Reality check and guidance request
OK I've been thinking of this post for a few days.....My question is: Am I being realistic in thinking I can finish a HIM this June? Why I am doubting myself and need a reality check...
I am newish to triathlon, four years of sprints, three half marathons and a few mud runs. I am 46 years old and overweight. I have been doing some sort of training these four years. The two times I was getting serious and was very committed to my training each of my parents had medical issues and died. I hired a coach to train for one of the half marathons so I could do it without walking and did accomplish that feat. (My "runs" are really just jogs.)
I honestly thought I could get the training in and this would be my year. Both my parents have died during the last four years, so no more emotional heartbreak like that in the near future (hopefully), that might uproot my training. I have a race bike, educated myself more on nutrition. My plan was to get in gear starting in November to be ready for intense training 20 weeks out. I picked a race close enough to try a few times prior to the actual race, that wasn't hilly; bought a trainer, started a Masters swim group. (I feel biking is my weakest as I'm nervous of road riding and love swimming and I'm ok at it and I can always walk if needed.)
Then reality hit....my family was totally unsupportive initially; now they are a little better, but not much. So I "gave up" trying to fight the family/holidays in December. Had another family/husband talk in January and got their "support." I joined TE and committed to doing whatever was assigned to the best of my physical ability.
Got my test done and then we were hit with the flu big time. That put me out for about two weeks; though I did do some workouts to the best of my ability. Got back on track for the most part, but the weather here hasn't made getting in my runs totally possible, but no worries. Now I am hit with a stomach bug which is not ok, not eating just trying to stay hydrated. I've missed all of my workouts this week.
The reality of my life is that I have more negative forces surrounding me then positive. I feel like I'm constantly defending my decision to attempt this race. I'm not in any illusion it was or is going to be easy for me, but now I'm really doubting that this is the "right time" for this race. If I get past this stomach bug in the next day or so, I've already lost another week.
Can I realistically get in enough training to finish the Eagleman on June 8th? I planned on being in good enough shape to finish on my feet, knowing I would do some walking on the "run."
Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Comments
Carla, Reality and expectations are never the same. The reality is you have more than enough time to train for a June 8th HIM. Everyone who is not a pro has training time issues. Training will require sacrifice and most of the time that sacrifice will by yours. Start your plan and stick with it. Contact the coaches and ask for a realistic plan based on your physical condition and your available weekly training time. I think you will be very surprised at the quality and amount of training you can get done in small time spots each day. You will need to plan on some longer sessions in late April and May. Planning is vital. Good luck. Your commitment to this kind of goal will reap great benefits for your health long term.
Hi Carla! I completely second what Edwin said. You will be able to accomplish your goal just keep positive (even when the times get tough). I recently had to have a surgery that put me behind as well, and everyday I made a promise to myself to do my best to keep positive. Here is a picture I printed to help me out! I have many more too Keep posting and getting support from the team..it helps!
Hi Carla,
I'm new to EN and was struck by the similarities between us. I'm 49 and started doing events ~4years ago. I did my first HIM last year in July. I did a half marathon in the Jan before and was in agony the last 5 miles because I was not ready. Similar to you - no time to train over the holidays. Also, not a lot of family support and alot of family commitments. I had already registered for the HIM and didn't want to give that up. So, I trained for a second much more challenging half marathon starting in Feb. A friend dragged me up the biggest hill on the race course twice a week and I did some runs on the weekends. I finished that one in April feeling great in a good time for me. To compromise with family, I try to do my HIM training early morning and set aside special time with them too. I was so nervous about the race and had to fight the voice in my head telling me I could not do it. I trained for the HIM on my own and went into race very weak on the bike. I sat in T2 and ate and drank and told myself that my legs (which I could not feel) would loosen up and I just needed to get moving. I did fine on the run/walk and finished within the time cut-off. Long way of saying you can totally do this. Really, I am not a gifted athlete by any stretch of the imagination. The other people doing the race were so nice and after speaking with a few of them that were also doing their first HIM, we realized that we were all nervous. I signed up for EN because the training seems very focused and time efficient. I've also reached a compromise with the family - this is my thing and they don't have to travel with me. My husband also realizes now that it makes me happy and everyone has accepted that this is part of who I am now. You will feel so amazing when you finish your race! Just take your training (and raceday) one step at a time.
