TUESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2008
If you decide to do an Ironman here are some of the qualities you’ll need: commitment, drive, determination / stubbornness, a big selfish streak, slightly obsessive compulsive nature and really importantly, self belief. I had a phone conversation with one prospective coach whose précised comment to me, when I told him I wanted to qualify for Hawaii, was that I had an unrealistic expectation of my own abilities! Wow! Talk about knocking my confidence and self belief down to sub zero. Granted, I hadn’t been out on the bike in a very long time, but I was fairly fit, had just completed the Auckland Marathon in a decent time, was dead keen and wasn’t a complete greenie, as I had done one Ironman and one half Ironman in my life and knew what to expect.
After this incident I really reflected on what I thought I could realistically achieve. I realise I do have high personal aspirations and I work hard to achieve my objectives to the best of my abilities. If I fail, then at least I tried and won’t go to my grave thinking “What if…..” As individuals we are often our own worst enemies and it is relatively easy to put limitations on our goals. It becomes a self fulfilling prophesy: if you don’t believe you can, then you never will! (My husband will laugh at this, as I’ve just stonewalled the opportunity to drive the tractor in the mud, down the hill, in the rain! – I said there’s no way I can do it, even if he shows me how and watches me!)
As I continued my search for a coach I found it really difficult to make a decision. The person I chose had to have some qualities I really admired, plus a belief in me. A personal recommendation came to my rescue and I met my coach, Ange, over a fence! I was introduced to him by our friend Andrew, who said (in complete awe), “You must meet Ange. He’s The Real McCoy! He’s an Ironman!”
Ange has done lots of competitive Ironman events, but he understands the balance required to train hard, run a business, have a decent family life and enjoy it! Ange’s catch phrase, when he hands over my 28hr training schedules is, “….and have fun!” My training schedule often carries a little message like “Look out Kona!” which makes me believe I can do it. If he thinks I’m capable, then so do I! Ange has never once knocked my self belief or personal goals; after all, the last thing you need is someone who might shatter your Hawaii Ironman dreams!
If you decide to do an Ironman here are some of the qualities you’ll need: commitment, drive, determination / stubbornness, a big selfish streak, slightly obsessive compulsive nature and really importantly, self belief. I had a phone conversation with one prospective coach whose précised comment to me, when I told him I wanted to qualify for Hawaii, was that I had an unrealistic expectation of my own abilities! Wow! Talk about knocking my confidence and self belief down to sub zero. Granted, I hadn’t been out on the bike in a very long time, but I was fairly fit, had just completed the Auckland Marathon in a decent time, was dead keen and wasn’t a complete greenie, as I had done one Ironman and one half Ironman in my life and knew what to expect.
After this incident I really reflected on what I thought I could realistically achieve. I realise I do have high personal aspirations and I work hard to achieve my objectives to the best of my abilities. If I fail, then at least I tried and won’t go to my grave thinking “What if…..” As individuals we are often our own worst enemies and it is relatively easy to put limitations on our goals. It becomes a self fulfilling prophesy: if you don’t believe you can, then you never will! (My husband will laugh at this, as I’ve just stonewalled the opportunity to drive the tractor in the mud, down the hill, in the rain! – I said there’s no way I can do it, even if he shows me how and watches me!)
As I continued my search for a coach I found it really difficult to make a decision. The person I chose had to have some qualities I really admired, plus a belief in me. A personal recommendation came to my rescue and I met my coach, Ange, over a fence! I was introduced to him by our friend Andrew, who said (in complete awe), “You must meet Ange. He’s The Real McCoy! He’s an Ironman!”
Ange has done lots of competitive Ironman events, but he understands the balance required to train hard, run a business, have a decent family life and enjoy it! Ange’s catch phrase, when he hands over my 28hr training schedules is, “….and have fun!” My training schedule often carries a little message like “Look out Kona!” which makes me believe I can do it. If he thinks I’m capable, then so do I! Ange has never once knocked my self belief or personal goals; after all, the last thing you need is someone who might shatter your Hawaii Ironman dreams!