Walking down the beach this weekend was nice. The weather was ok ,with potential rain at any moment, but it was pleasant. It was quite busy as I think everyone had the same idea to get some fresh air and a bit of exercise. There were runners, cyclists, dog walkers, surfers, paddle boarders, swimmers and canoeists, it was great to see so many different activities going on.
I looked at the swimmers and reminisced (in my head) about my spell of open water swimming, I admired the runners, all at different levels, and reminisced (in my head) about my running days and suddenly I felt sad. I used to be an Ironman triathlete, I used to be a cyclist, a swimmer, a marathon runner and I used to have a better body! If that’s what I used to be, what am I now? Who am I now?
I know I am a Dad, a Son, a husband, a Brother and all of those things, but I was that before as well, so I need something different. They are all very worthy relationships / roles, I know, but I still need something else. So what is it??
I have started throwing some weights about again but it is a gentle start and my recovery between sessions is painful and long winded. I won’t see the benefits for about 6+ weeks but it’s a good start (Body getting better). I’m going to get the wetsuit out again and start swimming ready to do a “Salty Dog” swim event next year (Still a swimmer). My bike is never far away so I am going to commit to a ride once a week and plan an event for next year (still a cyclist).
I have shared my thoughts with one of my mates and he is thinking along the same lines so we are now planning things. A 5-day trip to the Alps has already been explored and flights checked for July, so that’s looking positive and gives me a reason to maintain my cycling.
I mentioned the swimming to my wife and she said she would like to join me – I nearly fell off my seat! I need to arrange a wet suit and we will go to the beach and dip our toes.
Isn’t it funny how the brain can be against you one minute and full of positivity the next! Instead of sad, I feel rejuvenated and ready to go. Just by putting some small targets in my diary and committing to some events, has got me off my backside ready to be a cyclist, swimmer and runner again. The Ironman era is over for me though!
Have you let things go and feel bad about doing that? What small steps / goals could you plan, immediately, that would change your brain back into a positive position and drive some actions?
I hope you have an amazing week full of positivity….