The Three Faces of a Triathlete

Saturday and Sunday mornings were always "Big Days" during training season. When I was signed up for an Ironman or Half-Ironman it was always Long Bike & Run on Saturday and Long Run on Sunday. I loved to do it early to get it out of the way so it wouldn't hang over my head later in the day. Plus it freed me up to do anything the family wanted (or to complete any work around the house.) We could happily go places and I wouldn't carry the stress of the workout looming over my head. I am sure we have all been there before. Plus they were usually sleeping while I was out logging mile after mile on the bike or run so it was a no brainer to do it first thing. Even when I was only doing "small things" for the upcoming racing season or when the season was over, I preferred doing my workouts in the morning. When mountain bike season is in full swing, it's the same. Ride in the AM, be home by 10:30 with bagels and no one gives you grief. Plus, it's the courteous thing to do. Those who ask for something must give back in return. All is fair in love and war or something like that.

Now that we are in the midst of enduring one of the longest, snowiest, and coldest Winters on record, I ask myself what has happened to me?! It seems that all I want to do on weekends is spend my Saturday (and Sunday) mornings in my PJ's, by the fire, reading my book and drinking hot coffee. In fact I look forward to it. If I am going to go out and run, it's usually later in the day when the sun is at it's warmest. Or I hit the treadmill and/or the bike trainer. But it's always later when the family is up and about and I'm fully awake with 3 good cups of coffee under my belt. And I have had my "quiet time" by the fire.

I guess I am using the weather as an excuse. This is certainly with good reason. But right now I am a lost soul searching for my motivation. I watched home movies my daughter made from two of my Ironman races this past weekend and I got re-energized all over again. But it's a fleeting feeling. I couldn't turn it into anything substantial work out wise. I am setting my sights on 2013 for Ironman again but each shot of pain below my knee and ache in my back makes me wonder if I will get there again. Now it's not only mental but physical as well.

The plan for 2011 is still to get out there and race in a Half Ironman and I am still setting my sights on REV3 in June but we will see. At press time I am still not signed up.

Finally, I should defend my other half because I am not being totally lazy. I am getting one bike trainer session in per week and I am running every third day. But the pool is whispering my name and I am not listening or answering the call. One half wants to get back in the water while the other half could care less.