So my 1st race in 3 years is tomorrow morning. In fact it is the exact same race I did 3 years ago prior to taking a break from racing all together. There are a lot of reasons why I took the break I did and on this eve of getting back into the game, I have a lot of feelings flowing through me. I'm excited to put my wetsuit on and hit the river (that is assuming I can actually fit into it; I tried it on tonight and WOW….being 15 pounds heavier makes a HUGE difference, oh well), I'm excited for the adrenaline rush as I exit the water and start making my way towards my MB, I'm excited to hear my little girls cheer their mommy on, I’m excited to leave the transition area into the quietness of my mind as I start my ride, I’m excited to RUN….to push myself during the last leg of the race….to find out just what is left.
With all of this said, I’m grossly under-trained, despite it being a sprint triathlon, (confession – the last time I actually swam was in this same race 3 years ago…eeek) so it could very well become a suffer-fest for me. There are many possibilities, I could age group award (minimal chance but there is always the chance), I could also finish last…..I’m sitting here trying to remember and focus in on what AndyPants just wrote in another thread just moments ago.
“It's hard. I do know that. But some of the things triathlon has taught me is to accept my limitations, to strive to improve myself, to be realistic, that everyone's goals and achievements stand alone”.
As I compete, I just want to enjoy it….I want a smile to be on my face, despite where I am in the mix of competition. I want my mind to drift into the heart of what being able to participate in this sport really means….It’s HARD, it’s GOOD, and its FUN!!
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Life is Short...Run Long
With all of this said, I’m grossly under-trained, despite it being a sprint triathlon, (confession – the last time I actually swam was in this same race 3 years ago…eeek) so it could very well become a suffer-fest for me. There are many possibilities, I could age group award (minimal chance but there is always the chance), I could also finish last…..I’m sitting here trying to remember and focus in on what AndyPants just wrote in another thread just moments ago.
“It's hard. I do know that. But some of the things triathlon has taught me is to accept my limitations, to strive to improve myself, to be realistic, that everyone's goals and achievements stand alone”.
As I compete, I just want to enjoy it….I want a smile to be on my face, despite where I am in the mix of competition. I want my mind to drift into the heart of what being able to participate in this sport really means….It’s HARD, it’s GOOD, and its FUN!!
____________________________
Life is Short...Run Long