In a recent Triathlete Magazine article, I wrote about how I had given up on the concept of New Year’s resolutions.  I sort of gave it up, anyway, when year after year, I would wake up in February and scream at myself, “FAILURE!” because I had once again messed up and not lost the weight, not found the career of my dreams, etc.

So I wrote about how making simple “resolutions” is sometimes the best way to go.

For example:  This year, I will simply be a triathlete.

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(And not a wine drinking princess. At least not ALL of the time.)

A triathlete! Something simple. Something pure.  [And something badass, too, eh?]

Sure, it’s nice to have specific goals and laser-beam focus on exactly what you want in life.  That’s the whole point of the super-focused resolutions.

However, if you are like me… sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what I want.  Or, rather, I may know what I want – but there’s a giant question mark as to how to actually get there.  Right now, the only real goal on my calendar for 2015 is Ironman Louisville.  I have Gulf Coast 70.3 in May, but my focus this coming year is definitely Louisville.

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But to get to Louisville, I have to run.  And swim.  And cycle.  Three things that I have been doing sort of haphazardly lately.

To the point where, at dinner last night, I told the Expert, “I don’t think I want to do triathlon anymore.”

And my daughter (age 5)… the look on her face was priceless.

Her mouth dropped open and she said, “WHAT!??!?!  You have to do triathlon.  I haven’t even done MY first triathlon YET!”

Touche. Point taken.

“You’re Swim Bike Mom!” she squealed on, in horror.

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The Expert looked at me, and said, “Well, there you go.”

And Stella piped up again, “Ugh! You can’t quit!”

Okay, okay, child!

But yes, there is a laser-beam focus that I know all too well (a/k/a “Beast Mode”), and she’s just been sleeping and burned out and sick and it’s just the way it goes.

But no need to quit.  (Because I fear my daughter… for the love!).  But also, beacuse I’m no quitter.  I don’t give up when the road get tough.  I just re-focus and zoom in.

Plus, I have a couple of Swim Bike Kids who are counting on me. Clearly. 😉

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So my resolution / non-resolution for 2015?  You guessed it.

This year, I will simply be a triathlete.

The kind of triathlete who loves to swim, bike and run – maybe not all of the time – but, heck, most of the time.

Happy happy New Year to all of you, friends.  May your resolutions or non-resolutions be as awesome as you are!

[And if in doubt, borrow a compound bow and try that on for size… to which several people responded, “Swim Bike Klutz… put down the weapon.” Duly noted.]

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11 Responses

  1. Ahhh..”just” a triathlete- so many of us just have that as our goal! I love following your blog because I start to think I really could do a half iron distance- in fact I’m all set and ready to register for my first half iron distance as soon as registration opens on Jan 1- but then my husband told me “no” on getting a new bike- (I hate that) so now I’m pouting (sorry, I really am)- and wondering how does a stay at home mother of four afford triathlon? Seriously- any suggestions? It’s so on my heart to do this- I don’t know why- I guess to be healthy, to have a goal, to have some “free” time/ I’m not ready to walk away because of something silly like finances- work with me here, sister- set me straight! Thank you for being my personal counselor- ha ha! 🙂

  2. Haphazard…that describes me to a T right now. I’m trying to be a triathlete this year too. An IM triathlete. Time to get a move on. :/

  3. Jenny, being a sahm is one of the hardest jobs! That and being a teacher! You could bill your husband for your hours worked and go on strike until he pays;)
    I’m sure you could have enough money to buy 2 bikes & pay for years of IM entry’s! All kidding aside, I would sit down and tell him your doing it and you would appreciate his help and support. Some of my mom friends do 31, sentsy, pure romance, traveling wine parties…..where there is an Ironwill there’s an Ironway!! Good Luck:)

  4. I don’t make resolutions, I make promises to myself. Last year I said I was going to do a triathlon and I did two. This upcoming year I make a promise to myself that I am going to be a better triathlete, do at least 4 races and my first half marathon. I wish you a wonderful new year!

  5. Thanks for the encouragement, Jen! I have to agree about staying home being a big job- and you might find it funny to know my husband is a teacher as well! 🙂 I hope I didn’t make him sound too much like a Grinch- we just do have to keep an eye on those finances. But as you stated- where there’s an Ironwill, there’s an Ironway- love that expression! Not long after I posted, a tri bike was on one of the Ironman groups I follow on Facebook for what seemed to this newbie a fairly good deal! I need to have faith this can happen- no excuses!! Excited!

  6. Great that you are thinking “simply”- or “simply” thinking. So much about triathlon is “over-thought”-at least in my opinion.
    34 years ago I believe it WAS a much simpler sport…less bells and whistles and race fees- no such things as wetsuits or tri bikes (well, at least until the late 80s early 90s)m HRMs, computer-type gadgets, coaching, teams…you get the picture, and we SBR in our bathing suits.

    Just have fun and keep it SIMPLE!

  7. I’ve felt you’ve been depressed because you feel you can’t quit. But you have to feel you can. For your own peace you need to do what’s right for you.

  8. I don’t know how bad your bike is- but it’s really more about the motor than the bike. Just train and train on what ever you’ve got- do the best you can and if it’s meant to be the universe will work it out. See and will what you want!

  9. Resolved: 2015 will be the year without a bike crash. Also, all types of surgery will be avoided.

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