Monday, October 25, 2010

Okay, so what's next?

The last entry was a brief summary of my (first) Imoo experience.

This period of time from 10:32 pm on September 12th until today has been filled with every emotion and thought you can imagine, including but not limited to disappointment, sadness, relief, wishful thinking and resolve.

"Resolve" really kicked off the morning of September 13th, when I got in line (again) at Monona Terrace to sign up for Imoo 2011.

All it took was my signature on a very big check and the fun began again.

This time, though, things (aka "training") will be a little different and a bit more focused.

I'm still working with the incredible JonnyJ. He is tough and smart and knows his stuff inside and out. We both feel good about the fact that we have a touch under a year to train this time around, which we will work to our advantage. (I didn't hire him as a coach until well after base training ended last time around. We had less time to work hard on my "limiters" last year. Not this time).

I'm already working on technique stuff. I'm taking a swim technique class that meets twice per week. There are up to five of us that are in the pool at 6:15 am doing drill after drill after drill after "drill swim drill".

I'm strength training -- some thing that was pretty much nonexistent the last time around. I'm working with weights a couple time per week and also taking this absolutely killer class that my coach teaches. No weights -- except that of your own body. Lunges; side lunges; a nasty little thing called "inchworm", which is where you basically start in a "downward dog" position and then walk "out" with your hands until you are in plank position and then walk your feet up to get back up in to downward dog. Then more lunges, which are followed by bosu ball work (more lunges and twists). You get the jist....

I'll be on the dang -- er, wonderful -- bike trainer a lot this winter. (Fortunately, the weather has been okay enough that I've still been able to ride a bit outside. But that is changing fast. We may have our first "snow" this week...yeech).

What will be difficult and much harder this time around is that I'll be training "by myself". Nat is not doing IM WI 2011. She'll be there to watch the race; she'll do some of the training with me, but she will not be my partner in crime (or my motivation).

That will all have to happen from within.

Which will be the subject for my next blog entry.....

10 comments:

Sunshine said...

Many of us cheering for you!

IronSnoopy said...

You're doing everything right! Bring on da winter training! "Inchworm" :-)

Sarah said...

I'm so excited for you and you DO have it within you. I really believe that those of us who have attempted Iron and return to the game have a little something extra to prove, and that helps with the training. That's at least how I'll feel when I come back to IM training. I'll have a little bit of a score to settle ;)

Badgergirl said...

You've got it within you. And I'll be cheering for you!

Betsy said...

You have no idea how much it hurt me to know that there were people who didn't make it that day. I know people who finished behind their goal time and are saying never again. I'm sooo proud of you for getting back after it. You will be so much smarter and better prepared next year.

You can train your body but you also need to prepare your mind.

There's a book called Mental Training for the endurance athlete. I also LOVE this article if you haven't read it.

http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/4-Keys-to-Ironman-Execution.htm

Anonymous said...

Training alone has it's perks...as you are pretty much alone during the whole race anyway. I think it makes you stronger. Think "Dave Scott"-he never trained with anyone!

Beth said...

You've got the inner strength and you will do it! You've got your team in place and you are ready to get going. I'm so glad for you. Yeah!

chris mcpeake said...

got to love that winter training.. good luck

Unknown said...

Great post and amazing race. Thanks for the post.
__________
chaco

GoBigGreen said...

Awesome post Amy, as is the next one on your motivation and belief from within. Lots of time before Sept 2011, enjoy the journey:)