Amanda Piccirilli-Hall

Taylor was just asking me a few days ago on our walk with the pups how my blog is going. Uhhh…. It’s been non-existent. I’m so sorry for the few of you who actually care to read these posts that I’ve slacked. I’ve found myself sharing my journey mainly on Instagram, but the fact is, not all of you are on Instagram so you’re not seeing it all unfold – the bitching, sweating and tears. If you’re not on Instagram, you can see my posts on the bottom of my website.

I promise to do a better job over the next three months. Because believe it or not, today marks 100 days until Ironman Maryland. Holy shit! I’m sort of sick to my stomach as I type this, kinda wanna puke, kinda wanna cry, kinda can’t believe this is happening.

I’ve been in the trenches since January literally giving everything I have. For the last 6 months I’ve been getting after it 6 days a week (with a thrown in bonus rest day here and there – yippee) and honestly doing things I never thought I could do. I’m doing a lot on my own, but also loving the opportunities I get to run, ride or swim with friends when schedules align. I’m pretty freaking proud of myself.

Knock on wood, but I’ve been feeling strong physically. Back in May I had a very random back issue that was luckily fixed with some love from Dr. Z at the chiropractor. The only other lingering pain I’ve been suffering is plantar fasciitis heel pain that I’m trying to work out on my own with a golf ball and water bottle. Luckily it’s only morning stiffness and after long runs. I’m keeping my eye on it and trying to get me in perfect shape. I luckily only had one bout of sickness this training cycle – a terrible stomach bug last week that knocked me on my ass. It was awful, I missed a lot of workouts but I slept lots, clearly my body needed it. A few workouts aren’t going to kill me (that is what I kept telling myself at least).

Did I mention I’m tired? I know, it’s understandable with the amount of hours, but I’m sleepy. So sleepy in fact that my showers more than not include me sitting in the tub, washing my hair and body from a seated position and then just sitting with the water hitting me for far too long. Bonus days are weekends when I get to take an Epsom salt and oils bath. Living the dream.

With all of the marathon training I do, I knew going into Ironman training that juggling family, life, work and friend events/opportunities was going to be tough. If you make Friday evening plans, you need to get up at 4 a.m. to get your workout in because you can’t do it later. My family is going to the amusement park but I’m passing because it’s a few days before a race and I don’t want to have the chance of soreness or injury. And my dear husband, my god he is a saint. My wife duties have completely slacked – like cleaning the house and dishes at the top of the list. I am so thankful to have him on my team and pick up the slack that I’m not pulling my weight on. He’s been standing strong next to me on this journey (and if he hates it he’s faking it really well) but he’s the best support system there is.

When all of that juggling isn’t going on, I’ve been doing a lot of self-help and motivational reading. I truly believe that participating in athletic endeavors – 5ks, marathons, Ironmans – 80% of the battle is mental. You need to have your head on straight with these journeys or in simple terms…you’re fucked. When I train I have positive affirmations I repeat over and over again when days are tough. And when I’m home and get up in the morning or talk about the race, I say WHEN I finish or once I complete the race… Never forget that the way you speak to yourself impacts your life far more than how others speak to you.

   

It’s been an exciting and exhausting journey so far and no joke, it’s been life changing. Here is to the next 100 days to give it everything I have. I can sleep on September 29.