Going to the Cathedral

        Going to the Cathedral

     Ironman racing is great fun to me! But we all know that far more time is spent in training than racing. So, the training is what really has to have importance in order to have long term meaning and fulfillment. What deeper meaning does your training have? What other “routine” aspect of life can you use to further develop yourself?

     A frequent question is how I keep doing it all these years – I ask how could I not?! I could go very deep here in many different directions, but will save all but one for future thoughts.   Let’s briefly explore the “Cathedral of Nature.” This photo from the start of Ironman USA in Lake Placid 2005 is one of my favorites:

  

     Fortunately I live in an area where I can be out in the country, in the foothills, and even the Blue Ridge Mountains fairly quickly. I love to ride my bike. Regardless, of your spiritual backround and beliefs it is hard not to be awed every time you head out. Every time I train I am heading into the “Cathedral of Nature.”

     The Cathedral creates an interesting Pavlovian response every time I head out the door on the bike, to the pool for a swim, or out the office door at lunch for a run. I seem to forget all of my troubles and immediately go to my inner most and most spiritual thoughts. I actually use the time in training to help (a lot of work!) make me a better person.

     In Ironman bike training you end up spending a lot of time alone with yourself on the bike. My favorite ride is the 118.8 miles by back road to my in-laws house in Roanoke Virginia. An interesting question is when you spend long periods of time alone, do you like the company you keep? If not, work on it…..and then, keep working on it.

      I am reminded of the saying “If you don’t consciously create good habits, you unconsciously create bad habits.” Please don’t miss that the Pavlovian response has been conditioned. Create the good habit of automatically triggering positive self, family, life, and spiritual review and reflection during training. In doing so, you will more and more  “like the company you keep”…and others might too.

I’m off to the Cathedral,

David