I was lying in bed on Saturday morning when my eyes flickered open.
I looked at the time and it was 06:44 and I suddenly thought “Wow, this time last week I was on a beach in Mallorca, with 2500 other people, just about to start the 2.4 mile sea swim of the Ironman”
I can remember the feeling of waiting for the crowd to move forward towards the start line to begin swimming, thinking about my strategy for the swim.
Previously I have had panic attacks, causing me to feel like giving up, even before reaching the first 500m. The feeling of being boxed in and trapped in-between other swimmers, fighting for their space, trying to get ahead. Arms flailing and feet in your face, can be daunting, even for experienced swimmers.
I knew I could swim the distance and, I had worked hard on my mind and my thought process to overcome the anxiety, now the real test was just about to happen. I controlled my breathing, calmed my mind and stuck to the plan.
It wasn’t the fastest of times but it was enjoyable, for the first time in a long time – the mind training worked!
Next came the 112 mile bike ride, a long day in the saddle ahead with some amazing climbs. I felt strong and trusted that the training had been enough to complete the distance and leave some energy in my legs for the run. After 70 miles we headed towards the main mountain climb, nothing too extreme, but relentless in it’s incline. The heavens opened! I remember thinking “I wouldn’t go out in this weather in England!” I drew upon the mantra suggested by a friend on my first Ironman event “Breathe, relax and enjoy” (Thanks James D) Amazingly, I took in some of the views, took notice of the riders nearby and built different memories by being aware of the environment around me.
After 6 hours of riding it was time to begin the run. The rain was still coming down, puddles everywhere and wet feet for everyone!
“Only 4.5 laps to do, let’s go!”
By the second lap, my feet were hurting, my energy was up and down as I tried to manage my gels, water, banana’s, coke, salt and energy drinks. The pain was building with every step, my socks bunching up on my toes and the blisters beginning to scream. My final mantra from a recent TV show with Bear Grylls “Never give up”
Thanks Bear, it got me to the finish line!
I truly believe that we all need techniques to get our minds to help in time of pressure and stress. It could be an important presentation coming up, a high powered meeting, an interview or assessment centre to attend. Whatever causes the brain to start melting down and doubting our ability, needs work and practise to turn it around.
I believe everyone can physically do an Ironman, the brain just needs to recognise that as well..but it doesn’t only relate to physical challenges. It could be a better job, a promotion, a career change, a bigger target or even taking the plunge and going out on your own. If you have a plan and believe you can, it’s amazing what you can achieve.
“Breathe, relax and enjoy. Never give up”