Tips for the loved ones supporting an Ironman

1. You will get used to it!

2. Use the time that they are training (if it's not when you are sleeping!) as your time in the week to schedule catch ups with either other Ironman widows/widowers and their kids, or other friends (with or without kids). Best to get out of house and do something than sit at home wondering when they will be back!

3. Don't complain -  to them! You may have had to juggle a few kids and manage a few tantrums but you were not out doing a 180km bike ride or 42km run.....which you probably would not want to do...so best that neither of you complain but each needs to be aware and understanding of each others situation.

4. Make sure they have a rest day and don't let them train when they are sick!!

5. Make sure they schedule kid time and you time amongst all the other scheduling!

6. If they have had a big training session on the weekend, work out how they can get a 30 min siesta before dragging them out to do chores, play with kids or visit friends - they will be happier and last longer! 

7. Their race means a holiday for you and family to a new destination....

7. Pre-Race - there may be moods, there may be stresses, try not to take it to heart. Be there to help and take control of their packing and organizing lists if this helps but also let them work thru the build up and nerves and only say things and do things that are helpful. Don't bother with unimportant things and trivia  they are focussed!

8. Race Day - do the final check for them before you walk out the door otherwise you are the one who will be racing back to hotel room to collect the bottles!! Be positive, cheer them on, enjoy the day, appreciate how much it took them and you to get to this day and savour the first finish as it will be emotional! Remember they would not have made it there with out you - and this is a big achievement for them!

9. Ignore it when they say "Never again" after the race - wait for a week - they'll be back - it is addictive!!

Top 6 Ironman Tips! 

1.    Rule # 1. A HAPPY SPOUSE = HAPPY TRAINING.

2.    See rule # 1.

3.    Don’t complain. Yes it will hurt but no one will care cause you were silly enough to voluntarily sign up for this ridiculous event.

4.    Get a coach. Reading articles in magazines and talking to your mate at the pub probably isn’t the best way to prepare for a 226km race.

5.    Don’t set a time goal. Most first time competitors miss their target time and feel someone disappointed. Believe me, you’ll be very happy to cross the finish line!

Courtesy of Triathlon TitBits

Why Tri?

'Michelle, why are you doing triathlons?'  My answer is simple 'Why not?!' 

 I have fallen in love with the sport of triathlon and its wonderful.  Plus I'm using this new wonderful sport to lose weight.  I am not the type of person who can commit to video workout, spending long hours in the gym, oh commit to workout programs that bore me.  I enjoy being outside, I enjoy swimming, cycling and running, so why not do them all at the same time.

Now granted the sexy skin tight lycra is something less to be desired with someone who is on the heavier side, but whatever, I'm out there doing something that I am throughly enjoying.  I have found a sport that I love and can take with me where ever my husband may move us too.

Using the sport of triathlon to lose weight almost seem counterproductive.  What do I mean?  With the amount of food one has to intake when taking up a endurance sport would make any person who is trying to lose weight make them go hmmm.

The biggest problem right now, well really there are two.  The first problem is this nagging foot injury, plantar fasciitis to be exact.  The second problem, highly related to the first, I can't run. Funny thing is I was learning to run when I developed this injury and now I have redeveloped my love for swimming and cycling.

The thing that needs to happen next is I'm waiting for the weight to fall off.  With all of the swimming, cycling, weight training and yoga I'm doing I am expecting to see results, hopefully, in no time flat.  I have a crazy race schedule already set up here in Guam before we leave for Rhode Island.  I know as sure as I type this that when we get back to the states its going to be winter so I'm going to have to jump right into my off season training.  Its going to be weird have an actual season.  I'm blessed here in Guam to train all year along, but it is going to be a shocker to know I'm back into seasons.  But the BEST part of having 'season' is actual SEASONS!! It has been 4 years since I've seen fall, winter, and spring...SO EXCITED.  But more about that later

Admitting defeat...kind of

I had all sorts of wonderful intentions to do the Rota Blue Triathlon this coming November.  However after having a long talk with my loving and supportive husband, I am going to have to miss this triathlon.  The only reason I am not attending this one is because we transfer off Guam shortly after, very shortly after.  I was hoping to do this race but I know there will be plenty of opportunity when I get back to the states to do many sprint, olympic, and half IM'ers.

Time splits from the Summer Triathlon Series

There is nothing better than seeing improvements on times, especially when these are my first 3 triathlons EVER!

July 18th Summer Sprint Series

Overall 55

Div Place 7

Swim 0:21:39

Bike 1:19:14

Run 0:41:24

Total 2:22:17

July 25th Summer Sprint Series

Overall 59

Div Place 8

Swim 0:22:30

Bike 1:00:09

Run 0:39:29

Total 2:02:08

August 1st Summer Sprint Series

Overall 67

Div Place 8

Swim 0:20:09

Bike 0:57:00

Run 0:38:50

Total 1:55:59

One day...Soon

Ironman, not really caring which one, where, half or full, I will do an IM and here is my awesome motivation to get my butt in gear.

Nothing is more motivating than pushing yourself to the limit and this video is great motivation making sure I achieve my goal.

Setting my sights

Setting my sights on a HUGE new goal. The 2012 IM in Providence. I've been bitten by the tri-bug and it feels wonderful! If my workouts and training go without injury, I might even consider doing the 2011 IM. I made the max times out my times to beat, cause anything better than that would just be a benefit and add to the triumph of completing an IM. So my goal times are swim 1.2 miles: 1 hour and 10 minutes, bike 56 miles: 5 hours and 30 minutes, run 13.1: 8 hours and 30 minutes.

The only real problem I might have is in the run, but who knows the adrenaline might fix that and might surprise even myself. I am looking forward to my new adventure with my new team, Tri-NE when I get to Rhode Island.

I'm so excited to be taking part in this...so exciting!!