I've got a year to prepare! My goal of qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI has finally been realized-but not without some struggle and a little luck. Family and friends that know me understand this has been a goal of mine for years.
Over the last year I had trained diligently with the goal of qualifying on Sept. 9 at Ironman Wisconsin. I had succumbed to a frustrating calf injury in Spring, 2012. Sidelined for several weeks but determined to not throw in the towel I healed up okay and continued. By July, I was on track only to injure my IT band because of a poor decision to buy a different brand of running shoe (lesson learned). Angry with myself, but not sidelined from training, I continued and felt ready to have a great race in Wisconsin.
If you suffer from periodic insomnia, like me, you know how frustrating it is when lack of sleep toys with your emotional and physical state. Days before Wisconsin, my insomnia kicked in and violated my Kona dreams and plans for qualifying. Determined to not let this jeopardize me, I did my best to relax and rest the best I could.
First, let me tell you that all the preparation in the world doesn't mean you still won't make dumb mistakes. On the morning of the race I left my timing chip at the hotel. The panic and tantrum I had in front of my husband and friends is quite laughable now, but at the time I was beating myself silly for the stupid mistake. The energy I wasted with my anxiety did not help psych me up. Fortunately, I was able to get a new chip by the swim start- problem solved.
If you've done triathlon for any length of time you know that many of us will pee in our suits while wading in the water before the start. For me, I'm not sure if it was nerves or cold water, but I couldn't pee! That sucked, because it doesn't feel good to have a full bladder while swimming/biking/running.
Despite the pesky inconveniences leading right up to the cannon going off, I was ready. My swim and bike went well- no major complaints. My transitions were awful slow- had to use the Port-a-Potty, drink my Ensure, and the arm warmers were a real bitch to put on (Madison was chilly)! Going into the run, I knew it would hurt- and it did. My IT band was a constant nag and I'll think twice before wearing compression sleeves. I felt my feet tingle and it seemed I wasn't getting proper blood flow (maybe I should have worn compression socks). At any rate, I finished the race feeling so happy to be done but weary because I struggled so much during the leg and saw so many females passing me. Fortunately- and this is where luck was on my side- I scored first in my age group and a qualifying slot to Kona. My time was not stellar (11:02:00) and I wouldn't have qualified in some of the other age groups, but I did it nonetheless!! My bib number was #777- maybe that is how I "won" the jackpot.
Anyway, I am writing this blog to help me (and maybe others) to overcome the obstacles that limit us from success. I want to take the next year, as I prepare for Kona, to work on my weaknesses. By October, 2013, It is my hope that my weaknesses will be my strengths. For me, I will work on:
- Running- improve speed, power, and a willingness to embrace running.
- Strength- to reduce injury and help with running and biking (learn to love squats/lunges)
- Relaxation (ability to stay calm under stress)- prepare and prevent issues; manage them sanely when they come
- Sleeping habits- overcome insomnia episodes when under stress (positive or negative)
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