Reflections on my Triathlon journey so far

The time has came around for some self reflection, on my transformation from casual mountain biker to triathlete, and with some luck the fullfilment of a long held dream of going long course to become an Ironman (in September IM Wales).

How far have I come?

Starting September 2009 I decided to tackle the challenge of doing "a" triathlon. Having not swam since school, my swimming was downright awful. Getting across one side of the pool was enough of challenge in itself, nevermind doing the sets the swim coach laying out. Running was my next challenge and put myself into a Liverpool Running Club as a starter. Still running is something that has never come easily to me, and still today prefer cycling away the miles instead. The cycle part was the least of my problems after I'd been doing a daily cycle commute of 15 miles.

Initially I threw myself into many Dualthons throughout the winter season, as part of the Paul Drinkwater series of events. After spending six months getting my swimming to a reasonable state, I put myself into my first Triathlon, Ampleforth Off Road Tri. Remembering some nervous pre-race conversations with fellow athletes about my own participation. Well the Triathlon went well, I wasn't blinding fast, but I completed it. The jump to Olympic distance followed with Coniston, Liverpool, Ripon, and finally Bala Triathlon.

Moving along to these present day, I'm just about in the fast lane with the top swimmers. My running seems to be getting stronger, and keeping the cycling up. My supposed obstacles of being one living with Ankloysing Spondalytis, and that according to my Doctor/Specialised. I shouldn't be running and avoiding impact sports. Still the truth of it, I was plagued by knee pain in both Liverpool and Ripon, but Bala went perfectly without any hitch. What changed? ...or was I more conditioned? Same shoes, same kit, and more effort in Bala.

Where do I want to go? ...or where do I want to arrive at?

On reflection I've tried re-arranging my mind, instead of thinking in terms of reps or blocks of time to think of a continuing state. For example; doing hills repetitions my thoughts are to be centred on form and pace rather "oh my god, I have six to go". This trail of thought came slightly undone when leading the run session on Tuesday when I was supposed to keep count!

Mentally I always refer to Forest Gump, and the scene where his long time friend/lover and eventual wife walks out on him. Upon arriving at his house and finding her gone, he bolts through the door, to the sign at the end of his road, next to the edge of town, onto the next town, to the nearby city, border/state, and across America a few times. That's what I feel like, and what I want, just to keep going and going and never stop until I feel ready to come down.

Ironman really represents a state which I chase after, and beyond that RAAM (Race Across Of America). Call it peace of mind, a search for god, a personal battle, just because, or somekind of knee jerk reaction to my disease, whatever you want.

Aside from my Ironman aspirations, ideally in an Olympic triathlon I'd like to slip under 2:15, and head more towards 2:10. Bala was a good race for me, 2:17. An aim for next year is to beat that time. First off I need a proper wetsuit, 2011 is the time to get a little more serious, and surfing wetsuits don't cut the mustard! Also Tri-bars, I need a set, and to alter my bike position to something a little more aggressive. So would each of those save me a minute and half? Then "if"!!! I can push myself to a 40 minute 10k run, I could be well within my 2:15 goal!? Still increasing my running speed is going to be tough, my body fat ratio is 7.5%, so I could loose a little there, but with my voracious appetite for food I'm not going to be waving my arms around in support of eating less. Plus after a little reading going down into the 6% area can make one more suspectible to illness, colds/flus, etc.

Here's to 2011, it's going to be a great year! Can't wait!