Energized and Inspired by Ironman Lake Placid

This past weekend, I traveled up to Lake Placid NY with my wife, Brook and our daughter, Hope, to watch the Ironman. The 9 hour drive was long but Hope (2.5 yrs. old) was well behaved so it wasn't all that bad.

Every year we stay at the Northwoods Inn on Main Street, the host hotel for our annual training camp in June. You can't beat it for convenience as everything you need is within walking distance, including Mirror Lake and the swim start.

This year, as in the past 7 years of watching (or doing) the race, I was totally inspired and re-energized about the sport of triathlon and Ironman in particular. If you have never witnessed an Ironman as a spectator or volunteer, I highly recommend that you check it out. You just can't help but get at least a bit emotional and inspired at the start of the swim or when watching the finish line drama unfold. Awesome energy and motivation!

As a coach, I was impressed by the depth of the men's pro field. The winning margin over 2nd place was just about 1 minute, the closest in the history of the race. In addition, several of the top pros finished around the 9 hour mark, an incredible feat on a very challenging (HILLY) Ironman course.

I want to challenge all of the triathletes reading this article to do an Ironman in the next 2 or 3 years. It doesn't have to be an official 'M DOT' event…any Iron Distance (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) will do. The key is to set the goal, develop the plan, execute the plan and challenge yourself to do the very best you can, given your limitations (training time, experience, natural talent, etc.).

Doing Ironman is nothing to be taken half heartedly and it requires an above average level of focus and commitment but the rewards go far beyond just receiving a finishers medal. Not only will you be in the very best physical condition of your life, you'll also boost your self confidence, mental toughness, meet top level people and accomplish a tremendous feat of human endurance. You'll never regret the decision to push yourself beyond your preconceived limitations. Set the bar high, register for a race and start the training process today!

I want to congratulate my privately coached athletes who successfully completed IMLP this year. It's always a pleasure to watch everyone first hand and witness the fruits of their hard work and commitment to a training process. Well done!

It looks like I have the 'bug' again and am looking to make another comeback (ha!) for the 2007 season. I started 'training' again the other day (as opposed to 'exercising') and plan to gradually build my multisport fitness in the remainder of 2006, focusing on the run at first and then shifting my emphasis to the bike next spring and summer. Swim??…well, we'll see.

So, please join me and if you have not already, commit to a big event in the near future that pushes you and gives you a tremendous amount of purpose and pride. And if you want some help and a 'kick in the pants' sometimes to keep you on track, get in touch with me.

Train safe and train smart,

Coach Troy


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