I race to train, I race to learn, and I race to grow. I often apply what I learn from endurance training to my personal development. It has been working out nicely.
Out of the 7 'All out effort' races this year. I set new PR on 6 of them with the exception of Carlsbad Half Marathon. But my 'A' race isn't all about breaking records, it's about giving my best effort. Out of the 7 'A' races this year, the one that I put out the most effort is the Carlsbad Half Marathon, the one that I did not PR. Why? Because knowing that I was having a bad race (overheating and going too fast), I continue to do my best and charge forward. Sometime things are not going the way you want, but you must continue to do what you believe, accept the situation, and deal with it accordingly. PR or not, you will learn something from it and grow.
This is how life should be. It's all about giving your best. I was too afraid to step out of my comfort zone because I don't like things to fail. If you don't try, you won't get hurt right? This is why I was always in the same place, running in circle, not archiving what I want to accomplish. But now, "It's about showing my commitment and my passion, no matter 'how long it takes'" (Credit to Coach Jimmy). We will fail, but if we don't try, we won't know. That's what my 'A' races are about this year - giving my best with no regret.
And of course, I cannot do this alone. My family, my friends, my teammates, and especially my coaches have been giving me love, patience, and compassion. The three ingredients I need to archive my goal. I could of done this 2 years ago, but each person has it own path and own timing. At times I don't listen (or rather, I am not ready to make a change). However, when I am ready to listen, my coaches are there for me to help me grow and to become a better athlete. And more importantly, a better person. Maybe I will write a blog to tell you guys how awesome each of one of coaches are. But I'll save that for another day.
Recently I found myself in my coach's shoe as people come to me for advice. I learn that while some listen, some don't. What I can do is to be there for them. Show them love, patience, and compassion, as my coaches do. When the timing is right, they will find what I said useful. Until then, I will wait, and wait, and wait.
With two more Ironman coming up this year, I am looking forward to see how my all out effort will pay out at the Ironman. It doesn't matter if I am going to be faster or slower, I am happy as long as I am able to give my best effort.
Below are stats of my 2011 races
#1 Boney Mountain Trail Run (- 30 mins)
Previous Training Run two weeks prior the race ~ 2:20:00
2011 - 2:51:53
#2 Carlsbad Half Marathon (+ 9min)
2010 - 1:58:25
2011 - 2:07:39
#3 Chinatown Firecracker 10K (- 3 min)
2009 - 59:25
2011 - 56:21
Fun Race - Tokyo Marathon (+ 15 min)
2010: 05:20:31
2011: 05:35:15
#4 Desert Triathlon (- 10 seconds - Super Fast Bike this year to make up for slow run)
2010: 2:46:36
2011: 2:46:20
#5 LA Marathon (- 40 mins)
2010: 05:20:31 (Tokyo Marathon)
2011: 4:42:13
#6 Wildflower Triathlon (-25 mins)
2010 - 8:25:16
2011 - 7:59:50
#7 Mt Wilson Trail Race (- 14 mins)
2008 - 2:06:51
2011 - 1:53:05
Ironman CDA - ?
Ironman Cananda - ?
