Training For The Hy-Vee Triathlon Has Taught Me…

I started training for the Hy-Vee Triathlon on February 22, 2010. Yep, I chose a 16-week training program, so I’ll be ready on race day, June 13. I needed a lot of help…

I did the Cy-Man Triathlon last year (just a sprint: 500 yard swim, 14.3 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run) and had a good time, both during the training and on race day. I thought I’d step it up a notch this year and try Hy-Vee which is double the distance. I’m learning a lot about myself during this training process that parallels my life as a business owner:

• When you think you can’t run anymore, walk for 30 seconds and then continue – it’s the only way you’re going to get stronger. There are some days when I struggle with getting all of my client work done – but I must. Taking short breaks really re-energizes my body and mind so I can push through.
• Nutrition is important. You can train longer and be a better employee when you nourish your body correctly. After mile 3, I need water; if I don’t drink any, I’m not going to be able to make it to the finish. If you skip lunch, you know the consequences!
• If you’re uncomfortable, you’re making progress. If you’re not physically achy the day after a workout, you didn’t pushed yourself hard enough. If you’re not constantly challenging yourself in your work, you will become stagnant…and then irrelevant.
• You need to schedule it and stick to it. My workouts are on my calendar and I arrange all of my meetings around them. I like to train in the afternoon, so that means that I have to do some work “after hours” which is fine – I knew that when I got into this. What do you have on your plate at work that you just can’t seem to find the time to get done? Schedule it and stick to it…
• I’m training alone, so it means a lot when people offer words of encouragement when I’m out training. I was doing my long run yesterday around Copper Creek Lake in Pleasant Hill and a lady I passed quite a few times told me that I was doing a good job. I smiled, said thanks and powered through the rest of my run. Wow, did her words make me feel good. Do you have cheerleaders like that in your work life who help get you through tough times?

I’ll be sure to let you all know how the Triathlon goes for me – Are any of you training? Do you bring that same work ethic to the office?