Friday 12 August 2011

113km or 70.3 Half Ironman distance...

...either way it is a long haul!

Most people start all this nonsense when they are much younger, but I have to say, that after totally trashing a full decade with over indulgence I'm now a full decade into health and fitness.

I started back running just over10 years ago.  I was Very over weight, just out of an unhappy relationship and struggling on a single income and owning my first house.  Not too much stress there!  Needless to say it has been a long haul, but one that needed to be done and I've learned so many lessons about who I am and what I needed to learn about "owning" a positive life.  Every day has been an adventure and for that I am and will be forever grateful.  Having positive people in your life is so very important, and although I'm still single, still working (and will be until I'm freedom 90, due to front loading my life with way too much fun), still struggling with some major family issues, my life is the best it has been in a very long time.

A few years ago I tried my first Try-A-Tri and fell in love with the multi-sport.  However, due to financial constraints I had to learn patience to be able obtain a suitable bike, I had to learn patience while recovering from a ruptured meniscus.  I have had to learn patience for so many of life's experiences she is throwing my way lately.  As I mentioned, I have had to learn a lot of things that most people learn at a younger age.  Trust me when I say that when I wake up every morning I say a Great BIG Thank You to the Man above and to the Universe for giving me this opportunity to learn...

This year I decided to:

So I started training....

Early spring put me out on the road cycling getting ready for the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour...then running getting ready for my season of tri's.

Swimming started in February in anticipation of the 3k Open Water Swim, Bring on the Bay.


Bring on the Bay
June saw the first Sprint Triathlon in Smiths Falls...

Age Group - Silver
On to July with the Olympic distance.

OLY Finish - Age Group Silver
Which brings us to four weeks until the Canadian Half Ironman Distance on September 3rd.  Am I ready for it?  Who knows, do you ever feel ready for such a big event???

Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily

19 comments:

cdnhollywood said...

You're ready for it! Just have fun, and follow your plan. And if you ever need inspiration, look at the folks doing the Iron 226 while you're out there. It helps.

Keep tabs on nutrition and hydration - there's very little shade on that course, and the sun heats you up quick.

Might see you out there - my 7yr old daughter will be doing her first Surf'n'Turf that day.

Unknown said...

you are such an inspiration.

you go, girl! tackle that distance and make it yours!!!

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

Dittos on the nutrition. Be sure you take in 300 calories per hour and keep electrolytes in balance.

Have fun with it!!

Keith said...

Stay focussed on the bit in front you, and stay within whatever pace you know you can maintain, and you will be astonished how fast it will be over. Looking forward to hearing snout your day.

Marlene said...

You have had such a great come back this year, Laurel! Sooo happy to see you thriving! 70.3 has nothin' on you!!!

Carolina John said...

4 weeks is plenty of time to get your confidence up! a 70.3 is perfectly do-able. Trust your training and your strength and you'll be fine.

TNTcoach Ken said...

Put a hit on that woman that keeps taking the Gold! Woman, you are so ready for this and yes, we've all had to learn that patience thang!

Casey said...

Whoot! You are going to rock it!!

teacherwoman said...

Oh girl! You are definitely ready!

C said...

You are going to own it! You are such an inspiration, L. You're truly amazing. The 70.3 is just gravy. :)

Rís said...

Brilliant piece - well done. I reckon you've learnt what most people never learn! God bless you and keep it up! Remember, at 90 you'll still have 20 years to enjoy your retirement!

Groover said...

You look great, Laurel! Congrats to double-silver and I keep my fingers crossed for the Half! You can do it and you know you can, too!

As for front-loading life with fun... I think you just inspired me to do more of it! LOL

Like good mate Mark Twain said:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do!

Alexandra said...

WOW Laurel! I love reading posts like this that are so motivational and inspirational! Your strength and determination will take you far in life including completing that Half Ironman! YOU ROCK BIG TIME!

Nat said...

Can I be you when I grow up? LOL...

You amaze me... specially when I think back on the injuries and the pain and all that...

Hugs. The Half Iron is yours darling!

Marci said...

So excited for you, and I know you are training hard for this, you will do amazing!!

Anne said...

I envy you a little because you still have a lot of mileage left in those legs. There are some true advantages to starting up sports later in life, and I hope you continue to experience them all. Good luck on Sept. 3!!

Wes said...

oh, you're ready. the most important thing is to properly gauge your fitness on race day so you kno how hard to go!

Well done. You are an inspiration to so many.

Gotta Run..... said...

YOU ARE READY!!! Your smile says it all :))))

Relentless Forward Motion!

Fruit Fly said...

So very cool .... congratulations!