Lessons from an Ironman.
The why.
Imagine you loved running.
Then 2 sports medicine doctors told you: “You should never run again.”
There are only two ways to take it:
Let it ruin you
Use it to grow
I am not a robot. It hurt.
I had a tough time accepting it. My emotions got the best of me.
But, I eventually got over it. I looked at the good.
I realized that even though a doctor says something, doesn’t make it a fact.
I have some other opinions.
I came to a conclusion. I was going to earn the right to run.
I had to be sure it was a good idea.
I did my research.
It became clear if I lost weight and strengthened it may be ok.
I intuitively knew the key was to do this slowly and mindfully to prevent more bad news.
Takeaway: At times in my life, I didn’t have an inspiring and clear why personally and professionally. I lacked direction, drive, and zest for life.
Ye have little faith
I never knew what I never knew.
Going into the goal of trying to run again I thought…
Even if I can’t safely run again, I will be stronger, lighter, and healthier.
That’s all that really matters.
I hoped for the best but didn’t expect much.
The highlight of my physical health since those opinions were fear.
Yet, I was not okay with letting that define me.
I carried the boats, logs, and buckets of water. With the fear.
This is my definition of courage.
After many years of struggle but progress, it was time to test.
In Collingwood, a relaxing and calming environment, in the sun.
Ok, Ari, run for 5 minutes and if the pain rises, stop.
25 later… I had a huge smile on my face.
Takeaway: FEAR False Evidence Appearing Real - F*** that.
Turning point
What a turning point for me in my life and health.
It became obvious that I enjoyed long arduous journeys of challenges.
This made sense, I have been through these before.
I was happy and ready for my next big adventure.
I couldn’t put my finger on why, but I always wanted to do an Ironman.
I wanted to prove to myself and others I could transform into peak physical and mental fitness.
As a child in competitive sailing, I did well because of my early start.
I developed a unique ability to analyze the 100s of variables strategically and tactically.
I could take a bird’s eye view, and make good decisions.
I had a goal of representing Canada at the Olympics.
I was on my way there.
I represented them in the youth worlds and made the Olympic qualifiers.
I didn’t make it because of a critical factor.
Passion.
The secondary factor was physical strength and stamina, but this was a result of the first.
So I knew I needed to be passionate about a goal like Ironman which would take years.
This was going to be a result of mostly physical effort, but the mental was important too.
But, I wasn’t going to do it if it was going to cause long-term knee problems.
I watched a YesTheory video of a member completing an Ironman with 6 months of training.
That was the final straw.
I took the plunge and set it.
Again I was at square one, with a lot of fear and little faith.
I got to work. I did research.
I concluded that with mindfulness and patience… I didn’t need to worry about my knees.
The plan?
1 year for each distance starting with the Olympic, then the half-Ironman, then the full.
My time-bound commitment was finish before 40, great birthday present right?
Takeaway: Passion. Do everything you can to find out what that is. Then honor it with your time.
Resilience
What was the number one character trait I needed to build?
Hmmm… what’s this resilience all about?
There was a reason it was the trending business keyword at the time.
Okay, let’s look up books on resilience.
‘Grit’ was written by Angela Duckworth. It was clear this was the one.
After reading my takeaway was that I lacked this skill, at least to my standards.
Sure, I have been fiercely determined in the past.
But, I also have had times where I decided to give up because it was hard.
I am 100% happy with my leaving sailing.
But, in other circumstances not so much.
In university, it took me extra time to graduate.
So, not only would the Ironman build strength but I could build character by working resilience.
Takeaway: Find a principal or character trait to transform yourself. Learn all you can, embrace the challenge, and incorporate it into your toolkit for life.
Full picture of health
When covid hit I thought, this is going to be a challenge.
I didn’t want to struggle with it.
I wanted to come out the other side stronger.
The Ironman was going to be part of the driving force.
It was time to manage my time during the day intentionally.
I required time for training physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
I dove into the science of habits and routines. My favorite was Mini-Habits.
I implemented what felt at the time like strict limits on social media, and screen time.
I read books like ‘Why We Sleep’ by Matthew Walker.
That gave me the fire to adopt an early time to bed and rise in the result.
Wow! Now I have the energy and hours in the AM and PM to get my body, mind, and spirit fit.
Takeaway: Want to change? 1. Identify the reason that aligns with your highest value or vision. 2. Tie it to a quantifiable goal that excites you. 3. Break down the actions you need to take and adapt them into sustainable routines that are personal to you.
Problems are a choice.
Every year I had ‘problems’.
But even though I struggled to move forward, I kept tri’ing. Damn, that’s corny.
Year one: 3 months before the Olympic, down a steep windy hill I hit some water…
The back wheel went for a slippery slide including me.
Broke my collarbone.
I didn’t feel much pain.
I was scared at how well I was handling it.
Later I learned it was the adrenaline.
Regardless, I was a different person. I was present and determined.
I couldn’t run or swim but got on the indoor bike ASAP.
3 months later I finished it and cried. I was so proud.
Year two: Nothing major but I had Achilles problems so I couldn’t run much.
I kept disciplined and was able to run 18/21km and finished the half-Ironman strong.
Year three: Everything is circular right? Knee problems.
At this point, I was a tad burnt out.
By this point, I was spending 10-15 hours swimming, biking, running, stretching, and strengthening a week.
But hey, I did it! Here’s a short detailed account of the race.
Takeaway: Keep going. Mindfully. Slow down 10%. Thank me later.
Imagine the finish - the feeling!
Most important thing to me? Finishing with healthy knees.
So, I didn’t get to run much, but I didn’t care.
Every time I had problems like a bike tire flat or huge blisters I visualized the finish.
The feeling.
The overwhelm and happiness.
I stayed positive and didn’t stop.
I kept a big smile on my face.
Takeaway: When you are late in the game, don’t forget your why. Visualize the end and embrace the hurdles. They are the requirement for excellence.
You need a team
Can you do things on your own?
Maybe… but likely not if it’s ambitious.
Without my wife;
Sacrificing the sight of the Eiffel Tower (yes we’ve seen it, but when in Paris…),
Being annoyed but okay with my meticulous evening routines
Accepting my ridiculous dietary needs
Spending $ on a slick road bike and tri trinkets
Following me around for hours on training and race days
No… I couldn’t have done it without her.
Special thanks to Damien and Laura for making the Ironman extra special and coming from Mtl.
My parents for all their support and the rest of the family and friends.
Takeaway: You only have certain strengths. Others fill in your weaknesses. With a team, you get it done while having fun. Most of the time;)
Focus on the grace
Lastly, the only way I could do it is with grace.
It wasn’t my decision to get injured or a flat.
Instead of a broken collar bone, I could have a broken head.
Instead of a flat, I could have flown off my bike when I was going 70k/hr.
Someone else did and it was scary to see.
I’m not going 70 again. Not worth it.
What was worth it was getting gifts to become the man I was meant to be.
A stronger one.
Takeaway: This time that’s on you…
Check out this short clip of the finish!
Ari