Embracing Progress Over Perfection

As I approach my first Ironman race, just a week away, I find myself reflecting on the journey. The key to progress lies in the mundane habit of consistency, and this has been my mantra throughout my training.

In the spirit of sharing insights, I’ve answered some questions from my colleagues at PDSVISION and our partner PTC.

Karolina Hägg – How has training impacted your work-life balance?
At PDSVISION, #WinningCulture is integral to our ethos, and many of us engage in physical activities together. Regular exercise has not only kept my mind alert but also improved my focus across all areas of life. The discipline required for a vigorous workout program has enhanced my time management skills, and I feel mentally sharper and more capable in my professional duties.

What motivates you?
My motivation for joining Ironman Mosselbay is deeply personal. It’s a tribute to my father, who battles Parkinson’s disease, and a step towards building my own legacy. This ‘why’ is a powerful starting point for any journey. Whenever the going gets tough, I remind myself of my ‘why’.

Tiffani Doyle – How does technology aid your preparation?
Technology plays a crucial role in optimizing my training. I rely on a GARMIN watch to track sleep, recovery, heart rate variables, and other useful statistics. Additionally, I use a heart rate strap and follow the Tridot training program, sharing session information on STRAVA. With Bluetooth and ANT technology, my indoor trainer can simulate various terrains and manage watts and cadence.

How do you stay focused during long solo training sessions?
Endurance sessions, which I define as longer than 90 minutes, clear my mind. I focus on my breathing and the next stroke, pedal, or stride. While training alone can be lonely, it’s also an excellent way to clear mental noise. After a few minutes, I enter a place where I forget everything around me.

What strategies do you use to prevent injuries and stay healthy?
I strictly adhere to my training program, whether it’s based on heart rate zones, watts, or cadence. Trusting my coach and the process, I take daily supplements for recovery, including multivitamins and immune boosters. While my diet may not be perfect, I prioritize hydration and fuel during training and races. Electrolytes, salt tablets, collagen, L-glutamine, and BCAA’s are part of my routine, along with magnesium for recovery and sleep cycles. I also aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night and use a massage gun to relieve muscle stiffness.

Shari Wiest – Have there been unexpected challenges?
Endurance sport has taught me that the journey is as much mental as it is physical. Triathlon, like any endurance sport, is about getting comfortable with discomfort, and it’s in this space that growth occurs. This truth extends to all aspects of life, and endurance training has better prepared me for professional and personal challenges.

Has this journey changed you?
Absolutely. Endurance training has made me more resilient in fitness, business, and personal life. My body is stronger, and my mind has reached a new level of resilience.

Natasha Sampson – How do you balance everything?
Balancing single motherhood, work demands, family responsibilities, and training is challenging. My training often requires early mornings, and I give all aspects of my life the same dedication. It’s a significant sacrifice, and I sometimes feel guilty for not socializing due to exhaustion or the need to train. However, sport connects me with like-minded individuals, and I believe the juggling and sacrifice are worth it, both physically and mentally.

David Grazio – What is your view on Ironman and competitive activities?
For me, Ironman started as a crazy idea and became a personal challenge to test my physical fitness and mental agility. We all face challenges in life, and it’s how we prepare for and react to them that makes the difference. Embracing the long hours and discomfort has taught me to find joy in the challenge and grow from it.

Do you see parallels between Ironman training and personal challenges?
Absolutely. Nothing truly great in life comes easy. It takes hard work, long hours, discipline, resilience, and patience to stay on track. The key is to never stop dreaming and to strive for 1% improvement each day. Endurance sport has made me more resilient in all areas of life, and I’m grateful for the realization that the end goal is not just about what you achieve, but who you become in the process.

Nervously excited to get to the starting line, have fun along the way, and reminding myself ‘whatever it takes’.

To quote Vince Lombardi: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”