70.3 Nerves
I’m getting ready for my first ever 70.3. And, I’m nervous! Excited, anxious, and looking foward to Sunday evening when its all said and done!
However, I love this feeling because this is what helps us grow. Think about it…..when was the last time you did something for the first time? I believe this is why I’m nervous. It has been a long time since I’ve done a “first” race.
I know I can and will finish this race. So, why should I be nervous. For starters, this is why….
the SWIM.
I’m a decent swimmer, so its not the distance of swimming 1.2 miles that bothers me, its the fighting, kicking, pulling, and trying to avoid drowning during the swim. Ok, so drowning might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I had one experience during the swim where someone actually grabbed my ankle to pull themself forward. It freaked me out and pissed me off. Really?
Therefore, I get super anxious before and during the swim. I now move myself towards the outside to avoid the “swim bomb” that occurs when the race begins. I don’t care if it means I swim farther because it is way more enjoyable not to be involved in the craziness.
For me, the triathlon race actually begins as soon as I exit the water. At this point, I’m usually so relieved to be out of the water and into the air where I can breathe and have more space. I get into my groove on the bike and look forward to the run.
Anyhow, I was trying to remember why and when I decided to sign up for this 70.3. Back in June, I had no plans to do this race. I do remember why and I have two reasons:
1) I hang out with very competitive, over-achieving, and fit people. I have three friends doing this race and they were encouraging me to join them. I originally said no, but then was feeling left out, so I decided to join in. Certainly not the kind of peer pressure I remember in high school?!
2) I was reading a book called “feel the fear and do it anyway” I remember a specific quote that finally made me realize I had not yet signed up for this race because of FEAR. Reading the quote made me realize the only way to grow is to face the fear.
the quote: “The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it”
Pretty straight forward and simple.
So, there you have it. That’s what brought me to this race. I’m looking forward to the challenge and hope to have a good race report for you all on Sunday evening. Happy Weekend!
jill
Posted by admin | in Uncategorized | 1 Comment
You only get to do your first one once.
Don’t sweat the swim. Your strategy is sound, but you might encounter a logjam because there will be a lot of others like you, thinking the same thing.