As I was busy bitching and moaning about taper, can't wait to rest after IMAZ, etc., we got a pep talk from Eric yesterday as we had our swim lesson. He talked about how building for a race was just as much mental as physical. This is not a time to let down mentally, it is a time to focus, focus, focus. Time to start visualizing the race, each part while training. Kind of a Zen thing..Time to see yourself in each leg, doing well, doing your best, leaving nothing behind. At mile 6 of the marathon, then you think about "the rest period". Just get through that last 6 miles and we are done..It was very inspiring really.
I have had such good teachers in my journey for IM. My first coach, Mark Mico, taught me that my body really could reach new limits...I can run fast! I also read about "The One Thing" somwhere along the way..This has helped me in both IM's I have done...and will push me in this one as well. My friend MG who trained with me for my first IM in 2004. Neither of us knew what to expect but his positive influence inspired me at every long ride we did together.. my friend Mark, who came back from some pretty sucky circumstances to complete an IM a couple of years later..Many other NM Outlaws I have trained with along the way are a constant source of positivity and strength..
My husband Hartley is my biggest cheerleader. He started by begrudgingly hanging out for IMFL training, got to do almost all the workouts I did for IMCDA and here he is, training for his first IM, IMAZ. How did he get there? By hanging out with crazy me mostly. Then he met my crazy tri friends and he was hooked. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! I am so proud of him, can't wait to see him cross the IMAZ finish line..here he is, 61 years old and competing in his first IM triathlon. So next time you think you can't, think of him. This was a guy who could not even ride a bike 4 years ago, or swim..So no excuses for anyone..
My new mental attitude is my choice. I choose to continue to train my mind, my emotions for the big day. There is no reason right now that I cannot have a PR and finish respectably in my age group. I am fit, in the best shape ever and expect to do well..
That..it my One Thing..
8 comments:
Good attitude!! That'll bring a PR!!
heck yes, debi, you can and you will. someone once told me that competing in ironman is 99% mental and i know it is true. if you believe in yourself - in anything and everything you attempt - you will succeed.
i have little 3x5 cards posted all over my house (in the laundry room, the bathroom, the kitchen!) with my predicted finish time. i see it, i visualize the clock as i cross the finish line with that time on it, i can make it happen.
you will too. big hugs.
It will be great to see H cross that line! (and you!)
you are going to rock that course sister!! yay!!!
Go Debi! You are almost there and when you toe the line you will be rested and excited and fit and ready to go and when you finish you will feel like a rock star!!
You are so up to the challenge ahead. I hope to meet you next year if we both are at B2B.
what an excellent philosophy - it will carry you over the hard parts
Oh Debi - yes. You have such a great attitude. You will make it happen your way. Cannot wait to hear about it!
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