Taper Smaper….

People who do Ironman are maybe a bit strange and perhaps even a touch crazy. We swim, bike and run more than what is considered normal. We obsess about our heart rates, our weight, tyre pressure, power tap readings, how many calories we put in a biddon on a long ride, matching cycle kits and have heated debates on whether or not long compression socks are ruining our sports image. After months of doing all of this while following a program that will hopefully lead us to race day glory of either a PB, a kona slot, a podium or even just the finish line we first must enter the “taper” period.

Now on paper the “taper” time should be a welcome relief from all the gnarly training but alas this is where everything goes pear shaped. I personally struggle with slowing down. I always get a touch crazy in the first few days…. I cant sit still. I start baking and cooking. Poor Luke gets food shoved in his face. I obviously cant eat it. I am busy obsessing over my weight and wondering if it is possible to gain 2 kgs in this next 2 weeks. Hopefully NOT!!!!

I know how this all sounds….really I do. I guess I just wanted to write about it so that other people don’t think they are crazy. Also if I put it down in a blog then hopefully I will not find the need to talk about it and drive Luke and Joey ( housemate) mad.

I am filling in the time with some serious Olympic Games watching… GO AUSSIES!!!! Also I have been getting some of the best body work done by Tim Monaco here in Bend. He is a magician and can fix any niggle with just 90 mins on the table. The Golden Turtle has had a little love and is ready for the road trip up to Penticton.

Luke and I will be packing her up and hitting the road on Friday.

See you up there!!!!

Memphis x x

I had already had a bit of a chat with Kristian at IM Australia earlier in the year. His wife Charlotte is a pro woman and a killer runner so I knew he was onto something. I had to procrastinate a little and I wanted to be sure that I would actually be committed. I have a tendency to start things but not to finish them. Along with the fact that I had a hard time following direction.
After a long chat with Luke I finally realised that if I wanted to become a good athlete with the hope of one day becoming a great athlete then I needed to take this step.

So here I am 6 weeks later following the program and you know what….. Kristian is a genius! Not only have I made massive improvements but I actually love running now. He has managed to take the mystery out of how to get better. He has broken it all the way down and has built me up. Now I find it weird if I do not run off the bike , I look forward to 2.5 hour runs and find efforts totally rewarding. Who would have ever thought that they would ever hear me say that!!!

I am a realist and I know that this is just the beginning of my IM journey. I have a long way to go and a lot of time time make up on the front of the pack. However now I can actually see how I might actually be able to do it. With the help of Luke and my new coach Kristian of TriSpecific I now understand that a plan…. a really good plan is the other thing that you need to get all the way to that podium one day. Just remember that you along with that your plan you must always BELIEVE and follow the dream that no one else can see.

Stay true , train hard

Memphis

Actually this is one of the reasons that I was lucky enough to get selected for this fantastic team. Last year I went to so many events that by the time I finished Canada the Timex Big Rig and it’s driver Benji  had become part of my USA family. 

This year I have already raced IM New Zealand and am now just 1 month away from IM China. I will follow that race with this race schedule:

Wildflower Half IM , Florida 70.3, Boise 70.3, Escape from Alcatraz, IM Japan, Vineman 70.3, IM Canada and either Hawaii (if I get a lucky roll down) or Cancun then Clearwater.

Some people would say I am mad,stupid crazy or all of the above. I would tend to agree but not without good reason.

I am a two time survivor of cancer. I have lived through my teenage years of crime and drugs and come out  a happy, determined, positive person. I know what pain really is and that is why I choose this sport. Sometimes you do not get to choose your battles. Sometimes they choose you. Some people win, some do not make it.

This year is my first year as a pro.

Many people ask me if I have what it takes to make it. I may not have won my age group at Hawaii before turning pro…..actually this  incredibly gifted and beautiful woman named Rachel Ross won that…twice….maybe you guys have heard of her ha ha. I am new to this sport. I have been racing for just 2 years. I found triathlon and I fell in love with the people who race it.

I choose to take this oppertunity and get my licence because I know what it is like to beg for your life. Beg that if you are given one more chance you will not hesitate. You will not let fear over come you. You will do anything to have the chance to let go of everything you are meant to aquire in life… your house, job, family stability. You promise that if given one more chance at life you will never let other people messure  your success. Others opinions will never again hold you back for living YOUR dream.

I have my chance and I am here in your team and I am so greatful.

I am not coming to camp sadly but I know that I will meet most of you soon. I know a few of you already. Most of you know me as a crazy, loud, fun person. I promise that from now on I will only post amusing writtings of my adventures.

If you see me but I dont see you come say hi, I am not rude just very short sighted :)

Amanda

P.S Does this blog thing have spell check….I need it.