2013 in Review, or Finding My Inner Strength

At the end of the day, we were all Ironwomen!

          What a year this has been! It was full of triumphs, challenges, and lots and lots of exercise.  It is hard to believe that the person I used to be could ever have accomplished what I did. This year was also filled with lots of firsts-- first full marathon, first century bike ride, and, of course, my first full Ironman distance triathlon. I pushed my body to levels that I was sure I would never be able to achieve.  I consistently proved to myself I was strong by surpassing what I ever thought, even in my wildest dreams, that I was capable of.
           While I did not formally participate in a large number of races this year, I did huge amounts of swimming, biking, and running training to ensure that come Vineman race day, I would be more than prepared.  As I reflect back on my year, I am so proud of myself and so very thankful for all of you that encouraged me, kept me believing I was capable, and for following me on race day.  I know this sounds corny, but I honestly felt your support throughout the day.  Whenever I thought I couldn't take another stroke, push my pedals another mile, or pound the pavement another step, I was overcome with a feeling of strength knowing so many of you were pulling for me to succeed. I thought that before January was over, I would share with you what it took to be able to call myself an Ironman.

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Here is a month-by-month summary of what my training entailed:
January Totals:
Running—74.85 miles
Biking—47.59 miles
Swimming—17,600 yds (10 miles)

February Totals:
Running—29.85 miles
Biking—311.32 miles
Swimming—20,600 yds (11.7 miles)

March Totals:
Running—74.08 miles
Biking—476.26 miles
Swimming—32,200 yds (18.3 miles)

April Totals:
Running—70.53 miles
Biking—480.96 miles
Swimming—29,150 yds (16.56 miles)


May Totals:
Running—62.81 miles
Biking—611.58 miles
Swimming—32,000 yards (18.18 miles)

June Totals:
Running—97.6 miles
Biking—593 miles
Swimming—31,000 yards (17.6 miles)

July Totals:
Running—98.74 miles
Biking—513 miles
Swimming—36,250 yards (20.59 miles)

August Totals:
Running— 59.4 miles
Biking—165 miles
Swimming— 8,900 yards (5.06 miles)

September Totals:
Running— 112.29 miles
Biking—95 miles
Swimming—14,900 yards (8.47 miles)

October Totals:
Running—70.74 miles
Biking—180 miles
Swimming—8000 yards (4.55 miles)

November Totals:
Running—75.81 miles
Biking—152 miles
Swimming—4000  yards (2.27 miles)

December Totals:
Running—62.24 miles
Biking—87.28 miles

2013 Totals:
Running—888.94 miles
Biking—3,713 miles
Swimming—234,600 yards (133.3 miles)

Races:
Carlsbad Full Marathon
San Diego Half Marathon
Spring Rush Century
Scripp’s Old Pro 10K
Vineman Full Ironman
O’Side Turkey Trot 5-miler

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          I think if I learned anything this year, it would be that we should never put limits on ourselves.  You can do anything you put your mind to if you want it badly enough and if you work hard enough. In the words of my very wise 6 year-old son, "I know you can do it mom, 'cause you have lightning and fight power!" I hope that 2014 is the year that you dig deep and challenge yourself to do something that you never thought possible, because we all have lightning and fight power within us. Here is what worked for me:

1. Find something to challenge you that you can be passionate about completing.
2. Find support in training partners, family, and friends--very few of us can do it alone.
3. Find a training plan and stick to it as closely as possible.
4. Once you make up your mind to take on that challenge, never give up!

        So find your passion and let it lead you to heights that you never dreamed possible.  Find the lightning and fight power you have within you--I know you can do it!

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