If you want to achieve something abnormally challenging, you must first have a dream, an idea. Initially, mine was to become a better person by replacing bad habits with good, and triathlon was the catalyst to accomplish this. I set specific goals and met them all over the course of two years. From super sprint in Aug 2011 to Ironman in May 2013. Then what? After Ironman I was tired and I knew there was a hip injury to deal with. I set small goals for the remainder of 2013 and met them, securing an invitation to the USAT Nationals race in Milwaukee. Then what?
In terms of racing, last year was moderately successful. I got stronger on the bike and found my sub-7 run pace, but I was unable to put together any meaningful races. My goals were more focused on family: we were remarkably successful in welcoming our son to the world and helping him grow into the little person he is today. I finished off the year by earning a 2:07 olympic distance time and as I crossed the line I remember thinking, "this may be it." I trained very little over the winter, got the flu for a couple of weeks and nursed an achilles and knee injury. The question came back up, "now what?"
After the half-marathon in January I had no plan. Work became increasingly frustrating, we dealt with being unhappy in our new neighborhood and the prospects of moving again, and several events have occurred that have brought upon much sadness to our world. I'm a firm believer in the simple idea that if you don't like the way something is, change it. Life is too short. So I will declare with this blog post that the reversion back to my former self ends now with a new set of dreams and the goals to make them memories.
Race as an Elite triathlete
My local triathlon/bike shop, Tru Tri Sports, was offering up several sponsorships for the 2015 season at various levels: Elite, Podium and Age-grouper. Each had a set of defined requirements that needed to be met, along with a tiered benefit package with supporting items such as gear, nutrition, bike maintenance and group fitness. I told the Tru Tri team my story and why I love this sport, gave them my qualifying times and three weeks later I was accepted onto their Elite team. This is a huge opportunity and I cannot quantify with words how excited and grateful I am. I look forward to representing their brand and promoting their awesome shop in 2015. I'll be racing a minimum of 6 events for their team this year and volunteering at multiple other events throughout the season.
Ironman 70.3 - Texas
Cross the finish line in 4:48 or better. I will have to swim a 1:42/100m pace (33 minutes), cycle at 22.4 mph (150 minutes) and run at a 7:37/mi pace (100 minutes). 5 minutes in transition.
Podiums
Score top-3 at Tejas Triathlon (May 31), Shadow Creek (July 12) and Cypress (July 26).
USAT National Championships - Olympic
- Travel to Old Milwaukee in August and finish in 2:05 or better. Then have a beer or two.
- Qualify for 2016
Volunteer Time
I plan on volunteering (not showing up, racing and saying I volunteered) in at least three events throughout the year.
Be a Better Husband, Father Son and Brother
- Leave work at the back door when I get home
- Move my family when the timing is appropriate
- Visit my parents in CO
- Spend more time with my brother
- Tell my in-laws more often how much we appreciate their help
I feel more comfortable going into the last three quarters of the year with a road map. It also feels good to have a set of dreams/aspirations and the corresponding goals to make memories. I challenge you to ask yourself "what's next?"
And the Lord answered me, and said, "Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may return that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
Habakkuk 2:2-3
