Ironman Melbourne is now more than a month in the past and there has been some debate of recent about whether it's the proper time to have removed the event numbers from bikes and helmets. There have been points raised on both sides of that argument and I'm yet to hear the definitive answer to the question. (Personally, I tend to leave the flag on my seat post until I need to replace it with the next one) Though that question remains open there is a second debate I may have inadvertently opened that is far more one-sided in the opinions and it relates to my wrist. The number is no longer on my helmet as I have raced twice since but the flag remains on my seat post and, I am still wearing my race band. When I posted a photo of my band a week or so ago some thought it was a joke, and when others saw it recently there was a suggestion it should be cut off whilst I sleep. The suggestion may have been offered in jest only (...I think!) but I thought I might take a moment to explain myself.
While many like to sport their achievements for all to see (and I don't mind people knowing mine either) this is not why I have chosen to keep my wrist band for the time being. No, this little indulgence is just for me and fortunately, I don't really mind being thought of as a bit of an oddball.
Here's the deal, when I started triathloning I only did so because the guy that introduced the notion to me mentioned they were only mini races, I had no idea such a thing existed. At the time I had no intention of attempting any challenge greater than the sprint distance, and it took me two years to get there. When I took on my first sprint race season I figured maybe I might try for an Olympic distance race at some point. A year later I decided on a bit of a progression plan to build toward attempting a long course race, with stepping stones of completing a marathon to lead into a half Ironman race.
It was only after achieving a couple of successful long course triathlons that I even considered looking at the full Ironman distance and a far leap from where I started those years ago.
After my second Ironman race I really wanted to dig in and race my third go around this year and was looking to make some waves. The extra effort netted another 30 minutes and left me 90 minutes* off punching my ticket to the big dance in Kona. To now, a World Championship slot was always a bit of a pipe dream but it's now become a real goal and one I am really wanting to chase.
Last year I was looking for big gains and along the way I achieved half of the time I was looking for and a third of the time I need to now find to be in contention for the race on the Big Island. With this in mind, I am seeking any gains from a number of places, training, strength, nutrition, weight-loss, body composition maintenance, and motivation. As I eluded to at the beginning of this post, the season is a long way off and there are a lot of early mornings, many trying sessions, difficult conditions to brave and the lolly jar at the office to avoid (mostly!) and this little souvenir around my wrist is currently serving as a ready reminder of the goals I have set and the reason for the sacrifices I am prepared to make to get there.
I realise there will come a time I must cut this trinket off and add it to the collection I keep, but for now I am using it to keep me focused whilst the target is over the horizon and, whilst it's serving that purpose, I think I'll just leave it be.
*(like to say just 90 minutes but I realise that's another massive leap to attain!)
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