Ironman Training as Stress Relief

Is 3 months the same as 90 days? Yikes!

I never thought I would be using Ironman training as a stress reliever.

It happens.

My training is definitely ramping up. Swim workouts are now 2300-3000 yards, bike rides, mostly on my trainer, are one hour during the week and the long rides are 4 hours, and my runs are now 1:00-1:30. I was letting my weight workouts slide and have started back doing those twice a week.

There are days when my heart is not in it, but I do the workout and manage to feel better.

So far all of the news we have gotten about my husband’s cancer has been negative. At first we thought it was only in his lung but have since learned he has a lesion on his adrenal gland. After numerous CT scans, needle biopsies, and bronchoscope, his diagnosis is Stage 4, lung cancer.  So far he has had 10 radiation treatments and two chemotherapy treatments. The chemo has made him extremely sick. In the next few weeks we should learn what the next step will be. The love and support we have received from family and friends have been overwhelming.

I have learned to adapt my workout schedule. I used to be certain that I can only workout early in the morning. Surprise, I can even get an hour bike ride in at 5:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 a.m.  I am relearning basic nursing skills, since most of my nursing has been in psych and chemical dependence.

We have stayed home from our cottage this summer, and it feels like I am training on the surface of the sun.  Mississippi summers are listed as the worst, and it is true. HOT!  HUMID! HOT!  Perfect weather for Kona practice.

I have taken over all of the responsibilities around the house. Fortunately we have a yard guy. I won’t give up hope for better days for Bill, and I am maintaining my focus on doing everything my coach throws my way.  My triathlon friends have been supportive and we are going to get through this. Three more months until Kona!

I will be ready!