Wednesday 9 July 2008

So here we go again. Another ironman looms up and I feel different about this one. Strangely confident in my ability to complete but also perhaps a touch indifferent to the time it will take me. Having followed Tom and Helen through their year of training towards a tough goal I recongnise that sometimes completing is enough and times dont need to matter. Having read one of my thursday morning training partner's race report on the other hand I vicariously live the thrill of a successful racer. So what is this race to me I ask and why do I leave my house in total chaos with polish builders who do not entirely inspire confidence even if I could speak their language! (if I am lucky on my return i may have a wood floor like the one opposite).



This race will be one to enjoy, to celebrate and to find out what another year of this life has done to me. It should confirm my decisions to put my health and mental wellbeing as a priority. It also marks the end of an era as I move into the world of veterans of the fortysomethings. Does this mean I can sit back a bit- somehow I doubt that. Does this mean I can race faster slower or differently again probably not. As I look ahead I like to see someone who becomes more accepting of their own failings as well as more tolerant of those in others but also someone who is that bit more enlightened and who can learn how to go faster... because I am not sure my knees will hold out long enough to get a 75-79AG qualifier slot for Kona

2 comments:

Jevon said...

Fellah
don't believe for a second it's gonna be any easier with the vets. There's one right here who'll always be looking to close the gap. :-)
Looking forward to racing together Sunday and seeing you Friday.
Safe trip.
J.

lord_lordy said...

Gabriel,
Sounding a little mellow there big fella. You have been nailing the training whenever I've been out with you. You've trained to deserve a stonking time so now is the time to nail it.
There's still a bed available in my room in the Kona Seaside for race week ;o)

Steven