I feel a bit lost at the moment, kind of like I should be doing something but I'm not sure what... All this spare time is difficult to get used to!!
After all the training it takes to do an Iron distance, one suddenly tends to feel lost when it is no longer needed. Therefore I have complied a list to help fellow triathletes who find themselves wondering around.
1. It is no longer acceptable to wear your compression gear 24/7. You haven't just done a 6 hour bike/3 hour run, so there is no need. Also, give your other half a break, did you REALLY think wearing leggings to bed was an attractive prospect? For their sake, (and your marriage) stop.
2. Same goes for wearing compression under clothes when you go out, no need. Ladies, it's going to feel chilly under that dress now!
3. No excuse to get out of cooking/washing up, you aren't too tired. Take your turn. In fact, take an extra turn, your nearest and dearest have been taking the slack for you for the past 6 months.
4. It is no longer ok to talk every second about how much your saddle sores are hurting and which chamois cream works better than others. Save it for Oprah. Let the memory go and move on.
5. Do not stuff anything and everything into your mouth when possible,''I'm in training'' isn't going to cut it anymore. If you want the extra piece of cake you now have to state a valid reason like everyone else. And don't forget they've automatically let you have it for the past half a year... be prepared for a fight.
6. Falling asleep at your desk is not permitted. It won't be ''Arh, the little cherub, he's doing Ironman you know'' it'll be, ''Wake up you lazy git!!''
7. Weekends are no longer yours to go and play on your bike with your friends... it's time to do all those things you've conveniently been able to avoid by ''training''. The mother in law is still waiting for her visit... and flowers to make up for the last time you missed her Sunday dinner.
8. Money no longer needs to be spent on adding to the vast amount of kit you've accumulated... it needs to be spent on your other half for putting up with your lycra addiction.
9. Holidays are now just that- holidays. Not training camps, not an opportunity to run, or do 100 lengths of the pool. And your bike stays at home.
10. You will be an Ironman forever, no one can ever take this achievement away from you, you did it, after all that hard work! ...and that's wonderful Honey, it really is... but, I'm guessing after hearing about it for the millionth time, people will begin to glaze over. Give it a month or so, but then save it for the other Triathletes In Integration ok.
*If you find you really cannot live without Ironman training, please don't suffer alone. There are many people in a similar situation, who are prepared to talk to you. Helpline numbers and both 1-1 and group therapy is available. We need to get this terrible issue openly accepted in society and make it easier for triathletes to reintegrate, with the support and understanding they deserve*
-And hey, if it does get really bad, you can always join me next year! ;p
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