One week from this very moment I hope to be sitting at that Irish Pub next to the Ironman Louisville finish line, covered in salt, sharing war stories with my friends and family. I haven’t been having the same bouts of anxiety I did with my first Ironman, but the tension is building fast. This week I have one absolute goal: relax.
It’s not going to be easy.
Every time I close my eyes, my mind drifts to one of three places. That leap into the Ohio River, that first stretch of River Road, or mile one of that downtown run. It’s like a broken record and it won’t stop.
Whether or not I’ve done all I can to prepare for this race is no longer the question, I have done all I can. Now, my job is to rest and relax . . . not cut my hand again trying to install a dog door.
I’ve been here one other time and there is an insane desire to continually prove to yourself that you’re ready. I went out on the bike today for an EASY hour ride and I was in a continual tug of war with my ego.
EGO: Prove to yourself you have the speed and power, Mike!”
ME: FU . . . I’m just moving my legs and recovering.
EGO: Come on man, if you show me something now, I will let you rest easier tonight.
ME: Hmm . . . tempting.
EGO: For real, man. Let’s get rid of ALL doubt, right now. Stretch it out . . . blow this ride away!
ME: (starts crying)
So I have to let go of the ego. Never trust that SOB because he wants everything now. Ego is what Steven Pressfield calls “Resistance.” A very real and omnipresent force that continually tries to throw you off your game.
The race is in 6 Days and the only thing I can do now is make it harder by doing something stupid. It’s going to be hard enough.
I will do a few very light swims and maybe a couple easy rides. Other than that I will try to eat well, hydrate, rest. . . and take my chances.
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