Staying Focused

Ask any Ironman triathlete and they will tell you that one thing that you MUST master in your training and in your racing is focus.  A wandering mind can be one of the most detrimental things that you can do to your race and to your preparation for a season.  Sometimes its difficult to step outside yourself and evaluate your problem areas and faults but I gotta tell ya..this is my downfall.

My friends will tell you I am EASILY distracted (actually..that is the understatement of the century).  We can be having a discussion and my mind can wander or I switch subjects without warning.  Its a HORRIBLE trait.  I'm sure if Attention Deficit Disorder or A.D.D. were well known when I was a kid, I would have been their poster child.  

When I returned from Ironman, Hector and I sat down and discussed the next season.  He also told me he would now only meet with me once a week for trainings and that I had to do the rest on my own.  I tried to explain to him that I really need the "routine" and the "focus" of meeting twice a week.  He would not agree.  He told me he was trying to "teach me to focus on my own training."  I understand his thought process, but for me, this could be a recipe for disaster.  I need that accountability.  That's why having a long distance trainer (I use to train with Carmichael Training Systems in Colorado) did not work for me.  No accountability.  No "in your face" training.  Its just not my personality.

I struggled with Hector's proposal for several days.  I considered hiring another coach.  I considered doing the training on my own (that DEFINITELY wouldn't work for me).  I got pissed...I got sad...and then I realized these emotions were counterproductive.  I am having to confront my DNF...AND changing my routine.  I am scared that my lack of focus will be the death of my dream.

So I picked up the phone and I called Hector.  I explained my concerns.  I made him a deal.  If I am consistent with my workout on HIS schedule for the next 90 days and PROVE to him that I am not screwing around with this Ironman goal, that he will switch my program back to face to face twice a week training from February to November.  He agreed.  

So...lets see if I can get my mind right...along with my body!!