I am awake at 5:00 am with a loud, gurgally stomach, but looking forward to doing something soon.
Thanks again for the support....
Carla
http://members.endurancenation.us/Forums/tabid/57/aft/6878/Default.aspx
You don't mention what training you've done so far or plan on doing but I'm assuming you submitted a season plan to Coach Rich? If not, def. do that.
I just started reading a book about the mental aspects of training and positive self-talk is so important. When you start to have doubts, just say "I CAN do this", because you can. Not everyone has the commitment to even attempt something like this, but YOU do. Just take it one WKO at a time and you will cross that finish line in June. I know its hard without a good support system but hopefully then will come around when they see what it means to you and they won't be able to help but be inspired at the race and seeing you finish!
Good luck!
Also, if you haven't already done so, join the EN forum for Eagelman, or one of the HIM training groups for added support and accountability.
All -
I am so glad I checked in on this topic. Your responses to Carla have got my head back in the game. I am also a newbie with only a couple of sprints, a mile swim and a half marathon. I am only pushing it to an oly in June, but was having doubts about that because of all the hills. All the great comments reminded me that keeping a positive attitude is the biggest part of training. Thinking back, it was all the positive thoughts and support that really carried me out of the water in my swim and over the finish line in my half marathon. Before each race, I promised myself that I would have fun, enjoy the day and smile as often as possible. As far as family support, I have found that my spouse is much more supportive when I am positive about my workouts and races.
And if the course is hilly, train on hills! I made that mistake the first year (or two, or 3) but it def. helps!
Carla - thank you so much for posting and sharing your thoughts. You might have been looking for guidance, but you provided some at the same time!
Kim thanks for sharing your RR. I love reading them and reading someone's first HIM was very helpful. I'm hoping more folks check into the Eagleman thread, but it is still early.
My stomach is still a mess, but my mental attitude is so much better!
Thanks again everyone for all the words of wisdom....
In the past, i have raised money for Team Fight and this year I'm raising money for Running for Rescues.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/kimmydct/rev3quassyhalfirontriathlon
No way-I've been part of Team Fight since my first tri. I'll be doing it again this year. Were your from around the MD area? Just curious how you got hooked up with TF being in Conn.
If your plan has you scheduled for 4 bikes, 3 runs and 3 swims and there is no way that you can hit those on a regular basis, it stands to reason that you are going to feel like you are failing when you are not completing those workouts, which is going to lead to doubt, but if your schedule can support 2 bikes, 2 runs and 1 swim, then you will be successful each week, because you have the time to start and finish those workout. I am a firm believer of consistency. I think it breeds success.
Remember also that the key to the workouts are hitting the Main Sets. Today for example. I had a 1hour run on the schedule with 2x1mile repeats. I had plans with a girlfriend for her birthday to go to yoga. I wanted to work with her schedule because it was her bday present, which meant that I had to cut my run short. I did a warm-up and the intervals and called it a day. That 60 minute run turned into a 40minute. I still got the workout in = success.
Having said that, you will have to go longer when the warmer weather comes around, but hopefully your family will have seen the positive affect the training has had on you as a person and their opinion might change.
When I work with new clients (I am a personal trainer) and they are having problems getting their workouts in I get them to create a obstacles and strategies chart. They put their obstacles in one column and three strategies in the other column (always good to have one then on strategy in case the first one does not work). Maybe this would work for you. List your obstacles and see if you can put some strategies to work with those obstacles. Example below:
Cancelling training session because babysitter cancels at last minute
1. find back up babysitters and rotate to keep interest
2. ask parents to babysit one day a week
3. arrange exchange of babysitting services with friends
I am lucky. I have a spouse that races IM's, my son is 25 years old and I work from home with a flexible schedule, so my obstacles are few, but when I started racing 14 years ago. I was working full time, my son was 11 years old and my husband was in the military leaving me for weeks on end with being a single parent, so I am familiar with obstacles. Some of things that worked for me.
