Work Done and Work to be Done

I'm amazed how much time has disappeared since I've been here in the Philippine Islands. It seems like a week ago that I was packing my bags and getting ready to head over here. In truth it's been more than a month since I arrived! Thinking how fast the time has gone makes me realize two things:

1) The work I've done
2) The work I haven't done!

With regards to the work I've done, the team has done three main training blocks. My eyes have been opened to the art of patience, consistency, and what it means to be a BAMF (something I continue to work on and continue to need working on!).

And as far as the work that I haven't done: it takes weeks upon weeks, months upon months, and years upon years of solid training to build yourself into the machine you're capable of becoming. I've only just started!

Two Ironman races have passed this year so far and I've seen the athletes on the team who've competed in them come back to camp and get on with their training, without missing a beat. A race is just that…one race. They come back, jump in the pool and continue building…building their blocks, week after week. It's not the results that matter but their own personal excellence.

Life in Subic is going well. You can't complain when all you have to worry about is tucking yourself in to go to bed at night! Well that's not entirely true but going to a remote place to train, with a team, has been one of the best experiences I've had for training...and in life. The ability to focus on becoming your best and preparing yourself for the next workout is unlike any other. Most days we are told the time to train and where to meet. Other days, we get to decide when we do it. It holds you responsible for both meeting the team on time and getting the work done on your own.

I've had some bike workouts where I literally thought that I wasn't going to make it to the next water stop. I try to carry as much water and sports drinks as possible so I don't have to stop often. Even with four full bottles, it's inevitable that you have to stop somewhere to get some fluids. The heat here is unreal but it's just another training element.

The team is now getting their new gear: Cervelo bikes, Oval handlebars and Blue Seventy wetsuits. Time is closing in on us here at camp; there's only 6 weeks left! That leaves me thinking mostly about the work I haven't done!