And...Breathe....

It is race week. That time is upon us again. It has come around mightily quick this year. Maybe that's because I am getting older. Maybe it's because I rarely have time to breathe. Whatever the reason, I have seen you counting down the days and now I see/hear you enjoying your taper.

Many are excited about the pending weekend. That is great to hear. When I think I have no energy to move I only have to go into TBB and chat to those of you who come in either to hang out, check your bike in or buy yet more nutrition. Your energy is contagious. A good contagious. Many of you are anxious (totally normal). And many of you are scared, (absolutely normal). Hand on heart, this is the category I fall into. But that (when I cannot get to sleep at night) is a good thing, I think?

Everyone has done the training. Some have trained with the target of completion. Others have trained with the goal of racing. Whatever path you have swam, rode and ran to the jetty on Kuah Bay this Saturday we will all tread water as equals. We are all in the same playground. It is a playground I love to be in, I will be in my element. Probably perhaps, maybe a little highly strung - I do not know. But in the best playground in the world with like minded athletes, acquaintances, supporters, and close friends.

This will be just my 3rd IM. I realised the other day that is really not a lot. Sharing the field with multiple IM finishers there is still much to learn.

This past year I have learnt (although coach would disagree) to do the training and then leave it alone. Forget about it and carry on with work and life. I sometimes forget this lesson but I try to adhere to it as best I can.

Another lesson and this one is equally important is never forget to ENJOY your training. This is one that I have on occasion 'forgotten'.

The hardest lesson of all and one that becomes a daily struggle as the race nears is switching off and ignoring what everyone else is doing around you. Short of becoming a hermit it is almost impossible and takes a very large pair of blinkers and a pair of deaf ears, to execute. For my own sanity I have had to do this...training down a path that has been new it has been tough...that was never in doubt. I have enjoyed it immensely and hope to continue to do so. I still have no clue what I will be capable on Saturday. PB's are not something that I record nor are they something I am very familiar with in training.

Training has been either good as in I felt strong or good as in I felt terrible but I executed and that's it. I have swam more than I ever have in my life and my confidence in the water has improved but I know I am still no fish.

Thank you to those who have been there in my time of need. Supported me on the occasional long swim, politely tailed me in early morning rides, and lent support for however long they were able on the run. And to those others who have had nothing but words of kindness and support and belief in me, thank you. Your words I have read on the blog, on FB, on email have given me strength when most needed. In no particular order and apologies if I have missed you out - head still not remembering everything: Sofian, Faisal, Adzim, Julie, John, Kharis, Ezer, Jamie, Hayley, Sam, Paul, Joel, Bee, Kar Yan, Martin, Disco and finally for when I needed that kick up the butt or injection of courage and confidence, Brett.

See you at the race and don't forget to breathe...