It's Go Time...

You may think I'm talking about me.. my races coming up.. my expectations.

Actually, I'm not. Of course, New Orleans 70.3 is in the back of my mind at all times, but there is quite a bit that will be happening BEFORE that point, and thus, I really won't be able to over analyze this race (probably a good thing!). At this point, I just hope I make it to the start line - rested, happy and healthy.

Nope, the GO TIME is for one of my athletes who will be doing his first Half Ironman this weekend. It's a strange experience when you are in this position - coach instead of athlete. It turns the tables on you. You examine things, but from a totally different perspective. Did you do enough.. you answer yes, did you plan enough on the nutrition side of things.. yes, I think so.. but racing a half can bring all kinds of other things into play so one just never knows for sure. Is he mentally prepared....Humm.. yes, I feel he is. We've spoken about it, analyzed it and he's built the confidence he needed. He's ready.. yes, he's definitely ready..

It's just as nerve racking on our side. We can only do everything we can up until this point, and then you have to let that little bird fall out of the nest and fly. It's scary, but it's necessary. That's why we've been doing all this - to race, and to race with the confidence, strength and fortitude to have a good experience. You can only do what you can do though, and then.. just like the athlete it's about "letting go." I've found sometimes the harder I tried to hold on to what I wanted (as a coach or an athlete) the less chance it actually had of happening.

As I explained to Jimmy a few days ago, "it's about executing the plan to the best of your ability, it's not about if things will go wrong, it's about when. You must stay positive when these things do go wrong, address them, and then move on. Don't worry about time lost, or what if's, just KEEP MOVING FORWARD, no matter what, the goal is that finish line.. you do not stop (unless in medical danger) until you cross it. Start to think of it now Jimmy, see yourself.. see yourself swimming strong, riding with high cadence and feeling good and finally running down the shoot with a huge smile on your face, see it again and again just like you've seen it while you're training, keep seeing it until it's real and happening right that moment."

I know I can see him doing it. Running toward that shoot, arms raised, looking for his family in the crowd.. smiling from ear to ear.. running to them in the shoot, sweaty, exhausted, but completely overjoyed from the tip of his head, to the bottom of his feet. I can't wait.

It's time to let him fly folks. He's been such a joy to work with during this journey. He surprised me by writing a blog about me this past week or so, and needless to say, I'm more than flattered, and honored and most of all, just happy to be getting a chance to coach those living their dreams.

Good Luck Jimmy. It's all you this weekend at Galveston 70.3 my friend. God's Speed and most importantly "GET ER DONE!"

Your Coach.