I am trying to take a different approach from past years though. The first year it was all about crossing the finish line. I was unsure if I could even do something like this. I remember being so nervous. The next year, 2006, I think I was even more nervous. I had become more involved in the triathlon club and I felt like there were more expectations of me. I wanted to do better than the previous year. I was actually in tears as I drove to the park the morning of the race because I had put so much pressure on myself.
This year I am approaching this race as a means to an end. I know I can to the distance and I know I can finish the race (barring any drownings, bike wrecks, or complete meltdowns on the run). Can I complete it faster than in years past? I don't know, but that is not my goal. My goal this season is to complete a half-ironman triathlon. I see this race as a expensive training day (entry fees for triathlons are not cheap). Here are my goals for tomorrow:
1. Only think positive thoughts. I have a tendancy to be really hard on myself and beat myself up. My inner diaglog during a race is often about how slow I am. But none of that tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be a good, positive day. I do triathlons to stay in shape and keep my sanity. I am going to be thankful for the ability to compete tomorrow.
2. Don't force it. When I first started swimming, Adam told me that the more you force your stroke the slower you will swim. Swimming requires a fluid and graceful motion. The more one flails, the slower one swims. I try to take that approach in other areas of my life. I always try in every situation, but sometimes forcing it just makes it worse. This means I will not be wearing a heart-rate monitor or a watch tomorrow. I am going to listen to my body and let it lead me.
3. Have fun. If it is not fun, why do it? Yes, it may be painful at times but my goal is to walk away from the race knowing that I had fun.
One cool thing about this race is the number of pro triathletes that are competing. Chris McCormack will be competing tomorrow. He won the Ironman World Championship last year in Kona, HI. Desiree Ficker who took second in Kona in 2006 will also be racing tomorrow. And Linsey Corbin who is a pro triathlete from Missoula will also be racing. I met her briefly at packet pick-up today. Very cool girl.
Triathlon is the only sport I know of where both ametures and professionals race togehter. It can be a little intimidating but so cool. In my head I always imagine this conversation:
Me: We have a co-rec softball game tonight. You should come by and watch.
Co-worker: Maybe. Are you guys any good?
Me: Yea, we are okay. Our shortstop is pretty good. His name is Derek Jeter.
Never gonna happen :)
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