Prez Corner:
Thoughtful notes from a fearless LVTC leader.
The struggle – pre race
Now that we have had our first Las Vegas Triathlon Club race and many of you also did BBSC Rage or some other triathlon, it’s good to take a step back and learn from these first races. Regardless of your time or finishing place (overall or age group), there are some questions that you can ask yourself to see if you are objectively evaluating your race:
- Did you forget anything that you needed? I’ve forgotten my running shoes for a race … and even my bike one time!
- Did you have too many things you didn’t need? I’m guilty of this as well … I really did not need that extra shirt.
- Was your transition area organized? Were things easy to find each time? I’ve had disorganized transitions in the past.
- Did you eat/drink too much before the race? Did you not eat/drink enough before the race?
- Did you finish the race and feel you gave it your best effort?
That last question is a tough one … so many athletes may judge their effort based upon whether or not they made the podium (age group or overall). That’s a mindset that may cause problems in the long term. It is great to reach the podium – but it’s important not to judge your effort based upon where you finished. When you cross that finish line, you should immediately ask: Did I try as hard as I could have? That’s the time to get an accurate answer – not when you are looking at results and seeing what place you came in. The podium only has meaning if you gave your best effort.
The other important part of evaluating your race is: How did you feel at the start line? Anxious? Ready? Or, was there any negative talk (e.g., ‘I’m not fit enough’ ‘Everyone else looks faster’ ‘I don’t think I can handle the wind’ …)? If there was, take a step back and plan what you are going to tell yourself at the next start line. You’re ready. You’re doing this because you enjoy it. You love the challenge. Take control of the race right from the start – this will give you your best chance of finishing and feeling like you gave your best effort.
Triathlon is a fantastic sport that gives people the opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally. Enjoy the challenge – and take a look at every race to see if you are doing everything you can to give yourself the best opportunity to meet that challenge.
~John Mercer
