Hey
How are you today?
Did you hear that I nearly ended up in Las Vegas this weekend?!
I know ridiculous really.
Especially seeing as I thought I was just going to Exmoor, Devon to do my first ever ironman event.
Vegas never really entered my mind until about 12:43pm on Sunday.
I think there are 5 solid reasons for this that I will share with you later because they are all relevant to you as well.
——-Incase you don’t know——–
I don’t really like talking about myself, I much prefer talking about the successes of my clients and friends.
(note to self)- I actually must tell you soon about the lady who I have been working with 1-1 who had Fatty Liver Disease and was next step on the operating table for a new liver now she doesn’t have to go back to her consultant for a long time. Incredible.
Another time. Maybe tomorrow…….
BUT
Yes at the weekend I did my first ironman event.
Completed it in 5:43- knocking 16 minutes off my predicted time.
I came 130th out of 1700 including 40+ pro athletes and 13th in my age category.
I was a little over 5 minutes behind the guy who claimed the last qualifying spot for the World Championships in Las Vegas.
It was an amazing experience and journey to the line.
At times during my training I just kept visualizing this picture. Sounds cheesy but it’s the truth.
It was tough, I struggled with the swimming to start with, I got so hungry after cycling and just wanted to sleep after my early training rides.
The event is immaterial its about……
-KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE THAT IS IMPORTANT-
It will give you a focus and a reason and a determination to do what is needed.
It will prevent you from drifting through life.
We all need this.
Often this will involve being out of your comfort zone….into your UNcomfort zone.
You will make decisions that make people think you are mad.
Just watch them follow as you succeed.
I see it all the time at my Fitness Camp and Personal Training Studio.
A client does really well and then all of a sudden their friend, husband, wife or family member who thought they were ‘mad’ training before work joins them.
Funny that ☺
———————————–
Knowing why and understanding HOW MUCH you want to achieve it is even more important.
———————————–
It doesn’t matter whether;
• It’s taking on the world- let me know if you have a crack at this though!;)
• Getting Your Health Back On Track,
• Doing Your First Exercise Programme,
• Establishing A Better Way Of Eating,
• Feeling More Energised,
• Fitting Into Your Summer Clothes,
• Looking Good For Your Holiday,
• Staying Fit And Able For Your Children,
• Getting Stronger ,
• Or Just Giving Yourself Some ‘You’ Time!
Doing the competition at the weekend ticked a lot of boxes for me.
There are 5 reasons not coincidences that this whole occasion arose.
I actually said to my coach, family and friends that I was surprised how well it had gone…..they were all very quick to point out that they actually thought it would go very well as they had seen that I had committed to the plan.
Having a quick chat with my coach at the end as he proposes the next event! Tool!
Which I guess was quite nice, but I promise you I hadn’t even given Vegas a thought!
The 5 Reasons I nearly got to Vegas. I was just a little over 5 minutes behind the chap who got the last qualifying spot for the World Championships.
1. I needed ACCOUNTABILITY outside of my profession. I told everyone I could that I would do it. I actually told my coach and one of my best mates at the finish line last year that I would do it. If I say I am going to do something and tell people, I will. You too can use this. If something means a lot to you tell everyone, you wont want to let them down as well.
Having a COACH increased my FREE WILL- it took a load of stress off my plate. I basically just DID AS I WAS ASKED.
The single BEST investment I made. Obviously the bike was handy but seriously having a coach was immense!
2. I wanted to be in CONTROL of the result. I had honestly had enough of relying on others. I love the team environment. Infact I missed it so much, not playing rugby this year. BUT I knew that it was time for me to be the one that the result depended on.
I am sure you wish that you too could control your destiny more often. I am not saying its possible all the time but I wanted to change my environment to make this more possible.
CREATE YOUR ENVIRONMENT. ☺
3. I needed something that EXCITED me to the point that it was a bit daunting as I was entering an unknown quantity and a complete change in training.
Have you noticed that the things that make you happy often are the ones that get you most excited.
The ones that get you most excited are the ones that perhaps are not easily achieved.
The ones that make you most proud are the ones that involved a journey.
Setting up a business, having children, completing your degree, buying your first house, getting married, gaining a place in a team, completing a holiday of a lifetime.
The more exciting the occasion is the more focus you will have during the journey.
4. I wanted to get OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE that I had slipped into with my rugby training.
I mentioned it earlier. Often the magic happens in the UNcomfort zone.
Don’t pay lip service to this.
When you are in control, being in the uncomfort zone is ultimately a very rewarding place.
5. I needed a CHALLENGE that was big enough to keep me focused.
Boy, did I chose a challenge….only the hardest course (as described by ironman world champion Chris McCormack) in the world.
Too be honest, If the challenge was not challenging enough it would be easy just to deviate.
I couldn’t , I knew that if I didn’t apply myself to this, I would not make the finish line.
That was never happening.
This is not as I mentioned earlier about taking over the world it’s JUST about knowing what you want and friggin getting after it FOR YOU!
—–Whats your challenge going to be? You need one——
Matt ☺
p.s. If you are looking for a challenge let me know (info@fa-fitness.co.uk) I have a couple of in line
