Motivation & Ironman Florida

Yesterday I did something that I haven't done in a long time. I simply did not train. Sure I miss workouts here and there but more often than not, life gets in the way. Yesterday...I simply didn't want to train. I did not WANT to get on my bike for three hours. It was hot outside and that made me cranky. I caved at the thought of riding at least 1.5 hours. I let the negative energy defeat me.

Staying motivated is one of the most difficult things an athlete has to endure. In the case of an Ironman, ones training plan begins 4-5 months before the actual race. Put the Ironman at the end of the year and that makes the season even longer. When I think about it I am amazed that I have held it together for so long. I ultimately started training back in November. I began racing in February with a half marathon. That makes for a long season. Add an injury and it is easy to see why I feel very defeated at times.

I spent a couple of hours thinking about motivation last night. I sat down and watched the Kona 2007 video for some additional inspiration. I began asking myself if I really want to race Ironman Florida, what needs to happen between now and then. I need to refocus my mental drive and force out the negative energy.

The easiest answer is to get healthy. That is easier said than done. The injury is definitely a source of negativity. It burdens me day in and day out. So in the coming weeks, I am going to work with Coach Dan on this issue. If this is going to be a limiting factor in my training how close can I toe the line with no running and still compete in November. If running is a source of my stress and negative energy then I need to do what I can do to minimize it.

Acceptance. Ironman Florida is going to suck. That may sound negative but it is realistic. I need to accept that the race is going to take a lot out of me mentally, physically and definitely emotionally. I need to let go of my time goals and accept that in my condition there is no way I can race at the level I want. There may be room for a PR but that will take a lot.

Surround myself with postive people. This sounds like a no brainer but my support team will be even more important down the stretch so that I can make this happen.

Find motivation from other sources. Last year, I used all kinds of motivational techniques. Why haven't I employeed any of those this year. I know that I mentally respond. I need to direct my energy in that direction.

Training for your second or third Ironman is a difficult feat. Your first is the easiest. It sounds counterintuitive but the reality is that fear drives you that first time. The second and third and fueled by pure personal motivation. For instance, what pushes an athlete to improve on his or her time when s/he already knows how little is needed to finish? That is the ultimate question. I am about to embark upon my last 6-7 weeks of training. I need to channel out all the negative energy and focus on what I can accomplish and improve upon. I need to accept the obstacles in my way and do what I can to avert them. And then I need to show up on race day and get in the damn water.