I hope that I make mistakes. Because if I am making mistakes, then I’m making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing myself, changing myself, changing my world.

I’m doing things I’ve never done before, and more importantly, I’m doing Something. I tell myself: Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is, triathlons, or relationships, or work or family or life. Whatever it is I’m scared of doing, I’m going to do it! Make my mistakes and learn from them. Don’t make the same ones again.

Please please don’t make this mistake. No one wants to see you naked

That is my spin on a quote I saw from Neil Gaiman.

I think you can get a lot of out this. When you look at in terms on Ironman and triathlons, there is a lot to be said. Your training is your chance to try new things (new foods, supplements, etc), push too hard on a bike ride, or start out too fast on a run. Don’t be afraid to make these mistakes during your training, because otherwise you will never know how hard you can push yourself or what works best for YOU during a race. If you take anything away from this blog, just remember that some of the best things in life come from making a mistake. The lesson you learn from your mistake and what you learn about yourself are true blessings.

So when your training for a triathlon, beginning a relationship, or figuring out your career path; make mistakes. Just don’t make the same ones over and over. I’ve made a lot of mistakes but I’m glad I did, because I learned a lot from them. Learned about myself and what’s important to me.

A few common mistakes triathletes make (from Triathlete Magazine):

1. Poor ability to pace
2. Too many hard training days
3. Not enough base training
4. Haphazard training
5. Set goals to high
6. Too much emphasis on mileage

My training: Week 15 was a little frustrating thanks to Wisconsin weather. We had 2 group spins scheduled this week for my training team, both were cancelled due to the weather. I still managed to get in 6.5 hours on the bike outside, doing two separate loops of the Ironman course. Loop total is at 3 now. The bright spot of the week was Saturday. I was able to get out for a run. Something I haven’t done in over 2 weeks. I started running and felt great, albeit very slow, I managed to put in over 11 miles. This coming weekend I’m excited to pace my first half-marathon. I will be pacing the 1:50 pace group at the Oshkosh Half Marathon. Excited!

Week totals: 16.75 hours

• Swimming: 2.75  hours
• Biking: 10.5 hours
• Running: 1.5 hours
• Water jog: 2 hr

4.5 hour ride (73-75 miles)

Week 15 –

Tuesday:  60 min water jog. 2.5 hour spin + Core

Wednesday: 45 minute swim. 1 hour water jog + Core

Thursday: 1.5 hour spin+ Core

Friday: 2.5 hour bike ride (40 miles). 1 hour swim + Core

Saturday: 1 hour swim. 1.5 hour run + Core

Sunday: 4 hour bike ride (75 miles) + Core

Favorite workout of the week: Run on Sunday. This was my first run in over 2 weeks. Slow, but still exciting!

Least favorite workout of the week: Was planning on doing our first Group Rides on Thursday and Saturday. Both cancelled due to poor weather.

Advice of the week: Make mistakes. Learn from them

Thing I’m looking forward to next week: Pacing my first Half-Marathon. I am the 1:50 pace leader for the Oshkosh Half Marathon.