1. getting up early to get the workout in (does not work if you are not an early morning person)
2. shortening the workout up - cutting out the cooldown and stretching in the shower
3. doing my workout while dinner was in the oven
4. working out when kids are working out. If kid is at soccer, run around the track, or bring your trainer and put your bike on it and ride while you watch the game. If kids are swimming, see if there is an open lane that you can swim in etc...
5. get workout in while kids are watching their favorite show on TV or while they are playing their favorite video game.
6. use commute as part of workout. My husband is a genious at this. Lets say there is a run on the schedule and a swim. The run is suppose to be 6 miles long. He will run 3 miles to the pool, do the pool workout and run home. He will do his intervals in the first 3 miles or the last 3 miles depending on how he feels, of he will ride his bike to and from work. He takes the ride to work easy, works all day and then rides the bike home as the warm-up to his bike. He switches bikes and gets the key part of the workout done in 40-45minutes.
7. can't get away from the house but it is a nice day outside. Put the trainer on a deck or in the back yard and get on it and ride away. The kids can play in the back yard and you can ride your bike.
I hope that this helps you out.
Also, like Brenda said, if crunched for time, stick tot the main set. I have typically been a main set only kind of girl with very minimal warmup and cool down and survived the races so that's an option too.
Brenda thanks for the pep talk and great hints. I have guess I need to tweak my Micro thread with Patrick. I am definitely focusing on the MS, but consistently missed one workout a week and have a day I could make it up, but am glad for the rest day. I need to see what is best for me.
Day 5 of this stomach bug, but yogurt has really helped. I feel almost normal and hoping I get a full nights sleep. Glad for the day off work tomorrow. I may even try a bit of time on the trainer.
Brenda I've talked to Coach P and have a plan. A foot injury on Monday hasn't helped matters, but my mental attitude and resolve are much improved. A plan is set and now I'm ready for execution. Swimming at 6 AM tomorrow....
Carla
Hi Carla,
You've already got a ton of great advice but I thought I'd chime in with my $0.02. I went through what you are going through last year as I prepared for my first 70.3 at Boise (also a June race). I had the air-quote "supportive" family, and a limited triathlon background, an achilles tendon injury, and weight issues (see my signature block for my weight loss journey update). The good news is: YOU CAN DO THIS. You have plenty of time to get fit enough to finish a HIM.
Just remember to focus on the race day execution as laid out in Da Haus. If you learn and absorb the execution mojo, you'll have a huge advantage over most first-timers. I came to EN as a result of mistakes I made at that Boise race (7:01, the run took longer than the bike which is not advised)...reading their execution tips convinced me that these guys knew stuff I needed to know.
Good luck!
Thanks Rich-Knowing I am not the first to deal with some of this stuff and that others have gone on and were successful is amazingly helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Carla
Great news! I am amazing myself
I've rocked out my WKO's this week, so far. What I'm so happy about is how amazing I feel. I've been been really good about not overdoing, but pushing and being uncomfortable when I think I'm supposed to.
A long run, 60 min at race pace, 20 a bit more intense and the last 10 even harder OR walk/run. I was able to go harder!!! Granted it was a slight decline, BUT it was still zone 4. Plus I did a swim WKO. I went in thinking I'll take it easy if needed, but was able to do what the workout called for.
thanks everyone for the encouragement, so far, so good......
Carla
Today I was just doing my zone. The most amazing part for me was that I actually had energy to keep jogging for most of my time left (I was scheduled for 4' recovery which I did do a lot of walking).
Thanks again for everyone letting me know that I still can do this and I must say I was giving myself positive messages which is also a newer habit.
I remember my first sub-10 mile too. Then I hurt my achilles and had to do it all over again. Congratulations!! You'll only get faster
Thanks! I'm still not in this for speed, but it sure was a very pleasant surprise and one I did not expect
Great job