Any other changes?

I’m not a professional athlete. I’ve come to terms that I will never be. Injury, age, time and potential have all passed me by. But that doesn’t mean I am not committed to the sport. Neither am I just there for the fun. I still want to better my time and never stop improving.

In the process of doing so, I’m giving up on a lot of other indulgences. And even though there are no tangible returns, at least not the money, fame and glory the pro athletes get in return, I am just riding on pure pleasure.

It’s funny how the past 3 years have undoubtedly defined who I am. I never thought I would do/say the things I did and picked up a sport that I absolutely am addicted to.

And now that I see myself not changing (in terms of character and personality) anymore, I can safely say this is who I’ve become and I’m finally grounded on my beliefs, goals and desires.

I may never win a world championship. And that isn’t my motivation. I just love what I’m doing and will keep on doing it. That’s who I am and will always be.

Do you know who you are?

Focus.

Tough times are ahead. Tough times that i must endure. I am an endurance athlete, so i damn well better endure.

Discipline, determination, focus and strength. All by the grace of God...

The Breakdown

So the target is a 2:35 timing for 31 July 2011. Surely, that must be a very realistic target considering that I’ve hit a 2:46 last year. I believe 2:35 is a very conservative time and if all things go smoothly, I might do even better. Referring to last year’s rankings and timing, a 2:35 timing will put me in a top 20 spot. My swim is comparable with some of the top finishers, my run time is not too far away and I should see improvements with the training that is to come but the bike leg is the obvious spoiler.

Yes I admit I haven’t been on Felicia for a decent amount of time, let alone be race-ready. But I hope to change that during the last 2 months leading up to the big race. It’s a no-brainer that in a triathlon, the longest distance and time-spent on the race is on the bike. I need to put in SOME effort into the bike.

So here’s my ‘realistic’ breakdown for 31 July,
1.5k swim – 0:25 (-2mins)
40k bike – 1:18 (-5mins)
10k run – 0:52 (-3mins) TOTAL – 2:35

It may look easy, like it’s just a couple of minutes, but in a quick environment, especially on the bike, one second can actually cover quite a distance. I still believe it’s a realistic target to achieve but it’s definitely not a walk in the park, literally. Focus, focus, focus. 2:35, top 20 position.

All things made new

Awesome sermon this morning. Learnt so much about resentment, bitterness, showing love and undeserved Grace. It was a good wake-up call for me.

Most importantly, it assured me of my decision. No more striving, no more expectations, i'm going to enjoy the ride. I've made my choice and i'm going to miss alot of things/people... but there's only one thing on my mind now. And that is..

2:35

This blog is a training log and that's what it should always have been. two, thirty-five. Let's do. Here we go.

:)

They say all good things must come to an end...

... honestly, i wish it never did. Maybe we could start. But i guess i'll never know.

in 5 hours

I should be asleep but i can't. I gotta be up in 5 hours to prepare for the 12km run later. I have half the mind to just skip it. Main reason being travelling and logistics will be such a chore. I've lost my motivation to race.

This is bad. It was a good week leading up til this weekend until last night. I realise now how far away i am from what i was over a year ago.

But life is too short for regrets and for wasting more time. I gotta make up my mind, put on my shoes and run with it.

Away from all the distractions and all the futile efforts that i know will eventually amount to nothing. Time to run along.