I have been ruminating over a couple of ideas for blog entries for the past month, depicting my path to Kona. Regardless of how things unfold, I know that I’ll give it my all and make the best of the situation, whatever that may be.
I’ve learned that every workout, every day, every moment can be viewed as a success. It’s all a matter of the mindset with which you approach the situation and how you adjust your expectations when things don’t go according to plan.
FTP test…. A test where you are asked to ride your bike as hard as you can for twenty minutes straight. Most would think this test strictly evaluates your strength as a cyclist. However, in order for this test to be accurate, you need to have the mental fortitude to push yourself as hard as you can for twenty LONG minutes. From my perspective this sort of test is as much a test of mental strength as it is a test of physical strength.
After spending some time contemplating the future, I knew that I needed to hit the pause button and celebrate my accomplishment. This was the first half ironman I’ve completed in 4 years — I PR’ed the course, was the first female amateur, and beat several of the pros in the field. I needed to be proud. I have worked HARD for this moment and dedicated countless hours training for this result. I earned it! And I needed to take the time to reflect and be proud of my accomplishments. It’s all about having goals and aspirations. They keep you motivated and excited about what the future might bring.
The IRONMAN. For most, it’s an incomprehensible feat - then there are the rest of us.
“So let me get this straight – you swim 2.4 miles, bike 112, and then run a marathon?! All in one day? Why would you EVER do something like that?”
Ever had a perfect race, where everything unfolded exactly the way you envisioned it would? Some athletes can bring to mind one or two races over the course of their careers, where the stars seem to align and everything goes exactly according to plan. However, more often than naught, something unexpected happens on race day. These unpredictable obstacles present a test of mental fortitude, which often proves to be significantly more challenging than any physical test you face on race day. How you respond is ultimately up to you! With a certain mindset and mental preparedness, you can overcome any race day mishap and finish the day feeling successful.
Determined to make 2015 your breakthrough season? Hoping to earn your ticket to Kona next October, record a marathon PR, or simply trying to make it to the finish line in your first ironman race this season?
Kim is a USAT licensed triathlon coach as well as an Ironman Certified Coach. She has coached a multitude of teams and worked with individual athletes in a coaching environment, as well as in the role of sports psychologist or "performance enhancement specialist".