So what have you learned this season...

[HappyAnika]

For me, this season was all about learning that I can in fact do it. Growing up I was a couch potato, add to that the asthma, allergies, and overweight-ness . . . (and yes I grew up to be a nerdy scientist) . . . I never in a million years thought I would grow up and exercise for fun, let alone finish a sprint tri. I'm really still amazed at myself that I can not only run a 5k, but do it after swimming and biking. I know that may not sound like a lot to some of the super stars here, especially those who've been active and/or athletic their whole lives, but for me, looking at where I started from, it's huge. So to break it down, I learned:

1. If I have a goal, and a reasonable plan, I can accomplish it.

2. It's ok to try something new and look like a dork at first. Most people are too busy doing their own thing to notice, and those who do notice are generally supportive and encouraging.

3. I like training, it makes me feel good about myself, both physically and mentally, and is a big all around confidence booster.

[Starfish]

I'm really still amazed at myself that I can not only run a 5k, but do it after swimming and biking. I know that may not sound like a lot

I get it. It does sound amazing. Way to go! Hoping to be able to report back in the next year about my own sprint tri!

[Starfish]

I've been trying to figure out what the answer is for me.

I think maybe it has something to do with accomplishing a goal despite some major life stuff going on. I tend to be single-minded...like a dog on a bone, but on one thing at a time. I have sometimes tended to let "life happening" derail me from a focus.

This year, I think I learned a little more towards knowing how to keep going with baby steps when I can't run, and crawling when I can't take baby steps--but not quitting altogether. Coming back again and again to a focus rather than completely being derailed.

It is some sort of lesson about balance, or doing what I can do and letting go of the rest, or being OK with not doing everything to a certain standard, or something. I haven't worked through it all yet. But, I like where it is headed.

[Wahine]

This is a very good thread. I've been reading it and thinking about a lot of things.

I know that there's been a really big lesson for me this year that goes beyond the training, the goals, the races. I'm just not sure what it is yet. I'll let you know when I figure it out.

[colby]

Interesting thread. I love all of your answers.

I've learned...

1. I didn't forget everything I learned about swimming. Not being able to swim last year really made me sad, and this year it felt good. I could probably use some schooling and practice on my technique, but I'm pretty confident.

2. Some things come with experience. Getting in the water with 1 or 50 or more people is just something you have to do in order to know how it feels. Running after riding is something you have to do in order to know how it feels. Repetition and experience really do make a huge difference, my body is smarter than I give it credit for.

3. Sometimes perfect plans fall through, and that's where plan B and a little positivity has to come into play. If it's raining cats and dogs, you do what you can. If you forget or lose something, you do what you can. Plan for the worst, always envision the best.

4. Have a plan or get a coach. I do really well when things are somewhat laid out for me, but if they aren't, I tend to bargain. No good! Stick to the plan, but be somewhat flexible -- sometimes stuff happens (like working 15 hour days for the last 3 days... not much room for training there).

5. Find (or create) a supportive environment. A buddy you can talk to, your friends at TE... it makes a huge difference to know you're going to be encouraged and yet somewhat accountable. My husband has really taken an interest in how I'm doing in some events and it's really meant a lot to me to hear him say he thinks I did really well. Even if nobody else noticed average ol' me, he did, and that first "you did awesome!" with some comment like "you were really passing people on that swim!" or "you looked great crossing the finish line!" means so much when all I saw were the people passing me and all I thought about was how much faster I could have been.

I think I've learned some things that I can't really put into words. I feel positive and confident, but I can't really articulate why. I hope it carries me through the winter and spring, next season's going to be interesting.

[makbike]

What have I learned this season? First and foremost I learned that the ladies on this forum are great. Their kind words of support during my summer of crisis helped tremendously.

2. I'm a lot stronger than I realized and in turn can handle a lot more than I realized. Bottom line I'm one tough and stubborn old lady.

3. I have been blessed with a wonderful family and a great circle of friends who have allowed me to lean on them a lot this year.

4. I've learned I still have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to my riding. I will have some good goals to strive for in 2008!

5. I can ride with the "big dogs" for a while before I get dropped!

6. I'm one lucky lady!

7. I'm a good person regardless of what the ex has to say or thinks.

8. I need to learn to cry more often and I need to be more assertive. I have to take care of me.

9. I love my new body and I feel great! I'll really have to work hard to maintain the new me.

10. Life is good.

[rocknrollgirl]

Tough isn't it, to put it into words. We all want to immediately want to talk about what we have learned about training. Actually putting your finger on how "you " have changed is not as easy. You can feel it, but it is tough to articulate.

Good responses so far, very interesting.