86 Days to Ultraman Mexico: It’s a Mentality Before It’s a Reality
Next up is a trip to Milwaukee for the USAT National Championship races. I’m signed up for the Olympic distance and planning to sign up for the Sprint distance as well. The field will be a mix of age-groupers just happy to be present, like myself, and athletes attempting to qualify for the USA age-group national team. The fitness disparity will spread the field, which should make for an interesting race. I still can’t believe I get to go.
I ran the short loop behind the Scotland apartment today. For only being three days out from Ironman Lake Placid, I felt good. My digestive system is still recovering from the race, and I noticed some discomfort in my upper stomach during the run, but that will pass in a few days. Some joint pain made my gait feel awkward. I could have completed the full 5-mile loop, but I don’t want to rush recovery. This week is about regeneration. Easy training sessions will maintain momentum without digging a deeper hole.
There are 86 days until Ultraman Mexico. That might feel short, but thinking that way doesn’t help.
I have all the time I have.
I trust my body’s ability to grow. When the race comes I’ll give it my all. I’ll have no other choice.
I need to focus more seriously on core strength. A balanced body will make me more efficient and resilient. Right now, my right side compensates for the left, leading to different stride lengths, a rotated position on the bike, and difficulty swimming a straight line. Continuing to train without correcting this imbalance will only reinforce it. Long term, it could lead to injury. I need to find exercises that build even strength from top to bottom. The core is the axis through which all my effort flows, and improving it will likely make the biggest difference in my race times.
I’ve completed two full Ironmans this year. A third could put me in contention for Ironman’s bronze “all-world” status. It’s just a title but it would be a fun next step up in the triathlon world. More importantly, it would be gratifying to see how a third full race shakes out. There are two possible races in November. I don’t yet know what shape I’ll be in, physically or financially, but even if I can’t do them it is important for me to keep the possibility in mind. “
It’s a mentality before it’s a reality.” - Raheem Morris
Next year, I want to do three full and three half Ironmans, as well as another Ultraman. This high volume endurance training lifestyle suits my nature.
I’ve got a lot of races in my future.