A few of you may know, I work with people, in HR, mainly in organisational and people development. I use a number of NLP type theories and positive psychology, glass half full thinking etc.. I have always been fascinated by the power of the mind over the body and finding ways to test the theory. Endurance exercise being a good example.
So hear is my latest experience, Ironman New Zealand, whilst the bikes have been in storage.
Swim - 3.8k - (2.4m)
Bike - 180k - (112m)
Run - 42k - (26.2m)
I am no super star; I set a goal, trained from 15-30 hours a week over 3 months and got a result, simply through some discipline.
The winner did 8h20m, last place 17h15m.
I had my ass kicked by the whole range: people old enough to be my grand parents: people who looked like they couldn't be fit enough: male, female, young and old, able and disabled bodied.
Here's the story...
13 hours and 26 minutes of fun. Finished # 934/1450
" Athlete number 702, Chris Wood, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN'.
I have been inducted into the cult of Ironman, full of weirdo obsessive’s, who think spending an entire day exercising in their swim suit is a good idea.
Arrival on late Wednesday, first time to NZ, weird but good. Nice people, beautiful scenery, middle earth etc...Some great biking roads. Next time.
Thursday in Taupo, pronounced 'taawpoar'. Nice lakeside town.
Carbo loading party on the Thursday night. Maori Haka and culture show was amazing, guest speakers, dinner, 25 years celebrations, really emotional video of the 'ordinary people' who achieve the 'impossible' by completing the event.
Got sorted on Friday. Check in bike and race bags..
Up at 4.30am on Saturday morning. Breakfast.
A bit late getting to the water so missed the Maoris, who paddle a canoe in and do the Haka on the waters edge. Next time. They then lead the swim field out.
At the lakeside in rubber suit for dawn, 7.00am start. Good swim 1hr.14mins, nice, a bit cold.
Bike - started ok, then got 3!!!! punctures in the space of 45km, rubbish. That ****ed me off. Then I decided to eat, cue stomach cramps, aaaggghhhh, these lasted for an hour. Never try to eat something on race day that you have not in training. Schoolboy error.
Finished 7hrs and 4 minutes later, I didn't want to speak to my bike ever again.
Run, and run, and run, it got better, very scenic course around the lake, loads of people watching and enjoying it, that helps!
4hrs 44 minutes later, all finished.
I was tired and emotional by now...
Massage, food, bed....
So it was good. I will be back, having a practice go just encourages me even more to do it again properly.
So, what ever your goal. You can, if you think you can....