Iron Pol

One of the great things about triathlon is that it's an individual sport.  Sure, we race against hundreds, perhaps even thousands of others.  But at the end of the day, it's all about the individual.  How did we live up to our expectations?  If we achieve a goal or meet some target, it was a successful race.  Podium or not, we win.

There is no dependency upon others to achieve that success.  Nobody will drop a pass, run the wrong route, blow a key block, or miss the game winning shot.  Of course, that does leave the other side of the coin.

Just as success is in our control, we have only ourselves to blame for any shortcomings.  If we short change our run training, we may fall short of a marathon goal.  Too few hours on the trainer (or road, for those in warmer climes)?  Expect a slower than hoped for bike leg.  Skip the drills and long swims in the pool?  Than get used to swimming farther back in the pack.  And say "Hi" to me while you're there.

Of course, it is vital to keep things in perspective.  Only the very best days produce the best times.  And only the very worst days should be allowed to produce the worst times.  I ran up against that, this morning.  And for just a moment, I almost let some gremlins drag me down.

I did a time trial in the pool, this morning.  After 1000 yards, my t-pace came out to just under 2:02 per 100 yards.  That was a bit distressing as the last time trial pace came out to just under 2:00.  I fretted over that as I swam my cool down laps.

Then I got my head on straight.  First, if there is any frustration over the slower pace, I have only myself to blame.  I've been focused on running and putting in fewer yards in the pool.  When spring breaks and I get the bike out on the road, I should probably expect similar results, as time on the trainer is way down, too.

I also have to consider that "personal best" time trial.  That was after a long period of drilling and speed work.  I did it after a good rest while completely healthy.  Today's was after a long day, yesterday, while fighting a cold.  I've been less than 100% for several weeks.  So, I have to balance gremlins with excuses.  Then, both can be taken and turned into motivation.

Perhaps I won't always swim 1:59 in time trials.  But I can make sure 2:02 doesn't become 2:05.  I can accept that the run is my strength and put more effort into weaker areas.  And I can work on recovery issues such as sleep and nutrition to aid with fighting illness.

We hold the keys to our success.  The individual nature of triathlon is a double-edged sword.  While our achievements cannot be derailed by others, we can only look at ourselves when we fall short of our goals.  And we are the only ones with the ability to make the course corrections necessary for improvement.

Most importantly, we must always remember that we are already winners.  Keep the gremlins at bay when they find a chink in your armor.  Less than desirable results are not failure, they are simply the springboard to a better "next time."

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