Before you know it – BAM! I sign up for these events while I’m still “high” from a previous one. All the endorphins are swimming around in my brain…I feel like a cartoon version of Wonder Woman…I’m powerful…invincible…….I truly believe Ironman’s slogan that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
I’m drunk & high on endorphins. It’s a really awesome place to be!…
…and then some time goes by. And I start wondering…WTH was I thinking!? This {insert whatever event is next that I signed up for when I was in my endorphin hangover} was a really bad idea. Reeeeeeeeally…bad idea.
Then some time goes by & I realize it wasn’t the worst idea ever. I get focused on my plan and move forward. And then inevitably some “life” thing happens & gets in the way. Whatever it is, it becomes a barrier to my progress. It takes my focus away and my enthusiasm for my progress starts to fade a bit. But then, like the circle of life, I see the date in the distance and I slap myself out of it and restart my laser focused plan again. And that’s where I am right now – restarting my focus for the next 53 days so that I can complete my first Olympic distance triathlon.
So here I am below in a progressive slideshow. This was yesterday when I had the small epiphany and realized that I was behind & needed a kick start. It’s the progression of finishing a brick (20 mi bike, 2 mile run) and wanting to kick myself for allowing life to get in the way of my goals. For a minute, a small minute, I heard that nearly audible voice in my head that said – just drop back to the sprint distance! NO. That’s not an option. I don’t need a way out. That’s too easy. A good analogy is with parenting – if you always make the easy option your kids are probably going to be assholes. Really. Because anything that is important usually involves the harder, more complicated, more long-term choice – not giving in to the kid who wants candy at the counter. That’s way too easy. Now I’m back on track and I absolutely WILL finish that oly.
CHANDRA GREEN 