I went out last night with my friend for wings. We chit chat and caught up on what we have done over the summer. There was a moment of quietness and I told her I signed up for Ironman next year and I am afriad.
What am I afraid of? The fact that I might not finish the race? The agony of getting up at 5 am and hit the pool? The stress of dealing with life and training while the sky is falling down? The pain that I have to deal with?
Compare to all my races, Ironman is whole new animal. Those races, I am confident that I can finish them while holding something back. In Ironman, there is no holding back. You can't. The distance is too great. You have to dig deep. That's a given.
How can you hold back after 10+ hours of aerobic activities? With my base right now, I am confident I can handle 8 hours. 10 hours is just stretching it. Anything beyond is unknown. Next year, I will be entering the unknown.
Of all my worries and doubt, they lead to one question. Can I dig deep? Do I have the discipline to hold back on the swim, bike and first half of the run? Do I have to the will to keep at it when every part of my body aches and want to quit?
There is only one way to find out.
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On a positive note, I was at the pool two days ago and notice my stroke count went down. Now I am doing 19 strokes per 25 m. I think I can get it down to 18 if I swim faster from the beginning.
Here is a pic of me and Darren right before the 1/2 Peterborough Ironman this summer. Now that's a confident thumb up and a nervous smile.
12 comments:
You did a half! You will be just fine, because you are well on your way. I trust you signed up for Wisconsin-so you will have a ton of support in the training- you can do this thing.
Hey, you've got the base for it. And now you've got a whole year to train smart and be ready on race day.
No need for fear. Just pay your dues and respect the distance.
I look forward to reading about your training!
Ummm I'm pretty sure you smoked all of your races this past summer, so I have no doubt that you can train and smoke that Ironman course too...it's really not as bad as everyone thinks. Just do the training and you'll finish!!
Hey Cliff,
Been a lurker/reader on your blog for a little while. Just wanted to wish you best of luck on your journey to Ironman. That's awesome.
I think you're gonna OWN this thing! Best wishes in your training.
Cliff- you have had a great season this year. Nothing wrong with fear...it is a great motivator! We've all been there in one way or another...you'll do great.
Is it possible I have more confidence in you than you do?
You're going to do great Cliff.
If you couldn't dig deep enough, you would have given up by now. You'll rock for sure.
boo yea baby!!!!! Ironman here you come! I may have to take a little trip and watch you finish. Which one you sign up for?
There is no doubt in my mind that you'll do great at the IM distance. You've had a great introduction into "long course" this year with some impressive half times. I'm sure the full IM will treat you with just as much success!
You will encounter a lot of fear in your Ironman training. It's all good. That fear is what makes you prepare yourself for race day.
I am doing my first Ironman next year, and there is always a feeling of fear when I think about the commitment.
It will all be worth it in the end.
Jeez that guy you with sure is ugly. :)
I am so excited for you - there is no doubt in my mind that you will smoke the course...you have become a machine!!
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