No matter who someone is it seems that having a balanced life is the most elusive, sought after unicorn on the planet. Chaos reigns supreme in this day in age, and I think my life is a prime example of that.
There are things in my life that I believe are a priority. Trying to have a successful career, staying in touch with friends, getting to spend quality time with family, and maybe even getting to spend some quality time with a significant other of the male variety. (God bless any man who has the resolve to put up with me during Ironman training.)
I mean, it makes sense.
But ultimately, above all else, my number one priority for 2017 is to complete Ironman Madison in September.
How does one juggle all of the "normal life" things alongside the grueling and relentless training that comes along with training for an Ironman? How do you become the unstoppable swimming, biking and running machine that you know you can be, all while still having some semblance of a life outside the spandex?
Lake Waconia Tri 2017 with two of the most amazing ladies I know!
While I am still just outside of my peak training weeks, I have already begun to try and formulate ways to compartmentalize my life so I can achieve my goals. All without becoming a crazy recluse, shut in, cat lady, who only leaves the apartment to train. Which, is a pretty eerily accurate description of my perfect life, but that's a thought for a different day.
Here are some things I believe are helpful in the "I need a real life" department as I train for Ironman. They may not necessarily be helpful for all, but maybe they will give people a glimpse into what it really means to chase a huge dream.
1. Schedule one night a week to relax ALONE.
No distractions, no errands to run. Just a time to do whatever the hell you want. I usually end up watching a movie (let's be real, we all know I am watching Harry Potter or LoTR for the millionth time.), sometimes I read, other times I write. But all that matters is that I have a night to not be somewhere, having to socialize, and that I have time to actually unwind and relax.
2. Stop flaking out on plans.
We've all been there. You make plans with a friend for a week out, and you are both so excited to hang, since its been forever! But as that day rolls around, and you have a long swim in the morning, plus a bike ride after, its easy to want to bail on that early dinner date with your bestie. And maybe this is a just a "person in their 30's" problem, but it happens more often than it should. My friends are the most supportive, loving, hilarious and impressive people on the planet, and I need to remind myself how lucky I am to get to spend time with people like that. I spend hours alone in the pool, running or on my bike during the week, so being social for a couple hours is probably good for me. I mean, until I become that weirdo who starts talking about my favorite electrolyte drinks or gel packets, and I start to see my friends immediately regret asking me about how my training is going. :)
These girls are my heart. This was my bday weekend in Arizona this year.
3. Use a journal to make to-do lists.
This is something that I use for both my personal and professional life. And what a difference it has made. When it comes to my training, I am meticulous with the planning and completion of my workouts and I am always working to make sure that I get everything done that I need to. The same should also go for my work and personal obligations.
Writing a list, and then getting to cross things off as you complete them is one of the most satisfying things on the planet. Even the most mundane things seem like a huge accomplishment once it has been crossed off a list. Like I seriously write things like "take the laundry thats been sitting in the dryer for a week and fold it" or "call your mom" or "take an epsom salt bath". Things that seem common sense, but I need to see them to make them a reality.
4. Take a deep breath, chill the fuck out, and enjoy the journey.
Life is incredibly short. And as I get older, I realize how fast each day zooms by, and every time I wake up and look back, it seems like another year has passed in the blink of an eye.
I want to make sure that all my days are filled with things that make me happy and that make me a better person than I was the day before. But along with that, I always want to make sure I am savoring the moments I get to experience, because that is all that matters.
So sometimes, I just need to take a step back, embrace the chaos, and remember that my life is pretty damn amazing and I am going to enjoy the hell out of this ride.
"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." -Fred DeVito
Ladies and gentleman, my family.
And the most 90s picture of all time.
