Race Ready ...or Not!
One week out to Venice 70.3! It's a big deal for a couple of reasons. Primarily, it's my first race since Ironman World Championship in Kona in 2019. Can you believe that!? Through the pandemic we did some virtual races, but this is real life! I'm SO nervous!
But other reasons:
I'm a triathlon Coach. A very proud Coach. Coaching is one of my favorite things about me. And I think it's important as a Coach to be in the water, on the saddle, and pounding pavement alongside my athletes. And while I'm constantly taking classes/CEU's and keeping up to date on triathlon news, gear, and latest... there's nothing like the experience from the course.
I'm super stoked about racing in Venice (although, it's Jesolo, not actual Venice). And seeing Mavi and Sin. I'm so happy Maria and Emilio are coming. And most most most important - husband (who is already in Venice BTW, on a mission).
I also want to sort of prove myself as an athlete - to MYSELF - let me set that straight right away. Again, I return to the time that elapsed since Kona... I've had a lot of loss, I went through multiple cycles of IVF, I went through 5 months of pregnancy and then the death of my unborn baby, I've had a number of injuries and issues, weight gain... I mean, the list kind of goes on. I lost myself as an athlete through all this and I want to know, I want to FEEL like an athlete again or rather, am I cut out to be an athlete? This race is going to be a indication if I want more. Is this still who I am?
So with that, I feel pretty good about the training I got in from August until now. I hit all my mileage goals (with the exception of the run, but it's okay! I'm confident that if I can run 10, I can run 13).
I am having standard pre-race nightmares, doubt, fears, anxiety...
I'm not fast, I'm not furious, and I won't be burning any rubber out there. But assuming all goes as planned, I'll get it done. And can I just say it? I'm fucking excited! So race ready or not, I love the Ironman environment, BRING IT!
Don't talk about what you're gonna do.
Don't just dream about what you're gonna do.
Don't criticize somebody else for what they're not doing.
You. Be it. Be about it. Be about that action. And go do it.