Many would argue that triathlon is an individaul sport. There is no drafting, no teamwork, no outside help or support, just you against the clock and of course all the other racers. On race day it is all about you, but getting there is anything but a solo effort.
It is those closest to you, both two-legged and four-legged and even total strangers that can make a difference and help you stay motivated.
I am lucky in that Paul, my husband, has also adopted this crazt pastime. He doesn't question or complain when the alarm goes off at 4:30 am. We try to do as many workouts as possible together knowing that it is so much more motivating to train with someone else, but sometimes work schedules prevent this. Sometimes the support is not being a training partner, but having the bike already on the trainer when you get home or making you an egg-sandwich to take as you rush out the door to work after a morning workout.
Norman, my four legged buddy. Our bulldog has completed every treadmill run with me over the past 8 months. His tenacity and enthusiasm to run with me has helped me look forward to my treadmill runs instead of dread them.
Friends like Michael, Ian and Adam who actually agree to meet Paul and I for 6am clip-ins to join us on our long crazy rides, hey guys lets ride to the beach and back, how about climb to Mt Baldy? A special shout out to Michael for riding with me today. Paul didn't get home from work until 4am and was in no shape to start riding at 8. Michael rode with me from Pasadena to Seal Beach and back. My track record for solo rides in the last 3 years is not so good so the company was appreciated. Especially because he is a MUCH stronger rider than I, he and Paul are much more suited for each other as riding partners. I gave Michael Odwalla bars as a thank you! :)
Non-tri friends... these are the people who still love and support me despite the fact that I havn't seen them in months, forget to call them back for weeks and totally neglect our friendships. This is one of the hardest parts about training for an Ironman, unless you live, work, or train with a person...chances are you may not see them for months.
Total strangers. I am always shocked at how much of an impact a total stranger can have on you. I'm that person on the bike path or running by that is always giving a smile or wave, saying good morning or hello. Why not be postive, we are outside enjoying the outdoors, being active, enjoying life. Fast or slow, new bike or old bike, walker or runner, who cares we are all making a choice to not be sitting inside watching TV or being lazy.
A few weeks ago I was plodding along the bike path running extremely slow trying to stay in my heartrate zone. We had just rode for 6+ hours and the brick was what it was. A girl riding by snidley said to her fellow rider, "what's the point she could walk faster." My first thought was, she's probably right I am barley running...then WOW that was soo mean! It really actually bummed me out. Really what is the point of being that negative and making someone feel bad. I can only hope that all of the "Good mornings" and other greetings that I share with those total strangers helps make their day a little brighter and look forward to getting out there again.
Then there are the good stories... I was doing a 2 loop run last weekend and towards the end of the first lap I passed a man wearing a black t-shirt with bikes on it. I smiled and said good morning and he did the same. On the second loop I came upon him again... he smiled and said good morning and then realized we had already passed each other before. His huge smile and "hello again!" upon this realization literally statyed with me for miles. It put a spring in my step and reminded me how much of a positve impact a total stranger can have. My favorite example of this is the "Blinky Man" at the Rose Bowl. He is going to get his own blog post...he is that special to me. Stay tuned.
So to all of the people in my life...thank you! You help make the journey.
S.
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