For many, including myself, race season is here. The competition phase is what it's all about. As much as I personally enjoy the process of training and really view my progression in multisport as a journey, there is no denying that big races play an integral role in defining that journey. They serve as inflection points upon which we measure our success; competing against ourselves and against other athletes.
I was thinking that even during long-course races, while a lot of soul-searching goes down, not many athletes re-read books in their minds; rather, they turn to key mantras, sayings, and one-liners to get them through tough stretches. So instead of writing in my typical lengthy-prose style, I've decided to go with something more pragmatic. In the lead up to my big races, I don't plan on being overly reflective or philosophical, as sometimes I feel like that approach can hurt more than it can help. When my minds starts churning, I'll simply turn to a few very powerful sayings. While I'm sure you've all amassed your own (and would encourage you to share), maybe you'll find some additional tidbits of wisdom here as well:
"Trust your training." Thanks to Doug Maclean, professional triathlete and QT2 Systems coach for giving me these three doubt-combating words.
"Race with a purpose to express your fitness. Fight to express as much of the fitness and hard work that you've done." Simon Whitfield, Olympian, wise veteran, role model to most triathletes.
"Realize. Realize. Realize. Make it real, bring things to fruition." This one is mine, and in a similar spirit to what Whitfield says about expressing your fitness. Remember that racing is a chance to "make real" all the hard work you have put in. In racing, we do this my measuring ourselves against the most honest broker there is; time.
"When the hurt comes on, are you going to check-out, or embrace the pain and suffer?" Chris McCormack has a lot more to say about suffering, and a simple Google search of his name and "suffer" will lead you in this direction. I've found that the difference between good, great, and breakthrough performances comes down to my attitude toward and acceptance of suffering on the day. More on suffering here
"Seize and squeeze." Thanks mom. For when things are going right. Lock in and embrace it.
"Attitude of gratitude." Be thankful that you are able to use your mind and body to compete, and be thankful to those around you that support your pursuit and help make it possible. Take yourself and the event very seriously, but never too seriously, as the mere fact that you are out there is something to be extremely happy about.
In closing, and on that last note, I want to take a second to personally thank some great brands (Extreme Endurance, Kiwami Triathlon, and Greater > Than Coconut Water) and some great people (Coach Wes Johnson, my girlfriend Caitlin, and my family) for helping me get to the peak-phase of the season fit, healthy, and happy. Time to rock and roll!!
Good luck to all in your upcoming races. Accomplish your goals, and keep moving forward.
***Please note that I have tweaked and/or shortened a few of the exact phrases in quotations above, but wanted to give credit to the originators of those thoughts nonetheless.
