When I was 70, I registered for the Santa Barbara Triathlon, an annual race held in August at East Beach. Both professional and amateur athletes eagerly anticipate competing in this event.
I no longer run, but fortunately, the event includes the aqua-bike race, consisting of a one-mile ocean swim followed by a 34-mile bike ride through the hills of Montecito and Carpinteria.
Having competed in this event forty years earlier, I was prepared to train with both pool and ocean mile swims, as well as riding 30-40 miles a week on flat and steep terrains. Maintaining my yoga practice was also essential.
My watch tracked my efforts to motivate improvement. Diet was also important, and I focused on lean meats, plenty of vegetables, and healthy carbs, along with proper nutritional supplementation. The added benefit? You guessed it: weight loss.
Even better, eating well and training consistently led to the best sleep I've had in years, which boosted my overall energy levels.
Another crucial element in my training was engaging in positive self-talk. Swimming a mile in the ocean demands inner motivation. There were days when the ocean was a cold 64˚and choppy. Can you say resistance? But once I reached the first buoy, my inner coaching began.
“Oh, just go to the next buoy.”
“Why not swim 500 yards, then go in?”
“Okay, you made it here, how about three more buoys?”
This self-talk continued until I completed my mile.
While riding up Gibraltar Road, I visualized ascending Toro Canyon, with its five steep curves, making sure my thoughts were positive and encouraging. I often called Fridays my “therapy ride,” releasing the week’s challenges to the wind as I zoomed downhill.
By summer’s end, I was psyched and ready. I loved every minute of the race, even the 7 a.m. swim. Crossing the finish line was one of the most joyful moments of my life. I felt exuberant and grateful that my body allowed me to compete.
Are you inspired? Great! Now, what’s your goal this year?
Dr. Valerie Girard operates a family chiropractic practice that covers nutrition, chronic health issues, pain relief, sports medicine, holistic and natural health care, cold laser therapy, and much more. She has also authored the books "REcover Quickly From Surgery" and "Tails of the Miraculous."
drvaleriegirard.com