ROAD to IRONMAN with Derek Garcia April 6, 2012

In the months leading up to the 10th anniversary of Ironman Coeur d'Alene on June 24, Derek Garcia will be writing a monthly column keeping the community updated on his adventures as well as what the hundreds of athletes from the Inland Northwest are doing in preparation for the race.

We are all guilty. If your paper was delivered to you this morning, you most likely have already complained about something, something not worth complaining about. I confess I do it every day.

"Honey, why does the shower take over a minute to warm up in the morning?"

"I ALWAYS choose the wrong line in the grocery store - ugh."

"I hate it when the modem crashes!"

"This weather is horrible, when in the world is the sun going to come out?"

THESE ARE what can be called simply, 1st world problems. I struck a cord with that last one though, right? Living in Idaho can make even the most patient, four-season lover want to pull their hair out when spring is supposed to be here and yet we continue to get downright awful whether for any type of outdoor activity.

For those getting ready for Ironman, the patience meter is about to explode if it has not already done so. I admit I have spent six weeks this winter in warmer climates for the first time in my life taking on my new career as a professional triathlete.

So the sting is not so bad since I am still sporting a tan from my time in California. But I have endured countless hours on indoor equipment this year and in the past and I know the grind.

RIGHT NOW for the majority of athletes preparing for the big race, longer runs and rides are beginning to show up on the schedule and even the most disciplined athlete will struggle with a 1:30-2:00 workout on the dreadmill, uhhh I mean treadmill. See, I did it again... did you catch my whiny tone when I mentioned the treadmill?

Here is what it comes down to. It is time to suck it up. I don’t just mean for you aspiring Ironman finishers either. I would argue that for five months out of the year this is the most beautiful place to live. The sun will come back I promise.

Listen, I need this pep talk too. Each time I begin to complain about the weather or any other 1st world problem I am going to remind myself of a few key things. I live in a free country. I get to choose to exercise and stay healthy. I have the means to have a bicycle that cost more than my first car. I have others that I get to share my passion with. I am warm and get to eat EVERY DAY. The list goes on, but I think you get the point.

I HAVE to remind myself daily that I choose if I am going to be happy today. I choose if I will be successful. I choose if I am going to let circumstances dictate my attitude or if I am going to dictate my attitude regardless of my circumstances.

When problems arise I am going to continue to try and visualize my goals, remind myself the purpose of daily excellence, and be positive. I encourage you to do the same as you pursue your personal finish line.

Derek Garcia owns his own personal coaching business, Derek Garcia Multisports, and will be competing in his first year as a professional in 2012. Contact Derek at [email protected].