Friday, August 28, 2009

Racing From Within



Another short lapse since my last entry…I procrastinated to write a report on Ironman Lake Placid. It was an emotional experience and likely one I’d rather keep to myself. The lessons came tumbling in a few short hours after the finish. The race, the experience, and the result were supposed to happen so that I could search deep within and look at what is happening to me on race day...an Ironman Race Day no less. I have looked at my pacing, nutrition, and training a million times. Surely after all these years, I have most of those elements dialed enough for a strong finish. This leaves me with the mental and emotional aspects of racing, performing and believing. Ah ha.

Needless to say, Lake Placid forced me to look at why I have lost my power, strength, and confidence on an Ironman race day. It doesn’t take a PhD to figure out that it all comes back to me and my thoughts and attitude. What a relief, I say, because it is changeable and within my control. And, I love things that are within my control.

Someone very insightful wrote this to me after IMLP:
I believe that if we can get you to a place where you can let go of these shackles
you've carried for so long, you will be able to race and live the way you deserve.
You are a very powerful woman with skills and gifts that make most envious.
But when we let others take our power our source is damned up.
When we stop that thievery, that power will flow unabated.
When you do take control of your own destiny you will have a race that will
surprise everyone save me. Now we just need you to see that as clearly as I do.
- August 2009

I share this only because of how it was written. It actually brought tears to my eyes and inspired me to walk a new pathway of freedom and courage.

For the first time ever, I crossed a finish line and announced that would be my last Ironman. Well, here I sit in Penticton awaiting the start of my 16th Ironman. It was only with a new thought pattern and revised goals that I sent in my registration. Sunday will be a true celebration of my physical and mental efforts. My only goal is to be in my power at each moment and own the experience of the day. My mind will work in harmony with my body and be at complete peace with thoughts flowing in and out all the while my strength is expressed within a swim, a bike ride and a run. My butterflies are from excitement and eagerness to get the race underway. My fears are set aside for the day and overridden with each passing moment. My body will move with steady, patient effort, building strength and power all day. Watch or don’t watch, in fact, it doesn’t matter because Sunday isn’t about you for a change. What a relief.
cf

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Ironman Lake Placid 2009 Photos







top, middle, bottom.
Sister in Law, Caroline & Christine
Brother, Mark and Nephew, Harry
Niece & Nephew, Jackie & Harrison Fletcher, and Christine