Earlier this week as I was packed like a sardine on Bart and flipping through Running Times magazines, I stumbled upon an article by former marathon Olympian, Don Kardong. In this article, he retells the tale of his fourth place finish at the 1976 Olympics and offers advice to this year’s Olympic marathon team. But beyond his humorous anecdotes I found one quote that struck me…
If I had to sum up my journey thus far into the sport of triathlon, I couldn’t pick anything better to describe it than a delusion of grandeur. Sign up for a full Ironman without really being able to swim or not knowing the first thing about how to ride a bike? Sure, why not. It’s clear why people questioned my decision, let alone my sanity.
Yet contrary to what “they” believed, I vowed to completely immerse myself in a brand new sport and wouldn’t let anyone or anything discourage me.
I didn’t have the right gear, I barely know how to change a flat, my swim stroke is off, I am constantly battling my open water fear, and I still don’t understand Yankz.
But this little delusion of mine is what I look forward to every day. I can unequivocally say that for the past 32 week, triathlon and everything about it has become my passion and has helped me redefine who I am and who I want to be.
I will flail aimlessly in the water, I will sport neon green, I will name my bike after children’s cartoons, I will call myself a Fred with pride, I will wave for the camera, and most of all, I will have fun.
This Sunday is the biggest stepping stone in my Ironman journey yet: Vineman 70.3. To say that I’m nervous would be an understatement and I’m extremely worried about my knee right now. I have my A, B and C goals all listed in my head, I’m all packed and I’m waiting for Chicken Face to get home so we can hit the road.
It’s time for the next step…
Here’s to delusions of grandeur and most importantly…Happy Running!
P.S. I’m # 1778 and will be tweeting and Instagramming to the point of obnoxiousness.
A-frickin-MEN. You will clearly rock it like you rock them all.
I, too, have the desire to start doing tri’s and literally NO biking experience. My formal swimming training was with in a Carebear bathing suit. Still have my eye on a sprint tri after I complete my first half marathon in October.
I’m absolutely inspired by your immersion and commitment to your new sport. This Oakland girl is rooting for you this weekend!
AWESOME post!!! This pertains to many many aspects of life – and i love the fact that you could relate it to your tri experience. Thanks for the inspiration. I will embrace the love part of my Love/Hate relationship with running, more often.
Thank you for this! I think many athletes fall into the comparison trap, and this directly relates to that trap. We wander around thinking, “I work harder than her but she always beats me at races!” and we start to question our “delusions of grandeur”. When really, *no one* should make us question our goals! And like you said, having fun is what’s most important!
Great post! It’s so true that only you can define what you are (or are not) capable of! Your story is truly an inspiration to others
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It’s so awesome that you pursued your “delusions of grandeur”! Mine is to become a marathoner.
So, this is yet another post where you set us up to beleive that you’ll finish somewhere in the middle or rear of the pack but then you end up kicking major butt and actually post the top 5 of your age group. Right?
love the quote and sometimes i think it’s going for the big dream rather than the small little one’s along the way that truly inspire us to our best lives!
Bonne chance Page!!
Have a GREAT TIME at your race – enjoy every moment. You may want to look into some KT-Tape for your knee if you think you might need a little extra support. I think it’s amazing.
I want to race Vineman next year, so I’m looking forward to your race report.
Aloha!
I love this! And I am seriously loving following your training and progress as you gear up for this kind-of-a-big-deal race. I actually LOVE that you went into the Ironman without cycling or swimming knowledge or experience. That’s making it all more fun, right? Your enthusiasm toward Ironman training is totally infectious. GOOD LUCK this weekend! Crush it, be awesome, do your thing.
So excited for you! I’ll be cheering my face off for you at the Golden Gate Tri Club aid station on the run course … if, that is, you’re not so speedy that you’ve passed it before I start my shift.
You’ll rock it, Page! See you there!
Good luck girl!! You are doing to be incredible- cant wait to hear about all of your glory!
LOVE!
great quote, and great attitude. i actually find it more impressive that you decided to tackle an Ironman with minimal experience. it will make it that much more amazing to look at how far you’ve come and everything you’ve accomplished. i’m so excited for you to conquer vineman – and i have no doubt that you’re gonna have an awesome race. i’ll be following along and sending you positive vibes! and no matter what happens, enjoy it : )