The welcomed influence of the IRONMAN mindset

Last night was my weekly Run Club. Every Thursday we gather to run a 5K (3.1 miles) or 4 mile distance, depending on the group. Last night the turnout was light with just three of us showing, but the two others came fresh off participating in the Lake Placid IRONMAN event this past Sunday. Running is crucial to boxing training but witnessing the willpower of these two running [nearly] immediately after completing that huge event was the big takeaway.

If you’re not familiar with the intensity of an IRONMAN triathlon, the distances include a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.16 km) run—raced in that order and without a break. To add further perspective; you’re swimming [non-stop] for close to 2-hours. You then follow-up the swim with a bike ride that’s nearly the length of Long Island. And, to top it off, you run a full marathon.

I cannot overestimate the awe I feel towards those who have conquered such a challenge. It’s a privilege to run with such elite athletes.

The Run Club distances aren’t outrageous, even for me and especially for them. But, that’s not really the point. Getting together, getting outdoors, and keeping it on the schedule every week—maintaining consistency—is making us all better athletes.

Seeing Laura and Roy show up last night, when they had every right and reason to stay home and rest, was an eye-opener. As I did my run, my mind was at work deciphering: What made these two come today? How are they physically and mentally up for this already? Would I have the emotional fortitude to do the same when I conquer an IRONMAN?

My summary takeaways include:

• Just because you traverse one significant challenge it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re done. Behind one challenge is another… and another. Focus on the task at hand and take the challenges one at a time, of course. But, when you knock one off the list, ask yourself “who’s/what’s next?!”
• Barring injury, if you completed an IRONMAN you do have the physical ability to knock out a [relatively quick] 5K. It’s willpower, however, that you need—and that’s the true ability.
• Poise. As sore and tired as they must have been, they each expressed nothing but joy as they ran. Telling stories, laughing… there was no indication that they were dragging themselves through the run or regretted lacing up their sneakers.

Whether I’m spending time with running mates or my boxing coaches, I am blessed to be surrounded by great athletes and masters of their crafts. Keeping company with those who challenge and inspire is how you elevate your game.