Since I started participating in triathlons in 2006, I have found that the bigger the challenge, the more motivated I am to achieve it. If you had asked me 10 years ago to compete in a triathlon, I would have laughed and told you to keep walking. At that time I was in a classic “gerbil in a cage” situation. I used to play football a couple of times a week and go jogging at the track two to three times a week. But every Monday as I started my run on the track, I would feel exactly the same as I did the previous week. My blowout weekend partying which usually started early Friday afternoon and ended in a haze late on Sunday evening did two things to hold me back. First, physically I couldn’t get any better as I was punishing my body with smoke, alcohol and caffeine drinks. Secondly, I was surrounding myself with a group of people who were never going to help me get out of this rat race.
Only once I stopped drinking, shifted my focus and started meeting new peers could I really start to reach my physical potential. Fast forward 7 years and I was taking part in my first triathlon in North East China. Just to finish was a real buzz and I felt really good despite the aching muscles for weeks afterwards.
Since then I have completed a half Ironman triathlon in Hainan in blistering 35 degree heat and continue to improve my Olympic distance triathlon time (under 3 hours currently). How did I do this?
1.Mentors
I started to look for experience, so that I could fast-track my learning. I subscribed to many different podcasts and stuck with the ones that resonated with me.
2. Support team
I found a buddy who was also interested in triathlons. We train and share tips, stories and prepare for races together. I found a triathlon club, and a cycling club.
3. Desire
Without focused desire, any goal will be forgetton. I pump up my desire by setting targets and in any health related activity, competing is a great motivator. I join races around China and Asia which gives my training some purpose. If you are into martial arts, take grading exams. If you play badminton, organise a friendly tournament a couple of times a year.
The more interaction you have with like-minded people, the more likely you are to stick with your good behaviour. It’s a myth that it takes 21 days to cememt a good habit. You only keep a good habit as long as you have the desire, role models to continue your growth and people to share the same excitement.
I wish you a 2009 full of health, energy and friendly competition!