The next thing I did was remember my positive affirmations. I figured that if I could keep my mind busy with encouraging thoughts, I could drown out the negative self-talk. I found myself repeating, “fit and fast” and “smooth and strong” over and over and over and over. And to my surprise, it worked! Every time my resolve wavered, I would return to these mantras.
Eventually I found myself cruising up the final three mile climb into Wintergreen Resort. Tired and disappointed that I had not been as competitive as I had hoped, but proud that I had not let my doubts get the best of me. Glad that I persevered. And, despite my repeated self-assurances that after this event I would never have to race again, already planning my next event.
