"Still Sore"

I’m glad it’s a travel day as my legs are still sore from yesterday’s effort. I will be going to Puebla periodically over the next several months and as such will have the chance to test myself against the elevation again. I actually look forward to it.

I had dinner with my long time Canadian/American/Mexican friend Ron last night. We had a great time reminiscing about the old days at Presstran and also talked about our current lives and such. Ron made an observation about me that I considered a compliment although I know it is also a weakness. He told me that I never do anything in moderation. That I always want to take things to the limit quickly, instead of working up to my goals over time. I think the positive is obvious in that it implies enthusiasm and passion for what I take on, and yet it comes with the negative of poor planning and in turn sometimes makes execution more painful. Ron told me that any “normal” person when working out in a new environment would maybe consider running 5 or 10 km’s first time, instead of 25! Oh well…I know that ‘normal’ does not describe me now, or ever will it.

That attitude however is clearly a risk I take in my commitment to the Ironman this year, as I try to take every opportunity to charge forward aggressively. It’s probably best that I have a job as well, as it forces me to take time off and/or slow down occasionally. As it is, my body is not responding as fast as I wish it to. I have so many aches and pains I can’t count them all, and it seems like the gains in speed and endurance are so minimal. And yet….my mindless enthusiasm, and that hell bent attitude that Ron describes, tells me to hold out hope that things will ramp up once spring gets here, and I can test myself on a more regular basis. I’ve still not totally decided but I think I will probably do a lot of races this summer as part of my preparation. I think as long as I am careful to use them as ‘training’ races it will be good for my overall confidence and sense of readiness. As usual the expert advice about this decision is all over the place.

One thing that surprises me a little, in a very positive way, is the attitude of my co-workers in regards to my journey. Most of the people I work with keep very long hours and have very stressful challenges. Being sensitive to that, and being grateful for my own less demanding role, I am sometimes just a little reluctant to tell people of the level of importance, and level of priority I have chosen to give to my training. I worry that it will seem frivolous and selfish on my part, compared to the dedication of their chosen roles. Much to the contrary I have been delighted time and time again by the support and encouragement given me, both my peers and my bosses. This validation is very special to me, and somehow makes it Ok to admit that if I had to choose between having a job and training for this, I would choose the training. After all, very few people have lain on their deathbed and expressed a regret to have not spent more time at the office!

Like most people I assume, I sometimes question if I have my priorities right. But I never question who has the right to establish them for me. That is only me, and it is a responsibility I take seriously. I still am a long way from finalizing my deliberations.

Tomorrow I ride for the first time in 6 days and Saturday I intend on trying out the new wetsuit. (I’m going to hate getting it wet!!) It’s nice to know that I got that difficult run in yesterday, thereby precluding the need for another long one until later next week.

I wish to dedicate day 127 to friend and co-worker Salvatore Lauria, a man who always speaks gently, and can do so in “four” different languages!

“The key is not to prioritize your schedule, but to schedule your priorities”---Stephen Covey

“Living with the immediacy of death helps you sort out your priorities. It helps you to live a less trivial life.”---Sogyal Rinpoche

love
peter