Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Finding motivation at IM 70.3 Cuse

I'll be the first to say that training can be hard. 
We put in long hours, hard workouts, push ourselves to exhaustion--
because we love it. 
Don't get me wrong: I don't love not being able to get out of bed in the morning, having to take ibuprofen and wear compression gear like a job...but I do love the thought of pushing myself to that point.

This past weekend, I was struggling with frustration and emotions. 
I had to keep reminding myself why I am tri-ing
Not every workout is going to be great, 
and your motivation will fluctuate...that is life.

Training for Musselman 70.3 has been no exception.
There are days I love it, and days I struggle.
But either way, I still keep the goal in mind and keep pushing forward.
There are days I doubted my ability to even complete my first triathlon, but I did it.
There are days I doubt my ability to complete 70.3 in a few weeks.
But then there are days it just clicks.
The workouts come together, slowly but surely my confidence has been growing. 
Do I think I will podium? Not a flipping chance & I am A-OK with that!
Do I think I can make my time goal? Possibly.
Do I think I can finish? You bet your ass. 

This past weekend I went and cheered at Ironman 70.3 Syracuse.
It required a super early wake-up and a semi-long drive but it was worth it.
My friend Katie came from California to compete, as well as some local friends that were doing it. 
These are all people who have done nothing but support me, encourage me and being there for them was the least I could do.

The weather was brutal; ungodly heat, blazing sun with little to no shade, and it's already a hard course to begin with.
Early morning, before the parking was completely full

Transition
 I got oddly excited seeing transition....only a few more weeks until Musselman when I'll be in there getting all of my stuff set up.
Walking down to the swim start
 After the swim, we watched everyone get on their bikes and then Deb and I ran around for an hour. She wanted miles in and I needed time on my feet so it was a nice slow hour of running in the sun. Just having great company to talk to while doing some easy miles was much needed.
After Deb and I's run we went in the water with our running clothes on to try and cool off. My Saucony Run Lux II Shorts were dry super quick after getting out. Light material and hot day helped with that.
Deb's hubby Tom going through transition
Katie about to Dismount
 Being at the dismount line for T2 was extremely helpful. First of all we got to see everyone and cheer our hearts out. Secondly I learned A LOT. Just watching what worked and what didn't (lots of stumbles and falls) was huge. Transitions are going to be important for me to make up the time I am going to lose on the swim. 

How can you NOT cheer for this girl. She was hot and tired, and knew she was going to be slower than her goal but was still smiling. This was her second 70.3 representing QT2 Systems and she did amazing. Katie has always been motivating and inspirational to me, she is an incredible friend and athlete.
Baking in the sun waiting for everyone to come through... glad I wore my Saucony's to kick around in all day!
I owe Katie a ton right now.
Being there for her was easy, and one of the best things I have done in a while.
It was a reminder to me that Musselman is going to be hard, it's going to hurt and I can't control it. I can't control the weather or whatever may happen but I can control how I react to it. Learning to adjust and adapt is huge, and that might mean changing my goal for the race depending on how things play out. 


Just like that weekend I spent at races (but not racing), this was much needed.
Being around friends and athletes, watching every little detail trying to learn things I don't know, and just soaking everything in was huge.

Everyone has seen this...


Well I'm going to add a few things..

If you're looking for...
Motivation
Faith
Inspiration
Helpful tips
A fun day
Great company
Wonderful atmosphere
A boost to get you through training
Something to snap you out of a bad mood
A reason to try harder...

Go watch a marathon, or a half-iron....or hell...even a 5k.

So with less than 3 weeks to go now, I am feeling good.
My workouts have been decent-sticking to the plan.
I've been getting more comfortable in the water (not faster).
I'm really working on fine-tuning my cycling.
And well..running is running. My love.
I am mentally preparing myself, because I don't plan on throwing any temper tantrums during the race...if it isn't my day then fine but I'm going to finish anyways.

Tell me something that has motivated you lately?




14 comments:

  1. Something that has motivated me lately.... YOU!!! And several other blogger friends. I don't like to admit I am struggling with the injury but reading awesome blog posts and writing a few and getting support and encouragement is awesome.

    Wish I lived close enough to come cheer you on at your race!

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    1. You are too sweet! It's hard when you are injured and struggling, but know you will get through it and be stronger! I'm rooting for you!

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  2. You are going to do soooo great Laura! I agree that watching other athletes compete is so motivating! Glad you learned some things too! :-)

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  3. Hey Laura!

    I know I do a lot of lurking, but I just wanted to say that I've found you as a big motivation lately. You're taking on your challenges head on. Training with heart and calm resolve to do your best. Gathering all the information and motivation you can from those around you. And charging forward like you have nothing to lose. I'm definitely a fan of the positive energy you're putting out there.

    I'm glad that you learned a lot and gained a tonne of gung-ho-dive-in-headfirst spirit this weekend. Not only because you've paid it forward, but also because it will do you SO much good.

    Can't wait to see what these next few weeks have in store for you!! I have no doubt that it will be great.

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    1. Thanks Chelsie! Dive in head first has always kinda been my thing..not looking before leaping LOL. It's going to be an interesting last few weeks before the race, but having great support helps!

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  4. i agree that it is seriously SO inspiring to watch others accomoplish goals that you have in mind. that is how I decided to run a half marathon afterall! I love watching/volunteering at races..people trying their hearts out makes you feel like you can do it no problem.

    During my traning cycles I tend to have moments like, why am I doing this? every part of my body hurts...this isn't fun, and then something happens so that it clicks that I know why I am..because it's the challenge and the fight and i'm so glad you are seeing that and are READY to accomplish your goal! :-D

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    Replies
    1. Ups and downs are inevitable with training, and life...if only we could control when they happen LOL.

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  5. Yes YOU are seriously inspiring, as well as other people I've found on dailymile and including the 'featured' daily mile person on their blog.
    I've never watched a triathlon I wasn't in, I think it would drive me nuts! Good for you for bringing your running shoes :)

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    1. Awe, thanks! call me inspiring when you are the fabulous working mom of twins training....like seriously...superwoman!

      Watching the tri was hard because I love competing but it was really helpful watching at the same time.

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  6. I didn't even know this was in Syracuse. For some reason, I had thought you were going towards Buffalo. I can only imagine how amazing it felt and how much useful information you probably picked up just watching. I'm really excited to see your 70.3 debut honestly.

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  7. Watching my teammates compete this past weekend! I was so proud and inspired by all of them!

    And, just so you know...you are super motivating my friend!

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    Replies
    1. It's great watching friends and loved ones, I get just as emotional watching them as I do when I compete! So nice of you to go watch your team mates!

      And you are crazy motivating with all of your healthy eating (I try your recipes all the time!) and your training for figure competitions, seriously something I don't think I could ever do!

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  8. So smart to go watch and cheer at a 70.3 before tackling one yourself! I know you're going to do great in the race. Knowing that July 1, my official marathon training start date, has really motivated me lately. I get super psyched at the beginning of a training plan.

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    Replies
    1. Having an official start date is awesome, having a goal in mind and knowing what you are working for! I get crazy pumped at the beginning of training plans!

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