Mental Commitment

I see it all the time.  Those that are willing to commit to their program and their workouts are the one’s that succeed in achieving their goals.  I see it within myself.  When I can commit to a smart plan then I set myself up for success.

This means committing to:

• a realistic plan with realistic goals based on history and not on ego (and hopes).
• proper recovery
• swimming, biking and running for the most part (i.e. not a host of other sports like ice hockey, mtn biking, downhill skiing).
• balance between my goals, what I have to do to reach my goals and what I enjoy doing (balancing all 3 raises my “game” and makes achieving my goals easier).
• healthy lifestyle (eating right, reasonable life stress, community and family involvement).
• overcoming my weaknesses (we often do not like to work on your weaknesses and are not willing to put in the work since we tend to see the “failure” instead of the small successes and progress we are making).

Everyone has a different formula and this is what makes coaching a challenge, and ultimately, a lot of fun.

Check out Bill’s blog.  I have been coaching Bill since last December.  He has committed to the program and he is reaping the rewards.  His wife, Jen, is now doing the same.  They both raced Soma Half Ironman on Sunday (and although I have not talked to them yet) and I think they will be very happy with their races.  Bill’s blog tells his whole story.  Only a few years ago he was sedentary and very overweight.  Now he is a guy who can now place in the top 40 in a Half Ironman with over 700 athlete’s.  Some people do not think triathlon racing is very healthy.  You tell me which Bill will live longer and live a happier life, old Bill or new Bill?  A number of other athlete’s I coach have similar levels of commitment and great stories to tell as well.   I hope to share more in the future.

In Tri News

There were two big events this weekend.  The first was the Soma Half Triathlon in Arizona.  It sounds like it was hot (into the 90s on the run) and it looks like it slowed the runners down that day.  I was suprised to hear it was that hot this time of year.  The swim times are really slow so the course must have been long.  Jordan Rapp took home the win.  You may remember his name from a 6th place IM Canada finish.  The guy can ride!  His run is not bad either.  A 1:22 in the heat is pretty solid.  Results can be seen here

The Xterra World Championships in Maui was also this weekend.  Someday I want to do that race!  Now that we live in Canada it is tough since there are no qualifying races up here.  I guess we will have to save up our loonie’s and head stateside.  Conrad Stolz and Julie Dibens won.  xtri has a brief summary.

 —Scott