As a new Triathlete, I have learned SO many lessons which can apply to our walk with God. One thing is that this walk is an Ironman, not a sprint! I use the term Ironman, because that is what I am in training for. I've learned that heart rate training zones are vital to Triathletes, especially in the long course. You have to keep your "rpm's" in your training zone or you'll burn out too quickly and will end up DNF!
I've also learned that in training for long course Triathlons, TIME in training work outs is more important than distance. I used to train distance and now I train TIME. It is the TIME I've spent which will get me across the finish line in a respectable time.
I will have been in training for over 1 yr by the time my Ironman Triathlon race comes this Sept. I've also learned that I can do everything by the "book" and be as careful as I can not to injure myself, and something unexpected, beyond my control can come up. A car can hit me while bike training or running. I can tear a rotator cuff swimming etc.
What do I do? I try my best to work on technique in all three sports. I try to listen to my body when it tells me I can work harder and when it tells me to back off and rest. Resting is the hardest thing for me. I'm a type "A" and when I'm resting I think I should be training! My mind tells me that I'm wasting a potential workout! But the physical facts tell me that when I rest, then my body builds up stronger than it was before. You STRESS the body then you REST the body.
Just a few points that, at least to me, apply spiritually as well. I haven't done a sermon series on the topic yet, but I will the closer I get to race day.
BTW, I will be competing in my very 1st Triathlon May 9th in Knoxville, TN! It's only an Olympic distance Tri, but it will be good to learn the transitions and see how my body responds to a 3 - 3.5hr race! Phil 4:13!
Linear Mode
