IM 2008 - Making it happen

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2008-04-08 1:06 PM

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Elite
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Subject: IM 2008 - Making it happen

It aint easy and it aint always fun but it is, already,  a cool journey for me.

Rewind to

  • 6/1/07 - CRASH! Broken Collarbone, 5 Broken Ribs. Cancel Timberman. Season over.
  • 7/23/07 - Invest $500 in injury motivation insurance; aka Ironman USA registration.
  • 8/19/07 - Season isn't over, tow the line at a local sprint. Prove the injury is in the past
  • 8/26/07 - Complete my first Century in anticaption of 112 on 7/20/08
  • 10/28/07 - Complete my first Marathon in anticipation  of  26.2  on 7/20/2008

Found a plan the works for me, 36 weeks in total. Crazy long for many but again it works for me.  I started on 11/12/08. This week I wrap up the 22 week "preseason" 14 pounds lighter than when I started and ready to hit the "competetive season." Still 3+ months until LP but I'm looking forward to testing myself in intermediate races and pushing myself on long HARD workouts.  That's what all the work to date has been for and that's what I signed up for.

And that's just the physical side. I feel great about where I've come from, how I've progressed and how I look and feel. Sure, I'm juggling a bunch of balls at once but I prioratize as I see fit. My wife is completley supportive and my kids (13 & 11) are sharing the experience and learning many lessons along the way. I even managed to get promoted at work through it all.

A little more than half way there, spring is finally here, race season is upon us and there is plenty to look forward to as the road winds it's way to Lake Placid, NY and IRONMAN USA!

Whichever IM path you are on get out there, enjoy it, be thankful and, finally TRAIN MORE, WORRY LESS! 

 

2008-04-08 1:09 PM
in reply to: #1323778

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Elite
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Subject: RE: IM 2008 - Making it happen
Good stuff.  I have enjoyed my IM journey a lot more than I thought I would up to this point.  Am looking forward to the next 22 weeks.
2008-04-08 7:07 PM
in reply to: #1323778

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Master
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Subject: RE: IM 2008 - Making it happen

That's an awesome post Mark!

I share many of the same sentiments. 

I had the seed of an IM idea early last season as several friends were committed to and preparing to do LP in 2007. I ran a marathon early in the season (February) to see how I could do with the 26.2. Then did my first Half Iron in June of '07, a 2-day charity ride on the cape (192 miles? that was life altering (PMC), got a level 1 USAT coaching cert so I could encourage other women to get started in triathlon, and a handful of other races. I both spectated and volunteered at LP last year to see friends achieve the IM status. It was awesome and inspiring to be there. Signed up the next day and the journey began.

Wrapped up 2007 season with both a half mary and a full mary PR and set my sights on IMLP '08. Started my training on Dec. 24th '07 and am in week 16 (or 17?) of my plan. I am in the best shape of my life and feel like I have finally become the person I was always meant to be (an athlete). I'm down about 3 pants sizes and having trouble wearing anything without a belt lately. 

Recently, I spent some time with family I have not seen in a very long time and they were in awe not only at how fit I appeared to be, but, more importantly, how happy and confident I seemed to be too. In so many ways, training for an IM changes who you are long before you get to the line because every day along the way is a test of your endurance and your mental fortitude. Nobody is telling me to go to the pool and swim 3000 yards or run for an hour after work. Its all  me and my desire to achieve this goal.

Yeah, I have days when my motivation is thin, but I keep it all in perspective and I am mostly just thankful that I can have this in my life and that my family supports me and and is behind me in doing this thing called Ironman. 

WORDS TO LIVE BY INDEED! 

"Whichever IM path you are on get out there, enjoy it, be thankful and, finally TRAIN MORE, WORRY LESS!" — rollinbones

 

2008-04-08 9:01 PM
in reply to: #1324839

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Elite
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Subject: RE: IM 2008 - Making it happen
stumfossil - 2008-04-08 8:07 PM

 In so many ways, training for an IM changes who you are long before you get to the line

Cool huh? Something I didn't really expect but so true.

Thanks for sharing your history too, Keeps things real.

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