Running Through My Head

While perusing the Quora website I came across this question: "What is it like to participate in a triathlon?"  Most of the answers discussed things like what to bring, how hectic it can be, and advice on how to tackle the different aspects of the race, but the top answer was much different.  In it the guy gave a 14 point breakdown on what one may be thinking during a triathlon.  It was both accurate and comical.  I decided to share his list with you and include my own commentary.

The 14 Stages of Triathlon on Race Day

1. I can't believe I'm going to do this.  I need to pee.

It doesn't matter if you used the bathroom 10 minutes before.  You'll still feel like you need to pee.

2. I can't - **smack** - believe - **thwack** - I'm doing - **slap** - this.

I usually question my sanity when I'm floating in the water waiting for the gun to go off.

3. That swim wasn't as hard as I thought.  I feel good.

If you always expect the worst then you'll usually be pleasantly surprised.

4. This is easy.

Enjoy it while you can, it doesn't take long to learn the error of your ways.

5. This is tiring.

This is around the time that everything little thing starts to irritate you.  ie. That incessant sound your bike makes in the wind.

6. Get me off this bike.

No matter how much you ride, eventually your butt will hurt, it's inevitable.

7. My legs feel funny.

"Funny" feelings are typically precursors to feelings of pain and anguish.

8. My legs feel tired.

Sometimes other parts of your body are tired too.

9. Make the bad man stop.

There is usually one point in every race that I tell myself I'm never doing another triathlon.

10. I can do this.

Soon after I hit rock bottom I remember Macca's saying, "Embrace the suck."

11. This is amazing.

I think this is the point that your body starts to release some sort of addicting natural drug into your veins.

12. I love this.

During the last mile all the discomfort magically disappears and you can suddenly sprint again.  It's weird.

13. That was the best feeling ever.

Could be the joy of the race you're feeling or the joy of stopping you're feeling.  The studies are inconclusive.

14. Where do I sign up for my next one.

Best, idea, ever... of all time.

"Ice Ice Baby"

An ice bath is one of the quickest ways for your muscles to recover after a hard workout.  Studies vary on how long you should keep your muscles submerged or even how effective this method really is, but my personal experience has shown that it works.

   

The only problem is that in order you take an ice bath you need a lot of ice.  This means you have to take the time to run to the store and buy it.  Now, of course you can plan ahead and do it with your weekly grocery shopping, but this isn't always the best idea.  Most people don't have a lot of extra freezer space that can hold 6 bags of ice.  It's also a pain to try and buy it right after a workout.  This is why I have put together a short list of alternative ice baths that can be handy in a pinch.

The Poor Man's Ice Bath: Use the garden hose and run water over your legs

The River Plunge Ice Bath:  If you live near a river or stream, just end your run at the waters edge.

The Cold Climate Ice Bath:  Those who live in places where it snows during the winter are extra lucky.

The Magical Ice Hose Ice Bath:  If you can make your garden hose do this, then you have it easy.

The Swim Cap

Any of you who have donned a swim cap before know how frustrating it can be to put on.  Well, fret no more!  The swimming experts have discovered a revolutionary way to "slap" that lycra on your head!*

*Assistance required

Rectification

What Good is the Goal

Setting goals is easy.  We do it all the time, especially when the new year rolls around.  The hard part is making sure we actually work toward those goals.  Because what is the point in setting a goal that we never actually try to achieve?  I think the Canadian Hip Hop artist Moka Only was on to something in the Swollen Members song "Watch This" when he said, "Plus, what good is the dough if you can't blow it, what good is the goal if you stay below it."  Now I'm not sure I agree with the first part of that lyric but the second half is all too true.

I've learned a few things about goals throughout my life and one thing that I know for sure is that everyone has their own process for setting and accomplishing goals.  No single plan is right for everyone.  With that said, there are certain elements of goals that can be beneficial for everyone.  Here are a few that I have found particularly useful.

The size and shape of the goal don't matter.

SMART

Goals should be S.M.A.R.T.  That is they should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.  Although this is not always easy to do, it is possible and it is very effective.  I think another way you could interpret this acronym is to look at what a goal shouldn't be.  Namely stupid, miserable, annoying, ridiculous, and tiring.  I believe the jury is still out on whether positive or negative reinforcement is more effective so I'll let you choose which one you prefer.  Although I should warn that I totally made up the negative version and the other is a legitimate guide.  

Getting Things Done

One of the many guest speakers I have heard in grad school talked about the Getting Things Done methodology.  In short, it's all about what processes you use to eliminate distractions, stay focused, and ultimately get things done with a busy/hectic schedule.  The part of his presentation I remember most vividly is when he talked about breaking our goals down into manageable tasks that will help us move toward achieving that one overarching goal.  As humans we look at large tasks or projects and it takes an incredible amount of effort to get started on those, but if we break them into smaller bite sized pieces they become simple and require much less motivation.  This reminds me of the White Stripes song, "Little Acorns."  If you haven't heard it listen to it here.  It's quite inspiring.

Action Triggers

Each night before going to bed I usually get on my computer to check my email and other accounts online.  Somehow this always leads me to YouTube.  You wouldn't think this would be a big deal, but it is.  According to this article, visitors spent about 10 minutes a day on average on the site back in 2011.  I'm pretty confident that I am one of the outliers in that statistical population, and not in a good way.  For me, one video unfailingly leads to 40 more.  This is a problem.  

From this example you can clearly see that the action trigger here is getting on my computer right before going to bed.  It's the thing that triggers the behavior that follows.  Much like triggers in a database that set off certain stored procedures, our personal action triggers set off certain behaviors.  What should be learned from this is the importance of setting good triggers.  When we have action triggers that lead to beneficial behaviors we are able to improve ourselves and achieve our goals.  This doesn't happen naturally so we need to make a conscious effort to set our action triggers so that they aim us in the direction we are wanting to go.  

A great example of this is what you do when your alarm goes off in the morning.  If you have a goal to exercise every morning, but run out of time because you hit the snooze button, then maybe you need to change that action trigger.  Instead of hitting the snooze, make it a rule that you have to jump up and do 25 jumping jacks (or star jumps for those of you in the Commonwealth) before you are allowed to hit snooze.  Once you're up and blood is circulating then you're far less likely to climb back under the covers.  The point is, figure out where you are and where you want to be and then set your action triggers appropriately.  It won't solve all of your problems, but it will help you improve.    

Like a Glove

Ultimately, you have to find what works for you.  No one solution is best for everyone.  We all think differently and are motivated by different things and that will always be the case.  Why do you think there are so many different workout programs out there?  It's because what works for you, might not work for me.  I would have struggled to get in shape in the 80's because Richard Simmons just doesn't do it for me.  Others loved him in his time and probably still do.  Anyway, you're welcome to incorporate the methods from this post, or find your own.  Either way, don't just write a list of goals and stick it in a drawer.  Set manageable, achievable goals, plan out how you will accomplish them, recruit others to help you along the way, and always remember what Yoda says:

Only once, you live.

Yolo