You see, I usually show up to races with a mixture of nervousness, excitement, and fear with a healthy dash of self doubt. I typically require a pep talk from a certain Redhead before I feel like I can even toe the start line. I know I trained and typically know I’ll finish (with the exception of that first olympic tri) but I lack a certain degree of confidence and any amount of what I like to call “the eye of the tiger.” The latter being a killer instinct or will to kick ass. In other words, I am that quote. I’m happy to finish and scared to push myself to the next level.
I’ve shied away from the BQ question both internally and externally simply because I don’t want that pressure but honestly, I also don’t want the let down and the sadness if I can’t attain the goal. Obviously to run Boston would be pretty cool and I just assume I’ll get there one day, but it’s another example of me not pushing myself to the greatness because I’m ok with the good.
I certainly don’t want to come across as whining about my abilities because I know I’ve come a long way and I know a lot of folks would be thrilled to just be able to run, so don’t take this as whining or poo-pooing, I just feel that sometimes I give up mentally before I even start physically. In addition, to get better physically at this point is going to take some “eye of the tiger” mentally.
I know I can run a 5K and I know I can run a marathon but sometimes I feel like my mental game hurts me and I’m not aggressive enough and certainly could work on my confidence. This is particularly true right now during tri season. I look at some of my fellow triathletes and once they hit the course they are “on.” It sometimes takes me a bit to get to that point of being a “competitor” in my mind during a race rather than just a “golly, gee, I’m here to take it easy and just finish.” Because quite honestly, I’m not here to take it easy. And I don’t think many of us are. Part of the reason we all do these races is to push ourselves and see just how close we can get to our version of “greatness.”
So what does this all mean? Well it means that I’m going to be watching Rocky a whole lot. Just kidding. It means that I’m going to challenge myself to push back the self doubting thoughts and get tougher mentally so that I can get closer to my version of greatness.
Care to join me?
“What I’ve learned in my years as a competitive wheelchair athlete is this–what separates a winner from the rest of the pack is not raw talent or physical ability; instead, it is the drive and dedication to work hard every single day, and the heart to go after your dream, no matter how unattainable others think it is.” —Linda Mastandrea
Wow I think we are very alike in many ways 🙂 I have just the book for you and what you mentioned here is exactly a point mentioned in the book. It's The New Toughness Training for Sports. I'd lend you mine but I already wrote all over it…
Great post. Even after doing tris for a few years now, I struggle with going for the great. Especially the bike portion of the race. I'll have that quote in my head for my race this weekend! Thanks!
Glad to know I'm not te only one who struggles with this! I'm going to take try to push away the self doubt for my next race but it's easier said than done! 🙂
Good luck with your tri this weekend!
I definitely hesitate to push myself in longer races (particularly marathons) because I fear crashing and burning mid-race. So far I have really enjoyed running marathons and I don't want to lose that feeling because I focused too much on time during training and the race. But at the same time I'd like to get faster so I guess I need to find that middle ground.
In order to be great you gotta have the WANT TO.
Find the WANT TO and greatness is around the corner.
Set the goal just slightly out of reach and then go for it. If you don't get it who gives a sh*t and try again at the next race. Always chase that rabbit.
I know exactly what you mean:) that's why I've recently adopted the saying, "if it's important to you, you will find a way, if not you will find an excuse!"
The mental aspect is tough. But, with training, you CAN get all eye of the tiger.
Believe it. Do it. Get tough!!!
I love this!! 🙂 I totally felt that way on my run tonight- "a little hurt now, for an awesome feeling later"
good is the enemy of great 🙂
I know this is an old post but…silly as it may seem that quote really struck me. Thank you.