Child of the Universe

I ran a 5km timetrial tonight. I met my usual Ironman training buds, and joined them for the first time since Ironman! (During winter its difficult to prioritise track running at 17:30, when I have to fetch Dylan from squash and get him home to do his homework. I've been doing my hill repeats in FishHoek, alone.)

So I was interested to see how I would do, with my training partners as inspiration. Some of my Worlds team mates have been saying how fantastic they feel, they are having to hold back because they are flying... To be honest, I haven't felt that good yet! The timetrial was hard, with a stiff head wind, and I did ok - about 50sec off my PB.

Claire reminded me to go and have fun in Australia. Everyone gave me hugs and kisses and wished me luck and told me to have a ball. I gave myself a little chat on the way home. I've improved so much in the last year, and I'm so grateful for that, but I catch myself not wanting to be satisfied with anything less than breaking my Personal Best every time I go out. I have upped my level of performance so consistently, and I was fortunate enough to have so many great races last season. I train with lots of people who are stronger and faster than I am, and that really inspires and motivates me to push harder and want to do better. Its important to remember to celebrate the little successes.

I must remember that my best is good enough. No matter how the race turns out, I want to have the time of my life! Statistically, I know there will be many very strong competitors in my age group at Worlds. Lots of them can run 10km in under 40 minutes. However things unfold, I will cross that finish line smiling and proud, delighted to be there, privileged to be racing against the best 40 to 44 year old women in the world!

I want to remind myself constantly that I made the SA Team for the first time at the age of 40. Even 3 years ago, I had absolutely no idea that this would even be a possibility - now I am really living the dream. This trip to Australia and the World Triathlon Champs is the opportunity of a lifetime for me - and I am going to grab it with both hands and savour every single moment.

You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.