It really is a privilege to work with such amazing, wonderful people.

Take a moment and read the wonderful Penny Harris’ Challenge Roth Blog,

An inspiring, honest piece of writing that shows, anything is possible, you just need the right support, courage, commitment and belief. Penny you rock!! You have come so far… thank you for taking the time to write and share this…

I really look forward to whatever is next…. 😉 Mini Ninja Penny, big respect from you Coach Kim

The Looniness of a midlife crisis….

I had made a decision. For my 50^th birthday year I was going to do long distance triathlon. It comprises a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride, then to top if off a marathon…just over 42km. And to really make it even more stressful, there are cut off times for every part of the race. I had done 3 half that distance, the last one being an awful race where I really struggled with the heat, as well as a few Olympic distance and sprint distance races.

I know how easily I can mentally psyche myself out with the old glass half empty attitude and I knew that I needed to kick that into touch to have a hope of completing my challenge. I knew I needed to utilise every tool Kim Ingleby had taught me.  I had used Kim before to help me stop my inward focused negativity about my abilities and she had made a huge difference. I PB’d at Olympic distance and had faced the half ironman distance and done myself proud. This challenge was way bigger!

I used the tools Kim taught me through my training and the long lonely 6-7 hour bike rides, during swim training that I struggle with, and on hard run sessions where I wanted to give up. It makes a big difference giving yourself permission to really push and not back off in case you fail. Having the tools to beat the brain at its own mind games makes such a difference!

On race day and the last few days leading up to it, I made sure the mental preparation Kim had taught me was done and in place. I felt so calm the last few days I was worried I wasn’t focused enough!! But never fear, it was all sorted and ready. I had mantras ready, I had music in my head, and I needed to use all of it! A very tough day, temperatures 35 degrees in the shade, no breeze, then a violent storm while running alongside a huge shipping canal!! I negative brain wanted me to stop throughout the bike but I was able to use the tools Kim taught me to let that chatter carry on while planning the rest of my race. I cant remember large portions of it, and if anyone was able to tap into my brain and listen to the nonstop talk going on they would be horrified. At times I swore very loudly at hills and told them, in a very unladylike manner, exactly what I thought of them. It all helps. As for the marathon, it went by so quickly. I had planned to allow myself to walk as much as I needed, but always powerwalk. I did.

And I completed the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. And I am planning on another one next year…and the year after!

Thanks to Kim I can face challenges that take me way out of my comfort zone. You are never too old to start trying. The oldest participant on race day was an amazing nun in her 80s!

Thank you Kim for helping me to make life so much more interesting xx

For Daily Mental Strength For Performance Coaching Tips click here:  https://www.facebook.com/mentalstrengthcoaching?fref=ts

To read another #gaintheedge clients Mental Strength Journey, click here to read Claire’s Blog: http://clairedoherty1.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/ironman-uk/

Both Amazing Ladies in their own right, whom I am exceptionally proud to work with.

For 1;1 Race Strategy Coaching Sessions, or to be on the list for 2015 Mental Strength Coaching please contact us info@energisedperformance.com to find out more.