Last post was called the "The Finish" now the start? What gives?
Simple new goals, new season, new start.
First off, what is the same: Simple, same race; Louisville Ironman.
Second, what is different: Attitude; last year it was train to survive. This year; train to attack.
At the ironman camp I attended last March we all introduced ourselves and had a chance to express to the group our goals for the year. I have the privilege of working with many very talented and dedicated multisport athletes. So many had goals of podium finishes, national and world championships. Many of them did achieve these goals. We it cam to around to me I introduced myself and said that my main goal was to finish Ironman Louisville and not die. After a some laughter and a few comments from friends (all in good humor) I was praised by the leader of the group for this. I received praise not because of the simple honesty or realistic nature of the goal because all the goals expressed that night were honest and realistic. As I said many achieved their goals this year.
I was receiving praise simply to make me feel better, I have never felt belittled by the people I workout with. It was that my goals fell in line with the philosophy of Playtri. It is not about winning (only) it is about a healthy lifestyle. It is about learning how to train properly, how to eat right and how to do the things that lead you to a healthy and productive life. This can be done whether you win or not. This was my first Ironman, I am still a relatively newcomer to this sport. I spent 20+ years neglecting my health. To set a goal of winning a podium position or gaining a spot in the world championships would have not only been unrealistic, it would have been unhealthy.
To achieve this my training would have been so intense that I would have been risking injury. I would have had to dedicate so much time to training that I would have no time left for work or family. By the time the Louisville Ironman race neared it is likely that I would have been injured, miserable and totally stressed out. In short entirely UNHEALTHY. This is diametrically opposed to the Playtri philosophy. It is also 180 degrees from where I like to be.
So why the change this year. Well.. I am in a different place than i was 15 months ago when I signed up for Ironman Louisville 2012. I have a solid year of injury free training under my belt. I know more about how my body reacts to training. Mentally I am stronger, I have endured 6 hour training rides. I am stronger in all aspects of the 3 disciplines. I have a much clearer view of the race and what it takes to train. I am starting from a different place. I know I can survive the Ironman. There is a lot of fear in not knowing. I know more so there is a lot less fear (not that there is no fear). This year I want the race to fear me.
Hence and new start.
Louisville 2013 here I come.
Train to attack.
Mike
