Distract Me

Nothing interferes with my concentration.  You could put on an orgy in my office and I wouldn't look up.  Well, maybe once.  ~Isaac Asimov

I have intense concentration when I am in pursuit. My pursuits are not always noble, sometimes slightly nonsensical, and almost always based on obtaining something. I enjoy the process of going after so much that I have an incredibly hard time being at peace when I'm not actively going for something or trying to get something. I continue to pursue until I get bored with whatever I am pursuing--but I never give up a pursuit simply because it has eluded me.

And I'm not bored with triathlon. There is still more marrow to suck from it.

But speaking of marrow, I have been slightly derailed here. (Sorry, I seem to be mixing metaphors all over the place today.) The truth is I have been given no restrictions on training; my doctor has given me the green light to continue as I see fit, as long as I cool it if I feel even a twinge of real fatigue or sickness coming on. Nevertheless, there was an orgy set up in my office, and I simply couldn't not look. I couldn't not look at the fact that maybe my intense drive was interfering with my health, and that I'd best not be a dumb fuck if I want to continue with this triathlon game. I aim to get what I want out of triathlon, but she is proving to be a wily one--temperamental about what is enough rest, and what is enough training--and what is the correct balance of both. You can't just go after her with a drive that won't quit and get what you want. You have to play the game her way--which is slightly annoying. But even if I can't go after triathlon with only will and a hammer, that doesn't mean I still can't win.

I thrive on complicated challenges. She hasn't won yet. I'm still in this game.

Sometimes if you really want something the best thing to do is to ignore it for a bit. The more you ignore, the more power you obtain, until the thing you desire actually starts to come to you instead of the other way around. But it's a waiting game, and it takes total confidence. I realize if I want to win this game I have to back off and wait for it to come to me. 

So what does that look like?

It means that while I watch those around me getting revved up for IMLP already--running and swimming and biking like the race is coming in three months, not eight, I need to chill out. I need to bide my time. I need to turn my attention elsewhere, and then when the time is right, triathlon will tip-toe up to me, tap on my shoulder, and admit she misses me and is willing to play hard again.

Until then, I need other challenges to hold my attention.  

So, for November, here they are:

1. I will read at least one book every 48 hours for the next month.

2. I will write about every tri/running/swimming book I can remember reading on my Reading It blog before 11/30/10.

3. I will read with my kids every single day until Christmas.

4. I will walk my puppies one and a half hours a day. (Actually, that is a goal I have long term. They need it. I need it. It is essential.)

Today the family came for the walk. Because I think my kids and puppies are so damn cute, I leave you with a few pictures.

 

Hazel is winning the race.

 

Playing Chase

 

Climbing Rocks

 Hazel obeying STAY. (I think she's a little pissed, though.)

Bow down to me, the almighty Ernie.

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Those are the distract me goals for November--and actually most of December, too.

And at the New Year? I'll Be Back, Baby. I'll be Back.