IMCHOO RACE WEEK!!
RACE WEEK!
Everyone started this journey for different reasons, at different times and here we are, coming together to execute and CRUSH the Ironman Chattanooga course. It may be your first or another one of many but each time we have to dig into ourselves and find out "WHY DO WE DO THIS CRAZY THING?"
You're welcome to share your "One Thing" or keep it to yourself but remember, practice this now. Look yourself in the mirror and say it out loud. Your body hears what your mind says. Tell yourself WHY however many reasons and one things it takes.
I am someone who is always injured or always seem to have a road block in my training and because I am not one to back down, I focus on my mental game. Do not underestimate this 5th Ironman discipline, it might be one of the most important ones.
As my dad always tells me when I am doubting if I can complete a task in front of me, "You have all the tools" CHOOCREW I am going to say the same thing to you.... You've put in the hard work, the learning, the training, the tank is full, you have all the tools. Put it all together on race day and be proud with whatever outcome you see. Smile and enjoy this day. Remember to be kind to your family, friends, volunteers. Represent EN well. Take time to thank the ones that have gotten you here. Love on those friends, spouses.
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Doing everything right for 20 weeks, executing perfectly on the swim and bike is only going to get you to the The Line as discussed previously, but make no mistake, it will come and when it does, have those One Things ready at the forefront!
Summary: During the course of your race day, expect your body to have a very convincing conversation with your mind: "Look, Mind, you've had me out here slogging away for 132 miles. This is really starting to get old and very painful. If I see another Strawberry Banana Gel I might throw up. You need to give me a good reason to keep going forward. If you can't give me a good one, I'm gonna slow down and you can't stop me!" If you don't have an answer ready, your day could be over right here.
Advice: Before the race, you need to be able to answer the question: "Why am I doing this race?" In other words, you need to determine what is the One Thing that put you in this race? To finish in the daylight with a smile on your face? To run a 4:10? .
- Whatever your One Thing is, be absolutely clear and rehearse your mind/body debate beforehand. Practice makes perfect and this is a critical thing to have ready for when your body starts to push back.
- Be warned: your body can be a helluva good negotiator at mile 18, especially if your mind hasn't prepared its rebuttal arguments beforehand.
Now CHOOCREW, do me a favor, take a deep breathe.... yes I mean it.... in through the nose, out through the mouth and SMILE. Are you doing it? Still not joking, do it!
It has been an honor to be your Race Captain. I am here all week if you need to vent, have any questions etc. I am submitting our final numbers to the restaurant today. Please try and make the dinner, its one of my favorite times on EN race week. If not I will see you at 4Keys.
Mushy part over.... GO CRUSH THIS COURSE!
**** Go over the admin notes from race captain thread and the random thoughts from race captain thread to make sure you've done all your admin duties, social media stuff etc*****
Comments
Excited to have race week here. Arrived in the States Wednesday evening and have worked off the jet lag. Last week was another great week of training even with the long flight home. My last big swim and bike ride was done in the pouring rain, so at least I practiced that. Yesterdays run was so nice, clean air and cool temperatures. I am hoping for warm humid temperatures in Choo, I have spent 12 weeks training in the jungle!!
See everyone on Thursday.
Have fun!