On Being Fast...

I wrote this in response to a thread on Tri-Newbies On-line. It had a good response, so I thought that I would put it on the gordo-net.

To My TNO Pals....

First off, speed doesn't matter, but like a lot of things in life, it is tough to see until you get there. Ask anyone who you think is "fast" what they think about themselves. You will learn a lot about them by their answer.

Now a short story,

Six years ago when I started training, I couldn't run more than 5K and that killed me.

I weighed 195 lbs, no idea on my body fat percentage but it was high. My 36" Levis were tight and I had some serious Molson Muscle around my mid-section. I had a fantastic girlfriend, a great job and outstanding mates. However, something was missing.

One day I just got sick of certain aspects of my lifestyle (alcohol, diet, exercise) and decided to make a change.

I started by walking, then hiking, then trekking. As my fitness improved, my world expanded. I could head out on longer trips. I climbed a few mountains, volcanoes and then started mountaineering. This ultimately led me to some really wild places.

I started running to build core endurance for my mountaineering. Man was it tough. I ran and when I couldn't I walked. Gradually, the walking periods shortened and I was able to run for pretty long periods.

I had some set backs, a race DNF, a sprained ankle, sore knees... but something kept me coming back.

I researched training methods and got a little more serious.

Then I got a LOT more serious.

Then one day, I was "fast". The strange thing that I have noticed is that our expectations change as we get more fit. If you run 12 minute miles and wish you could run 10, then I assure you that when you run eight-minute miles you will be looking at 6.5. At least this is what has happened for me and my mates.

However, whether I am fast or slow, I always try to:

• Maintain a positive self image. Even if you are the slowest (at the race, in the pool, on the road), at least you are out there giving it a go. Remember this and give yourself a pat on the back for trying. I remember one IMH video when Mark Allen's Dad misses the swim cut off. They ask Mark about it and he says, "well he was out there trying, and for that I am really proud of him." When I first saw that I thought, Jesus, what was he thinking. But Mark has it exactly right. In a world where lots of folks never even bother to give it a go, we should all acknowledge those who have the courage to start.
• Maintain consistency. Consistent training will reap rewards. Nobody gets proficient overnight, and there are no shortcuts. By consistently working on your weaknesses, you will reap rewards. Sometimes they come quickly, and other times they come slowly. TNO is living proof of this concept.
• Focus on the positives. Some days, I feel fat, slow, tired, whatever. On these days, I like to remind myself of something positive that has happened. It can be anything, so long as it is positive. By doing this I can quite often change my frame of mind, and then I am back on an "up".
• Have a clear plan. I am a planning freak. By writing down my intentions, I find it easier to achieve my goals. Last year, I was a little too closely tied to the plan and didn't modify as needed. It was a little bit of a disaster. This year, I let myself adjust my plan. The goals are fixed but my method of achieving them is flexible. This seems to be working better.
• AND THE NUMBER ONE THING TO REMEMBER - The only limits that you have in life are the ones that you impose on yourself.

gordo

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