10 Things I learned at Ironman Chattanooga

1. These people are my people. Everyone around me craves adventure, challenges, and pushing ourselves to a place of fascination and discomfort, all at the same time. We are all thinking the same thing, feeling the same feelings, having the same recurring thoughts (did I train enough, do enough, etc), and vibrating on the same universe level. We are focused, nervous, excited, and have the need to be around each other, even if we remain quiet. We crave the incessant logistics, and actually welcome the uncertainty of the “big” day. What will happen on race day? It’s an intriguing and grueling option in life, that even I don’t always understand. But the other racers do, and we silently go about our preparations as one big spiraling, ball of chaotic energy trying to reach the finish line. The closer we get to that Finish Line, the tighter our bond gets. 
2. Unpredictability is the name of the game. No race is really like the last one. There’s different external conditions/locations, weather fluctuations, personal feelings, training preparations, and body condition. In the case this weekend, the flooding in Tennessee has been so extreme that the Tennessee River was no longer safe to swim in. The swim portion of the race was cancelled, and racers were disappointed. Considering we were told the E coli levels were dangerous in the water, and the current would sweep you away, it was best. This is after months of swim training that everyone did. The early mornings at the pool, the endless laps, and the anticipation of what the swim might be like, vanished. And, there’s also the unpredictability of things like flat tires on the bike portion, malfunctions (all-of-a-sudden) from your once-reliable bike. The hydration and nutrition plans that go awry in a flash. Esp on the run, when you need it the most. It’s almost as if you must prepare for the unexpected. A full day of swimming, biking and running has to be planned, practiced and mastered. It can be done, and we can all do it. It’s just a matter of “is that your passion”? Anytime I participate in an activity that generates a large amount of unpredictability, it makes it even more of a challenge. Esp a mental challenge. Our body is a machine, we can all train it to go the distance. But our mind? What's a whole other aspect of racing. If a situation becomes unpredictable, mental strength has to be greater than your physical strength. My mantra for those extreme unpredictable moments? "Be calm. Stay calm. Stay in the moment. You can't think if you panic. So stay calm, Cyndi."  And my favorite? "It's going to be okay". I say it even when I know it's not going to be okay, and then.......stay calm.
3. The famous question: Why? The most common question asked. But why do you do it? And why do it? Most people would rather give their big toe, or take a sharp object to their eye, than compete in a endurance race that saps vast amounts of time from life. I had many people I met during the race, tell me that's the most common question they get. Why? And then even the racers would ask each other, how do you answer that? It seems we all came to the same conclusion: Because. There is no definitive Why. It's like asking why does the sun shine? Why do the clouds look like marshmallows? Why is there starvation in the world? So many questions in life remain unanswered. This will likely remain one of them. Why did you participate in the Ironman, and want to do it again? There is no Why. 
4. Surprisingly so, food played a much larger role in this endeavor than I realized. I typically bounce along in life eating what sounds good, what hopefully is good for my body, and then eat sugary things because I just love it so much. What I learned about food this time around is, that if you give in to food your body is not used to at a critical time, it can upset the apple cart. It took one wrong food choice Day 1 of my arrival in Chattanooga to realize that I need to tow the line on food until after the race. I had been training on particular food sources, that when I stepped out of that box, my body said, "Not a good idea". I quickly realigned myself until after the race. I had fallen into that trap of eating comfort foods over and over, and adjusted my body so much, that when let my guard down, I paid a hefty price. As much as I'm a fan of non-attachment to food, I had been on autopilot so long with my training foods, (which always made me feel energetic and good), that it was a wake up call to see the effect it had on my body, when I choose otherwise. Noted. 
5. There's no place like home. Vacations are great, hotels are nice, eating out is new and different, but really, I like being home. So the hotel I stayed at was great, comfortable and convenient. I really have no complaints whatsoever, except that it's not home. You know how this goes, you find your new routines on vacation, new sights, new smells, new people. It's wonderful for a period of time, them home beckons. I came back home with a new outlook, which brings me to :
