Sunday, June 1, 2008

Race Week thoughts

It's time to focus.
Put on my game face.
Get serious.
Remember my strength.
Have confidence in my self, in my heart, my body, my mind.
While biking this morning, I thought of words that describe what one needs and what one gains from this sport. This way of life.

Discipline
Determination
Power
Strength
Skill
Mental toughness
Emotional toughness
Fatigue
Recovery
Breakdown
Rebuild
Consistency
Confidence
Heart
Satisfaction
Goals
Achievement
Health
Strong attitude
compassion
Speed
Courage
Balance
competition
aggressiveness
scheduling tricks
age defiance
great nutritional habits
complete fitness
camaraderie
excitement
Friendships
Drive

And yes, Success!!!! (you're right Jen H.! Thanks!)

I feel so lucky that I am a triathlete. I love what this sport has done for me. I will head to New Hampshire for my first Olympic distance race on Saturday with a positive attitude. I will remember that I am a 38 year old Mom of 3 who can race once again. Competing in sport was such a huge part of my life until I graduated from College. I am SO excited that I have found the world of triathlon and can use that love for racing once again. I have put in hours of training. I have been waking up pre-dawn for months and months. I have made sacrifices and I have put in some serious hard work. It will pay off. I am ready! When you get to race week, it's all about heart. Time to rest a bit, eat well, and get the mind ready and in the game.
This is when it all comes together. Whether its' an A, B or C race just go out and give it 100%. Sometimes we are more prepared than others but it's always important to give it 100% of your effort and heart. Enjoy the experience. Savor the swoosh of the water in your ears, the frantic scrambling at T1, the whizzing of the bikes, the sounds of people cheering around you, the announcer in the distance calling finisher's names, the heavy breathing of a competitor closing in on you, the sound of your footsteps as you pound the pavement to the end of the course. Go for it. Don't leave anything back on the course. No regrets. Just GO FAST!!!!


13 comments:

Jamie Anderson said...

Awesome. Kick some butt this weekend and show'em how Maine girls get'er done. Best of luck and look forward to the report.

Jerome Harrison said...

And, Ange, you forgot: SUCCESS! GOOD luck this weekend. YOU have worked hard - believe in that and go out there and get the job done!! :) We'll be waiting for your RR! Jen H.

Marni Sumbal, MS, RD said...

love the new pic on the blog!! Keep staying focused:) you are heading on the right track to a great season.

GetBackJoJo said...

Oh-- your post made me nervous!!! And excited too! I want to relish every bit of it, just like you said. I love it all! (Remind me of this of this on Friday night when I'm freaking out!) :)

Jennifer Cunnane said...

Good luck this weekend and great post!

Pam said...

go get em!!!

Anniversary Moments said...

I love this post!! I love that list!! See you Saturday!!!

Rachel said...

You are so motivated! Good luck on your race. You'll do great.

The Lazy Triathlete said...

Good luck. I know you will kick some butt!!!

BreeWee said...

I love the photo! I am so with you, give it 100%. If you are pooped give it your all if you are rested give it your all... you can breathe when you stop :)

Your word list is GREAT too...

Have fun, go hard, make it count!

Anonymous said...

I love this post and want to read it before my races...thanks!!

You are gonna do so GREAT!! I can't wait to hear all about it :)

Michelle said...

Hey girl! You're in the lataest issue of Triathlete magazine. A celebrity! How cool is that?!

Pedergraham said...

Cool to see you in Triathlete! I am not going to race but we'll be out there to do some cheering. Post up your race number or what your type looks like so that we can look for you.
-Danielle