Motivational Quotes

When my motivation is lacking, I need a little nudge. My motivational quotes page from different sources (mostly BT):

• The only easy day was yesterday.

• We are judged by what we finish, not by what we start

• Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. - TS Eliott

• Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!!

• Ironman is journey, first and foremost, inside myself. I wanted to find out what was deep inside me at mile 20 when 134 miles had stripped away all shields of adrenaline, caffeine, and glycogen and I was just left with my inner core, my spirit."- Dgillen- 2008 IMLP RR

• “Live. More than your neighbors. Unleash yourself upon the world and go places. Go now. Giggle. No. Laugh. And bark at the moon like the wild dog that you are. Understand that this is not a dress rehearsal. This is it. Your life. Face your fears and live your dreams and take it all in. Yes, every chance you get. Come close. And by all means, whatever you do, get it on film.” John Blais - 2005 Ironman with ALS (Time: 16:28:58)

• You can quit and they won't care...but you will always remember

• "Ironically enough the difference between possible and impossible is two letters IM" - NBC broadcast refering to Scott Rigsby -2007 Kona finish and double above the knee amputee
• “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” - Lance Armstrong
  
  

Figuring things out

It has now been three weeks since Augusta and things are back to normal. I am back to my normal weight and training schedule has been very, very light. My desire has been very low lately. I can't seem to get going. I think it comes down to structure. For the past eight months, I have lived by a training plan. Now, I have no plan to follow. I'm just kind of winging it, but it is almost time to crank it up again.

I found a winter maintenance plan to follow for biking and plan to start it in November. It should carry me for about three months. This plan is a three day per week plan, so it should give me some time in between for running. I am still trying to figure it all out, but will soon enough.

As for swimming, I am considering moving all swims to a morning routine. Morning, as in before work - like 6am. There is a real good chance I am going to have to do this once I begin my Ironman training plan anyway, so why not get used to it right now. Besides, it's only two to three days per week anyway.

I decided to take a couple days off this weekend for a much needed break. We were able to make a quick trip to the beach to see family. Sara's family (Brett, Susan, Jesse, Erica, and Aiden) came in from Montana and New York, so it real nice seeing them as well as Grandma and Grandpa Trimble. They are all such nice people. Since Myrtle Beach is only an hour away from Wilmington, we usually try to see everyone in that area at once. I was able to make a day trip up to see my mom and check out her new place. It's perfect for her and is only a short walk from Wrightsville Beach. Although it was a short trip, it was good to see everyone. I'll take what opportunities I can get!

Yesterday, I went out with my brother to ride the trails of Paris Mountain on our mountain bikes. That was a good change of pace. I was hoping the leaves would have begun their transformation, but they were not quite ready yet. Maybe in a couple weeks. I will probably head back once a week or so.

Now, I get to head out and go for a run to see if I can find where I left my motivation. I hope it is somewhere on Gibbs Shoals Road so I can reach down and pick it up.

What's next?

The question everyone has been asking me since the finish of Augusta has been "what's next?" I have tossed around a few different ideas in my head - would it be an upcoming 1/2 marathon, full marathon, another half iron, or possibly a full Ironman. I answered this question today. From the very beginning, I had the dream of doing an Ironman race, not just a half, but a full Ironman - 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run. Today, I took the next step. I am officially registered for Ironman Louisville.

http://www.ironmanlouisville.com/

The anticipation is already killing me. I have a plan to follow and am really looking forward to the challenge. I have learned so much from my training for Augusta 70.3. The things I found to be most important are: #1- be strong on the bike. In order to have a good race, a strong bike is crucial. For me, this is where I will focus the majority of my time this winter. My plan is to do a bunch of cross training including road riding, mountain biking, trainer rides, and leg strengthening at the gym to name a few. #2 remain consistent. This is the area that is difficult with work and family commitments. Obviously I would not be able to do this without the support of Sara and the rest of my family. I will not let my training affect my work performance and will not sacrifice it for any training. I don't live to work. I work to live and pay the bills.

After completion of this race, my question to myself will be: What's next? My dream was to attempt and complete an Ironman. I don't have the desire or time to be a true competitor in my age group. Marking it off my "list of things to do" will be good enough. I plan on competing in other tri's (sprint, olympic, and possibly half iron distances), but don't have the desire to do another Ironman. Once you become an Ironman, nobody can take that away from you.

Unlike Augusta, I don't have a definitive goal except to finish. I keep tossing around the idea of finishing in the daylight (which means around a 13 hour finish.)