If you want to see the mental and physical struggles of Ironman training here it is. Start at the bottom and see my email to two of my IM buddies and their responses.
I really contemplated not doing IM Wisconsin next month. Carmen wasn't happy with this as she and the boys have sacrificed and want to feel the finish line as much as I do. IM is a battle on race day, most people don't understand the physical and mental sacrifices associated with IM. I was hit hard this past weekend with a stomach virus that prevented me from doing much of anything away from running plumbing. It is not uncommon to red-line physically so that little "bugs" can wreak havoc on your body. IM is a sacrifice-this time the sacrifice has been less taxing on the family as we have arranged a schedule for my workouts the minimizes(although does not eliminate) missed family time.
I now need to re-commit to the finish line...it seems as though their are others out there that think I deserve to cross it-I guess I better get my head screwed on to prove them right. Right?
(From me to the guys and carmen cc'd)
Gents
Thanks for your thoughtful responses-I appreciate it. After reading your responses, talking with Carmen and Jenny, I have decided to finish what I have started.
Thanks for your friendship…
Jeffrey M. Bratz, CFP®
(from Carmen)
So it’s settled.
Thank you for forwarding the thread. I knew I was right about this, and I’m so glad your friends backed me up on it (not that they knew they were backing me up).
Training for and completing an Ironman is a group event when you have a family, and much more difficult to train for when you have a young family. Even though Zacky, BenBen and I won’t be swimming, biking and running next to you, we will still be with you during the race, and have been with you every step of the way as you prepared for it. Regardless of your time, we are proud of your accomplishment. Finishing an IM is a big deal. Actually, getting to the starting line of an IM is a big deal. You will do well on race day.
From: Jeff Bratz [mailto:jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.com] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 2:10 PMTo: 'Jenny Weber'; cbratz@mchsi.comSubject: FW: opinion...Importance: High
(to my coach Jenny Weber)
Jenny
See the email thread with Reed and Loran. I start the thread at the bottom-as you can see I am not ready to race mentally.
I am ready to go long on the training road. I know myself and racing this weekend isn’t right, I need to go long training for the confidence of race day. I would really like to do the century/long brick with the long run, which I wasn’t able to do because of the stomach virus, this coming weekend. That still gives ~ 4 weeks of recovery to race day.
I have really been struggling the last 72-96 hours with this(I think probably because of the stomach virus and accumulated stress) and really was considering dumping the race. Carmen, Reed, and Loran have really helped me come to the right place on this, and helped me realize what I would give up if I didn’t go and give it my best effort.
Jeffrey M. Bratz, CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.com
(from Reed)
From: Reed Rinderknecht [mailto:reedr@fostergrp.com] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 1:50 PMTo: Loran.J.Storts@wellsfargo.com; jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.comSubject: RE: opinion...
I agree totally with Loran’s comments. Don’t show up wishing that you didn’t go.
Now for the motivational:
It is about the time to be second guessing yourself. September is a long time to wait for a race. You would be the exception if you didn’t feel a little burned out.
Why are you doing the race? My first IM, I did the race to finish and enjoyed the entire day…..at least, all but the last 13 miles of the run. (Loran, you remember my weakened, one-arm flex on the last hill!) My second IM, I went to get a Kona Slot. There was more pressure, but I was focused on working towards that goal. Both races, I learned much about myself that has helped me in life and racing. Pushing yourself beyond what you think you are capable of is a great lesson. Also, when I realized that my day was slipping away at IM Wisc last year (when my stomach cramped hard enough to want to stop running at all), I had to refocus and pull it together. I knew I had the fitness to run 3:40ish, but couldn’t take any nutrition on the first 12 miles on the run, b/c of cramps….still ran 3:55, but had to adjust my expectations even mid race. Many times since then, I’ve had to make adjustments and work through issues during races……now, I expect it and deal with it.
If it was me, and I had already put in this much training and work, I would want to see the end result. It is a dang tough bike course, but you have done the training. Set your goals on each piece. Swim steady and come out confident. Smooth transitions……focus on nutrition, hydration, and pacing on the bike in the first loop, reel people in on the second loop. Ride the hills easy, don’t burn any matches too early. Run the best that you can given your fitness. Set a PR on a much tougher course than AZ. Use this as a springboard for the next 2 years. Looking back, I think you will be glad you raced.
Go ahead and do Cy-man for fun and enjoy life. Be thankful for your health, family, finances, and the freedom to push your body, mind, and soul.
Because, my friend, there is not a lot of better feelings than running that last ½ mile in front of thousands of screaming fans, hearing……
JEFF BRATZ FROM DES MOINES, IOWA, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!
Rent the movie Facing the Giants tonight and watch it. The first half is really bad acting, but then it is an incredible story. God asks us to give Him 110% everyday…..we praise Him in victory and also in defeat.
r
Reed R. Rinderknecht, CFP
(from Loran Storts)
From: Loran.J.Storts@wellsfargo.com [mailto:Loran.J.Storts@wellsfargo.com] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 1:24 PMTo: jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.com; Reed RinderknechtSubject: RE: opinion...
