I was in the doctor’s office today reading the March 2008 issue of “O, The Oprah Magazine”.
There was a great article entitled “Martha Beck’s Five Best Pieces of Advice”. Here’s #3:
#3: See Every Effort as an opportunity to Relax:
I notice that when he’s [her dog] getting ready to run, his body doesn’t tighten – it loosens. At full speed, his muscles seem as fluid as running water.
Here’s one of the very few generalizations I believe unconditionally: There is not one useful thing we can do that we don’t do better when we’re relaxed. The harder, scarier, and more important the task you’ve undertaken, the more you’ll benefit from relaxation. Are you speaking before a crowd of 1000’s? Relax! Sitting in a job interview? Relax! Being physically attacked? Any black belt will tell you that the first thing you should do, against all instinct, is relax, relax, relax!
This is absolutely true in the sport of triathlon! My very best race, not only in terms of split times, but also enjoyment, was Triangle 2006. I was approaching that race with complete dread, agonizing over my aggressive goal, and how I can cut a few seconds here or there to reach it. A week before the race, I threw out my goal and decided to go into it with the attitude to just relax and have fun. I did relax and have fun; and, I even beat my original goal to boot.
That is how I am going to approach my next race, White Lake Sprint. Relax, relax, relax! In fact, I may train hard for all my races, with certain goals in mind. But on race day, the goal will be have fun and relax. Maybe that will be my mantra this season.
I completely agree, I always have the best time at races when Im there with someone else and Im not trying hard to beat my PR. I dont always set a PR, but those are the races I remember the most for having fun and enjoying the company of those around me!!!!!