Gulf Coast 2008

I am sitting back and relaxing in the beach house the day before the Gulf Coast Half. This will be my 4th year in a row doing this race. I have been 3rd, 1st and 1st in that time, so it is a race that seems to suit me. One of the things I really like about doing this race is hanging out with the team from Columbus. For a lot of them this race is either their first ever triathlon, or it is their first Half Ironman. There excitement and nervousness reminds me my first race experiences; that fear of the unknown. Can I do this? Can I get through the swim? What do I eat, drink? What should I wear? It is funny how you start to take these things for granted, but you replace these fears with other worries. Will I be as fast as last year? Am I fit enough to win again? In the end, they are all really irrelevant concerns if you stay in the moment and try to enjoy what the day brings. As a team mate of mine will say to me in the middle of a tough workout ("Mike, I am not enjoying this moment!"). True, some moments in races are tougher than others, but in the end it is the continuum of feelings and emotions that you experience that gives you a healthy perspective of what life is all about. Highs, Lows, Good Times, Bad Times! The key is ride them all out without letting your emotions rule you and your behaviour. Don't get too high during the good times (but, cherish them), don't get too low during the tough times (but know that they will pass). Sitting here right now, listening to a little James Taylor and thinking about this stuff is a good time! I am looking forward to racing tomorrow.