In the last twelve months I have completed three sprint triathlons, three olympic triathlons and three half Ironman distance triathlons. Next Sunday, I will run my first full Ironman distance triathlon in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I have been asked: Are you ready for IM Chattanooga, Are you crazy, and What are you thinking? All of which I am not sure of the answer. This has been a crazy year for me. Training has been a hurdle for me in every area of my life. The one thing that has remained constant has been training. Here are the top ten things I have learned along the way!
You are what you eat! When I eat pizza and drink Jack Daniels I am more like Beavis & Butthead than Mirinda Carfrae.
Amazon is more of a beast than I ever will be! People have asked me, how can I run alongside someone who is fast and strong when I am puny! My answer is Amazon is encouraging and makes me want to try harder. She keeps me honest!
Training brings me closer to God! Whether it be Bible versers or hymns I am recalling God for strength!
There are hills and then there are mountains! Many times during training I have felt like I cant do this… I can’t finish the race or the training. Then I remember to keep climbing. Keep the heart rate down and just keep chugging along like the “Little Engine that Could”.
Sandy Henson is evil! I remember volunteering for a half triathlon with Sandy Henson (aka Dash) where she told me I could do a 70.3 distance triathlon. She also encouraged to reach for more. If she believed in me… I guess, I should believe in myself.
I hate chaffing! There is a spot on my chest near my neck where I am rubbed by my tri-suit and it hurts like shit! However, I haven’t found a better tri top!
Rhonda is a bad ass! For those who do not now, my friend Rhonda Cox, who inspired me to try triathlons in the first place, was hit by a vehicle while training this summer. Her dedication before and after has been inspirational! #RC23
Admiral McRaven and the Navy SEALs are better than I am! The YouTube video of Admiral McRaven’s University of Texas commencement speech has inspirited me to work harder, change the world and make my bed!
Thank you! Everyone who has supported this run, thank you! I watched ABC’s Wide World of Sports as a kid to see Julie Moss come in second in 1982. I learned it doesn’t matter where you finish, it matters how you finish.
Keep the main thing the main thing! God has taught me a lot through this journey! I guess that is the most important thing! Thank you Lord! I couldn’t do this without you! I sing your hymns to get me through the run. You have kept me safe!
I will do my best next weekend! (Photo credit Katie Beth)