IMCHOO MOJO

Mariah Bridges

I am a HUGE advocate for mental game preparation and I believe it starts months ahead with mojo and preparing..... Our fabulous EN coaches help us to think of the "one thing" to tell our minds when it is screaming at us to quit. Having that "one thing" locked and loaded with so much confidence that when you scream back, your mind shuts up and your EN trained body pushes forward! 

Feel free to share your "one thing" or send mojo out to the team- EN stands apart on the course because we know how to execute a race with confidence, patience, power and enthusiasm. Lets dominate in CHOO with that same mentality.... You're training every single day for the physical aspect and I will be starting weekly threads for those but lets have a special home for the mental game. 

So lets hear it team.......

rlh2000

Alright team, as you know, I am stepping down from IMChoo this year due to a bike crash that came just as I was getting back from a 3.5 month run hiatus from a bum hip. I'm sad I'll be missing the inaugural event, but know my EN teammates will represent and do amazingly! I am about to put my account on hold, so I won't be online during the race. I wanted to send you guys some mojo about why this race was going to be so special to me!

I first heard the announcement about Chattanooga from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, as they are the official charity. This charity means a lot to me, as I was diagnosed when I was 17. It was hard to try to be a normal teenager when sprinting to the bathroom up to 30 times a day (good training for IM GI distress though...). I spent much of my senior year of high school and freshman year of college in the hospital. My physical activity consisted of trying to walk to the nurses station. I am extremely fortunate to now have this disease under good control. The worst thing is the uncertainty- I never know when my life might be derailed by another flair up. Triathlon training has been incredibly powerful for me, as it enables me to have control over my body. If this disease has taught me anything, it is to be grateful for what my body can do, and never take anything for granted.

So long story short, if I was racing, my one thing would be the 1.4 million Americans who are struggling with Crohns and Colitis. These diseases are relentless, and drain you physically and emotionally. They are socially isolating, painful, and plagued with uncertainty. So if you need an extra boost on race day, feel free to borrow from my one thing and run for those of us battling Crohn's and colitis, and be thankful for health and the ability to make your body hurt in a good way!

tim cronk

Hurry back Rachel... We're going to miss you!

Mariah Bridges

Stolen from Jamie's wall from his aunt- countdown for Iron Man Chattanooga "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

SENDING LOADS OF MOJO YOUR WAY TEAM! YOU GOT THIS!

jodigreg

I know a kid who is high school who has Crohn's and his parents are trying to keep it a deep dark secret??? I only know because his sister spilled the beans. Do you mind if I copy this post and email it to his mom? I don't understand their behavior and I think this might help.

jodigreg

Oops. Previous post was @ Rachel

rlh2000

Hi Jodi, sorry I've been on my EN break so I just saw this. PLEASE send it to them, and let me know if I can do anything to help. I felt great shame as a teen with Crohn's, and that was without my family trying to hide it!! They are very socially isolating diseases, and I encourage everyone to talk about them! I went 6 months before seeing a doctor because I was so embarrased! Not being ashamed and learning to be your own advocate are very important skills- I hope this family comes around.