A goal is a dream with a plan

Great words to live by! While reading Maccas Last Chapter of I'm here to Win, I can relate so much to this quote. I think anyone could if they set their mind on something they want to acheive. Granted the end all would be Kona for most triathetes, Boston Marathon for Runners, Swimmers- Well I don't know what the grand event for them would be.

What about ultras? They are the next step after Kona.. But do alot of people like to suffer more than Ironman distance?! There are plenty Im sure! Maybe that will be a goal to start with a Ultra Running event and move up to the Ultratriathlon after. Hmmm....Wheels are turning.

Anyways, If you have ever looked at a race and think its impossible, turn that around. The distance might intimidate you so start with sprints and work your way up. This way it wont feel so impossible to reach. I started 5 years ago just doing sprints. For 3 years I focused mainly on sprints, marathons, etc. I then went to the Olympic distance 2 years ago, 70.3 last year, then Iron-distance this year. For me, Breaking it up to obtainable goals for my own well being was what I wanted to do. Not that my way is right but I think its important to see what a race is going to feel at all levels of the triathlon world. I would never go from racing sprints to doing a Ironman the next year. My body isn't equipped like that. Not that it couldnt be done with consistency in training.

I always have a saying. I will make it to Kona by 80. Hey least it is a goal!! Will I obtain it before then? Im sure hoping!

I love in the book where Macca Says, "That first triathlon is terrifying and exhilarating, but you get through it. When you do, you feel incredible. The word hope becomes obsolete. You go from thinking I hope I can to this to I can do this. Damn, You're a Triathlete. You're one step closer to your goal"

Remember that first time you did a Triathlon? Remember all those butterflies? I still get them occasionally but nothing like that first time.

If you want to race Ironman distance, you have to make sacrifices. You are going to spend money. You are going to spend time away from your family. You are going to hurt.  You are going to have days when your plan isn't executed. But believe in your goals and all will shine through.

Some ways to reach your goals:

1. Work with a coach. I started working with one last year and made alot of improvements in the last year
2. Develop a Nutritional Strategy- This definately took a lot of time for me. Its being consistent and really giving thought to what you put in your body
3. Watch other swimmers, runners, bikers. See what they do.
4. Talk to other traithletes, read blogs of other triathletes and learn from them
5. Join a Triathlon club. Everything is better with a group!
6. Learn about your gear and get the best for your money.
7. Take a calendar out, write your "A" race down and start setting goals. Start putting down every race you would like to do or can do
8. Have fun while racing. Dont be a poor sport!!
9. Accept that you are going to be a nervous wreck, We all were/are!!
10. Never give up!!

Nutrition spot ON Equals lovely weekend of training!

I have had the most enjoyable weekend, just in time for my Disney Trip! It has boosted my spirits tremendously going into my full Iron distance race!

Believe me, I have had doubts in the back of my mind. Thoughts like..what the hell did I sign up for? why am I doing this? I must be crazy! I cannot do this! Today, I set my mind at ease. I know I can do this.

I had to re-examine why I chose to do an Ironman. I was asked the question yesterday by my friend as we were out riding the Syracuse 70.3 course. I chose to do it for all the hard times I have faced in the last 5 years, to show my daughter with perserverance anything is possibe, to believe in something, to have a goal, Im doing it for me. I really thought about this long and hard this weekend and it has put me back in the game!

I had an enjoyable ride with my new Friend GP, who with the time Flew by on the 70.3 course. This is a very hilly course with some steeper parts as much as 12% grade. I finished this ride in 3:04. I was so proud of this time as it has shown how much I have improved. I couldve managed under 3 probably if one of the roads was not full of new gravel and at a high down hill pace! We were braking alot! Next, I headed back around my house for the last 2 hours. there is a beautiful stretch that I just love to ride by my house. My nutrition was spot on as we ate/drank every 15 min. I had a total of 5 bottles of Perpetuem, 11 gels, 2 powerbars, 3 salt tabs. It worked. 90.5miles in 5 hours. Then off the bike for 20+min at a 9:30 pace! Ill take it! My legs felt great! I always get concerned when they do as I know I have to run long the next day and don't want to push it!

Today I joined up with our local Fleet Feet store who has FREE training runs every week at Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, NY with Water stops! I bring my own fuel of course because the water stops are less than I would like. I ended up doing more mileage today, and was pleased with the outcome! 12.5 miles on tired legs...but after a few miles in, I just focused on form and my breathing which got me to the end smiling!  It was hot, humid, then rainy. I was soaked! I took in a total of 48 oz of fluid, HEED, then 6 shot blocks. Perfect! I have been having trouble with my runs, feeling like I am to vomit, so I backed off on the Heed just a bit and it seemed to help today.

