Real Cheese
This is an athlete story of my season, rather than a race-specific tale. In the past year, I have grown a lot and become quite a “student of the sport.” At this moment I feel connected to the greater triathlon community mostly via Squad and Instagram, and am frequently reminded of how much of a beginner I truly am. When I look back on the year though, I have come a long way. Here are a few of the key turning points:
- This time last year, I finished reading Iron War on the elliptical at my gym, while on my second month of “off-season.” After years of training in swim/bike/run for fitness, I started to appreciate the culture and history of the sport. I also decided to go to Kona one of these days, likely as a volunteer or tourist.
- I started a cookie-cutter online tri program and binging on podcasts, while doing random “off-season” projects like Krav Maga for much longer than necessary. My body awareness improved but it still wasn’t exactly triathlon-related for the most part. Thankfully, I came across the Purple Patch and Tower 26, which I would consider my first ever experiences with high-quality, sport-specific coaching.
- January came and I felt refreshed for triathlon, but definitely starting to burn out when it came to work (healthcare field), taking on much more than I should have and having multiple unexpected family issues add to the stress.
- Enough was enough . . . I realized there’s no time like the present and decided to take off for vacation. First one since 2012 and it felt amazing to do just whatever I wanted. I happened to want to train in San Francisco at the Purple Patch camp. Also did some very literal car-camping, which fed my soul!
- At camp and after, I learned a ton. Most of all, I learned that I might as well do what I want (not what I feel like in the moment necessarily but what I want deep down) because, well, I can. Lots of people can’t, and plenty tell each other that they can’t because of this reason or that, but holding back does not help anyone. After all, “All ships rise with the tide.” Doing this training escape for myself was a step toward listening to my own inner dialogue, as well as expressing the warrior within. I figured I would be out of my league athletically but didn’t get my a** handed to me as much as I anticipated. That’s a win.
- I came home, realized I hadn’t been doing what I wanted, and made some changes. Yay!
- Armed with perspective, confidence, goals, regular exercise, and community, I felt much more supported than before and was able to take the risk of decreasing my anxiety/depression medication. Another win J
- I shopped around for coaches, and – surprise surprise – joined squad. I have always preferred team sports to individual ones and am really thankful to marry my passion for triathlon with the joy and responsibility of being part of a team.
- Felt vulnerable and asked for help on multiple occasions rather than trying to do it all myself. Sometimes it worked out and sometimes it did not but when it did work out, it was worth it.
- Got through an injury and am on the mend . . . at least I think I am. It’s complicated but I’m getting better with handling uncertainty.
- Oh, and I also did two triathlons. One sprint-ish distance and one 70.3. I actually did have a good time during most of these two races . . . and even more so during the time surrounding the races when sharing stories/thoughts/feelings with teammates.
- It was during the 70.3 that I realized another reason for doing this triathlon thing . . .because other people are also doing it. If we all just decided not to show up, it wouldn’t be any fun. At the very least, my competing allows others to have competition. At the most, it’s self-actualization.
Suffice to say, I’ve drank the Kool-Aid. Looking forward to another great year with you folks!
Thanks for the memories :P
Jess V
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Jess - You, as always, exude so much positive energy. From our initial conversations about the SF camp, to getting to ride with you during the camp, I'm (and all of PPF) are the ones who win here! Thank you for providing feedback and insight into your journey. I love that this has been way more than just a training plan for triathlon. The squad, education and friendships have improved and empowered your life. THIS is what it's all about. -- Carrie
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