Wordless Wednesday

Half Iron Finisher - Got the Medal to Prove It

T-minus 2 Days

Goals, dreams and THANK YOU's.

2008 Try-a-Tri

When I started back to running in 2001 my first 5k race was held in conjunction with the Somersault triathlon series, I got to watch swimmer's warm up in the St. Lawrence, I saw people in spandex and helmet's and I saw people staggering towards the finish line.  I even volunteered the following year at a water station on the bike course.  Who knew I'd get so interested in Triathlon's but my interest was truly piqued when a good friend of mine decided to become Iron.  Although I was no where near ready, I tried to keep up with them during their training in 2009.  Even though the running part wasn't too bad, I was NO where near ready to keep up with the Cervelo while I was on my old Norco bike "Ruby", needless to say I was dropped like a bad smell.  Nonetheless, I continued buddying along for the runs until I blew out my knee while trying to do "too much too soon".  I suppose it was all part of the "lessons learned" venue of multi sports but I was privy to playing sherpa at Lake Placid and I LOVED cheering everyone on and was in awe of the ages, shapes and determination!

2011 Olympic Tri

Fast forward to 2011, yes 10 years later I'm still in awe of Triathlons.  When I decided that 2011 was going to be my year to "Tri", I hung motivational sayings on my mirrors, I hung the Banner for The Canadian on my fridge.  Even though it is not under the "Ironman" label, it is still a qualified Half Iron Distance of 113K.

 I've listened intently to my "Iron" friends, both real and virtual.  It has been an Incredible Journey...

My emotions the past few weeks have been a total can of worms (hence my lack of blogging) ... from exhilaration while training, to fatigue and doubt and TOTAL anxiety this past week including "what was I thinking?".  Well, with two days left all I can do is go out and do it.  

I'm not a pro, I'm not young, I'm not going to be fast.  

However, putting all those negatives aside, I'm going to do the best I can do, I'm going to live in the moment and enjoy every second of the experience and I'm going to be thinking of ALL of you who have helped me, encouraged me, guided me, told me I can do this and EVERY ONE of you will be with me on my journey to Half Iron...

THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!!

and mostly I'll be thinking of this.....

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

Normally...

...this would be Wordless Wednesday, but currently nothing in my life is normal nor wordless.

17 days and counting!  The Canadian Half Iron 113K.  I've linked this to the interactive map of the event(s).

I must admit I'm a tad nervous, which is extremely odd for me.  I haven't been nervous about an event since I gave up competitive equestrian show jumping and at that time I was rightfully nervous as my living, lifestyle and my income depended upon my results.  Now, I do not and will not compete against anyone other than myself, so I find all this training for the up-coming event fascinating that I feel the old instincts raising their head.

Currently, I am not following a specific "training plan" other than what I find "doable" for me at this stage of my life.  At 58 years old I'm not going to go out and bust my butt with some hardcore plan, however, should I find that I really like doing this distance I will find a trainer to work with and get a little more serious in the future.  Right now, I'm trying to stay in one piece and injury free, so far ~ so good.

Don't get me wrong, I am serious about this event, it is not a distance to toy with nor show any disrespect. I quit drinking alcohol in January, I've shed close to twenty pounds and started training with diligence in February ~ swimming, March ~ cycling and April ~ running.

 I know I will do it, it might not be pretty, but it will be done!!

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily