Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Get Ready and Be Ready

Completing a triathlon, marathon and any endurance sport is akin to taking an examination. Much can happen at such an event, for you have to deal with unexpected and expected outcomes. Problem solving and decision-making are two core competencies that can deliver you from unfortunate turns of events. Failure to complete a race can be attributed to myriad factors, however ill preparedness and ignorance is inexcusable and costly a price to pay.

Being prepared allows us to respond, instead of react, with immediacy and relevance. If you are practiced in changing tyres when you encounter a puncture, then you can initiate the change smoothly. If you are untrained and unfamiliar with the procedure, you can only invite panic and confusion, and this interferes with your effectiveness and efficiency.

Travelling teaches us to be self-sufficient and independent. From applying for a visa to booking travel tickets to checking into a hotel, these processes involve a sense of meticulousness and paying attention to details. Doing things at the last minute merely invites stress and tension that sap on your energies and alertness. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable to stresses can also test your effectiveness, and you want to minimise that.

Before your next overseas race, pack early and ensure that you have enough spares and additional nutritional support. Travel with your race-helmet, bike shoes, running shoes, swim-goggles, and one set of tri-attire with you – just in case your main luggage gets misplaced. Remember your racing card (membership of your national triathlon association), photo-identification, and a copy of race entry details. Take snapshots on your mobile phone of your e-ticket, entry confirmation slip, and the like. Reduce the fuss and the fumbling.

Be early. Be prepared. Be comforted by freeing your mind of burdens.

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