Balance - Jeannie Samson's Triathlon Blog

Building Up...

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 14:23:36 GMT

This year has been a character building one for me. I have had several setbacks due to illness this year, and although I have had some good races, it has not been my best. The past week I have been full swing into training again - I am just giving it my all out there every day. I am slowly rebuilding my speed in some of the harder sessions. I believe the improvement in my racing will come again, but I am learning to enjoy the process. The fact that I can be so fit , and train hard with a big family is a great accomplishment by itself. Racing well will be frosting on this most delicious cake.

Recovering...

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:37:45 GMT

Since my last blog I had what I think was strep throat. I missed 5 full days of training, and today is a shortened day back. I am not sure why I have been sick so much, but I guess I just have to stay positive and have faith that it will work out. I am very excited for the World Championship Tri in Hamburg! I have about 7 weeks to prepare physically and mentally. I am praying for the strength to take my journey to the next level.

Back home after Portland.....

Wed, 4 Jul 2007 12:25:17 GMT

Wise people have always said that the most important lessons in life are learned from our mistakes. Well, I learned a lot this past weekend at the 2007 Age Group National Championship Triathlon in Portland, Oregon. First, I am very happy and thankful to report that I did well enough in the race to qualify to represent the United States at the Age Group World Championship in Hamburg, Germany in early September! I will attempt in the next two months to be deserving of that honor. As an athlete that did very well in last year’s National Championship, I was hopeful to do the same or better this year. I failed in my efforts to place as well as last year, and now have to live with the fact that at a certain point in the race, I stopped fighting like I know how to fight. I was working hard the whole race, but I was too focused on my placement and apparently slow time to really push full throttle through my disappointment. My ego was running the show, instead of my commitment to doing the very best I can do at every moment - no matter what! At this point all I can do is use this sub-par performance to fuel my passion, and not let it happen again!! Where I was weak in faith and being in the moment, I am determined to become STRONG and aware of the magic and fun of competing in this wonderful sport! It will take a lot of courage and prayers for me to feel free (I am just not feeling it now), but I will do my best to overcome this mental obstacle. I am home today with only a short workout, enjoying my family on this U.S. Independence Day. Have a great holiday!