Get Unstuck

I found this great video about "getting unstuck" that you can apply with your training (or any area of your life for that matter.)

It is basically about getting comfortable with uncertainty, realizing what your patterns are, and moving forward.

Happy Friday Friends!

http://thedailylove.com/why-youre-stuck-and-how-to-get-free/

Three C's to Triathlon Training Success!

I promised a friend I would chronicle how I got rid of my aquaphobia.

What I learned about people who have this condition is that they almost always have had some kind of traumatic event in a body of water (swimming pool, lake, ocean, bath tub etc). In fact, just the thought of the traumatic event(s) can trigger physiological responses such as rapid heart beat, hyperventilation, anxiety, and/or vertigo/dizziness.

The above was an accurate description of me for most of my life until last October. Today, I am happy to report that I am able to be remain Calm, Confident, and Competent in the open water (I even swam solo during my swim/bike/run at the lake today!)

I felt fantastic and totally ALIVE! Triathlon training is absolutely invigorating!

I want to share what I have learned and I hope this post is useful to any potential triathletes out there!

The following are what I have identified as the Three C's to successful Triathlon Training.

1) Get Calm.

If you are not calm, you've already lost even before stepping into battle. You need to Train Your Brain by writing and vocalizing your affirmations!

I have longed to learn how to swim my entire life. A deep seated fear from two near drowning experiences crippled me from learning. Last year that changed because for the first time my longing to learn finally outweighed my fear. Out of sheer faith, I signed up for an ocean Triathlon not knowing how to swim or float.

Days before an open water swim I would have anxiety attacks at home, have difficulty sleeping, and have full on panic attacks in the lake. This didn't prevent me from coming out to the lake because  I noticed each time my fear would lessen.

The funny thing about letting go of fear is that exhiliration replaces it. That, or excitement, awe, and/or an overwhelming sense of giddiness. 

I figured out how to persuade my brain that I would not die or drown, especially in a dang wetsuit!

Since the written word holds a lot of power for me, I would constantly add to the above affirmations and read them to myself daily even if I wasn't training.

This practice helped me calm my mind,  which calmed my breathing, which calmed my muscles, and allowed me to swim. Slowly, inch by inch, I met my goals.

2) Get Confident.

(Or borrow some until you build your own!)

Surround yourself with a positive and supportive training group to build up your confidence.

I grew leaps and bounds by training with my FitChick sisters. They let me borrow their courage and confidence when I had none through their friendship. I am immensely proud and grateful to be a part of this group of women who enjoy the camaraderie of training for a variety of athletic endeavors.

3) Get Competent.

If you get Calm & Confident the next step is to build Competence. You do this by committing to your sport and by putting in the work to help you hone your craft.

In short, if you get Calm, Confident, and Competent, before you know it, you will be crossing that Triathlon finish line with pride!

Wishing you all more miles and smiles :)

Happy Training Friends!