Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Blurred Vision

In my wise, old age of 31 years, I have learned a thing or two about setting and meeting goals. One of them that stands out right now is that "The goal I am aiming for my not always be clearly visible, but keep moving forward, it is still there." It always starts out crystal clear, ya know. Kind of like how you knew exactly what you were going to study when you filled out that college application. But then somewhere in the midst of classes, tests, parties, the opposite sex, parties, and, well you get the picture...the view of the goal seems to get distorted a little. It doesn't look as clear as it once did, and the path leading to it looks a little tougher than you had originally planned.

Translate this as:

It was crystal clear when I pulled that slip at IMFL '07. Yeah, buddy. I mean, how hard could it be? Train for Gulf Coast Half, scale back for a few weeks, pick up the 20 week Ironman plan and buckle down during those 10-12 tough weeks in Aug, Sept, and Oct. Before I know it, I'll be an Ironman.

Crystal Clear. Right?

Well, it was. But right now it's a little blurry.

Blurry as in "Ummm...how am I going to run 26.2 miles after biking 112 miles...when I find it difficult to run 1 mile after biking 94 miles?"

Blurry as in I can't see straight after dealing with a nasty little stomach bug Sunday night, and I missed my bike on Monday.

Blurry as in my schedule says I need to do another 5,000yd swim/100mile bike this Friday...but, ummmm....Friday is Fair Day (or FAR Day, Shelby)...and in these parts they let the schools out for the County Fair (heaven help us all). That kinda sorta went over looked when putting together my perfect training plan. Some switching around is definitely in order.

Blurry as in my shoulder is still hurting. It wasn't the 5,000yd swim that did it, but rather the 5,000 (yes, an exaggeration) pop flies I threw to Bo on Sunday in his quest to catch fly balls like Coco Crisp. I've got to get back in the pool, but I'm giving it until Thursday.

Blurry as in I've let the weight training slip by the way side....No!!! I didn't want to let this happen. I've got to get back at it. I look better and feel stronger....but pray-tell me where can I find the time.

Blurry as in the diet is slipping along side of the weight training...No!!! Can't let this one happen either!

Ok, so it's long and hard right now. There's a few bumps and bruises. There's also this thing called life. But I know, because I know myself better than anyone else, that the goal is still there. I might not be able to see it as clearly as I once did, but I trust that it is there.

It is there just like the college degree was.

It is there just like the post-baby weight-loss was.

It is there just like the marathon was.

It is there just like the sub-4 marathon was.

Ironman is there. And we gonna keep on movin' forward 'til we can see it clearly again...
24 mile bike w/Holly today to clear the cobwebs

8 comments:

Darrell said...

...and you will see it clearly again before you know it.

Wes said...

I remember hurting my shoulder tossing pop flies and the football with my son(s). I switched to the other arm and ruined that one too :-) If I'm not careful in the pool, it reminds me that I need to swim properly!!

At this point, you should be ready to back off a bit, yes? and besides, you are not tapered and fully rested like you will be on Iron Day. The marathon legs will come to you.

This I know (cause I'm a know it all ;-)

Jill Ann said...

It will all clear out. And you'll be amazed as to why it was ever blurry. Right before you know it. It's just the last hard part of the training...and then the big day will be here. Just do what you can can and don't miss what you cannot.

Mike said...

I'm sure it'll all come back into focus before you know it. Love the pic on the bike ... real feeling of speed in the 'blur'

tri-mama said...

you might be over training a bit....Ironman is just one long day that pretty much carries you along- you are more then ready to do it right now-and do it well now- just think how it will feel when tapered...

hang in there and do what you gotta do :-) I hope that includes a pronto pup with mustard at the fair

Born To Endure said...

You do a marathon after a 112 mile ride by putting one foot in front of the other..as long as you're doing that, you're one step closer to the finish..:-))

Anonymous said...

The picture will come back in focus. My college soccer coach use to tell us that practices/training should be harder than the game. And, it is true. You put the time in, you push yourself, you get back up after you fall and come game time you are confident and ready for whatever is thrown your way. You manage to get through it because you trained for it.

Don't worry about running the 26.2 after the swim and bike. Keep training hard, keep building up your endurance and your physical and mental strength. Come IMFL, you will be ready...you'll be able to do it, there will be no question about it.

kmholt7 said...

Ah, the best laid plans....

I have no doubt that your vision will clear and you will be an Ironman!