Well it seems like time flew, but it didn’t, it was tough and I struggled through a lot of the process. Many times I wonder why I am doing it (I don’t mean why am I doing the race, but why am I doing this training) the reality is my first (of five) goals have already been achieved; I’m off to Spain to compete in the Triathlon Age Group World Championships, wearing my beloved Green and Gold!
So through the process (training), I questioned myself a lot, I wondered if I had it right; and if this strategy is really going to work. I think to a lot of the guys I cox/ coach in rowing and a lot of them question my knowledge, and because of that, I have questioned myself a lot during the last 3 months. I’ve been doing triathlon for a long time, but never focused on an end goal like this, I’ve never worked this hard, so I was much more disciplined and focused during the training phase. But I did question myself, Im self-coaching (when I started triathlon there was no such thing as a triathlon coach. lol) self-motivated, self-disciplined and I train alone for the most part. Based on that it’s really easy to wonder if you have it right, but I have to remember I am a lazy athlete; I have spent over 40 years experimenting and practicing to find the easiest and most value for money (work) So I know my stuff more than most, I just have to believe it!
All of a sudden, everything is falling into place, my speed has gone up, my confidence has gone up (albeit shitting bricks….) and my tolerance for the distance has increased. I find myself moving much faster and more comfortably (if that’s possible) than I ever have before. My HR max is a tad out of control, but as long as it keeps working then all is good 🙂 btw, max 218 at the moment.
Im going to leave comments about how I’m really feeling about the race etc. for my next post. Although to finish, I am absolutely humbled to have received words of encouragement from the State Member of Parliament, Jess Wilson, followed by my Federal member of Parliament Dr. Monique Ryan, that was super cool, and a real buzz to receive those letters.
But to summarise, believe in the system, back yourself and keep pushing on, because at some point it all comes together, and if it doesn’t, you followed the journey as best you could!
Carpe Diem