While I was in Sonoma, I had a conversation with my friend Karen about my training (specifically about how I was feeling about my swimming).... She wrote this awesome blog for me! I've been struggling putting my thoughts down on paper, so I welcomed the help! (Come on, I'm an accountant! Not the best at being creative!) I couldn't have worded it any better! Thank you Karen!
Some of you may relate to this. As a fitness geek, you become acutely aware of your muscles and every little nuance about them. When they ache, we know we had an intense workout. When they feel bloated, we know we ate too much salt. When they are strong and lean, we know we swam.
As a runner, whenever I finish a race I think my leg muscles look their best, solid, tight, strong. They are pushed to a limit, broke down and built back up. Recently after my last 1/2 marathon, I relished this feeling. On a weekend that my training slacked off, I was able to see the strength of my muscles that was already there. The foundation, if you will.
As I started training for the Ironman, I find myself thinking about muscles in a very different way. For instance, as I swim there is something about the water, the kicking, the feel of it that makes me think of long lean muscles. With every kick I imagine my legs are these long lean muscles. I think it has something to do with water, building a different muscle group and the intensity of lap swimming but it's a great feeling. Now if I could get out of the water a couple inches taller (grin). However, the intensity of this imagination gets me through the laps during training.
I can only imagine what I will be thinking about my muscles on Ironman day. I'm looking forward to each nuance during each phase of my journey.
