Year 35
35.
I feel like this is a such a millenial thing to say, but I am sorry for all the horrible things I said about 35 year olds when I was younger. Maybe they weren't horrible but I certainly thought they were old people. I am now only 5 years away from 40 and I clearly remember my parents 40th birthday parties. Man the people at those parties were old. At least to 12 year old me they were.
This week I turn 35 (August 31st) and I don't feel the least bit old. Maybe it takes a little bit longer for me to recovery from a weekend celebration and I'm a little more conservative in my athletic endeavors but I wouldn't describe myself as old. I don't even know if I would go so far as to call my self an adult - there are days that I feel like I'm still figuring out how the world works.
Maybe that is the key to got getting older. Being willing to always learn. As I grow with my business, my sport, my relationship I notice so many moments to learn and grow. My mom used to me remind me that, school is never out for the pro. Whether it be listening to someone who is where I want to be or investing in education, continuing to learn has been a pillar of this past year.
Learning moments this past year:
I can do hard things. - Ironman Maine 70.3 - This race scared me. Over 3,500 feet of climbing on a 56 mile bike course (read the blog recap here). I am not a strong cyclist and I was terrified I would need to DNF this race because the course ate me up. Instead I learned I had another gear, pun intended.
I gained confidence to go for a BQ - I ran the Hartford Marathon not as a BQ attempt but to see if I had grit in me to train for a BQ. Truth: I've always said I didn't want to run Boston because I didn't think I had that grit in me. I've always been "good enough" and for a while I was happy with that. But during Hartford (where I did set a PR) I learned that I am stronger than I thought and gave myself the confidence to attempt to train for a BQ. Read my Hartford recap here.
I learned taking rest is OK. I was always a "I'll sleep when I'm dead" kind of person. But in this past year I have really learned the benefits of sleep and recovery. Maybe it's because I'm "old" now or maybe I just discovered what it's like to be well rested. But I will always choose sleep now - always. Well maybe not always, if you're a fun human I might party it up with ya and suffer the consequences. (or maybe it was my Whoop influencing my better decisions, want to try out Whoop? Try one month free here
Strength training is king. Period. (or queen) As a running coach, my early training and philosophies were all mileage based and running workouts. It wasn't until a few years ago that strength training was even mentioned to me. Yes I was in camp "strength training will make you slower" But this past year I have seen with my athletes that strength training will take you places running cannot. Do you need to lift like an Olympian? no. But you do need to lift more than bodyweight. Learn more about that here.
Overall I'm pretty stoked to be heading in my 35th year. I'm finishing off my 34th year in Europe with my better half (he just competed in Ironman World Championships in Lahti Finland!) My year is just getting started and I can't wait to see what is in store for me. For racing, for fitness and all the travels in between.
Let's take life on, D
