pre-race

Readers should note that I've been fighting butterflies all day, and leave tomorrow for the Tri-Raider sprint tri in Buffalo Springs, Lubbock Texas. Though I haven't given the race a second thought all week, I've dealt with a combination of little niggley pains in the legs and feeling like a big fat tub of goo, not to mention the impending fear that I *might* be getting sick. Scary!

Taper week is supposed to be a cake walk - NOT!

I was so internally disappointed with my last race, I've decided that I need to a) have fun and b) be confident. Everyone knows you could sooner grow a new limb than grow self confidence, so as part of my new "fake it 'till I make it" campaign, I shall now proceed to positively visualise my upcoming race this weekend.

*ahem*

I am going to swim strong. I will pause briefly before I dive in. The water will feel cool and refreshing. I'll have plenty of air, and I will pace myself. I will go as fast as I need to. I've done a lot of swimming, and I'm ready to do this swim. I'll wear my wetsuit, which means I'll be extra buoyant and extra confident in the water. 500m I laugh at you! Ha ha!

I'll run swiftly as I can and peel my wetsuit off as I run. I'll leave it inside out on the bike rack, with my goggles and swim cap. Fresh socks and shoes will be no problem to put on. I won't forget my helmet or my sunglasses as I trot out of transition.

On my bike I will pace myself calmly and forcefully up the hills. I'll go as fast as I can, and I'll have plenty of air. I can do 12 miles in my sleep! I am a strong climber, I will power up the hills. After every challenging climb there will be a fast rush of downhill. I'll drink when I need to, and I'll have Gu ready when I need it. I'll push as fast as I need to, and I will do well. My legs are strong, full of power.

After I rack my bike, I'll quickly put on my running shoes and my race belt, and my favourite baseball cap. I'll waste no time running out of transition.

The run is mine, I'll run strong, I'll go as fast as I can. I can run 5K standing on my head. I'll pour water on myself at every rest station. If I feel I can go faster, I will. If I need to slow down for a moment and catch my breath, I will. When I see the finish line, I'll push as fast as I can until I've used the rest of it up.

And then, I'll drink a giant bottle of cold water.