Winning can be easy, with the right support

It all depends on how you define winning. For those of us who attended a recent YMCA triathlon training camp, crossing the finish line at the end of that weekend was indeed a triumph.

None of us had completed a triathlon before.

By day three, all of us had done one.

Who would have thought that such a varied bunch of folks from all walks of life, each with different strengths and abilities, would take up the challenge of trying a tri? With the right support, we did just that.

Led by pro triathlete Buddy Green, along with coaches Donna Smrek, Lise Edwards, Leslie McClosky and Laura Schmitt — with more than 60 years of marathon running, triathlon and swimming competition among them — we aspiring triathletes were led through an informative and challenging weekend at the Y’s Camp Falcona.

There was no hot water and the lake was ice cold. But we persevered under their skilled guidance, as they led us through biking routines, swimming drills, running laps, strength training and yoga moves. There were seven of us and five leaders. We were spoiled by their attention — even if we didn’t want it.

Triathlons consist of swimming, cycling, and running in immediate succession. Triathletes compete for fastest overall course completion time, including timed “transitions” between the individual swim, bike, and run components. Triathlon races vary in distance, including the Sprint distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, five km run), Olympic distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km ride, 10 km run), Half Ironman (1.9 km swim, 90 km ride, 21.1 km run), and Ironman triathlon (3.8 km swim, 180 km ride, 42.2 km run).

The weekend triathlon camp was not just about training our bodies. It also focused on proper nutrition, how to maneuver through the transition stages involved in triathlon (ever tried running while stripping off a wetsuit?), goal setting and how to balance training with the rest of one’s life.

Working training into one’s life can be challenging, particularly if one works full time (including shift work) and wants to make time for family life and nurture healthy, loving relationships. Plus there’s all the other stuff, like doing household chores, paying the bills, grocery shopping, socializing and more. It can be a tricky juggling act for many.

Guest speaker Dr. Aaron Stauber (from Health Coach Naturopathic Medical Clinic) addressed the important question of achieving balance. He encouraged us to keep things real and to reflect regularly on the goals we set for ourselves as budding triathletes — and to make changes if necessary. (For example, if you don’t have time to join a running group because you have to care for young children, encourage your youngsters to ride their bikes with you during a run.) Smaller goals now can lead to bigger goals later.

Stauber also spoke about overcoming the obstacles that present themselves as people journey toward their goals. Fear, he said, stops many people from even undertaking a goal. He encouraged us to get rid of any old, boring, critical thinking and retrain our inner voice to reaffirm positive, realistic messages in our head.

“Surround yourself with people who want to support your dreams and goals,” he added.

His words were right on the money as we sweated through several training sessions that weekend. Our coaches inspired us and motivated us to do the best we could with what we personally brought to the camp, and to reach that little bit farther.

It is never too late to pick up a physical challenge and test one’s mettle. From my perspective, as a former competitive swimmer in the 1980s who has fought the demon couch potato, challenging myself to compete in a sprint triathlon in July was a big step. Getting the support I need to achieve that goal has been critical.

According to one anonymous sage, “Even if you can’t win, you can help the fellow ahead of you break the record.”

Thanks to the strong leadership and support during this recent tri-camp, we participants are well on our way to breaking a few new records. And in fact, for some of us, we already have.

Wendy Bird is managing editor of Northern Life.

Editor’s note: Another YMCA tri-camp is in the works for Sept. 11-13. For more information, phone Donna at 673-9136 ext. 2134.