As I prepare for my last big triathlon race of the season, Miami 70.3 on October 25th, I’m reflecting on the meaning of “fit” and “healthy”.
I’ve been a competitive age group triathlete for almost a decade now and I can confidently say I’m almost always fit. Unfortunately, this has not always meant I’ve been healthy.
I’ve experienced a number of injuries over the years and during those times I wasn’t feeling healthy. Injuries not only stop us from doing what we love to do but they can wreak havoc on our mental well-being. Pain is exhausting, depressing and can send even the most positive of people into a bit of a tail spin.
For me, this season was about being fit and healthy.
I trained hard right from the beginning of the season to prepare for an early season race in March on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii. This was a fantastic race with 22 of my teammates from Human Powered Racing. I was FIT and injury-free!
On the heals of that race I started preparing for the Oliver Half Ironman. On June 7th, my teammate and I endured temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius to complete this beautiful race in the South Okanagan… injury-free!
After a much needed week off training in the middle of June I was into another hard training block in preparation for one of my favorite local races, The Sri Chinmoy Triathlon at Elk Lake. Once again, I made it to the start line fit and healthy and finished with a personal best at this race.
I’ve competed four times in this race!
What made the difference this season compared to previous years of training and racing?
I followed the advice I have given my patients for fifteen years:
- strengthened my core,
- stabilized my hips,
- stretched,
- got physio,
- had a massage regimen,
- saw a sports chiropractor, and
- followed a training program designed around build and recovery phases.
It’s a lot, because triathlon is a lot. But no matter what your activity is, please stay fit and healthy so you can continue to play!
As for me, I have four days until my next race. Miami is waiting. Bye for now!
