Eat, Pray, Tri

Today begins the 77 day countdown until Ironman Augusta. I still cannot run well (due to foot #1 and foot #2), but I’m making a run at this race. Why am I pushing forward? Oh, I’m so glad you asked.

“I am a better person when I have less on my plate.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, “Eat, Pray, Love”

1) I completed a half Ironman last year under perfect training conditions. Only the race conditions were heinous. Hard race, sick as a dog, and bad weather.

2) I will be going into Augusta with less than ideal training conditions. A broken right foot in February. A sprained left foot just a mere week ago. What a freaking mess. I have been able to run 7 miles (before the sprain), but that’s it. Now? No more than a mile. What a super freaking training mess.  So it’s the reverse of Miami.

3) My swim and bike are up there in mileage. That’s why I am going forward. It will be an act of God to get me to the run finish by the race cutoff time of 8 hours, with this current foot situation. But the best I figure, is that I can run 7 or 8 miles and just hoof it and walk the rest, and I should make it.

4) This race and remaining training will be a test of mental strength.  I have grown alot this year, mentally… and I want to test out the pain cave.  Really…

5) I want to conquer a hilly bike course in a race, especially 56 miles of one!  The 61 miler last week was a big boost, and I feel okay now.

6) Many, many of my friends are racing Augusta. I want to be a part of the action. The Expert, Yoda, Coach Monster, Elizabeth, Kimberly, Nestor (our Mexican restaurant waiter (yes, really)), and SO many others (please comment if you are racing so I can keep up with you guys!!)…. Anyway, I want to be a part.

7) My parents and grandparents are coming to the race!  I haven’t had those four precious pairs of hands clapping for me since my Olympic weightlifing days.  I can’t wait for them to be a part of the excitement, and to see how crazy I look when I run/walk/crawl by them.  It will be such a boost to see family on the course.

8) I am determined to have a solid 77 day streak of good eating and healthy habits.  Leading up to Miami, the training was going so well, I ate junk.  Now… well, the training isn’t so hot, so I want to concentrate on diet and see how much of a difference that makes.  Anti-inflammatory foods, lots of vege, possibly dairy and gluten free.   I had a goal weight for Augusta.  I am up about 5 pounds.  Oh well.  Fix it, move forward, non-dwelling.

” First off, I embarrass you. I can’t  ski, I can’t ride,
I can’t speak Latin , my legs only come up to here
and yes I will always be just a little bit fat.”
– Bridget Jones, The Edge of Reason

9) For once, I feel that my work life is amazing.  I love my new job. I LOVE it. Love. Interestingly, where I thought I was taking a career down-step, I was wrong.  It was a risk, and it was a good one. I am thankful. I have a schedule that leaves no room for forgetting workouts, for excuses.  I work just three offices down from the fridge and the microwave for my healthy foods.

10) So those are my reasons for going forward.  I will pray for good days, I will embrace and grit my teeth for the bad ones, but most of all, I will be grateful.  Grateful for what I can do. Focus on what I am able to do and….

Well… you know.

Just Keep Moving Forward. (ALWAYS!)

12 Responses

  1. Thank you so much for your inspiring words! I will be in Augusta too!!! This will be my first half ironman and TODAY was my first ride (31 miles) in clipless shoes! 🙂 I am not quite sure why I have decided set this huge goal before myself, but I have and now it is time to show myself, my 3 precious kiddos and my wonderful husband that I can do this! It will not be easy, but nothing that is worth doing is. Thanks again and I hope your training (as well as mine), gets better from here on out! Here we go….

  2. Excited for Augusta! The nice thing about the race is that your parents and grands can see you at least four times on the run without having to do much more than walk a few feet from one side of the street to the other. It is also great because depending on the timing of it, you may pass or see other racers for a much needed shout out 🙂 SOOOO happy that your job is working out so well.

  3. Team Crazy Joes will be in the Augusta house w/ya. There are about ten of us racing from Warner Robins. Looking forward to seeing you there!!!!

  4. “Mental strength?” It appears to me that you have plenty. What a inspiring blog – plus you make me laugh. My of my favorite saying that I learned training for IMs, was: “When it hurts like hell…keep going!” I can hear you saying that to yourself. When you’re out there suffering big time and feeling sorry for yourself, know that I’m saying to you, “Suck it up, cupcake!” LOL. You’ve got lots of support on this end. Go girl.

  5. I am IN for Augusta, along with 4 of my mega weight loss friends! My husband will be my sherpa, he’s the best sherpa ever!

  6. You’re absolutely crazy, I don’t think I could ever do what you’re doing. Crazy, but I believe you can do it, so good luck for Augusta :). I’m sure the training will go well despite the injuries and you’ll cross that finish line in a good time. I look forward to reading your blog over the next 75 days to see how things are going. You can do it!

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