inspiration moving foward. It is such an incredible motivator to do well and not just do. It's unlcear what form this will take. Charitable? Raising money? Donating time outside of racing and helping others find the joy that I find when toeing the line? My re-introduction to this sport came from joining a charitable racing team. It would be an apt continuance of the journey. It remains to be seen what guise it may take. Perhaps it will present itself in the coming chilly months, spinning away in the cold, dark basement.
In the meantime, it's time to dream of what may come and what could have been.
Good luck to us all!
