What is exciting about my triathlon training, is that every time I race I feel more and more prepared. Gone are the days that I walk into a race and think, "Im not ready. I didnt train for this." I now walk into a race and think, "I got this! Let's go!" Some people say they are nervous before a race. I say that nervous means you're not ready. Instead I say that I am excited! To me, "excited" means "I am ready for this!" That being said, I race in less than 48 hours and I could not be more excited! I am racing in the Rex Wellness Garner Triathlon on Sunday morning. This race is about 15 minutes from my parents house so it will be nice to "sleep in" and arrive at the race around 5:15am. I just got my start time and I will be jumping in the pool at 7:25:10 My race number is 153 which basically means I am seeded smack dab in the middle! That is progress! Swimming is the shortest leg of the triathlon and you don't win it in the swim. My opinion is that you don't lose it in the swim either. Unless you drown I suppose. There is plenty of time to make up on the bike and the run.
My swim time has improved dramatically in the last 8 months. I submitted a 2:10 for a 100 swim time although I feel like I could have made it closer to 2:05. Originally I think I sent in a 2:20, so to be able to drop 10 seconds is a confidence booster. Yesterday at the pool I swam a mock race, practicing turns and swimming right next to lane lines. Lucky me, I even got to practice getting a foot cramp 150 yards into the swim. My foot still cramps in the pool, but nothing like it used to! I expect a cramp in a race so I try to swim through them so that if it happens on race day, I dont panic. When my swim set of 250 yards was done, I was happy to see 5:11 on my watch. Am I a fast swimmer? Not even close! But what I can tell you is that I have dropped almost a minute off my time in 8 months and that is a big deal! Imagine where I will be this time next year!!
Triathlon is about overcoming obstacles. It is about looking at something that seems impossible and saying, "I'm going to do it anyway." It is about personal growth. It is about learning to overcome your fears. Triathlon teaches you that your only limitations are the ones you make up in your head. In 2008, I was terrified of the swim. I took a long break from triathlons and came back in 2013 and was terrified again. At this very moment in time I am feeling ridiculously confident in the swim. Change your mindset, change your life. It's as easy as that!
Seems simple...
Seems simple...
Although I do not expect to win my age group on Sunday, I will be happy to complete this race and then head to the nearest Starbucks to celebrate being awesome. Winning an award is not what is important in triathlon. Improved self confidence, health, happiness, and camaraderie are the best gifts in the world and I EXPECT to get all four on Sunday!
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