Jeff-
This is strictly my opinion and take it for what it is worth. If you aint hungry to race the IM then you are in for a long day- IM hurt and they are suppose to hurt! You gotta be 100% committed to challenging yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally come race day.
I had IM races where I was either unsure of my fitness level, not really motivated to suffer, tired, etc and at the end of the day I didn't race well and didn't enjoy the experience. Regardless of the final finishing time you have to feel good entering the race and excited to cross the finish line. Keep asking yourself, "Why am I doing this race?" There's your motivation!
With that being said, it is perfectly normal to be questioning yourself right now. You are a Type A personality that has undoubtedly put extreme pressure on yourself to perform at a certain level. Right now you are fatigued possible from all the training and you should be fatigued because we are 4 weeks from race day. What you will have at Wisconsin that you will not have at any other IM race is a huge group of people that know you, can inspire you, and can encourage you throughout the race.
I am happy to chat with you over a cup of coffee or lunch this week so you can "noodle" on your decision. And lastly, don't forget to put this in your prayers!
Loran
(from Me to the guys)
From: Jeff Bratz [mailto:jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.com] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 11:34 AMTo: Storts, Loran J.; 'Reed Rinderknecht'Subject: opinion...Importance: High
Guys
I wanted to get some thoughts from you guys in regards to IM coming up.
My training has been going well, until this past weekend, when a stomach virus derailed my long run and long bike. However; there has been something missing for me in this buildup. I have really enjoyed my shorter races this season, and feel like I am racing/training better, faster, stronger then ever. However; I have yet to get excited about this IM, originally I wanted to do Florida this year but I let my buddies(Kirk, Bob, and Bob) convince me that doing IM Wisky with them would be more fun. It has been o.k., but I simply am not excited about this race. I have lost more weight(not enough however) and am proud of how well I have done with my training-I’m just not sure that this is the race for me.
I am considering DNS’ing(did not start) this race, and continuing to train and continue to work-I just am simply not passionate about Wisconsin, it isn’t the right course for me. I think that with more time, and continued weight loss, I could get excited about IM WIsc, just not right now. Normally I would see this as being weak, etc. I just am not certain that I have committed to the finish line the way I need to. What I would really LIKE to do, is finish the season with a sprint or two, then put together a two-year plan to go and tear up Florida in ’09. I envision this as a two-year plan to get me to my final “race weight” work on my running, and get to IM fitness(as I don’t really feel like I am there yet).
I know that I can go to Madison and PR today-but it isn’t about PR’ing it is about enjoying the day, the process, and being my best. I don’t feel like I am at my best.
I respect both of you and would like to get your opinions on this…
Jeffrey M. Bratz, CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
I really contemplated not doing IM Wisconsin next month. Carmen wasn't happy with this as she and the boys have sacrificed and want to feel the finish line as much as I do. IM is a battle on race day, most people don't understand the physical and mental sacrifices associated with IM. I was hit hard this past weekend with a stomach virus that prevented me from doing much of anything away from running plumbing. It is not uncommon to red-line physically so that little "bugs" can wreak havoc on your body. IM is a sacrifice-this time the sacrifice has been less taxing on the family as we have arranged a schedule for my workouts the minimizes(although does not eliminate) missed family time.
I now need to re-commit to the finish line...it seems as though their are others out there that think I deserve to cross it-I guess I better get my head screwed on to prove them right. Right?
(From me to the guys and carmen cc'd)
Gents
Thanks for your thoughtful responses-I appreciate it. After reading your responses, talking with Carmen and Jenny, I have decided to finish what I have started.
Thanks for your friendship…
Jeffrey M. Bratz, CFP®
(from Carmen)
So it’s settled.
Thank you for forwarding the thread. I knew I was right about this, and I’m so glad your friends backed me up on it (not that they knew they were backing me up).
Training for and completing an Ironman is a group event when you have a family, and much more difficult to train for when you have a young family. Even though Zacky, BenBen and I won’t be swimming, biking and running next to you, we will still be with you during the race, and have been with you every step of the way as you prepared for it. Regardless of your time, we are proud of your accomplishment. Finishing an IM is a big deal. Actually, getting to the starting line of an IM is a big deal. You will do well on race day.
From: Jeff Bratz [mailto:jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.com] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 2:10 PMTo: 'Jenny Weber'; cbratz@mchsi.comSubject: FW: opinion...Importance: High
(to my coach Jenny Weber)
Jenny
See the email thread with Reed and Loran. I start the thread at the bottom-as you can see I am not ready to race mentally.
I am ready to go long on the training road. I know myself and racing this weekend isn’t right, I need to go long training for the confidence of race day. I would really like to do the century/long brick with the long run, which I wasn’t able to do because of the stomach virus, this coming weekend. That still gives ~ 4 weeks of recovery to race day.
I have really been struggling the last 72-96 hours with this(I think probably because of the stomach virus and accumulated stress) and really was considering dumping the race. Carmen, Reed, and Loran have really helped me come to the right place on this, and helped me realize what I would give up if I didn’t go and give it my best effort.
