I was discussing the mental side of sport with an athlete of mine yesterday and it had me reflecting on my own mental growth throughout my triathlon career.
2022 was my 25th season in triathlon and it was very much a “mental” season for me. I had a goal of making it to Kona again to race my 20th Ironman, but come summertime, I found myself wondering if I wanted to race an Ironman again! While I was training, I didn’t fully commit mentally to racing Ironman Mont Tremblant until 3 weeks before race day. After a rough Kona in 2019, and 3 years OFF racing Ironman, I found myself intimidated by the distance! Who would think? At that point I had raced 18 Ironman, had raced as a Pro, was fortunate to race KONA as a Pro. One would think I would have it in the bag, but the truth is, I wondered if I still had it in me to race an Ironman well.
I spent the two weeks before race day really working on my mental game. I worked on my mental strength and self-talk daily. Simple things like preparing myself to be positive on race day, to never give up, to stay strong. I got to Canada and felt excited to race again! The day before the race I received a different type of mental motivation to race well. One of my best friends, Simon (an Ironman legend in his own right) called to tell me his wife was not doing well and was in fact dying. This hit me hard. My focus shifted from me to Simon and Ingrid. I told Simon they would both me in my thoughts throughout race day, this one was for them. As I started the race, I thought of them both and vowed to remain positive and never give up for them. That’s exactly what I did all day. I had a great race and I dedicated it to my dear friends.
After discussing this with Simon the next day, he was touched and said that he did similar “mental games” during an Ironman. Before the race he strategically “placed” loved ones who were no longer with him, as well as those who still are, along the course to provide motivation and inspiration throughout his day. I truly believe your mental game must be 100% ON to race well, and this is something we ALL must work on. What is your "why?" on race day?
5 weeks later, I went to Kona. I never felt recovered from IMMT and I didn’t have that same mental “ON switch” that I had for my last race. I was tired physically, but more so MENTALLY. I found it exhausting to find that same motivation that I had in Canada. I couldn’t focus enough to get my mental game set. It showed throughout my day. I never felt “good”, I went through the motions, and during the run I started to really faulter. It was a sub-par performance from start to finish. This is where the mental growth comes in... 20 years ago, I may have been devasted. This year, I wasn’t. I took it in stride. I’ve been at this a long time, and I know that some days you are ON and some days, way OFF. We see it with pros and age groupers all the time. Despite preparation, some races will go terribly wrong for you while others will be super smooth! This is all part of the journey!
Instead of getting upset if a race or workout doesn’t go as planned, try reflecting on the entire process and journey. Appreciate what you are doing and who you are doing it with. Kona 2022 may not have been a “fast race” for me, but it was a great trip! I spent time with Simon, I got to share my 20th Ironman with my friend Bob (also his 20th), both Simon and Bob “caught me” at the finish line, and I got to share my Kona journey with 5 of my athletes who were all there racing for the first time! I left Kona happy and content, but my fire inside is still there. My motivation to “do it right” is very strong, so I will be back!
Here are some of the many pics of my IFE athletes this season. This is what it’s all about!
Happy Training and racing!
Dee