What is holding me back?
I already have a few picked out and if I don't dilly dally too long, I will have adequate time to train for them. I have a decent amount of endurance that I have maintained since my last half marathon. I am swimming a Masters Class once a week (sometimes twice if I can squeeze it in). I run twice a week, sometimes three times a week, with 1-2 of those times being sprints or bursts intervals so that I can better my pace. I have added in strength training 1-2 times a week.
Physically, I feel real good. Strong. Powerful. Cardiovascular fit.
Mentally, not so much.
I mean, I KNOW I can complete a triathlon. I probably could do one tomorrow, even with the limited biking experience thus far. Swimming doesn't phase me nor does running. The bike portion might not be pretty but I know I can complete the distance.
So why haven't I signed up for a race?
Because in my head, I am having difficulties committing to a training plan and logistically planning out how to make the training happen so that I am prepared for a race. Let's cut through the bullshit and let me spell it out for you- I have not committed to a training plan because in my head, I cannot logistically figure out how to train while I have three kids home with me for the Summer and little to zero help in their care.
There. I said it.
On the one hand, I feel like I am making excuses to myself, that if I just ignored my head thoughts and registered, then I would figure out a way to make it happen. Another part of me is feeling selfish with my time. By that I mean that some part of me LIKES not being committed to a race and taking it easy with my Summer fitness. I do exercise 4-5 times a week but I am doing what I enjoy and what I can squeeze in vs what I HAVE to do for a training plan.
I like it being in charge of my schedule.
But then, I also like following a training plan and basically knowing what I will be doing on any given day in regards to exercise.
I know that I am all over the place and my thoughts can be contradictory.
I don't know what to do.
Here's the interesting thing.
I already know for a fact that I will be running 1-2 half marathons this Fall. I am even contemplating a FULL marathon in the Spring, to celebrate turning 40 years old next year. If anyone is interested, I am thinking of doing the Livestrong Austin Marathon in February 2012
But I still have not committed to a triathlon for now.
Can someone help me here? Give me some advice? Tell me that I can do anything I set my mind to?
Pretty please?
13 comments:
Sit down tonight after the kids are in bed and peruse triathlons and your schedule. Find one that works for you, think about how amazing you'll feel afterward, and sign up. You are an inspiration and I know you can do this!
I can't really help you out I don't think. Well, I can relate to some of what you are saying. I'm not going to do a tri anytime soon, but I keep talking about doing a half and yet doing nothing about it really. But instead I am trying to make peace with where I'm at and celebrating the good habits. I think you are in a good place in terms of fitness and you just haven't mentally realized that. Like you're so used to training for something that you almost don't count your exercise if it is not for a specific event, and that is what you are struggling with. You're doing great--maybe you aren't supposed to do any more than what you are doing right now.
Yes!!! Erin nailed it. Decide you are worth it. Commit to it We will cheer you on.
First of all, this is just to have fun. remember that. So TAKE THE DAMN PRESSURE OFF YOURSELF! Mkay? Second, I have a few training plans for you for free, you don't do anything more than you do right now, it's just mixing up cardio. And if you look at the schedule and STILL can't find time, sit the hubs down to discuss how to find the time. But you won't have to. I'm not going to kick your arse, I'm just going to say you're missing out on one unbelieveable finish line feeling if you don't do it. and you'll always wish you had because you've been talking about it for a year now. Just get off the horse, sign up and have a little fun! IT'S FUN!!!!!!!!!
Also what Nicole said. Maybe you just have to not beat yourself for signing up or not signing up! And just BEEEEEE. Either way, take the pressure off, girlie!! Sorry about posting my comment twice.
I think tri training can be super flexible if you allow it to be! And you could do the half training while training for a tri, just think of it as being over prepared for the run, or well cross-trained for the half, either way its a win! Go, do it. You'll figure out how to fit the workouts in. And you'll enjoy yourself along the way. :)
Just don't listen to any of my whining in the next couple weeks, I'm in taper and nervous about my next race! ;)
i can say nothing more than what Christie or Ashley have said. you can do this. just dig deep and find your want to. besides - the swim is the scariest part. if you're not worried about that then you have nothing to fear!!
I want to do the Austin half in February. :-)
This is kinda how I feel about doing a half marathon. I could do it if I really set my mind to it. You know that's such a part of it - the MENTAL part. I think you have to get there first. And I KNOW you can.
I just hope I can too... ;)
Practice what you Preach, right? ha!
p.s. I'll be in A town for a few days next week. Maybe I can ACTUALLY blow some sunshine up your A$$! ;P
My body is NOT near where i think it needs to be to do a triathalon! But i'll be walking 3-4 half-marathons between October and February!!! I'd love to work towards doing a triathlon with you in the Austin area next Spring! Thoughts?!
DO IT!
:)
signing up is the hardest part, really. last year when i signed up in may, for my 1st in august, i didn't stop to think that i would be training while my 4 young boys were all home for summer vacation. i just kind of found the time when i could, trained really hard on the most difficult for me(swim), and equally hard on my strength(bike). i was always comfortable with the run, like you, had been running distances for years, so that wasn't my main focus. it all came together somehow, and i felt such empowerment when i finished the first one that i quickly signed up to do another that September. You can do it, don't put too much pressure on yourself though!
Sign up for one. This week. You CAN do this. You can. Yes, finding time to train can suck. A lot. But you WANT to do one. I know you do. Sign up for a Sprint. You can have the whole race done in under 2 hours...shorter than the 1/2s you run.
You want to do one. So go sign up.
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