It’s been an interesting last few years…
I’m reminded of that saying “Adulthood is like looking both ways before crossing the street only to get hit by an airplane”. Well for many of us an unexpected global pandemic was that airplane. For me, it took a very particular way of life and instantly dismantled it, making what seemed SO important in one moment not only suddenly useless but utterly impractical. In the time since the opportunity has come back but with the motivation lagging more slowly behind. It’s begged the question, in many regards, “is going back the right decision?” What was so great and necessary about those things that motivated and guided us? Perhaps serving a purpose to reevaluate thoroughly the value in what we choose to fill our time with, over and over again. And finally, placing a little perspective of our own needs in the greater picture, from the timeline of a single lifetime and in perspective to the world, with everything that’s going on in it.
If sport has provided one great purpose for me it’s in simplifying the equation. It’s a carrot to chase. It’s a line in the sand to step over. It’s a steady supply to inspire, provide value and create control in our day. It’s a sense of identity, regardless of age, performance or outcome. Recently I watched the Diana Nyad movie and could empathize so strongly to her desire to give it another shot at 60 years old as I myself look ahead towards hitting 40 in the coming months. She says her body may have aged but her mind is stronger and in the shape she needed at 28 to complete her one big goal. I can relate, not just in my mind’s resiliency but in the experience I’ve gained over the years.
When I look back at my PR’s there’s numbers 20 years old I’ll never break but the one that stands out is my Ironman PR of over 10 hours, set early in my triathlon career. It just felt as I got faster in training and my shorter races I’d keep breaking down as I approached my A-race at the 140.6 mile distance with back, glute or calf issues. I’m stronger now, though much heavier. I’m at square one. But last year I was able to put together just 3 solid months that led to a 70.3 PR in the swim and in bike power. I believe less is more but that you still need to do a lot in order to conquer the full distance in training volume, nutrition/fueling, strength/conditioning and recovery.
I’m signed up for only 2 races in 2024 so far, Santa Cruz 70.3 and Ironman California in Sacramento. IM California is a flat race with a super quick swim (in the 30’s for some!) which was won by an amateur in my new age group (40-44) in less than 8 hours in 2023. I’m starting up the old blog again, not for hits or to gain followers but for me or those who may benefit in their triathlon career from some free tips or tricks. This Journey isn’t your typical January 1st endeavor. I’ve done nothing but strength and a handful of rides thus far and am halfway through a month of vacation/work trips with no routine, but beginning in February I’ll once again be going through the motions with a late April formal start. I haven’t really ran in years (consistent training) so February will be an interesting time as I slowly get back to something I’ve enjoyed for decades but said goodbye to around the pandemic.
I have to say I’m really looking forward to this! Follow along if you’d like and if there’s anything I can offer reach out to me. I miss the sport but the people more and am excited to regain some comradery in 2024.
David Welby 