Im so happy this weekend went well. It solidified all the reasons I want to do B2B more than ever.

I am still up in the air about Syracuse 70.3. I am going to ponder over it while Im in Florida for 10 days!!!! Woo hoo!!!

Setting Goals, having a plan and reaching for it

As I sat down to Finally Delve into my LAVA magazine, I stumbled upon a great article. Well, a few actally. But this one stands out to me and I thought I'd Post.

The article starts out talking about a Amateur athlete, Meredith Kessler, who completed 17 Ironman races with respectable times in the 11 hour range. She did this over 7 years while working full time and maintaining a social calendar. (Dont ask me how she did this)

She was asked what she hoped to achieve in the sport and her answer was "to be good". The article went on to say this lacked a clearly defined vision or dream, something for her to latch onto and to use when her training got hard, fatigue set in, when things didn't seem to be going the right way.

Less than 3 years later she was Ironman Champion with a time of 9:13. They say it wasn't by accident it was by creating a concrete goal and developing a plan to reach it. She did this by training smarter. Not Longer.

Set your own goals with these 4 steps:

Establish your North Star- Your meaningful goal.It doesn't have to be a time goal. just a goal to serve as a constant reminder why you are putting in the hours of training. This will act as the stimulus on the days you are struggling. Believe me, I have used this already a few times. Be focused and remain Patient.

One of my goals this year is the Ironman. But I am also focusing on running smoother and acing my nutrition. 2 things that hinder my performance at times.

Assess your life and Training- Look back on how you have approached things up until now. You should look beyond sport and consider all the stressors including work, relationships, family , finances, etc. You need to have a plan that will work and also maintain a balance in every aspect of your life. Its going to take some sacrifice. I get up at 4-5AM to workout, I get in another workout at 8PM when my daugher goes to bed. I make it happen. Don't obsess though, you miss a workout you miss it. Move on. It will only drive you mental.

Create your plan- There are some components that are necessary for every training program; Progression and RECOVERY!!! Cycling should be a central focus as it is the longer of the 3 sports. It is impossible to improve in all 3 sports at the same time so focus on one at a time.

Follow your plan and maintain your training values- Follow it but be flexible at the same time and be willing to adjust when needed. The plan should be integrated into your life not piled on to stress you out.

So in ending, What is your long term plan?? Do you plan ahead and build your season with progression, recovery and consistency??

I love that my coach does this for me. I can call her, email, text whenever and tell her how Im feeling and we adjust accordingly. Don't be afraid to say you are fatigued. You know your body and what it can take.

Happy Training!!

Accomplishing my goals and dreams, without support

1 week until The BIG Day!! Today we were out at Jamesville beach where the Syracuse 70.3 will be held in just 7 days from now and boy was it a cold one!! We went out to the beach for our triathlon clubs annual Tri/kids tri and picnic.

It was a cold morning and the wind was fierce. I chickened out and didn't get into the water today. I let my daughter be in the spotlight and do the kids triathlon. She did great except for a couple meltdowns due to the water temp.

I have been thinking about the finish line and how Im going to be finishing smiling with my hands up in the air saying yes  I did it!! I also thought about who I want at the finish line seeing me come through, seeing me on this journey as a triathlete. Seeing all that I have accomplished and worked hard for for the last 18 weeks. I want my parents to be at that finish line. Seeing all the people who are athletic and have worked hard, whether they are short, tall, thin or thick...Its all about being in the moment and accomplishing so much.

Now my parents arent athletes at all. They never were. When I was in high school I played soccer, volleyball and softball and I think they may have made it to half a dozen of my games total in all my 4 years of high school. I would watch all the other parents cheering their kids on and wished so much that my parents were there when I had 9 kills in one of my volleyball games, or when I made a goal in soccer or when I scored a double or caught a fly ball in softball.

Its the same feeling now. I said to my parents a few weeks ago, why don't you come out and watch the HIM. I got what time, where, when, how long is it?? I don't think they will be coming out. Its sad but I know that it is about my accomplishments and it is something they are just not into. Even though this is important to me.

They were there for every graduation of mine from high school right up until I graduated from my masters program which was important to me, but I feel this is the same. You begin your journey not knowing a thing about triathlons, then little by little you gain the knowledge and endurance to perform at your best. Then you pass the test by racing your best...same huh??

So, I will be a little sad that my parents will not be at the finish line next Sunday but be grateful for everything they have been to. I will make a mental note to be at everything that is important to my daughter and more.

Here is a capture of our weekend..