Competing in the Augusta 70.3 Ironman last year was a blast and I was eager to sign up this year. However, this past year has been an extremely busy one. In December of last year, I joined a new company based in Brussels, Belgium leading Technology Partnerships. It has been an absolute great and wonderful experience! However, the role has had me on the road nearly every week of each month. This is not ideal for training for an Ironman or any triathlon distance for that matter.
Being a "glass half-full" type of person, I looked at it from the standpoint of professional fulfillment. This doesn't mean I haven't recognized or felt the gaps in the joy I have for training and preparing for a long-distance triathlon but rather another important aspect of my life is being fulfilled. One of the other downsides to massive travel, is the weight gain associated with eating out along with missing workout after workout. I would mix in a run here and run there and do my best to eat healthy but nothing consistent. All the while, I could hear Augusta's siren call pulling towards it and simultaneously feeling helpless to prepare for it.
Fast forward to Sunday, July 1st and there it was...a Facebook post from the folks at Augusta indicating that only 10% of the slots were still available. It was as if I awoke from a dream. The hypnotic trance of travel was broken! Without hesitation, I signed up for the race. I didn't think or care or have a plan. I just acted! Then the realization hit me...what the Hell Stephen? The race is 83 days away and you normally need 27 weeks at a minimum.
For the first time in my life, I didn't panic. Rather, I embraced the challenge and decided to level set expectations. Will I be as fast as last year? Probably not. Will I be ready in 83 days? Hell YES! I'm not a "spring chicken" any more and I recognize that. However, its not really the race I enjoy most but rather it is the journey to the race. I love being outdoors in the water, on my bike, and on a run. While I might complain, I enjoy being beat to heck and seeing the positive transformation of my physique.
It is safe to say, I probably will not be at my athletic best come September 23rd but I will be at my peak both mentally and spiritually. As with all races, I will carry the strong voice of my late good friend Bill "Fred" Haecker saying "Come on Stevo!" There is nothing better than hearing his voice motivate me to continue on and never quit. As you may have read in previous post, Fred was a "mans-man!" He embodied the "I will never quit" attitude and I hope I can carry that fire throughout the rest of my life. I also motivate myself by remembering a couple of key Navy Seal sayings of "Get comfortable being uncomfortable" and "Embrace the pain". These mantras ring true in long-distance triathlon because there is no race that doesn't include being uncomfortable or painful.
Unlike last years race where I enjoyed the camaraderie of having two buddies compete with me, this year will be a journey alone. This is when the focus and perseverance must overcome the adversity and pain. This journey started July 1st on a whim but will explode in a firey bang come Sunday, September 23rd.