Jeffrey M. Bratz, CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.com
(from Reed)
From: Reed Rinderknecht [mailto:reedr@fostergrp.com] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 1:50 PMTo: Loran.J.Storts@wellsfargo.com; jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.comSubject: RE: opinion...
I agree totally with Loran’s comments. Don’t show up wishing that you didn’t go.
Now for the motivational:
It is about the time to be second guessing yourself. September is a long time to wait for a race. You would be the exception if you didn’t feel a little burned out.
Why are you doing the race? My first IM, I did the race to finish and enjoyed the entire day…..at least, all but the last 13 miles of the run. (Loran, you remember my weakened, one-arm flex on the last hill!) My second IM, I went to get a Kona Slot. There was more pressure, but I was focused on working towards that goal. Both races, I learned much about myself that has helped me in life and racing. Pushing yourself beyond what you think you are capable of is a great lesson. Also, when I realized that my day was slipping away at IM Wisc last year (when my stomach cramped hard enough to want to stop running at all), I had to refocus and pull it together. I knew I had the fitness to run 3:40ish, but couldn’t take any nutrition on the first 12 miles on the run, b/c of cramps….still ran 3:55, but had to adjust my expectations even mid race. Many times since then, I’ve had to make adjustments and work through issues during races……now, I expect it and deal with it.
If it was me, and I had already put in this much training and work, I would want to see the end result. It is a dang tough bike course, but you have done the training. Set your goals on each piece. Swim steady and come out confident. Smooth transitions……focus on nutrition, hydration, and pacing on the bike in the first loop, reel people in on the second loop. Ride the hills easy, don’t burn any matches too early. Run the best that you can given your fitness. Set a PR on a much tougher course than AZ. Use this as a springboard for the next 2 years. Looking back, I think you will be glad you raced.
Go ahead and do Cy-man for fun and enjoy life. Be thankful for your health, family, finances, and the freedom to push your body, mind, and soul.
Because, my friend, there is not a lot of better feelings than running that last ½ mile in front of thousands of screaming fans, hearing……
JEFF BRATZ FROM DES MOINES, IOWA, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!
Rent the movie Facing the Giants tonight and watch it. The first half is really bad acting, but then it is an incredible story. God asks us to give Him 110% everyday…..we praise Him in victory and also in defeat.
r
Reed R. Rinderknecht, CFP
(from Loran Storts)
From: Loran.J.Storts@wellsfargo.com [mailto:Loran.J.Storts@wellsfargo.com] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 1:24 PMTo: jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.com; Reed RinderknechtSubject: RE: opinion...
Jeff-
This is strictly my opinion and take it for what it is worth. If you aint hungry to race the IM then you are in for a long day- IM hurt and they are suppose to hurt! You gotta be 100% committed to challenging yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally come race day.
I had IM races where I was either unsure of my fitness level, not really motivated to suffer, tired, etc and at the end of the day I didn't race well and didn't enjoy the experience. Regardless of the final finishing time you have to feel good entering the race and excited to cross the finish line. Keep asking yourself, "Why am I doing this race?" There's your motivation!
With that being said, it is perfectly normal to be questioning yourself right now. You are a Type A personality that has undoubtedly put extreme pressure on yourself to perform at a certain level. Right now you are fatigued possible from all the training and you should be fatigued because we are 4 weeks from race day. What you will have at Wisconsin that you will not have at any other IM race is a huge group of people that know you, can inspire you, and can encourage you throughout the race.
I am happy to chat with you over a cup of coffee or lunch this week so you can "noodle" on your decision. And lastly, don't forget to put this in your prayers!
Loran
(from Me to the guys)
From: Jeff Bratz [mailto:jeff.bratz@lfgplanners.com] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 11:34 AMTo: Storts, Loran J.; 'Reed Rinderknecht'Subject: opinion...Importance: High
Guys
I wanted to get some thoughts from you guys in regards to IM coming up.
My training has been going well, until this past weekend, when a stomach virus derailed my long run and long bike. However; there has been something missing for me in this buildup. I have really enjoyed my shorter races this season, and feel like I am racing/training better, faster, stronger then ever. However; I have yet to get excited about this IM, originally I wanted to do Florida this year but I let my buddies(Kirk, Bob, and Bob) convince me that doing IM Wisky with them would be more fun. It has been o.k., but I simply am not excited about this race. I have lost more weight(not enough however) and am proud of how well I have done with my training-I’m just not sure that this is the race for me.
I am considering DNS’ing(did not start) this race, and continuing to train and continue to work-I just am simply not passionate about Wisconsin, it isn’t the right course for me. I think that with more time, and continued weight loss, I could get excited about IM WIsc, just not right now. Normally I would see this as being weak, etc. I just am not certain that I have committed to the finish line the way I need to. What I would really LIKE to do, is finish the season with a sprint or two, then put together a two-year plan to go and tear up Florida in ’09. I envision this as a two-year plan to get me to my final “race weight” work on my running, and get to IM fitness(as I don’t really feel like I am there yet).
I know that I can go to Madison and PR today-but it isn’t about PR’ing it is about enjoying the day, the process, and being my best. I don’t feel like I am at my best.
I respect both of you and would like to get your opinions on this…
Jeffrey M. Bratz, CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
