Siempre parece imposible hasta que se hace.

Here we go.

Today starts the first cycle of Half Ironman training for 2010. Or as my friend Dave would call it: pre-Ironman training. Evil Mr. Potter. I totally drank the kool-aid! (Note: It tastes good. Go for it... take a sip!)


As all good training programs go, mine starts with a rest day. Obviously this is to ease you into the regimented pseudo-craziness which is sure to follow.

Alternately, it could be to give you a chance to wrap your head around what you are about to embark on.

I prefer the later to the former.

I am looking over the plan which I have chosen to follow (Matt F.'s Level 5 plan). It is indeed the very same plan I started last year. Note how I say "started" and not the more expected "followed". This is the very same plan which I had a complete meltdown trying to follow.

Somehow the two-a-days from day one were challenging but at some point they became unmanageable. Could have been the mental place I was in last year, or it could have been the fact that I had about zero confidence in myself.

Challenging training plan + low self-confidence + zero mental or emotional stability = FAIL

Fail as to completion of the plan and scheduled race, but success in being able to move past all that crazy stuff and realize that had I had just a single iota of confidence in myself as a runner or triathlete, I would have toed the line race morning to become a Half Ironman finisher... not an Aquabike finisher.

Amazing how one little ingredient means the difference between cookies and hockey pucks. I prefer cookies, but end up with hockey pucks all too often.


So now as I sit here at work (shhhhh) looking over the training plan it seems.... manageable.

I do not fear not making every single training session. I did very well in my Aquabike given the amount (lack thereof) of training I had under my belt. I expect to see some MIA diays on my schedule. I am not happy about this or going into the plan looking for non-compliance.

I am just being realistic. Two weeks of US travel followed by 2 weeks of China travel, followed by a race or two and then more international (Mexico) travel. Not necessarily the prime canvas for painting the perfect picture of training plan compliance.

What this does provide is a background for an opportunity to practice my new mantra... consistency is king and choose base over build when having to make a choice.

2010 will be the year of travel and choices in training, however I know that if I follow my plan 90% of the time, opting for base building running and swimming when I am forced to deviate due to travel or other life obligations and focus on making every weekend count in endurance and long brick work, then I am looking at the following.

Challenging training plan + fluidity + confidence = SUCCESS!

And that my friends means cookies, not hockey pucks.

Siempre parece imposible hasta que se hace, mi amigos.