Nerves show that you care right? That is what we were told as kids as we hopped up onto start blocks at big swim races. I'm sure most everyone has felt it at some point, before a 5k, a pick up basketball game, etc. I remember when I first started triathlon, I couldn't sleep before a race. Period. Now I take Ambien before races. But, what about before the start of a race? I'm often asked what it feels like right before you start a big race like Ironman.
To be completely honest, the feeling is much different than it was during say my first year of triathlon. Even before races that I had to race sick, such as Boise, I no longer worry about the distances or conditioning, etc. The only real concern that drives some nerves before the start surround the bike. Tires pumped up to proper pressure? Set up in correct gear for leaving transition? I never worry about the swim because I'm a good swimmer. I think the swim is a real concern for most competitors. They just want it over. For me, I just want to get it started! I think that is what I feed off of going into the big races...the excitement of testing yourself against some of the best athletes in the world. I don't worry about anything else because I am there to have fun and I know I have prepared as much as I can for the day. What more can you do?
As Rudy Garcia's mom said though (Rudy is a paraplegic athlete that competed and finished Ironman Arizona last year) "What's bigger than Ironman?" As I was standing there in the water at Ironman Canada this past year, her words rang true. Bagpipes, 2500 competitors, thousands of fans, and a helicopter. This is what it's all about. As I prepare for another season of competition, I'm eagerly awaiting that feeling of anticipation leading into a race. It keeps me hungry and wanting more!
From a training perspective, Muddy is giving me two weeks of reduced volume to refresh and be prepared to start the New Year with a new block. I'm still feeling good and quite fit. Looking forward to spending some time with family and loved ones the next two weeks. Merry Christmas to all!
-T
I love the pre-race nerves. Even though I am not a strong swimmer, I love the anticipation of proving to myself that everything I've done has not been in vain and that I belong.
ReplyDeleteGreat story - I was volunteering at IMAZ that year Rudy came though our aid station. It's one thing to watch the athletes on NBC in your living room but to jog along side the guy and see the determination in his eyes was something very special that I'll never forget. He missed the bike cut-off in Kona a month earlier and swore he'd finish IMAZ. I watched him finish and the crowd was ballistic. There was not a dry eye to be found.
I'm looking forward to following your progress this coming year. I can 'feel' that your determination is just as strong.
I am doing some different things this year. I hope you keep touch with my blog as well. I needed to get back to the 'fun' of things and remember why I love running and cycling (I'm really trying to love swimming, I am!)
I hope you and the Mrs. have a great holiday. Be safe, stay strong and we'll check in with you in the new year. Cheers.