Week # 21 Training for Ironman Texas 2022 - Burn On

 The week has started well enough.  I did a 3 hour run Monday and it made me realize more vividly just how brutal this event is going to be.   I got in a 2000 yard swim yesterday in my wetsuit and it made me realize more vividly how far my training has taken me.  And, in summation, I feel good about it.  As the Bible says, I feel - "I am ready to be offered and the time of my departure is near ----"  But, the last two days was great weather.  Today however  it is cold, damp, windy, and overcast and I haven't broken a sweat yet.  

This tells me that no matter how well I do or think I am doing there is always that sedentary me in there just waiting for an excuse to express itself, to take over my activity level, diminish it, and try to destroy my hope in the process.  It also tells me that one must be constantly and vagrantly on guard against the propensity of the lesser self to want to express itself and drench our dreams.  The lesser sense is a fireman, constantly on duty to pick up on any dreams, hopes, and fire in the spirit and   try to quickly extinguish the blaze.   

Burn on, oh fire of the spirit, blaze brightly leading me on the path to the greater self, to put a smile on God's face that in spite of all, I overcame.

https://booklocker.com/books/12152.html

Week # 20 - Training for Ironman Texas 2022 - Am I Whipped?

 Another mediocre week last week and I can see a pattern here.  Life is sucking the life out of my ironman effort. No long runs, no long rides, no swimming at all, what can I expect from this half-baked training?  I do have consistency and some intensity going for me, but whether that will carry me past the lack of long training, or heavy weeks, well, I sort of doubt it. 

So, there is the problem And, what do I do about it?  Do I fold my tents and go home to an easier focus or do I find a way to bear down and get things done in this ironman training? This is a no brainer.  I can't see giving up until I know I am whipped - which I just might be.  This week I am going to go full tilt with a couple long bike rides with one having a fairly long run behind it. And then there will hopefully the stand alone - long run.  If I can't do this, I will say I am whipped and start the tent folding and the next post here will be a goodbye note. 

So there it is: my expressed disappointment in my self with yet hope for the future, with a test to see if there is indeed a future in this ironman enterprise.  I have prayed about this and I sense it is a good plan. God bless me in it and on this journey.

A Day Unlike Any Other  Day. https://booklocker.com/books/12152.html

Week # 19 Training for Ironman Texas 2022 - In Dreams

 What a hilly course, this ironman training.  I just can't hold a pace anymore it seems with training.  The day to rhythm is captured then lost. I suppose it could be a lot of personal issues competing for my energy and passion. And, sleep hasn't been that good.  Sleep is always a big if.  

And last night I had a dream.  In the dream I was in the presence of someone and having a serious discussion with them.  The face of the person I was talking to was not revealed, but something in that presence made me think it was my Dad ...who has been dead for 38 years.  Scary stuff and a bit weird, I know.  But the presence ended up conveying that I should not do the Ironman in April.  What? 

When I woke up it was hard to get real again.  Could this be a real warning?  Could this be some sort of sign that something bad is going to happen, or that it isn't the best use of time, energy, and resources at this time?  Is this a spiritual sign or was it just a crazy dream?  I am going to have to pray some more about this one. 

I wouldn't be completely heartbroken if I did back out.  There are so many other issues concerning my wife's health and other things, that I need to spend more time on.  I  had been hoping to get this done and then take care of business, but perhaps, who knows?  Like I said I will pray have to pray some more about this   I sure would like some sort of sign and I have asked for one already.  Now, patience Marv.   Wait and trust. 

I have already had  runs at this ironman thing many times over the years, and have written about my ironman journeys in life in a recent book.  Maybe it it time to close the book on ironman with "The End."   I will have to pray some more on this one.

A Day Unlike Any Other  Day. https://booklocker.com/books/12152.html.

Time to go to bed and perhaps - dream again.