Ironman Recovery and Nostalgia

December 10, 2013

A few months before Ironman, while trying to figure out plans for next year, Michelle mentioned something about me being cut off, or needing some complete time off after the race. At first the thought stressed me out. I hate resting. While I listen to my body 95% of the time, and shut down when needed, I've had such consistent training and am like an aerobic engine I recover really quickly.

My tune quickly changed after I had my near perfect day on November 17th. I think about that Sunday all the time. The pure joy I felt for 10.5 hours is still so fresh in my mind. It almost scares me to think about trying to top it.

I left it all out there with no regrets and for the first time in a long time I allowed my body to completely rest and unwind. The first couple days I didn't sleep a wink. My brain was fried, and my body ached. I lost my appetite until day 3, which just happened to be when we were in Mexico with fresh seafood, spicy salsa and fresh (fried) tortilla chips loaded in salt.

On Wednesday I took my beach chair, the dogs and a cocktail down to the beach and decided to take the dogs for a walk. It felt good to move my legs about, but about 15mins into our walk I started to just feel tired, so we turned around and I plopped myself back on the chair and didn't move for another 2 hours.

The rest of the extended week(end) was pretty similar, sitting with my feet up staring at the water.

Then ending the day staring at gorgeous sunsets like this....

I spent a complete week recovering, doing absolutely no training. After about 10 days my body started to ache to move, so I did starting with swimming then easy spinning. I did do a 3 mile post turkey day run within 2 weeks, but other than that no running for about 15 days.

Finally, by this weekend after almost 3 weeks of staying up late, happy hours, sleeping in and eating way too much chocolate, I feel ready to be back at it. I'm taking the rest of the month/year to just train as I feel, no obligations. While I'm still on cloud 9, my mind can't help but be excited for next year.

I'm in my 13th year of triathlon, and 8th year racing Ironman. I've worked for every single minute of progress, and knowledge I've gained over the years, and can't help but be a bit nostalgic thinking about where I started, where I am now and where I'm going. Some people are born natural athletes. Some people grew up dedicated to a sport and will forever be an athlete. I wouldn't call myself either of those, but I am damn proud of the athlete I am now.

When I started working with my coach, Michelle 3 years ago I had no idea what was in store for me. I have fallen completely in love with endurance racing and the sport or Ironman. I've learned so much from her and believe not only in what she teaches me, but what I am capeable of. 2014 is going to be one of the most fun, exciting and adventurous years and I can't wait to share it with you all..

Thanks for reading!

Here's my history of with Ironman. Dream big, reach for the stars.

Ironman CDA 2007