6. I found I did this race for me. That's what I learned when I arrived back home. I could feel it as I was training, moving inward and being happy in the process of it all. It was a personal journey that fed my soul. The more I fed my soul, the less I felt the need for others to feed into it. I have found a level of satisfaction during this Ironman journey, unlike any other. I didn't feel the need to talk about it when I went back to work after the race. The internal satisfaction was beyond my own understanding. It was all about moving through the training and race - with me, myself and I. I also learned that a big part of the reason I felt this way was the natural and unconditional support I received from my family. They watched and supported me throughout the process without question or resistance. And I am most grateful for their undying love and devotion to allow me to be me. This time, the fan fair and celebration all bubbled deep inside my soul. Inside me, not outside. 
7. I found comfort in the discomfort. Who knew I would ever think that discomfort meant to keep going. One foot in front of the other. Don't stop. Keep moving. Don't stop. Keep moving. It was a natural mantra that played over and over. A record I could not turn off. I found the discomfort wonderfully calming, as that meant I was getting there. It's all a part of this process. It's the one thing that is expected, and it will happen. It's a guarantee. It's about taking a deep breathe and resetting yourself. When I looked around, there was discomfort everywhere, as everyone around me felt it, too. There are varying degrees, but we are all in this together. Regular people like me there at the race are all feeling this same way. It's not all sunshine and unicorns. But the Finish Line will allow all the discomfort to fade away, and bring about the exhilaration and smile that remains.
8. It's not about having a snazzy bike. I love my bike! I've spent many hours alone on it, covering many miles. Her name is Lil Blue, and she's a Quintana Roo who is a tri bike I happen to adore. She's not snazzy, she's just-right. A fancy-pants bike is not necessary. I've passed many a biker who might look like a pro, but looks can't get me to the finish line. High dollar equipment can shave minutes off your time, but I've found a good training plan, dedication, consistency, maybe a training coach and most importantly - a good bike fit will be key to success. When you and your bike fit like a glove, you move well on it. Biking becomes easier, less injuries occur, and enjoyment of the sport improves. A reliable tri bike shop can fit you to your bike. It makes a world of difference. 
9. What you build from training will last for months. Now I love this one. It's a great feeling to think you can bust out a century bike ride, go run a marathon or decide to swim around the Island of Key West -because you can.That's the wonderful part of pushing yourself to your personal edge. The payoff is not just finishing the race, but being able to walk out your front door and go. Go far. 
10. Anything is possible. Ordinary people can do extraordinary things. It doesn't have to be about swimming, biking or running. Climbing mountains, crossing the desert or getting to the moon. I mean day to day things in life. We can do whatever it is we desire, and we have the freedom to do so. It still amazes me that it's so easy for me to be able to do the things I'd like to do. Living in a free land, that allows a endless amount of options for people to chose from is priceless. God is ever present, and comes along for the ride every time. Right there with me. The peace and serenity that brings, along with the faith and trust in every step I take, no matter where I am, is what sees me through it all. I love this feeling of "I can do anything!". 

This particular journey was different than all the rest. Mindfulness and enjoyment were my best friends. During the long bike and runs, calm set in. I smiled more than I ever had in my previous trainings for Ironman races. It flowed well. My sweet husband, David and supportive daughter, Lolo supported me every step of the way. I'll carry the journey of this race in my pocket forever. 

I'm back home with my tribe. I'm blending back into normal life and it feels so good. The people I met during these last 6 months have been fascinating. I think about them, and what they do every day. People living their lives, the way they want. Pushing me to keep going, and be the best in my endeavors. I can take a step back now and reflect. My soul is settled, my heart is happy and onto other things out there waiting for me. The window of life is open wide, and I'm busy looking out that window deciding where and what I'll do next. For now, home. It's about going to work and coming home. The farm animals need me, my love and my touch. I want that as much as they do. Probably more.

Proud to have Ironman #6 under my belt, with more lessons learned that ever imagined. 

Cyndi