I know it’s not accurate (technically it’s 60 days) but my “countdown clock” for Ironman Wisconsin just flipped to “1 month” and there is something about the number one that is very small and lonely.
Muncie 70.3 is this weekend, then IMWI will have 100 percent of my focus for nearly two months. I’ll likely do the Music City Olympic Triathlon, but hopefully that will feel like a “nice little workout” by then.
Back in January, I remember saying, “It will be here before you know it,” but I don’t think I really believed that. Something about seeing that number 1 on my blog tonight woke me out of a Tour de France time-trial-slumber. Wisconsin is closing in quickly.
I’m still not ready to make any predictions. I jostle between lofty goals and just finishing. Both are very delectable in their own ways.
I just started reading Chris McCormack’s book, “I’m Here To Win,” and in the first Chapter he recounts the cocky attitude he brought to his first Kona race when he uttered the words that became the title of his book. He was a competitor, and truly thought he would win. But other athletes and those close to the Ironman World Championship black-balled the pesky rookie because he didn’t respect the race.
He had a decent swim, led off the bike, then burned to dust on the run. Here was one of the best short triathlon racers in the world, recent Ironman Australia winner, and he couldn’t finish Kona. These are the lessons I try to remember every day. If Ironman does anything, it makes you vulnerable.
So, with 60 days before the event that has dominated a large chunk of my brain for nearly a year, the only option I have is to stay focused, trust the process, and keep working.