After a year of day dreaming, training, fantasizing, training, a little worrying, and more training the time has finally come and my trip to Kona is a week away. Looking back over the last year, I can honestly say I am relieved and excited that the journey is almost complete. I'm relieved that the countless hours in the gym and on the roads will finally be tested. I'm excited that the final test will be in a place that has stood as the most iconic and memorable location in triathlon history. I feel completely blessed and honored to have the privilege and opportunity to race in Kona and will never take the experience- good or bad- for granted.
2013 has been year of challenge for me both personally and physically. Triathlon has been a great outlet for me to channel frustration and disappointment in a positive and constructive way. While a calf tear and plantar fasciitis have been a constant nag on my body, the mental toughness and work I've put in will have me ready on race day. If I have to crawl or limp my way to the finish line...I will finish....and I will finish knowing I did my very best and had an awesome time doing it. People ask me all the time about my specific goals for Kona...."What time are you wanting to achieve?"....or "Where do you want to place in your age group?"...etc...I say simply that my goals are not measured in numbers, but rather in adjectives. My goals are to be strong, tough, happy, powerful, and above all, grateful. The numerical outcome is strictly secondary.
Many times, you will not see me wearing a watch or utilizing a bike computer when I race. In fact, I use very little technology when I train...period. Now, I am not saying that I've scrapped all technology. A treadmill can be very useful for interval sets. I have a basic Garmin that helps me track my miles on long runs- it can be very helpful. I lost my Cat Eye on my bike several months ago, so I've been riding pretty clueless all summer, but I think my cycling skills are still on point; so, I'm not too worried. Now, I know I fall into the minority with my prehistoric training methodology, and I'm fine with that. Everyone needs to find a program that will fit their specific goals and personality.
But, for me, I honestly believe that the true enjoyment of racing is the experience your body is feeling on that day. Sometimes it will feel great; other times you feel like crap. In the end, I usually don't want a computer to tell me how I should feel when I cross the finish line. Because when I cross the finish line- in Kona or anywhere else- I simply want to feel strong, tough, happy, powerful, and above all, grateful.
If anyone is interested in tracking me or watching the Ironman World Championships, it will be streaming live on www.ironman.com on Saturday, October 12!
P.S. Big thanks to Leanne Zentz for being a wonderful friend and training buddy. You are amazing. Also, Catherine Lacrosse- your words of encouragement and always believing in me are much appreciated. You definitely inspire me!!!
