I'll be ready...

Seven weeks.  That’s how long I have to get ready for my next “big” (read:  meaningful) race.  I generally take more time to prepare.  As I’m typing, I find the fact that I’ve chosen the word “prepare” over “train” interesting; perhaps telling how far I feel from the sport of triathlon.  Although I’m heading back in that direction physically, and my mind is on board…it’s almost like the two can’t quite get it together. 

As I’ve said before, 2009 was a tough year physically for me, and I’ve come to realize just how much that played games with the emotional “me”.  I’ve spent the last six months heading back to the proverbial tracks, and now this train is going to jump back on and get headed back “home”.  I’m ready for an attitude adjustment. I don’t want to be afraid of pain returning, just cognizant of how I go about the task at hand.  On the other hand, while I continue to be thankful for how far I’ve come, I need to stop thinking of pain and move forward to…great things.

I look at my weekly workouts with Sir Speedy McSpeedster (aka Mark).  If he has me running treadmill sprints on too steep of an incline, my nerve gets all jacked up. If we find the correct tempo:incline balance, my limiting factor is my lack of strength.  One leaves me non-functional and afraid to run and the other leaves me  face down in a pool of sweat and snot in the astroturf.  Guess which one I prefer.

I’ve got seven weeks to get ready for a triathlon I haven’t done in a long time, the Nautica New York City Triathlon.  It’s hillier than this Floridian is ready for.  My eating is a little out of whack.  My training partners have moved on.  I’m feeling a little alone…sports-wise, that is.  And as it is, that leaves me a little out of balance.

So, for the first time ever, I’m throwing out a little cry for help.  I’m posting my intentions, I’ll tell you how it’s going, and I shall be a little more accountable.  To “you”. 

I’m willing this to work.  I’m willing to give it a chance.  Willing to tri.

Learn to adjust yourself to the conditions you have to endure, but make a point of trying to alter or correct conditions so that they are most favorable to you.  (William Frederick Book)