In an effort to get back to blogging, I thought I would start with some musings after my Tucson Training Camp Extravaganza (more on that to come)
The only thing that stays the same is change - those are the lyrics from one of my favorite songs. I believe that it is a constant
reminder of life. Our sport often seems
so monotonous. Swim, Bike and Run
– repeat and then repeat some more.
We find solace in those familiar routes. We get comfortable with that “certain”
wheel in front of us. We know what
our watts or heart rate are at any given time. We become experts in knowing
what is the perfect pre-race meal for our perfect performance. We know what workouts will work. We develop that perfect routine day in
and day out. We have that
dependable pattern that those around us can depend. We are those “type A” folks. We are those “creatures of habit.” So much of success in this sport is about consistency.
Showing up to our prescribed workouts day-in and day-out results in progress –
this is proven. Those with the
greatest results are fiercely committed to following their workout plans
regardless of what other “life circumstances” are happening. There is comfort in the whirlwind of
life to get on the trainer and settle in to an hour or so of control. In uncertainty of less-than desirable
news, the constant of the black line at the bottom of the pool and the truth of
the pace clock becomes desirable.
When the noise of a job, children, or just the voices between our ears
gets loud, a set of headphones and a whirl of the treadmill make for welcomed
comfortable discomfort.
The beauty of our sport is like life; just when things get
predicable and certain, in comes “Change.” My experience is that often, it isn’t a little change but
big whopping, catch-your-front-wheel change. We ride our favorite route and the road is closed. We get in the pool and the pace clock
doesn’t work. We show up to get on
our favorite treadmill and the sign says, “out of order.” Those gifted athletes are the ones that
ask, “Okay, so what can I do?” They roll with it. In a race when all nutrition is lost – well, they rely on
course nutrition. They get a flat
when leading the race – stay calm change it and get back at being thankful for
a bit of rest. I recall one time
seeing that a pro leading Ironman Arizona was having trouble with his shoes –
so, he took them off and ran barefoot.
I have always believed that our sport prepares us for life. Everyday, I show up to my beautiful
Dimond bike with her little wheels and brakes and trust she is going to take me
on an adventure. Sometimes she
gets a flat or her brakes or chain need some attention. Everyday, I lace up those kicks that
worked for the last 50 runs and this time, there just isn’t the same spring in
my step. Well, I have had plenty
of examples of learning to carry on.
I have been taught to “ask better questions.” I have learned that the best lessons in life and sport are
that as long as I put one foot in front of the other, take one more stroke in
the water, push the pedal over one more time - I will get where I need to be and more will be revealed. That is the beauty: find the certainty
in the uncertainty. As long as I
get more information, I will be able to make a new decision. If I drop out, sit down, throw in the
towel – I will miss the lesson or the gift. I am so grateful for my Smashfest Queen mentors and sisters that encourage me every day to move with intention each session. My coach, Hillary Biscay, responded to the question, “Why do
you keep doing this?” with the answer that spoke to me – “to see if I can get
faster, stronger, and tougher.” Do
the scary stuff and facing our fears is where we’ll find the magic. Hillary
often replies to my questions with the question, “why not?” I try not to find
an answer to that question so that I can move forward. Change will happen. That is a
given. It is when we roll with it and keep moving forward that we become the
champions in our life as well as in our sport.
