| Author | Post |
|---|
KP
VB Team Member
|
Posted: Tue Jul 24th, 2007 03:41 pm |
|
So, here I am, only 5 days from my first trialthlon of the season --- ok, of the last 2 seasons as I was sidelined with shoulder issues last year. More intimidating, this is my first 1/2 Ironman....EVER.... yikes!
I rode 58 miles on Saturday, and followed it up with 6.5 miles of a run. I know that I'm going to COMPLETE, NOT compete...so...why the butterflies??? I have a feeling it's the overwhelming anticipation of my first "major" competition.
I have the gear. I have the endurance (I think), but I can't get over the pre-race jitters. I can't focus on much other than the race lately.....here's hoping that all of this "mental preparation" pays off!
Only 5 days to the 1/2, only 47 days to the Full Ironman.
If only I could train professionally, I wouldn't have to sit at a desk and think about the races and get jitters..I could do something about it.
*SIGH*
|
allieburch
VB Team Member
| Joined: | Tue Jan 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | Patterson, New York USA |
| Posts: | 237 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Frizzle-frazzle: |    |
|
Posted: Tue Jul 24th, 2007 10:51 pm |
|
Wow, Good luck!!
Whistle, smile and imagine everyone naked.
|
KP
VB Team Member
|
Posted: Wed Jul 25th, 2007 02:08 pm |
|
ha ha!
Then as I giggle while swimming, I'll take in a nose/mouthful of water and then I sink! oh boy! ha ha!
Thank for the note! I'm getting excited!
|
kzoo_swmmr
VB Team Member
| Joined: | Fri Jan 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Kalamazoo, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 292 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Frizzle-frazzle: | |
|
Posted: Thu Jul 26th, 2007 05:02 pm |
|
As my friend Sue would say:
Butterflies in formation
What???? It's a visualization that works wonders for her & that I also like. Almost ALL of us get jittery butterflies before a race (or a job interview, for that matter). And they go away as soon as the starting gun goes off. But in the mean time, the butterflies make us feel awful and waste a lot of energy that we'll need later on!
So, Sue learned this tip from a sports psychology seminar & has used it ever since. (The concept is used by many speakers/organizations, but I don't know who came up with it...)
When the "butterflies" are getting to you, take a moment to
- take a deep breath (or several!)
- reflect on the positive aspects of your preparation -- because you ARE prepared!
- be proud of your achievements
- picture yourself racing well, racing strong, and enjoying the experience -- because you will !
- and be calm.
As you reflect and calm yourself, picture your butterflies all coming together and flying under your control in a neat formation. (I'm partial to picturing a "V" shape, with the butterfly "pack" pulling me forward!) Repeat: often!
Sounds flaky? ABSOLUTELY. Does it work? It does for me, it does for Sue. Hopefully it will for you!
|
KP
VB Team Member
|
Posted: Fri Jul 27th, 2007 01:19 pm |
|
Nice! I love it! I just came across a quote this past week...."just as the caterpillar thought his life was over, it became a butterfly".
I'm challenging myself with these races this summer for several reasons - one being that I am "rediscovering" myself. After 5 years in a tough marriage to a guy who decided to sleep with another woman in my own bed and dealing with his constant tear down of my self esteem - these races are about "just being" and loving what I can do. I'm not going to win them, this I know, but....I'm going to fly with the other butterflies across the finish line!
Thanks for the great visual - I'll give it a shot. I hope that the butterflies provide a good pull for me on the ride!
47 hours and counting....
|
kzoo_swmmr
VB Team Member
| Joined: | Fri Jan 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Kalamazoo, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 292 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Frizzle-frazzle: | |
|
Posted: Fri Jul 27th, 2007 02:29 pm |
|
| Wow. You are one strong woman! Have a fantastic race !
|
KP
VB Team Member
|
Posted: Mon Jul 30th, 2007 09:07 pm |
|
I did it!
Thanks for the encouragement!!! As soon as I put my toe into the water, the nerves were gone! I pictured the butterfly pulling me through the race - the beautiful symmetry of it's wings - blue and pink of course!
Thanks for the words of encouragement! It was awesome, and I can't wait to do another 1/2!!
I posted a Race Report in the Race Report section 
Last edited on Mon Jul 30th, 2007 09:08 pm by KP
|
pyxichick
VB Team Member
|
Posted: Tue Jul 31st, 2007 01:53 pm |
|
Congratulations on your half Ironman Kristy!
You're an inspiration to us all. Good luck on the full Ironman!
Kate
|
Current time is 09:10 pm | |
|
