I was out riding this afternoon and feeling more motivated than I have in a long time... I think racing this year (so far) has been so good for me... mostly b/c I have walked away from every race feeling partially satisfied... yet not fully satisfied... And that has been so good for me because while I feel like I am on the right track, every time I race it's clear that I have more work to do. And I love that!
So today I rode an easy lap of Tantalus and then my second time I up stepped on the gas a little and went nearly a minute faster than I've ever gone before. So that was cool, except I knew I had one more lap to go and it needed to be the fastest of the day so I gathered myself at the bottom and mentally prepared to really get after it... which I did... so that 2nd lap PR lasted a very short time because I crushed it the 3rd time up. It was awesome and satisfying and further proof of the fitness boost I gained this last month- all those miles and all that climbing in AZ paying off every time I get on my bike these days. I love that! :)
Anyway, as I was riding down the mountain for the final time today I started thinking about why I push myself so hard and what my goals are, etc. And it was so crystal clear to me... I want to win races! But there are so many fast strong women out there (yes- you!) and I have such tremendous respect for you all and that just motivates me to work my ass off in training... because that's the only way I might even possibly win a race around here. I do not have a huge amount of genetic talent, but I do have an unusually strong work ethic so I'm using the tools I've got. And I find myself viewing it all in such a healthy way this year- way healthier than I ever have before in the past. I think in years past I have put too much of my own ego on the line... like my self-worth was directly linked to how fast I went in a race... I do not feel that way now, which might just be the most refreshing (and healthy!) change an athlete can make. Now I just feel like I want to win- And I'll admit that I want to win (seems women are never supposed to admit that??). And when I don't win, I simply feel a huge amount of respect for those who did, and I feel more motivated than ever to out-train them so hopefully I'll be more of a threat next time. So in conclusion, the reason I train so hard is because you all are so freakin' fast! ;)
So... until next time...
11 comments:
This is interesting! Maybe with running is different, but I'd rather PR than win a race. I mean, I could just pick races that I could win, small, noncompetitive races, but I love those when fast women show up bc that motivates me to go faster and PR. Self-worth and going fast? I can see how those to can become equal for some. One can't have all the eggs in the running basket though...And I am discovering that the main reason I train is because I want to be fast, I like being fast, and a great workout gives me such a mental boost dat after day, regardless of whether I manage a PR in a race.
Ya I definitely think running races are different in that regard! Take this last weekend for example- the swim was supposed to be 750M but it was more like 550ish... Bike was supposed to be 13 miles but it was actually just under 10... Run was supposed to be 3.5 miles but it was really 3.7. In this case where courses are never accurate there's just no sense worrying about splits and times... The only thing we're left with us racing each other. That's really the culture of triathlon anyway... Typically it's about racing each other vs the clock. In a 10K though, I'm all about my own finishing time! Totally different!
Love
;)
and one of my favorite quotes "it doesn't take talent to hustle." that is for you today. xo
So excited for you!
one of my favorite posts of yours. i think our accomplishments are so much more self appreciated because we DO have to work our asses off for them. Makes the cake taste even better, huh? This year is going to be SO FUN.
I've been having similar thoughts about my motivation and have been going to get around to writing a blog about it. I didn't not get even a handful of natural talent but also got the work ethic and the smarts to know that the only way I'll get any where is to work hard. However, I've also been in a plateu and have been in a funk because I'm not seeing the work pay off at the moment. I know in my head it will come back together if I keep at it but it's hard to keep your head and heart in at the time.
I know what you mean. I hear the beer tastes better out of one of those first place glasses. ;)
I know what you mean. I hear the beer tastes better out of one of those first place glasses. ;)
Love it!!!
Love it!!!!
Love it!!!
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