Week # 24 - Training for Ironman Texas 2022

 Week 24 won't start until tomorrow morning but thought I would get this in.  It went well this week. Got in a really good indoor bike ride of 82 miles - 5 hours in the saddle.  Indoors, that is no small task.  But, don't think  though I am bragging except on God.  I am just so grateful.  This was an answered prayer and it brings me joy, if only for no.  So,  I am going on farther  into the Ironman abyss.  For now, I dare to dare.  

My world seems to be taking on that hue I remember from other efforts, when you can't think about much else but what, when, and how for the training.  The world gets like a darkened tunnel you are in.  Your become more resolute as if it may have been decided already that you are ready to pay the price.  If I have learned anything in almost eight decades on this earth it is that most things of lasting value require sacrifice.  

And too, the training focus puts so many things in the shadows in the light of importance.  And really, maybe these things weren't really that important or urgent to begin with and it takes a focused ironman effort to reveal what is truly important and real. 

So for now, as I sit here all rum-dum and worn out physically and mentally in front of this computer, I want to go on with this and do week #24.  May God continue to bless this old frame on his journey.

 

A DAY UNLIKE ANY OTHER DAY by Marvin Dittfurth (booklocker.com)

Week 23 - Training for Ironman Texas 2022 - Finally Caving to "too old"

 Had a smashing indoor bike ride last night but when I got off I could barely walk.  Both calves were terribly sore and there was pain up and down both legs with every foot plant.  My left leg has been hurting at night but I am assuming that is because it is my week leg with the trashed knee. 

As bad as the pain was last night and even this morning. It looked like my ironman effort is over.  And, it might be over.  All that remains to be seen.  What is that going to do to me?  Do I finally cave to the world screaming "too old?"  Maybe so.  Maybe it is time to let this go on by and do other things, still active, still engaged, just not so big of thing as an ironman.  Truth is, I am really seriously considering that. 

But if there's a chance, a really good "just maybe," well maybe I should try to go on. Some of this injury fatigue is perfectly normal for ironman training the last couple of months. But, I will have to talk to God about this either way. 

A DAY UNLIKE ANY OTHER DAY by Marvin Dittfurth (booklocker.com)

Week # 22 Training for Ironman Texas 2022 - At the End of It All

 I remember that morning well.  It was still dark when we left the hotel. The wind was already fierce.  The American flag at the hotel was ringing its chains and flopping loud in the strong wind.  Oh my.  I have to do a triathlon in that?  Maybe I should not risk it. Maybe the waves will be too high, and the swim will be cancelled.  But the bike, what about the bike?  The course is fairly open and even has a long bridge over the lake.  This wind might blow us over.  I think my stomach is a bit unsettled.  Is this something I should postpone and avoid, for safety's sake, for sure? 

When we arrived at the race site, the waves could be heard rolling in upon the shore.  The wind was howling.  Do you suppose they will go ahead with this?  Should I attempt to go on with stuff.  All my readymade and well-prepared excuses were dumped out there to supposedly add reason and wisdom, but the effect did not take. I wanted it. Fear had somehow morphed into courage, and I wanted it.  I wanted to put my face in the waves and my face into the wind.  I wanted the challenge to stay upright on my bike.  I wanted the whole experience - even if.

Just getting out of the car and unloading the bike and my gear made me braver and I smiled just a bit inside.  The swim was not easy, and I swallowed some water here and there, but I got out with a grin and a good feeling.  My bike leaned with the crosswind going across the lake, but I held it firm and did not fall.  

At the end of it all, I had one of my best triathlons ever.  To think - what would I have missed all that by staying in that safe hotel room, or if we had turned the car around and went home and didn't race?

I think this is my situation with Ironman Texas now, many, many years later.  It looks rough out there for me.  The training isn't going all that well and the time is creeping up on me.  I can really get hurt out there and I have legitimate excuses this time just to stay home and let this ironman thing go on by.  But, what about that great experience that I might leave undone, the genie I left in the bottle.  

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