Keep Pulling on that Rope

We are strange animals. Spend enormous amounts of time accomplishing goals that a few years ago we thought were beyond our wildest dreams. How many of you ever thought you could run 26.2 miles or complete an Ironman before you got into the sport? The problem is that as we continue to train and make improvements we forget about the positive things we have done and instead worry about things in the future that to a large extent we may have no control over. Let's take the Hawaii Ironman as an example since it is coming up soon.   For those fortunate few going, congratulations! You are one of a very select few to be experiencing this wonderful race and for some of you it might be a once in a lifetime experience. Every big race is disconcerting. There are so many questions and doubts. How many of these can you relate to?

-- "Have I done enough?"

-- "Have I done too much?"

-- "Everyone else looks so fit!"

-- (Night before the race) "What if I lose my goggles during the swim or flat on the bike?"

-- (Two days before the race) "Look at everyone training.   Maybe I should not be tapering as much"

-- (Before the swim) "Everyone looks relaxed but me"

-- (Early bike stages) "Why are so many people passing me?   Am I going too slow?"

-- (On the run) "I'm walking and people are passing me.   Why don't I feel as good as they do"

Everyone has experienced negative thoughts and the amount of negativity is in direct proportion to the size and importance of the race. How can we reduce the apprehension we all have?   One way is to really focus on your goal.  I am a big advocate of writing out goals. There is something therapeutic about putting your vision on paper. No one is sure why it works but written goals are very powerful.  

You might find a helpful way to keep your focus on your goal is to visualize a long rope with an anchor attached to it. You spin that rope and hurl it into the future where the anchor catches and secures itself on the finish line of your race. Every day, every hour, every minute you pull yourself forward on that rope. You never stop right until the finish line.

Let's face it; most of the things we worry about never happen. Have I done enough? Most people tend to overtrain so this is probably not a problem. Have I done too much? Not if you've been following the plan laid out by your coach. Why are so many people passing me early on the bike?   Let them go, you have a plan and will keep within your heart range.

See, the important thing here is to realize that most of the problems you will face are in your head.   If you have a well-defined goal with realistic expectations and keep moving forward you'll have an awesome day.

So, those of you going to Kona, enjoy the experience you have earned.   Soak up the time you are there and enjoy the race. Just remember to keep pulling on that rope.

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