“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” (Lou Holtz). “You’ll do it well Kim.” (Duncan, donation July 2012).
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I am three days out from completing what I think is to be the biggest physical (and mental) challenge of my life! I never thought it would be that challenging, funny hey, I just get on with things! Yet now I feel a normal level of apprehension, combined with huge motivation, as I move towards race day.
The journey of training has been amazing, I have learned so much, developed my knowledge and I am ready to complete the final step this Sunday to become an Iron(wo)man! Just a few fine tuning points, practicing quick puncture repairing (!) and the collection of a few extra energy bars (following numerous tweets to eat enough food on the bike)! I think I will be packing a little trolley to come with me, although my mum is sure I will be able to stop for a roast dinner, oh how I wish that was true!
So the last 10 days have been good. And interesting. I have tapered for races before, and I know you feel a little tired and hungry, and then feel great. But a first time IM taper is this, just exaggerated! For about four days I was just so hungry! I usually satisfy my hunger little and often, but over these days I think I ate our weekly food in a couple of days. My poor boyfriend Ross (who has been amazing since I have not been around much!), returned home to find an empty fridge.
Following hunger came fatigue… somewhat like a slug, and my hayfever became so bad I actually burst a blood vessel on the outside of my right eye sneezing, resulting in a black eye for two days! But now, hayfever settled, black eye going, muscles refuelled, mind strong, bike serviced and easy, enjoyable mini sessions completed, I am fully set to go. Patience, calmness and quiet self belief, I wait.
I am now fine tuning my mental strength plan, practicing what I preach with my clients. I love the modelling exercise of excellence, and have plenty of examples, especially through Sportsister with Victoria Pendleton, Michelle Dillon, Anya Tarasuik, Keri-Anne Payne, Helen Jenkins and of course, Chrissie Wellington. I have just read her book, and if there is one thing I will remember it is, the poem ‘IF’… If you can keep you head… That’s all I need to do, as the training is done and all I have to do is trust the taper and believe in my mind and body.
A REALLY BIG THANK YOU for reading my Sportsister Blog (and to Danielle, Louise and the whole Sportsister team), I hope you have enjoyed it! I look forward to updating you next week, when I have completed the Ironman UK and can share the adventure.
I am number 319, Female 30-35 and the mass start is Sunday, at 6am. Apparently you can track me somehow, like a Where’s Wally – Where’s Kim! I have no idea when I will finish, but I will enjoy it, pace it, finish it and do my very best on the day.
Good Luck to everyone else competing on the day too, especially Sam, Rachael and Andy.
It really helps and motivates me knowing I am raising money for five wonderful charities and so many people have supported me all the way. Thank you all, it means a lot. www.virginmoneygiving.com/energisedperformance
