Thoughts that have, become dreams that turn into possiblities by prepreration and execution turning into the reality that we acheive, what was once only a thought.
This last year I turned 50 (yikes). So I dreamed up doing 3 Ironman races. This wasn’t an out right thought but a race popped up and I had to do it.(Arizona) And I was already entered into IMCDA and IMC so what the heck. Dive in.
Going Forward I look to turning 55 and doing 5 Ironman races. I have attempted 6 in one year. It didn’t turn out pretty.
So What are your goals? Have you set your limits? Or do you push them?
Three IM’s in one year. That would never be a goal of mine, but kudo’s to you for giving it a go. I turn 50 in a few years and a goal of mine would be to do an IM that year. However, I have a wonky back that is a little unpredictable these days. I have to be realistic - the back may be up for it and it may be it will not.
Now, 5 in one year? I have some professional help that you may want to check out if you want!!
Finish the iron distance race I’m in on Saturday - my first - and finish it in what I think is a realistic time for my first - 13 -14 hours. If the gods smile upon me that day, maybe better than that. Jeez, I hope the swim is not too bad.
Scott Tinley told me that the year he did 5 Ironman races to win what was then called the World Series of Iroman, or something like that, nearly killed him. He said that he never really recovered from that!
My second Ironman will be Canada in 2006. My goal is to make significant improvements on what I learned from the first one in Coeur d’Alene (2003). Although an occasional IM is what I consider “for fun,” I’ll continue with a more aggressive goal of dialing in my HIM distance. I’m a competitive runner by background, so I still have much to learn/improve on the bike and swim.
A goal of a more personal nature will be completed this weekend by running from rim to rim through the Grand Canyon. Though the “anniversary” birthdays (30, 40, et al) have never meant much to me, I passed a milestone last week that has been on my mind for the last 20+ years. I was 19 when my dad was killed in a motorcycle accident. At the time, and because every kid’s parents seem “old” to the kid, I vividly recall thinking, “well, at least he lived a long and full life.” He was just a couple months past his 43rd birthday. Passing him in age and knowing I am now older than he was is an odd realization. I’ve ran the Canyon before and it is a poignant experience. Running it again, taking him along in my memories and spirit, feels like a fitting way to pay tribute and to move beyond this particular crossroad.
Goals are the essence of life. As Richard Bach wrote:
“Here is a test to determine if your purpose in life is completed: If you’re alive, it isn’t.”
I just aged up and my goal is to podium at my next three races and get HM or AA rating on this year’s rankings. May not happen, but I’m givin’ it my all.
Also planning my first marathon in 20 years and hope that will spur me to better runs (I’m often first off the bike) and a whole lotta hardware next year.
It’s not so important to achieve your goals, but to set them high and reach for them with all your might.
wait a second…that’s MY goal…
If you’re in my age group, please disregard that excellent TT’ing advice I gave you earlier! Please raise your stem up to it’s previous “too high” level…
Train at least 500 hours from Oct 05 to late-Sept 06. I have “scheduled” 560-some hours. I have two young kids, sometimes things don’t go as planned. I’m leaving myself some wiggle room. My #1 goal is to be “consistent” by not missing workouts. My life as changed quite a bit, where I take tiathlon more seriously, and prepare for training (get food ready ahead of time, get to sleep earlier, train in the AM – and PM, etc)
Get my swim pace down to 2:00/100y for distances of 2K-4K yards. (Currently 2:20)
Get my running pace down to 9min/miles for distances of 6-12 miles. (Currently 10:00-10:30)
Get my bike pace to 16-17mph (z2)for distances of 60-100 miles. (Currently 15mph)
6:15 or below for 1/2IM (Currnetly 7:44 … where EVERYTHING went wrong … 1st race)
Finish an IM race (Redman) OR get revenge on Lake Geneva course (by going sub 6:15).
Far-reaching Goal (or Dream) … finish the IM race with a time that starts with a “13”.
The Goals are something I have thought about quite a bit. I have them posted in my basement & “home office” … where I can see them … all the time.
Didn’t you note on BTR that you lowered your position before your last TT?? (of course, you coulda just lowered the pads…).
Anyway, you’re younger than I am…so feel free to stay aero!
