It's taper time. The water is 68 degrees. I'm stopping by the LBS to pick up a fresh batch of Clif Shot Bloks. I'll be making up my bottle of Infinit and putting the speedlaces on my running shoes tomorrow. I had a pre-race massage yesterday after work. Most importantly, I haven't figured out whether to sport the DC Tri gear or the rockin' pink SkirtSports attire. I know that whatever work I've put in over the last few months is done. I'm now less than 72hrs from execution.
My emotions are running from nervous to scared to calm to confident and back again. This is my first triathlon since last July at IM Rhode Island 70.3. And while I've put in more swimming and running time in preparation for this race than last year, I feel less prepared for the bike, which is normally my strength. The hours I have spent on my Orbea, including this weekend's ride with Billy, have felt good, just not enough to be walking into a half iron.
But there's no turning back. Stuart's driving down with me to cheer me on during the day. I feel bad making him do that, but will appreciate him making the 70mile drive back home so I can stretch out and sleep.
How do pros do this? I wonder if taper and prepping mentally for a race ever gets any easier, or even just gets routine. We've had some rain every day for over a week at this point, so I've spent lots of time indoors worrying about whether I'm ready, and knowing that if I'm not, it's too late to change it. Monday night though, I had a dream in which I was swimming strong, biking with power, and running upright and smiling. So I'm trying to do some visualization exercises this week to prepare myself. If I can dream it, I can perform it, right?
2 months ago
1 comment:
1). Wear the cute stuff. It'll help you feel good during the race.
2). Take a half-hour to quietly visualize the entire race in your mind, pre-start to finish-line. Picture exactly how you want the race to play out physically and emotionally. Be calm and excute it perfectly in your head.
3). Take some big, deep breaths and remind yourself why you're doing this (For fun? Because you can? To give someone the bird?).
It's YOUR race...GO FOR IT TAMARA!!! I'll be sending you positive vibes on race day :)
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