Approx. Editor: the beginning of Alex's story is here.
For all my short time of passion for triathlon, from time to time I came across reports on various websites from people who are not involved in sports, who decided to challenge themselves in the form of overcoming the marathon or Ironman distance. Despite the genuine interest in such events, it seemed to me from the very beginning that something was going against logic here. Later, choosing my path, I only made sure of my correct initial assessment.
The competition itself, according to my concept, is just a 5-6-7 stage in the chain of general restructuring of the body in the right way. The race is needed as a motivator, checking your own strength and confirming the right direction of development, changing the training routine, communicating with like-minded people. Overcoming yourself, a reason to be proud, a challenge. But the challenge is smart, real. Marathon or Ironman — it's not like jumping on an elastic band from a bridge. To say to yourself "I can!" is only half the case. To jump with an elastic band, apart from determination and extravagance, nothing else will be needed. Oh, well, yes, I completely forgot. Elastic band!
What did all these reports have in common? A diary on a well-known website, denial of the advice of experienced people, injuries, haphazardness, disputes with relatives, a trip, a difficult experience. Some after the competition did not uncover the bike for 4 months! Such stress was given to the body by themselves, thanks to their willpower in combination with ... well, you know.
About six months after starting a new life, I put a healthy lifestyle at the forefront. Weight loss — general physical training — formation of correct running, cycling and swimming techniques — constant study of the subject — work in the gym aimed at triathlon — proper nutrition — mode — and only then the race. I go through this chain in 2012-2013, stage by stage. Looking back, I would have put extra time on mistakes and would have done the race another six months later. I would like to extend this candy-bouquet period to the maximum, because there is still so much that could be done!
For example,
If at first I considered the hobby of triathlon as a relatively fast challenge, like quickly training my own body for a single purpose to pass this race, now it has practically no meaning. I catch myself thinking that even if the injury does not allow me to do it in principle, that if for some reason I simply cannot be in Italy in June, then I will not be upset much. I will not, like many at the finish line of the race, remember what hardships and hard hours of training they went through. I don't suffer. I enjoy every workout— it's a process in itself and a lifestyle. I will not be able to run — I will walk 10 km a day, I will not be able to squat — I will pull up more, etc.
Even in a sense, I feel sorry for people who thought the same way at first as I did after learning about Ironman. It is necessary to immediately rush into the pool for 4 months and go this distance on the moral and strong-willed, without being a triathlete in mind. To beat the race in an anaerobic-adrenaline frenzy and then not have a goal.
The "Triathlon" approach is not a goal, but a means", of course, it is not a fashionable photo in Instagram *me "Before and after", but believe me and the effect will be completely different! You will not gain weight again as 99% of people who lose weight by fast methods do. Do not give up an active and healthy lifestyle if you already think in a healthy way!
P.S. As you probably already understood, this blog will have several beginnings, and I will have to try hard so that they do not suffer the fate of the Lost series in the future.
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