All I Can Do is Tri

“The only failure is not to try, because putting forth the effort is success in itself.”  The Iron Nun, Sister Madonna Buder

My big race, the Monticelloman Olympic Triathlon (1500 meter swim, 24 mile bike, 10k (6.2 mile run)) is less than a week away.  I am a bundle of nerves and energy.  This is supposed to be my taper week, but I know it’s going to be hard to keep still.  My plan is to work on cleaning out my closet, switching out my clothes, and begin reading the ’50 Shades of Gray’ series to keep myself preoccupied.  We’ll see how that goes.

I want to say I am 100% confident about this race, but I’m not.  I am still a little concerned about the swim.  I just relearned how to swim freestyle in 10 weeks.  Things are just starting to click for me in the water.  I wish I had more time, but I don’t, my crazy train is almost at its destination.  I told my swim coach that I would do my best not to embarrass her at the race.  She told me that there was no way she could be embarrassed because I have come so far in such little time.  She went on to say that she was already proud of me.  Her comments gave me a much needed confidence boost. 

I’m fortunate that over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to swim in the open water three times prior to the event.  Each time I grew more comfortable in the open water.  Furthermore, my swim coach recently put me in situations that I may encounter during the swim.  She had the advanced swimmers grab at my feet, bump me, swim over me, and even pull me under the water.  All very scary stuff of course, but I am glad I now know what to expect.

Even though I am not completely confident about this race, I am going to give it my all.  What I may lack in physical ability, I will make up for it by my sheer will to succeed.  Part of my race strategy is to live in the moment and only focus on each part of the race as it occurs.  To ensure that I stay focused, I have a bible scripture for each portion.  They are as follows:

Swim – Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you….

Bike – 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.  (I chose this scripture because sometimes I get scared on the bike when I am going downhill really fast.  My teammates know that during those scary times I will say, “Jesus, take the wheel!”  Furthermore, cycling is a lot about power and having control/self-discipline on the bike.)

Run – Isaiah 40:31 ...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Throughout this week I will focus on these verses and visualize having a successful race.  If I can conceive it, I can achieve it.  I have to trust my training, myself, and He who is within me.  I CAN DO THIS!