#57: IM Chattanooga 70.3 Race Recap

My goal for this most recent IRONMAN race was to prepare myself for the two full IRONMAN races I am registered for in June and August. Therefore, my focus was to ensure my mind and body are ready. Unfortunately, my training did not go as planned due to life and sickness.  I had only 3 bike rides and no open water swims prior to the event. Even though the training was minimal, I still enjoyed the day. I found myself appreciative to be surrounded by friends, perfect weather, and a beautiful course. 

Here are 9 lessons learned from Chattanooga 70.3:
 
1- Learn to be flexible, life happens, and setbacks are normal. Sometimes you have to revisit and recalibrate your goals.  Setbacks may slow you down, but the trick is not to let them stop you completely.
 
2- Adopt a no-quit mindset. When your body is in pain, quitting can certainty creep into your mind. In those moments you must harness the mental override. You must solely listen to the voice urging you to preserve.  Allow it to propel you onward.
 
3. Nutter Butter cookies are the best fuel on the bike. I added Nutter-Butters to my fueling and it was glorious. These will now be a staple to my plan moving forward.
 
4. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Ensure you're connected to people who are going to challenge you to make you better.
 
5. Celebrate big and small wins. Be the person who celebrates all-the-things. Not just wins but fun and growth of self, too.
 
6. If you have a fear of the open water, train in the Open Water!  I did not train in the open water which led me to have a terrible panic attack. I doggy paddled about a mile, then found a kayak to rest on until I could get my heart rate down. I was able to finish but it took all I had mentally to do so.
 
7. You can do your best and still have fun. These two objectives can coexist. You don't need to throw challenge out the window to experience joy, and you don't need to be miserable to experience a personal best. 
 
8. Leave no room for excuses. Stop making excuses and start making room for changes. You may need to pivot, get curious and keep going. 
 
9. Ice cream is the best post-race meal.

Until Next Monday...