Tap, tap...is this thing still on? Dear blog readers (if there are still any of you out there), it has been seven months since my last post. I've been pretty busy in those seven months...planning a wedding, getting married...the time has flown by!
You know what I haven't been doing in those seven months? A lot of running. I can honestly say that I have not had a good run in over a year. Ugh. When those good runs weren't coming very easily post Ironman in 2010 it became easier to stop running. Now when I try to run my shins hate me, my knees hate me. I'm back at square one. Bummer. Um, it probably doesn't help that I've definitely gained weight in the past year. That would make anyone's joints hate them as you attempt to pound the pathways, right?
It is pretty hard to believe that a year ago yesterday I finished Ironman Canada. For the last few months I have not felt a burning desire to do an Ironman again. I just want to be able to train and enjoy the process, so I need to figure out what will get me back to that point. Then on Sunday I watched the live feed from Ironman Canada online. I tracked my friends that were racing and virtually cheered them on. I felt emotions well up inside of me as finishers crossed the line, arms raised in triumph, as I remembered how it felt when I finished last year. God, that was the best feeling. I went from saying, "I never want to do an Ironman again if I am going to fall off the wagon as badly as I did after the first one" to saying "I think I need some redemption on the Ironman course."
Then I found out that my previous training partners in crime for Ironman 2010, Kelly and Tara, signed up for 2012. And my good friend Pam, who I really want to train for an Ironman with, also signed up for 2012. And I soooo want to sign up.
I have a million reasons not to, the first one being that starting at square one and going to an Ironman in one year sounds like a ludicrous prospect. I really think I should focus on losing that weight I managed to put on and just get back to training and seeing how it feels. I need to have faith that if I do that the good runs will start coming back. Ironman will always be there and I want to enjoy the process to get to the start line. I'm not sure what it is going to take to get that mojo back, but I believe I can do it. It is time to start trying.
20 comments:
Ohhh this post makes me so happy! Not because you are struggling, but because Runner Leana is coming back!! Hey, maybe we can train for an IM "together" for 2013...
I've heard Wasa is a lot of fun....oly distance races are where it's at!!!
I soooo hear you. But you could make a two year plan. Get back on the training wagon, Sherpa, volunteer, and sign up next year, for 2013.
Oh, and tell that Kelly r chick, she has to start a blog. I will follow it.
The word verification os fracki, that amuses me.
Maybe at least you'll come out to spectate in 2012? Because I'll be racing it too!!!!!
Yay!! Welcome back!!!
I'll be in that boat a little myself, though I didn't come from an ironman. Once the baby is born, I'll be at square one for running too! I've had to stop for about 4 months... and it's sad!
Welcome back! I'm loving this post. I started following you right around the time you stopped blogging.
One thing I've learned about my tri journey so far (and you have far more experience) is not to rush it. My initial instinct is to go for the big distances right away, but there's nothing wrong with taking time to get there.
If what you are really looking for is a redemption race, you might have the most success by doing a two year journey to get there?
I LOVE seeing this post!!! Welcome back...I second Marlene in training "together" in 2013!!
Judging by the response I've seen on Facebook, a LOT of people were feeling it yesterday, myself included. It's still tempting, but maybe a two-year plan would be smart. Tremblant 2013 maybe?
Thanks for the welcome back guys!!! Yes, a two year plan is a much better idea!
A year to Ironman might sound and feel ridiculous- but what about the Calgary 70.3 2012?
Welcome back Leana! we missed you :)
LOL, Marlene is going to kill you if you train with her....... U Canadians! HA
Clearly your readers are still here!
I struggled with similar things this year after doing an HIM in 2010. I also got injured! :(
What about doing a half? Still significant training but also I'm sure not like an IM. However, I am also a bit of the mindset of "sign up--kick ass later." hehe! With all your muscle memory I'm should you could get back to IM shape in no time and that weight would probably fall off.
Yup, you've got the itch!
and excuse me....you aren't a "former" Ironman, you are and always will be an Ironman!!!
Marlene is such a traitor ;)
I followed alongthe wedding blog -- congrats again! Everything was so fun to see come together :)
You are definitely STILL an iron(wo)man!!
Welcome back!
I said it on Twitter...I'll say it here. People don't "do" IronMan. It's something IN them. You have it!! It's just simmering to get back to the boil. SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK!!!
Muncie 70.3. Store it as a prep race ;)
Good to see you back Leana! And like others have already said, you are still an Ironman!
woooo... :-)
follow your heart chica. Ironman will be there.
You already have the mojo back. You are writing about it, AND you have the desire as is evinced by the word "soooooo"!!!! Welcome back, Leana!!
One day at a time girl!!! :) :)
Welcome back,
You are definitely not a former Ironman, you wil be an Ironman the rest of your life. I always loved reading your posts on your blog journey to Ironman Canada. They were for me a help on my own journey to become one. I finished on 11 september 2011 in Ironman Wales and i want to thank you for your help.
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