Tri for Les - Part 12

2012

A Beginner’s Guide to Endurance Grubbin’

Post author By Cecily
Post date December 29, 2012
3 Comments on A Beginner’s Guide to Endurance Grubbin’

When it comes to nutrition, you might ask yourself a lot of the same questions I’ve had lingering for a while: What should I eat before I train? What should I eat while I’m training? Should I use the same fuel routine I’d use for a 4-hour training session as I would for a 1-hour session? Etc., etc. To make things even more complicated, I’m a strong believer and follower of the paleo diet, making popular endurance athlete protocols such as the pre-race “carbo-load” out of the question. There seems to be so much information out there about training nutrition that I’ve been at a standstill in how to move forward and actually make it all work for me. Anyone else with me??

Tags IMAZ2013, nutrition

2012

Step 1: Showing up

Tri for Les: IronmanAZ is officially on!

“…one of the most important things in life is showing up. I’m blown away by your ability to show up…” — Conor O’Neill (played by Keanu Reeves in the 2001 movie Hard Ball)

I never saw the movie Hard Ball, but Keanu’s trademark, melodramatic delivery of this line made me laugh when I saw the trailer back in 2001. Classic Keanu: cheesy, simple and sensationalized.

No, it’s not his best work, but the quote stuck with me over the years.

Despite (or maybe thanks to) its Keanu-ness, it’s become a funny little motivator that pops into my head from time to time.

After all, it’s true: taking the first step and showing up on Day 1 is such a pivotal part of conquering a challenge.

Tags IMAZ2013, inspired

2012

Thank you card: Lavaman

One of the first things you’re taught in life is to say, “Please” and “Thank You.” But as you get older, I think you realize that those words can carry various weight and convey a range of meanings.

And sometimes, just saying “Please” and “Thank You” isn’t enough. You need to show it.

Tags Lavaman2012

2012

Lavaman: 2:44:09

It’s tough not to get nervous and panic a bit when you’re crammed in the water, among hundreds of other triathletes, waiting anxiously for the gunshot to start the race.

The challenge ahead appeared so daunting. And considering the months of training; the late nights and early mornings; and all the people who helped me get to that point, the pressure to perform quickly built up.

Tags Lavaman2012, race reports

2012

Vitals the day before

I’m on the patio, listening to the birds, gazing at the Pacific Ocean through a thin layer of rustling palm trees. The race starts in less than 12 hours and at this moment I’m feeling calm, confident and incredibly lucky to be here, doing what I’m doing.

The island has been kind thus far.

Tags Lavaman2012