Thoughts on entering taper week

I have finished the last demanding workout of my sprint training program and am entering taper week.

10 years ago, I wanted to do a triathlon.

9 years ago, I worked with a personal trainer to get into shape for my wedding and started running and biking. All my fundamentals are traced to my time with my trainer.

8 years ago, I was involved in a car accident that left me with a broken heel and a grim prognosis that I may not be able to run again.

For 7 years, I let that accident rule and nearly ruin my physical health.

December 2007, I decided I had to move forward. I allowed this to happen and I had to make it stop.

I started to run. I hate to run. But, I ran.

April 2008, I ran my first 5k in 9 years.

July 2008, I ran my first 10k in 19years.

And then, I floundered. I got off track. I wasn’t yet disciplined enough, but I wasn’t ready to give up.

November 2008, I told my sister-in-law we should do the 2009 Atlanta IronGirl Triathlon and marked the day when registration opened on my calendar and then sat on it as the reminder popped up every week.

January 2009, my sister-in-law pulled the trigger and signed up. I was working late that night and was in my office when I got her e-mail. It was a moment that has defined everything I have struggled with and wanted to overcome.

Doubt, fear, procrastination, excuses. It all had to end at this moment.

So did I it. I registered for the race. I cried when I hit the ‘enter’ key.

April-June 2009, I started and completed the sprint triathlon training program.
Five days a week, I trained.
Tired, unmotivated, I trained.
If I missed a workout, it was made up the following day or made up on a rest day.

I have worked hard. I have pushed myself.
I have been disciplined and I have survived.
It was not easy, but it was not impossible.
I have done more than I have ever thought possible and I am ready for more.
I am not under any illusion that what I am about to embark in is going to be easy.
I know that it will physically and mentally be the toughest thing I have every attempted to do.

I may not be the fastest swimmer.
I may not be the fastest cyclist.
I may not be the fastest runner.
I may not have the body of an athlete.
But, I will not stop.
I am determined to move forward.
I will keep moving forward.
I am confident and I am ready.