Many times I am asked what a triathlon is and what it means to me; I first respond with the answer of Freedom. I am reminded of my Brother Ailes, who requested soccer balls and 10 dollar bills to the Iraqi children, for the same reason. Freedom. I wear his Memorial band on my wrist as I race. I keep in step with my Brother Norwood, who I hold on my other wrist. He was a senior Marine, who taught me the importance of discipline and showing up to be accountable to the self. He taught me Self-control was the ultimate Freedom. I choose to Honor them, I will tell people, with every breath and step. They gave me this Freedom.
I think about the distance of swimming 1.2 Miles, how important it is to breathe for a person with or diagnosed with PTSD. Breath brings blood flow to the brain. That blood flow allows us to have more capacity for thought. I use this technique while swimming, connecting my mind and body as if a meditation for mindfulness.
Next, after the swim, we get into a 56-mile bike. On the bike, it usually will take about 3 hours or more to complete. On this, I am reminded of focusing my energy into a pattern, many Military minds know as cadence. With Cadence, I am activating my left and right bilateral movement. It is allowing me to focus on some deep issues and process new feelings and emotions if I let them. Trust me, I have spent many an emotional mile getting through some of the thoughts that drive at me on a long bike ride. Yet, with the bilateral movement and the breath, I have been able to draw a deeper understanding of myself and my emotions…along with many of my triggers, other than getting Hangery. LOL.
Food consumption is a must at this point. I use an energy drink mix with more carbs, sodium, and some proteins for the longer rides. Lots of water too. I start to prepare myself for the 13.1-mile run. The Half Marathon is what takes a lot of guts. It can be one of the hardest parts if you don't prepare your body with the fuel, prior on the bike. I like to be ready for the run so I can use course nutrition, though, with this race, it will be something I have never tried. So I have to do a traditional energy gel…This requires lots of water. The reason hydration on the bike is so important.
On the Run, this is where I display my heart for my Brothers and why I work so hard at understanding the process of Healing through Triathlon and my other therapies. I see running as a gift of Freedom; I remember running with my Brothers. I remember the laughter and pain we worked through. It's a gift to be able to remember those times. It's a gift to be able to Honor them with my steps. To say that they have helped me grow into the Man I am today is an understatement. They have been with me the whole way. It's a lot more than just running; it's a way to show who they are to me. The Men that gave their lives for you and me to be free. Freedom. It truly is a gift.
Written by: PFC Gerald Jennex' 01-'05, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines Infantryman
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