Next Year

    With my last race of the year under my belt, and next season's schedule kind of wide open, it is hard for me to not be feeling a sense of sadness at the ending of my first racing season. I know I did not put in stellar times, I was not tearing up the tracks, but I was pushing myself into a whole new arena. Most of these events I attended alone, which in and of itself is a minor victory for me. True, it is more fun to have a friend or two with calming words of encouragement at the start, and cheers of congratulation at the finish line. But I actually look at my solo ventures as part of the adventure, part of the challenge, and part of my triumph.
    I stand at the end of the old year, and on the cusp of the new. Looking back at how well I did, but knowing I can do better. I look ahead at milestone events that I want to complete, and know I will have to increase my regimen accordingly. Sure, I pushed myself a bit this year, but not nearly what I know I could do. I went from a splash-about-the-lake recreational swimmer to being capable of swimming 2 miles in the pool. which will hopefully translate well to the open water come spring. I went from "I am not a runner," to entering and completing 3 triathlons, several 5Ks, a 10K, and 5 to 7 mile trail runs. Yes, I walked part of the route on the trail runs, but ran a larger portion of it. I know that with increased dedication I will be able to run a half marathon before next season is half over. Granted, I damned well better be able to because I plan on doing a half-Ironman at the end of June.
    This season showed me a glimpse of what I am capable of. Gave me a taste of the competition, the competition with myself. I do this for me, not for accolades. I do this because I want to prove to myself that I can do it. The only ass I am out to kick is my own. So I will keep training, adding difficulty to increase strength, speed and stamina, a little at a time. I will continue my Penguin mentality of slow and steady. But next year I plan on shedding the Penguin pace and cranking it up a notch. Next year, not that far away.