Once a week on a particular day I do the equivalent of a sprint distance triathlon (1/2 mile swim, 3 mile run and 12 mile bike ride). I had every intention of trying to do today’s version quicker than I ever have before, but I wasn’t paying attention to what I had with me before I left the house today, nor did I pay attention to how long it took me to swim. Either way, I felt good today. I concentrated on form over speed.
It’s funny the games we play in our minds. For the run today, I didn’t have my gps watch. Since I’ve been running in circles (around the community center) for some time now, I know that 3 miles is ten laps. I usually start slowly and have something inside my brain that tells me to stop and walk from time to time regardless how I feel. So today’s game consisted of breaking those ten laps down to prevent the thought of walking.
Lap 1: there was no way I was walking in the first lap. Once I’m done, I’ll be 1/10 of the way there.
Lap 2: it’s only the second lap, why would I walk now? Once I’m done, I’ll be 1/5 of the way there.
Lap 3: I’m almost at a mile (my usual hurdle) besides a little further and I’ll be 1/3 of the way.
Laps 4 and 5: Once I do these two, I’ll be 1/2 way there.
Lap 6: I’m more than 1/2 way, it’s easier to to count down when you’re doing something physical then count up.
Lap 7: Seven from ten is three, so three more to go!
Lap 8: I’m too close to the end and in my last mile.
Lap 9:No reason to stop and walk, I only have one lap left.
Lap 10: My last lap! Pretend I’m crossing the finish line, I’m certainly not going to walk through that.
The 12 mile bike ride is becoming so easy. I never thought I’d type that. The whole ride takes less than 45 minutes, and I don’t even need a water bottle with me.
Today’s triaTHlon Thursday was a success. I made it through, felt good doing it and feel even better after completing it.
