To Myself

So many letters on my blog lately...but do you want to read one I wrote to myself the other night?

Dear Self--

Do you realize that you are doing a sprint triathlon on Saturday morning?? I just want to make sure the weight of that sinks in--not to make you more nervous but to make you feel accomplished. That is a big deal! You have never done anything like this--ever. The thing to remember about it is this: it is YOUR race, plain and simple. Do not worry about the crazy fast sprinters or the many many bikers who will pass you even as you feel like you are pedaling pretty hard and pushing yourself to be better.

You know you will not finish in stride with the real racers. You will not even come close. And that is not the point of this race. You wanted to do some biking, to rediscover the swimming strength you had all those years ago on swim team, and to be active and enjoy the gorgeous outdoor world as you trained. And you have already done all of those things! It has been fun getting ready and you feel really good. So Saturday is just a day to go for it and put the skills you already have to use.

This is your very first triathlon! And your first race probably since the mile run in 7th grade gym or something ancient like that. So simply finishing will be a big deal. I know you hate to be less than the best--but just be your own best come Saturday. Push yourself a little and see how well you can do.

Here is your race affirmation: up against any of those other athletes in a modern dance audition, you would leave them in the dust. So there. You have spent nearly 25 years of your life in a studio and only 4 months on a road bike--you are still just figuring it all out. But the journey is just beginning and you know you love it.

Have fun. And belt out Crossfire while you ride your bike. That always feels really good. And smile as you race down that long stretch after Bingham Canyon. But keep your mouth shut so you don't eat any bugs (like you did while riding there last week ;)

Love,
Me