Thursday, August 07, 2008

Breathing Deep

I felt very proud coming off of Lake Logan, proud of my race, proud of my season so far. I've been working hard since January, and its paid off in a lot of fun.

When I looked at my training plan this week, I saw that coach had loaded me up with an Ironman in Training week. I was a bit surprised, as several times, she had mentioned that this would be an easy week for me, with the "real" training to begin August 11. I released the inner child and sent her an email that said, in essence:

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

She being the mature individual in this relationship, responded with a positive change to my schedule. I am now enjoying a lighter week with one workout a day and a lot of time spent in Zone 1. My run this morning reminded me that this is a good thing, as the stabilizing muscles in my ankles were still a bit upset with me. Such is the life of an endie*...

Less physical activity means extra time to think... I've been warned I might be an over thinker. I've been pondering the last two years, where I've been and where I want to go. You see. I've been getting passed a lot by other people in my age group at the tris this year. I admit it. It bothers me. A leeeetle. I don't like finishing in the middle to front of the pack on the swim, and the back of the pack over all.

I have so much of which to be proud. I've been racing almost two years. I've avoided, really, any injury. I'm in the best shape I've been in since I ETS'ed from the Army (do they call it that anymore?) twenty three years ago. I've been patient, content to let things happen when they happen, and now is not the time to take risks. November is the biggest risk I've taken ever.

So, I'm taking a deep breath. I'm refocusing. I'm drawing on my reserves of patience.

Come Monday, let the fun begin...

Wes

* Endurance Athlete

24 comments:

Marcy said...

Actually, I was just thinking of you last night (no not in THAT way :P) when I was rolling out my quads LOL. Dude I think you're the ONLY peep in my roll that hasn't been injured. What's the secret? I want in ;-)

J~Mom said...

The next few months are going to be exciting!! Glad you got a bit of a break this week.

Annette said...

Enjoy the calm before the storm. :) You are going to be one lean(er) mean(er) machine. Can't wait to hear the stories!

Jess said...

So, throwing tantrums does work, huh?

And Marcy's right, now that I think on it, have you ever been injured?

Gotta Run said...

Holy COw... I am nervous for you and I have not even seen the training. Your mental focus and drive will get you through the weeks ahead of you. IRONMAN here you come.

If you share any secrets with Marcy than I want in on it to!!!!

Lily on the Road said...

Oh Wes, you are a riot, wwaaaaaaa! and it worked. LOL,

rest up big boy! You are going to kick some serious butt VERY SOON!!!

teacherwoman said...

Wahoo!! I am excited to watch you grow further in your training!

Lisa Slow-n-Steady said...

Me thinks you're about to take it up a notch. Breath deeply this week, you're gonna need it. ;p

David said...

Keep your focus. Look for your short-term goals and don't concentrate on the IM. Keep that concept in your mind, of why you are doing "this", but focus on this week, every week.

Kevin said...

You have alot to be proud of and much more to come. Enjoy this recovery week to recover physically and mentally and get ready to rock out some serious training

Michelle said...

Glad you got a little bit of a break this week. You are already SO well on your way - I can't imagine how amazing the next few months are going to be!!!

Sarah said...

Day by Day baby! That's how you'll get there. I'm so excited to follow you through this and read all about your training. Will you be too tired to type?

I'll be there at IMFL cheering for you!

Bob Gentile said...

Awesome Job Wes, You have done so good and have been a great student...Keep that Focus your doing great.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK I also just read DEE DEE's race report below...Great Re-cap Dee Dee, love the attitude and how you kept on moving and dealt with the BS...AWESOME Job!! Congrats!!

LBTEPA said...

Learning the discipline of patience is part of becoming Iron (as is knowing when to throw a strategic tanty)

SLB said...

Enjoy the quiet before the storm

Jess said...

Enjoy your lighter week!

Kellye Mills said...

The first Ironman is hard because it's a lot of training, which means a lot of time to think, but at the same time you can feel like you're not really going anywhere. Patience is always a good thing! Remember, we don't judge ourselves by other's. I'll remind you about that, and you can remind me about that! :) You're having a GREAT year!!

cindy said...

You are so ready for this challenge...bring it on!!

J~Mom said...

The Javablog is so sad without any love from Wes. SIGH

Karen said...

Man, can't believe you threw a wobbley!!! LOL!!

also can't believe you've not been injured at all - that IS ace!!

IM Training Week 1 watch out... Wes is on your tail!

Makita said...

Enjoy the calm... you know she is gonna bring it on next week! You are SO ready, though! Physically and Mentally!

triguyjt said...

keep yourself injury free and you will rock...but yes...its been a long year...but the big big finish is not too long from now...
you will kick a#*.

Stef said...

Dude. I am having to summon up some reserves of Patience and Mental Fortitude to get ready for my Half Iron event!

Which is why Iron is not yet on my radar -- the Half stuff is quite challenging enough right now thankyouverymuch (bordering on overwhelming sometimes -- yeah I admit it).

Anyhoo this won't be easy for you but you will do it. You have all the tools and the support system in place to pull this thing off in grand fashion! Wish I could be at IM FL for you -- but our other blogger buds and your family will take good care of you!

Mendy said...

Enjoy the relaxing time now.

Hope David isn't bothering you guys too much this weekend. :-)