How to build an IronMind
The art of not letting yourself quit
Hey friends 👋,
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This might sound a little strange, but in my opinion, running an IronMan comes down to 15% training, 25% nutrition, and 60% mindset. Every triathlon is like a mental marathon with a side of swimming and biking. Just the thought of starting can give you the jitters, but hey, that's the first hurdle and guess what? It's totally leap-able.
So here’s the scoop on how I steel my brain for the training grind and keep those good vibes rolling on race day!
Solitude: Your Training Partner Who Never Backs Down
Training for an IronMan is like signing up for a masterclass in 'Me, Myself, and I'. It's a stark contrast to my days on the soccer field, where camaraderie and collective cheers were the norm. Transitioning to triathlon, where the only cheers you hear are the echoes of your own breath, can be jarring. Initially, the silence was deafening, and the loneliness clung to me like a second skin. But as I pedaled and paddled through the hours, that solitude transformed into solace. I found strength in the quiet and learned that being alone doesn't mean being lonely.
Building a Positive Fortress in Your Mind
Now, let's talk about constructing a fortress of positivity in your mind. Picture this: you're midway through the race, your muscles are singing arias of ache, and a thought barges in – “Holy S&!$ I still have 6 hours left.” That’s the moment you need to grab that thought by the collar and throw it out the door. It's all about focusing on what you can control.
My injuries taught me this. In mid June of 2022, 2 months before my first IronMan in August of 2022, I faced a concussion that benched me for a whole month. Did I stew over the lost time? Okay, maybe for a minute, but instead of dwelling on the setback, I zeroed in on my recovery, my new goals and the road ahead. Control became my mantra, and that concussion? Merely a detour, not a dead end.
These negative thoughts - They’re like uninvited race spectators. Acknowledge them, wave, and move on. Keep your eyes on the prize and remember, those “looking for a way out” thoughts are just mental noise. My dad's mantra? “Stay in your head, buddy.” It wasn't just a chant; it was my mental armour pushing me through to the finish.
The Art of Mental Sculpting
When I was playing soccer, I had an incredibly negative mindset. I was terrified of failing. I was constantly concerned about what other people thought of me, so much so that the pressure became unbearable and my performance often time lacked. So, I tackled triathlon with a fresh goal – to craft a mindset of steel. But what does that look like?
I visualized success, logged my mental state post-training, and stayed raw and real with my coach. I did the “cheesy” stuff – journaling, reflecting, tracking emotions. And you know what? It worked like a charm. The more I focused on the bite-sized chunks of the race, the less monstrous the IronMan seemed.
The Daily Grind
Consistency is key. You’re training for a reason. Show up everyday with a purpose and trust you’re doing something right. Looking at a race like an IronMan in totality seems incredibly daunting, so stay present and keep believing in the work you’re putting - it will all come together eventually.
Truth be told, I never put the distances all together before my first Ironman. The scary thoughts did come in about like: “I’ve never done this before, how could I do it now?” “What if I didn’t train hard enough?”, but I stopped myself. I did train hard, and hey, even if I didn’t there’s nothing I can do about it, cut yourself some slack. You did it. Look ahead and control the controllable, remember?
Side note: you also spent a bunch of money doing this so no reason to quit now!
The Energy Lab: Where Iron Will is Forged
As I approached the Kona’s infamous Energy Lab, I was haunted by the whispers of its notoriety – the heat, the desolation, the silent screams for mercy from a thousand athletes before me. It's the crucible where your mental mettle is put to the ultimate test. As I pounded the pavement, surrounded by nothing but lava and my own thoughts, I had to dig deep. This wasn't just about physical endurance; it was about mental resilience. It was about grounding myself in the moment and realizing that this, too, was a part of the journey I had chosen.
Redefining 'Sacrifices': The Trade-Offs That Shape Us
Looking back, I remember feeling so much FOMO as I watched friends live out their weekends while I was busy courting blisters and bike saddles. But as I reflected on this journey, the notion of 'sacrifice' began to rub me the wrong way. Was I sacrificing, or was I investing? Was I missing out, or was I gaining something far more valuable? The answer became clear – I was prioritizing, not sacrificing. I was actively choosing a path that resonated with my goals, my dreams, and ultimately, my growth.
The Homestretch: It's All About the Journey
So, dear reader, if you take away one thing from my ramblings, let it be this: an IronMan is more than a race; it’s a testament to the power of the mind. It's the embodiment of the phrase, "Where there's a will, there's a way." And whether you're an aspiring triathlete, a seasoned pro, or just someone looking for a spark of inspiration, remember that the journey towards any formidable goal is paved with determination, positivity, and a whole lot of heart.
Until our paths cross at the next starting line,
Lauren “whose gonna carry the boats” Hogg
Weekly Q&A (If you have a question, comment at the bottom or dm me)!:
Q: What Bike trainer do you have??
A: I currently use the CYCLEOPS Fluid 2.
However I’m saving up for a new one!! The new trainers have bluetooth stat recognition, but I use a dumb trainer as of now which tracks everything through my own bike, which isn’t ideal.
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