I think one of the reasons these endeavors entice me so much is that just finishing this event is a victory. I rarely came first in too much in my sporting life....2nd, 3rd or 4th for that matter. Yet, every time we cross the finish line of an iron distance race it's a victory and we are treated like it is. That said, this year will be number 5 and it's time to begin to shed the mental shackles that stop the legs stretching further and achieving a bit more at this distance.
There's been a fair amount of study and reading that has been done on the matter. I imagine that a writer might do the same thing when trying to overcome their block. I had a block and I plan on smashing through it in 5 weeks. We'll see what hand the body deals me on the day in question, but the plan is to maximize that hand and bluff my way to the finish.
In the mean time, consistent training is the key and, until this last week, that has been one of the mantras that I have held to constantly. This past week, however, took us to Iceland. The trip was always going to stand in the way of finishing all the training, but it was worth it. What a stunning, stark, and at this time of year, eternally light country. From Volcano's to lush warm hot springs, this country has an addictive lifestyle. It will bankrupt you, but it's addictive. You know when you're in peak training weeks when the first thought in to your head is, "I could ride at midnight and there wouldn't be anyone on the roads!"
As it happened, we were there just two weeks before Challenge Iceland (a race now firmly in my sights) and there were a few pros arriving to get some good weeks on the beautifully smooth roads that surrounded the course. The water temps were a balmy 15C which would at least make the swim quick! Unfortunately, I didn't have the wetsuit or the time to head in for a quick dip. One thing about Iceland, though, is the abundance of outdoor pools and accompanying hot pools. This makes a convincing bribe to getting some laps in whilst the others take a relaxing dip. I wish there were more outdoor pools around where we are. Technically there are, but they aren't as well maintained, have snapping turtles and visibility is quite limited. Yet, you don't come out smelling of chlorine for hours. Bonus!
The water everywhere in Iceland is crystal clear, from the rivers to the lakes. It's amazing. I just wish I had the time to take a dip. Fortunately, there was plenty of time to run and swim, so training wasn't completely missed. I'm excited to return to Iceland, take out a second mortgage and race here!
Between now and August 27th, there lies a little bit of a warm up in the form of Toughman Minnesota. A local race of the half iron distance variety. Should provide a good test of how far the structured training has taken me. There's a lot of anticipation leading in to it. A good race plan and great practice for the "big day" in August. There's nothing quite like race morning. Just that alone creates the kind of excitement that is unlike any other. It's addictive.
As we see the end of August galloping towards us, that anticipation will build, but this year it will be melded in to excitement and joy instead of the usual. We have a great house and the promise of a great venue that we know well. Sadly, it will be the last running of Ironman Couer D'Alene. They've chosen to cancel the race after this year, a typical response when the mighty Ironman brand doesn't get it's way. Oh well, there's other great destination races out there and hopefully, with the support of my beautiful "team" we shall discover more. Who knows what lies ahead, perhaps Challenge Iceland!
Good luck to us all!
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