Racing in Racine
After an up and (mostly) down first half of the season, I was determined to race well in Racine, site of the US Elite Long Course Nationals. Going into this half, I put all my disappointing races of the year behind me and really worked on finding my race day confidence and flow. This was going to be the race that would kick off the second half of my season.
I went into the race feeling strong and confident, just wanting to race to my ability and do what I know I am capable of. My race day plan was focused around some key positive thoughts. I had a pre-planned list of powerful, positive mantras that I would repeat to myself over and over throughout the race. I knew this would help keep me on track for the race day that I wanted.
At the swim start, the recorder in my head was playing “I love what I’m doing … I love to race … There is no place I would rather be right now.” During the swim I felt good (much better than in those fast and furious ITU swims!). The field of women was pretty small (7 of us) and I found myself swimming alone. I was second out of the water, so no complaints there!
On the bike, I quickly settled into a good pace. I was pushing it, but I felt strong and smooth. My mental recorder played “pedal power, light, fast and strong” and “the race gets longer and I get stronger.” The miles ticked by quickly and I was having fun!
Off the bike and onto the run…I headed out onto the double out and back run course in second place, knowing there were some speedy runners not far behind. I knew this run was going to take some serious focus and internal dialogue. “Forward, fast feet, focus, and flow and go” played over and over through my mind to help me through the run. Right after the half way point, Timex teammate Kim Loeffler flew past me. I held my pace together pretty well on the first half, then did what I could on the second half. Sarah Groff passed me with about 5K to go. I knew there were still others back there chasing me down, but I held it together through the finish.
I crossed the finish line in 4 th place with a 4:30:43. I raced exactly how I wanted to and finished feeling like I had my race flow back!
