Constance Korol: The Power of the Ironman Mind

I just wanted to add an introduction to this piece because  after all this is my blog and in this case moderator of this piece written by Constance Korol.   I love the idea of recognizing accomplishments of people we spin with. We in Tripp’s class have what  I like to think is  more than just camaraderie. We have a genuine concern for each other’s well being and because we are not competitive amongst ourselves we love to see our members excel in competition. And I would like to collectively for all of us congratulate Constance on her amazing accomplishment.

The Power of the Ironman Mind

There are no baby steps in Tripp Doherty’s mind. He is all in right out of the blocks and he takes you with him. His first multi-sport race was an Ironman triathlon. For those of us lucky enough to come along for the ride, there is no time to ask yourself “could I”? Alongside Tripp you will do better than you ever believed. 

The first half of last year was a struggle for me. The demons of a re-occurring herniated disc injury hit me once again and couldn’t get out of my own way. At the beginning of last year, my goal was to run the More Half Marathon for my 40th birthday.  My last long run of the season was in February in the desert heat of Arizona which felt GREAT at the time. Shortly after returning home, I tweaked my back and had to back out of not only the More race, but several other races and group fitness classes as well. This took it’s toll on me as these were activities that would help me keep my sanity with all the pressures of life. I couldn’t rely on Tripp’s heart and soul filled inspirational messages that I had become accustomed to hearing every Tuesday & Friday at 6AM. , I had to look deep inside myself to be reminded that I will get better in due time. 

Finally in late June into the beginning of July, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel as I found myself able to pop back into spin classes where I could once again hear the utmost excitement from Tripp when he spoke about his upcoming first Ironman race in Lake Placid, NY. Without a glimpse of fear, no aerobar, and no tri-bike, he trained and accomplished something that few can say they have done. You may have seen a  140.6 sticker on the back of a passing  car. The number stands for a distance without fear. This means a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a full running marathon (26.2 miles).  I was happy to be able to give Tripp that well earned sticker for Christmas as a small token of my immense gratitude.  Neither Tripp nor myself missed a single spin class during the holiday week, not even the ones held at 6AM on Christmas and New Years Eve.  Inspired by Tripp, I found myself determined to make a New Years Day 2011 decision without fear, and I signed up for my first triathlon, The Mini MightyMan Triathlon in Long Island, NY. 

I have heard many people try to describe Tripp’s class.  One person went so far as to refer it as  “religion”, while I would classify his unique & vibrant style as “remarkable”. His words, his caring nature, and his passion are nothing less than viral, and truly make people better each and every day. From the charity money that has been raised  through Tripp’s outspokenness, to the inspiration that just pours out of his body and his mind, Tripp’s regular followers have made “first” decisions that have lead them to live their lives to their fullest. This is all thanks to the shining example of the role model that sits in front of them on the riser with a mike around his head. 

Forget milk, the cross training that included biking, swimming, running and yoga did my body good.  Learning how to swim was my personal “Ironman”.  I met Tripp in the pool in Great Neck one cold January morning and I struggled to swim one length of the pool. I lacked an understanding of the form, the strategy, and the vocabulary.  He encouraged me to practice swimming and showed me how to breathe after every four strokes. I quickly realized that there is a system to the whole thing and worked hard to master that system. With a dedicated swim coach, I continued to learn more and more, but not once did I stray from achieving my goal. 

Then there is the cycle training during one of the coldest and snowiest winters we have had on record. Certainly no fear with access to one of the best spin teachers I have had over the 15 years of spinning. One could classify Tripp’s Woodbury 6am class a serious group. We all have a short time dedicated to working out and we want to rip it. We have defined the time slot and defined ourselves as people who strive for more out of life.  This is much more than a one hour workout. We all want to feel high as a kite throughout our day just like Tripp. To call a Tripp class a challenge is an understatement. Accomplishment is a better phrase to describing it. 

After months of learning, reading, working on cardiovascular goals and getting stronger, the day of the race finally arrived. Saturday April 24,, 2011 came with a blast of pouring rain, accompanied by temperatures in the mid 40s and wind gusts of up to 30 miles an hour. Friends of mine on Facebook helped me prepare for the day on paper by offering tips such as putting all of my transition items in a garbage bag to stay dry and giving advice on what to wear.  The start of the race was slow and proved to be a big test of the mind.  We had to get through over 300 people who were all waiting to jump into the pool at 5 second intervals. I watched the elite swim and like everything else that day, I learned from the experience. I watched how they would hit the wall then perform a streamlined diagonal turn into the next lane saving them time and energy. This was something that I implemented right away, as I knew that I needed help with my time in the pool. The first swimmers to jump out of the pool had finished the aquatic leg in less than 6 minutes. I grinned admiring their skill.

My first 50 meters in the water was a struggle, I hyperventilated and couldn’t catch my breath. However, I made it to the end of the pool and kicked my mind into gear. I was not going to quit, I took a deep breath, made that streamlined diagonal turn into the next lane and I began to find my stride.  I was told later by my swim coach that this was the point that I began to pass people left and right. I had finally begun to win the battle waging within my own head. I was going to wear the number 269 that was written on my leg and arm in magic marker with extreme pride, there was simply no other choice.

I jumped out of the water after a little over 15 minutes, a personal best. I had conquered the pool but it was now time for mind game number two which involved mentally handling the elements.  As I did most of my training in what some would consider “fair weather”, with my swimming and biking indoors, the inclement weather should have posed a serious problem, however it is determination that gets you through the trying times. I didn’t want to waste time in transition so I just threw a long sleeve shirt on hoping that it would keep me warm. I was conscious of the pounding rain on my frozen legs and I was cautious on the wet surface, but my body and mind were not ready to rest. I was in a state where I was only ready to excel.

As I jumped off the bike, one of the volunteers shouted out “Good job, it’s rough out there”. “Yup, I am fully aware of that thank you,” was my reply as I ran my bike to the stall, put on my running shoes and proceeded to become one muddy mess of a runner.  Once again I was cold and wet but a strong body and mind helped me through.  I completed the race with many people in my thoughts as I savored a hot cup of soup. One of those people being my husband who also braved the weather determined to support and cheer for me as well as providing lasting memories of my inaugural day with some great photos. Then there is the 6am class that takes me to places I never thought I could go. I am sure there are many people that accomplish many things by themselves but I am proud to say I am not one of them. Thank you to Tripp and the 6am class that inspires me to be more than I was yesterday.