Psyched!

With the Triathlon at Rigby Lake just days away I can't help but think of one word. . . . Anticipation.

It is a sensation unlike any other. It encompasses our expectation of future performance, our dreams of racing success, and a vision of the pay-off for all our hard work.
As a triathlete, anticipation should and must be intricately tied to each of our training sessions. To succeed in training is to anticipate a focused and positive training effort with the expectation that we will take pride in the outcome.
During the early months of the season, anticipation plays the role of motivator. We strength train with the anticipation of growing physically stronger. We swim with the expectation that the drills and yardage will result in faster, easier swim splits. We ride anticipating being prepared to hammer the hills and maintain cadence. We run on the road, on the trail, up the hills, and in the sand expecting to develop a powerful finish to bring us home. We may even methodically set out our transition mat with everything in its place anticipating shaving off key seconds or minutes during our “A” race. We train perfect with the expectation that we will race perfect.
As the season progresses we perfect our nutrition habits expecting to maximize energy and minimize fatigue. We record training and racing montages on our ipod hoping to reach heart and soul as well as muscle and mind. We visualize each race day beginning to end believing that such preparation not only can but will make the difference in our performance.
In the week before the race we reach for our stack of favorite Triathlete’s magazine, optimistic that reading our favorite articles will help the week pass more quickly. We eat a specific amount of quality carbohydrates, proteins, and fats confident that our body will peak on race day. We physically inspect each piece of gear we will use to assure ourselves of top performance and fast times. We mentally breakdown the days, hours, and minutes before the race in anticipation that nothing will go wrong when it counts.
On race day we rise early, check the weather, and get to the transition area first, hoping to gain even a small advantage over the day’s competition. We inspect the course to memorize the turns, potholes, and aid stations to ease our mind about the last few details. We visit with family and friends early knowing that soon all our attentions must be focused.
Now you begin to feel anticipation with a capital “A.” Your heart beats faster. Your senses heighten. Your determination becomes solid as a rock. Today you will succeed.
Anticipation! It is a sensation unlike any other.