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Prove it

Yesterday was my last open water swim before my first open water swim triathlon on July 9 th. Someone asked me, why do you swim so much? Your event is only 500 m. You know you can do this. I usually smile and say nothing. However, in my mind I have a totally different dialogue.

See in my mind this has very little to do with the race distance, I have to prove it to myself that I can do the swim portion of the triathlon. I can't worry about proving it to my swim coaches, the race director, my friends or family. I have to prove it to me. Every time I get in the water I think, impress yourself. Prove it to you. Each time I get in the pool, lake or bay, it is a new experience. The water is never the same. I must prove it to myself that under any conditions, I can swim. Others may be convinced already, but I must convince myself. My training program is expectionally rigorous for a beginner Triathlete who will participate in Sprint and Olympic distances for now. Why is that?  It is because I personally need lots of " dress rehearsals or quizzes before the test-race day!"  I need to know that I have mentally prepared to do what I know I can physically perform. Basically, I need to prove it to myself in the practice so when and if something should arise, I can be prepared mentally and physically.

As someone that is a nerd at heart, I have learned that there are no textbooks, journal articles or cliff
notes that can mentally prepare you to perform a task. For me, I must do it again and again.

When people say, "Trust your training."  I believe them. I trust that all the hours I have put in swimming, cycling and running have prepared me to do my best, even if that is last place. I can't worry about the outcome, but I know I am prepared for the start.

It is all about the journey. 

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