Getting in the Zone

 Every time I race I find I need something different to inspire me to race to my absolute best. I need to get in the zone. In the week leading up to the race I look for cues. I latch onto ideas and hold onto them.

Before my first ever Ironman back in 2003 I read, “It’s not about the bike” by Lance Armstrong. I had “pain is only temporary, but failure lasts forever” to pull from when I needed it on the bike.

It’s been a commonality to almost all of my 19 Ironman races, especially my best races.

I had a breakthrough race in 2006, which I credit to “Go Girl” by Natalie Cook. Natalie’s little book made me realise the power of the mind and really helped me to believe in myself.

Another one I had lines from Eminem “lose yourself” going through my head.

When I won my first half and full Ironman races in quick sucession in 2007 I’d been watching Rocky movies. I had a Rocky line in my T2 bag, “there is no tomorrow”.

My China win this year was after reading “No limits” Michael Phelps. From this book one thing that stuck in my mind was the W.I.N concept- “what’s important now?” staying focused on the present and doing your absolute best right now. It really helped me to not dwell on my pretty average swim n China, and to eek every last drop of performance out of every minute.

I often find that a quote or idea that inspired me in one race won’t work a second time round. I need something new.

Roth is no different. I don’t have a book on the go right now, but I’ve spent my flights over to Europe choosing movies and documentaries that might just have that one single message that I can take away. There were some good ones:

A Shaun White documentary; “I can do better than that” and “it’s when you’re at the bottom that you really see where you want to go, once you take a good loss, that’s the point where you can see where you want to be”

From the in-flight magazine, Erik Weinmayer, the only blind person to climb Everest, “Adversity is something you never ask for. But after you look back you realise you didn’t just survive it. It made you better and stronger in certain ways…it either destroys you and stops you, or you harness it and use the energy to go forward in your life”

Last year my race in Roth was an extreme disappointment. I went away from that big down to have a great race in Hawaii. I agree that I need the downs to motivate me for the ups! Coming back to Roth this year I am looking for redemption. I’m looking to tick off some big goals. I’m also coming off a terrible race in Korea- so there’s plenty of fire in my belly!

We flew into Frankfurt last night and went for a long walk around the City to get the blood flowing after 30 hours of travel. After a good nights sleep we went for a run this morning along the canal, the IM Germany run course. It’s great to be moving again. We’re in the hotel restaurant and I’m very proud of myself for avoiding all of the amazing German pastries and breads! I decided to enjoy the pleasures vicariously since Kristian tucked in!

Today we are watching IM Germany. It’s going to be an exciting day. There are some big guns out there and again I’ll be looking for some take-home messages to help me with my race. I know I’ll be inspired; I’ll draw on their energy…I can’t wait.

Chasing the feeling… “The tangible rewards for the effort are never as rewarding as the effort itself” Rob Machado.

Thanks for listening

Charlotte