![]() I must admit that I was a little relieved though – that it wasn’t too bad – and that my wetsuit still fit! (I did try it on the week before so I knew it would but I didn’t know the swim portion of the race would go as smoothly as it did.) The 375 meter run to the bike transition area was calm and I felt pretty good, all things considered. Without obstacle or any real concern, the 2km swim ended as calmly as it began and my feet were back on the sand. As if on queue, I remembered my old swim-mantre from a decade ago, “strong-smooth-streamlined-and smiling”. ![]() But experience took over along with muscle memory and my breathing slowed. ![]() And then the count-down began and the race was on! I found myself in the cold water, swimming with hundreds of others, towards our dreams. The comradery buoyed everyone, even before we got to the water. There was something reassuring about being shoulder-to-shoulder with others in this early-season race. We chatted for a few moments and hugged as it was nearing our turn to plunge into the cold water. I felt the sand beneath my toes and closed my eyes. It was time to dig deep, find that courage and start. The miracle is that you have the courage to start”. I remembered the quote that I first learned, 20 years ago, written on a plaque that my family gave me on the eve of my first Ironman race, “The miracle isn’t that you finish. So I let my fears go and tugged at my wetsuit, pulling at the neoprene that had not seen the light of day for a decade, tucked my hair under the lime-green swim cap, slung my goggles on to my wrist and made my way to the swim start. My inner voice spoke loud and clear – Dreams don’t get brought to life, sitting on the side-lines. There was no turning back at this point though. Another part of me was very apprehensive about the swim because it had been so long since I had my wetsuit on, swimming in the open water with hundreds of others. Part of me looked forward to the swim because, once you’re wet – you’re wet. The early morning hours passed and the rain started to fall. The poem is called Breathe, by Arielle Estoria. It was anchored and tucked away in the back pocket of my bike jersey for when I needed it later. Until the feeling of inspiration inside me didn’t need the words any longer. And as I did, I listened to this short poem. In the early morning hours when most people were sleeping, I was up early, getting ready. The best I could hope for was 3 out of 4 b/c the rain was pouring! My mantra for every race is: Find a friend. It was a day that Pablo Coelho articulates so well in the book, The Alchemist, “When you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you achieve it.” I knew I had a bit of help – probably on many levels. (I’m far too slow for the short distance so I opt for the longer races.) It’s also more time to get lost in thoughts, daydreams and big dreams! From the people to the physical exertion to the mental focus required – I love long distance triathlons. And last week, I found myself at the start line of the Half Ironman in Oliver, surrounded by my ‘people’, totally basking in an environment that I absolutely love, feel so at home in and have dearly missed. I loved getting lost in the trails over last number of years…but the Ironman has been quietly whispering in my ear lately. I got into trail running in the last decade and fell in love with the simplicity of just needing runners, instead of all the gear that triathlons require – a wetsuit, goggles, swim cap, bike, bike shoes, bike clothes, bike helmet, water bottles, and then runners, a hat, sun glasses, and on and on…. It’s been years – a decade, in fact – since I’ve found my feet at the start line of an Ironman race. Nonetheless, when we want something – when we really want something – I believe that the Universe conspires to helping us achieve it! Not one of the big things mentioned above, but on a smaller scale. Last week was one of those moments for me. Think of one of those moments when you wanted something – with intention. Seriously, I think we’ve all wanted something – to have or be or learn…like a new skill or embarking on an adventure or meeting the right person to spend the rest of your life with. (Inside voice: Tell me I’m not the only one who’s bought a ticket for the big jackpot!) Or maybe something more tangible – like building your dream home, travelling the world, becoming the person you know you’re capable of or even winning the lottery. It could be a new job or opportunity or experience to be had. Have you ever wanted something so much that you dreamed of it, thought about it constantly, wished for it or even prayed for it to come into existence? I know I have… When you want something…and all the Universe conspires to helping you to achieve it!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |