what truly matters leading into your next race

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at the Ultraman Australia welcome breakfast.  There would have been a few hundred people in the room – which obviously included the 55 athletes taking part in the event and their support teams. 

Race week, for any distance, is a stressful time. There is a lot on the line – a lot has been sacrificed. So hopefully bringing it back to what truly matters helps you when you are next homing in your goal race.
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When I look around the room, I see 50 very determined athletes. Words are hard to describe the extraordinary feats you are all about to embark on over the next few days.  You have all sacrificed so much to be here, physically, mentally, emotionally and no doubt you all have incredible goals, personal goals, that you are so focused on for this weekend. 

Everything has been about the next 3 days. For months, if not the past year. It can be easy to get swept away and lose sight of what is important. 

Because when I look closer at this room, I see not only 50 athletes, but I see the representatives of 50 amazing teams. 

The crews, the coaches, the spouses, the families, the body maintence teams, the training buddies, the mechanics, the work colleagues, the shrinks.  They all aren’t here but they are so crucial to each athlete getting to the start line and through this event. 

At any part of today, or the proceeding 3 days you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, upset. Remember your team and be grateful.  For everything.  This is a massive team event and without each person playing their part, the machine wouldn’t work.  So take time to be thankful, to be grateful.
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There is an old saying that goes “The best view comes after the hardest climb”.  But I have come to realize that true solace is found, not in the view, but in the difficulty of the climb itself.  Those final 400m along the beach on Monday afternoon is amazing, but trust me, what you endure over the next 72 hours to get to the finish line is what its all about.   Embrace every moment from now to your finish line..

Be grateful, be humble, be phenomenal.  
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Head Coach Richard Thompson