Carla, I stumbled onto your thread so I apologize for being late to the conversation. Last year at 55, overweight and slow I completed my first HIM after doing my first sprint at 50. I had never run longer than 7.2 miles (Falmouth Road Race annually). Three weeks into my training, my husband was diagnosed with cancer, underwent surgery and radiation then recurred with in curable disease nine weeks later. I work full time with a 55 minute commute each way and often work nights and weekends. The number of times that I thought about quitting and eating a pizza...well they are too numerous to count. Our three daughters kept pushing me to continue...when they didn't need mom to support them through this awful time. The training schedule on the right side of the EN site was a lifeline in a day of chaos...a bit of control over a situation that I had no control over. When I finished, as you will, it was amazing...for all of us. The time was so secondary to the journey. So many of us here at EN are in this for the journey...although getting faster is fun, thinner...not so much! This year I will train for sprints and one OLY because after all of this my husband is still alive, thanks to a new drug and a clinical trial. Who knows how long he has but I am happy to trade hours on the bike to hours with him. I can always do another HIM or an IM when I am 60. Good luck and congrats on what you have accomplished so far. Look forward to following your successes. Terry
Terry, thanks so much for sharing! Back when I wrote that I was pretty sick and very doubtful of what I may be able to accomplish. The support and words of encouragement from other EN members, including you have really changed my attitude and how I feel about myself. Being healthy again has helped since I am in my second week of WKO's without illness or injury.
Your experience and sharing it is so appreciated and helpful. So glad your husband is with you and you are spending time with him and your family. I am still trying to get my family on board, they are slowly moving in a more positive direction, but I can't say that they encourage me, but they at least are not discouraging me!
Do you have a race report from your first HIM? How long did it take you and which one did you do if you don't mind me asking.
I never did a race report. As a new member I was fairly intimidated by the amazing results of others. I did Timberman and finished in 6:26. It was a terrific experience. Great course, support staff and fans. Fortunately, the weather was perfect.
Freaking out a little, but trying to keep it in check also. I just saw the swim wave starts for this year's race and basically I will most likely be one of the last athletes coming in. This is a bit discouraging, but finishing is finishing and that is what I plan on doing. I am more concerned that I will starting so late, that the heat will just be that much worse. I've been working on my nutrition, but it isn't close to perfect yet. Coach P gave me some ideas that I need to try out this week.
There are only three waves behind me, all women 25-34 and males 25-29. I'm just guessing, but I think they will all pass me at some point. UGH!
I think I will make a hugh effort to get on the bike course this weekend even if it scares me. We'll see.....
Comments
Terry, thanks so much for sharing! Back when I wrote that I was pretty sick and very doubtful of what I may be able to accomplish. The support and words of encouragement from other EN members, including you have really changed my attitude and how I feel about myself. Being healthy again has helped since I am in my second week of WKO's without illness or injury.
Your experience and sharing it is so appreciated and helpful. So glad your husband is with you and you are spending time with him and your family. I am still trying to get my family on board, they are slowly moving in a more positive direction, but I can't say that they encourage me, but they at least are not discouraging me!
Do you have a race report from your first HIM? How long did it take you and which one did you do if you don't mind me asking.
Carla
There are only three waves behind me, all women 25-34 and males 25-29. I'm just guessing, but I think they will all pass me at some point. UGH!
I think I will make a hugh effort to get on the bike course this weekend even if it scares me. We'll see.....
Carla