What is your next goal? Ironman!

What’s Your Next Challenge?

For the past four years I have been traveling to Penticton, B.C. to cheer on one of my closed friends at Ironman Canada. I will never forget my first time standing on the beach in the early morning watching all of the athletes pour out of the transition area to embark upon one of the most challenging days of their lives. It is truly amazing and inspiring. As the day goes on and you see athletes of all sizes, ages and abilities, you start to ask yourself that tiny little question in the back of your mind….”I wonder if I could do it.” Well, it took me three years of asking myself that same question to find the courage to act on it. I decided that this was the year I was going to do a 70.3 distance and where better to do it than Oceanside California.

Training for endurance sports was very new to me. I grew up playing competitive basketball and then focusing on fitness competitions in University. I had to switch training principles completely. I was now entering into a sport that required a very high volume of training. Not only training principles changed but so did nutritional requirements. The calorie intake and type of food is very different when your goal is no longer to lean out for a competition but to make sure you can last a 3 hour bike ride or a 2 hour run. It is important with making any transition into a new sport to do your research and contact health professionals in that area. I contacted a triathlon coach who helped me find an appropriate training program on Training Peaks.com for my level of fitness and goals, as well as, a sports nutritionist to help guide me on my nutrition plan.

Having the right guidance helped me achieve my goals of completing my first 70.3 and it was one of the most amazing things I have done. I experienced many mental and physical highs and lows that were definitely challenging but character building. The Journey from start to finish really made me realize that preparation is the key to training smart and staying injury free. Another positive outcome is I have a more comprehensive understanding of multidisciplinary sports and I can fully relate to the many clients I see who are involved in them. Having experienced it myself has put me in a better place to help them get back to being performance ready.

If you are thinking about trying a new sport or if you are currently training and wondering if your program is too aggressive and you’re starting to experience a new ache or pain, never hesitate to stop by and ask us for help. We are happy to help guide you in the right direction with any goals or to put you back in the game.

Happy training:)

G.L.