So You Want To Be An Ironman
Just wanted to share my experience with training for a Half Ironman. December, 31st, 2018, I decided to do something epic. Train and compete in a half Ironman. A classic New Years goal, right!? Not something I am used to doing but I wanted to do something BIG, physically and mentally challenging that would push me out of my comfort zone.
Here is how I broke it all down:
Step One
FIND A COACH. Pat, was my man and he gave me a weekly program to follow plus expert advice when it came to training, recovery and planning.
Step Two
FIND A COMMUNITY. Through reaching out to some friends, I found a team where we not only trained together but we supported, motivated and lifted each other up. This was essential because I came into the training with no experience, so I definitely needed the encouragement when things got intense!
Step Three
TRAIN! What a lifestyle choice this was! Six days a week, whilst building a business, coaching my clients every day, making time for my six month old daughter Lula and helping my wife out as much as I can.
Everyone kept asking me, “How do you find the time to train?” My answer, “There is always time, you just need to be resourceful and committed and have a very understanding wife!”
Step Four
PROGRAM. Following a bulletproof program that has worked for others and guaranteed to take me from an occasional endurance trainer to a half Ironman, ready in six months.
So, the system was in place, I had a coach, a community, a program and training practices. I set my goal for the half Ironman in Cairns and when I arrived at the start line, I just felt so ready, I knew that I had followed the system that had worked for thousands of others who had successfully completed a half Ironman. Over the last six months I had committed to early nights, early mornings, a healthy eating plan and prioritising the training over many other opportunities. Before even racing I felt like I had already accomplished my goal because I made it to the starting line.
The actual event was a wild experience of excitement, beauty, discomfort, empowerment, struggle, comradery, heat, exhaustion and humidity but most importantly fun!
Result: Completion in 5:59:31, my goal 6:00:00 hours. Boom!
