Start to IRONMAN AZ

Today is day one. Some seasons continue into another and some we start completely a new. Today is completely a new. I essentially took 2 months off. A day here or there of some kind of training/activity; but nothing for months. It was part restorative and part frustrating. To not be bound to a training schedule and feeling the rest my body wanted was restorative. The lack of training though, physically showed how quickly you can lose all the work you did.

I had grand plans and wishes for day one; but it ended with frustration. I had not felt super great when I woke up and decided that I would put my swim off to lunch time in hopes that food, coffee and water would help me feel better for my swim. I still wasn’t feeling better at lunch; but figured a good workout can usually make you feel better. So, I threw my swimmer on and hopped in the pool. The first 1000 yards felt good and was happy to be back at it. I finished my next 300 and the wheels fell off. I stood up at the end of the lane and felt like I was going to pass out and vomit all at the same time. I took a drink of water and moved on to the 100 yard kick drill. I yet again finished the set and yet again thought I was going to pass out and vomit. I only had 600 yards left. How could I push through? 100 increments and keep it super easy? Well, 50 yards in and I was close to vomiting in the pool; choking back what had partial come up.

That was it. Day one training was done at 1,450 yards. Just a bit shy of 2000 yards… now is today considered progress or a set back/failure? My belief is any day is a progress day, as long as there is forward movement and you have given it the effort and not slacked; progress was made! I am disappointed with my inability to get to 2000 yards but happy that what I did get done, felt good and was so happy to be back in the water.

Today is just day one and many more to come. There will always be good and not so good days; but finding the happiness in each day no matter how “perfect” the training was will keep me moving forward. A not so perfect day is still moving forward and reaching my goal for November 17.

Consistency. Positivity. Purpose. Joy.