Where I Get Motivation

Motivation is a tricky thing. When you need it most, it is hard to come by, but when you have no need, it abounds. Over the years I’ve learned that I find motivation in momentus spurts of energy and end up wasting it all at once. However, I’ve also figured out how to prolong the experience without actually having to prolong the motivation itself.

Have you ever felt those moments where you felt like you could conquer the world? Well I seem to have them more often than is good for me. What I used to do was use the motivation like rocket fuel and use it till it was all burnt up. This wasn’t very effective and often times I ended up stuck in the middle of a project or goal without the desire to continue.

To fix this, I started using the motivation to set “realistic” (and I’ll use that term loosely) goals for myself. Rather than use the motivation for exertion, I used it for goal and lifestyle planning, which is how I ended up here.

One of these goals I set for myself was not just to compete in a triathlon, but to become a pro triathlete. Sure, it might seem like a cocky move and I might be in over my head, but that’s where the motivation comes in.

Since I already labeled myself as a pro, I then had to force myself to either live up to that claim by training like a pro…or I had to recognize that I’d never make it at all, and I’m not one to give up.

So this is where my motivation comes from. I create an image of myself beforehand and then force myself to live up to it. Sure, this makes me open to criticism, but if you can’t handle it now, how will you handle it when everyone puts a bullseye on your back?

March 28, 2009 | Filed Under Planning

2 Comments 

Ironman Augusta – It is Official

Well, it is official. Barring injury, tragedy, or both, I will be competing in the 70.3 Ironman at Augusta, Georgia at the end of September.

It looks like my progression is on track and although I didn’t get in some of the NCTS races I wanted to, I will still be able to compete there while attempting 2 half-ironmans and 2 marathons this season.

I’m using the REV3 as a “test” race for the Ironman, so I’m banking everything on September. I honestly can’t wait to get started racing and as much as I love the high altitude training here in A-Stan, I’m ready to get back to business.

February 6, 2009 | Filed Under News Updates, Planning

5 Comments 

3 Phases to Going Pro

To prove to myself and others that I am both serious about becoming a pro-triathlete and understand the dedication and sacrifice necessary to make it happen, I am going to lay out my plan on these pages. I will keep this plan a “living document” so that as changes come I can react to them and plan accordingly. As goals are achieved I will continue to check them off the list and let you see how I progress throughout this journey. Once I get there, you will all see how it was done and see how it can be done in the future.

There are 3 Phases to my plan and they are broken down into a beginning phase, an intermediate amateur phase, and a final “pro-push” phase. Each phase contains a list of goals and achievements necessary to reach the next, as well as a date by which I hope to enter each phase.

Phase I: (Spring 2009)

Phase II: (Fall 2009)

Phase III: (Fall 2010)

I will keep regular training logs as well as updates to my plan if any changes need to be made due to circumstance or other external occurances. As you can see, I’ve got my work cut out for me!

September 18, 2008 | Filed Under Planning

9 Comments