The past few months have been the most grueling and entertaining build of training that I have ever experienced.
I can’t say that it’s been perfect.
I can’t even say that it is done.
I still have more than a handful of harry days before the tantalizing taper begins for my final triathlon of the year, Ironman Arizona.
I have been officially training for Ironman Arizona since August 6th, but I’ve been preparing for it since last December. The goals I set for it fueled me through every workout toward Ironman Oceanside, 70.3, Ironman St. George, the 175 miles I rode with Heidi in Flagstaff in June, as well as the Santa Barbara Triathlon, Malibu, and every workout in-between, because the burning focus all year has been on Ironman Arizona. Full stop.
Nevertheless, the build has not been as smooth as I imagined.
I’ve dropped the ball on a handful of workouts, my hamstrings took much longer to adapt to a new bike fit than I assumed they would and missing the ability to track reliable power when riding has been frustrating. But I also bounced back after the rough days quicker and with more grace than ever before, (a welcome sign of maturity that eluded me far longer than it should have), I've trusted my gut on when to push and pull back on both physical and emotional efforts, and I've racked up more quality nights of sleep since the late eighties, a clear sign of less anxiety and absorbed recovery.
In fact, I might be in the best shape ever.
Then again, I’ve noticed that comparing “pre-forties” Taryn to “mid-forties” Taryn is a waste of time, (I’ll take reading a book over digging up old stats any day), so I'm not sure?
But I am sure that I am in my favorite shape so far.
Therefore, while idling less than two weeks out from the start of my favorite Ironman, I feel good, not invincible, but prepared to endure and enjoy a long day outside in the desert.
The song and video choice this week is a stunningly accurate preview of what I will be doing on the night of December 4th, when my season is really done... Also, I love PINK!