Should I be getting butterflies this early? Actually I am not yet, but I know I will sometime this week. It happens every time. A few days before a race, my stomach starts to spin. I guess it’s the anticipation of the event mixed with my nervousness of trying something new. In 6 days, I am racing, or should I say participating, in my first sprint triathlon. It’s my first triathlon of any length. I haven’t competed in a swim event since I was probably 5 years old. I have never competed in a cycling event, although I have been riding in group events for charity for other 10 years now. I also have a little experience with 5K running, but of the 3 disciplines, running is my worst. Am I ready? I don’t know, but I will do my best and hope to finish. Since it’s my first one, I am guaranteed a personal best. I just want to avoid the DNF or a DQ. I know that is possible. I will walk the 5K if I have to, but I will finish. I have confidence in that, but the butterflies are sure to come. It’s inevitable, I know. Will I swim too fast and burn myself out? Will I bike too hard and ruin my legs for the run? I will try not to, but you know how it is when you are in a race. You want to go go go, and it’s hard to pace yourself. I just have to keep telling myself that the race is only a race between me and myself. Just get through this first event without fault and then set the bar for the next one. I know there will be a second one. I already have the fever even before I do my first one. I volunteered at an Olympic Tri last weekend and I could see myself doing it maybe next year. I may have to get my wife to do the run portion for me, but I know eventually I will be able to run a 10K as well. It will be a great experience regardless.
Please wish me luck and help me hold off the butterflies if possible. The race is with me only, I know that, and I need to keep telling myself that. It’s all good. 🙂
Six more days…..
Simon A.
Life After 35 Years 