We are “ankle deep” in the 2023 race season. Only 2 races in, to be exact, so just getting into the lake for a swim that won’t be over any time soon. If you’ve ever completed a half (or full) marathon, triathlon, or any other type of endurance event, then I’m sure you understand the feeling you get when you realize just what it is you’ve gotten yourself into. Typically it comes on within the first few minutes of starting Whether it’s your first or fiftieth, I think the average endurance athlete feels this almost every time. I know I do,
At the end of March I participated in the Love Run half marathon and experienced this feeling somewhere around mile one, when you’re still in the heart of the city and the energy is high; but then the thought comes: “I’m going to be doing this for a while, and the energy might not stay high. Buckle up.” I realize that I’m going to be on the road for a couple of hours, my longest run in months, and in spite of any training or preparation, any number of unanticipated variables can come into play. There is no backing out - only moving forward - and all I can truly count on is the knowledge and experience I have from doing this dozens of times before. It’s not so much a sudden onset of nerves as it is a necessary reality check with myself to ensure I will complete the mission.
“Buckle up” is one of the mantras I use to get myself into the zone during a race. A call to action and a focal point for when the going gets tough and there’s no energy to spare. I use this phrase, among others, in all sorts of instances throughout my week. Especially on the morning of an event SCR is producing. When I wake up on the morning of an event, typically between 4:00 or 5:00, and then load up and hit the road, I spend most of that time doing this reality check: It’s going to be a long day… Am I ready for anything and everything that can happen? Will I lose steam? Where is my head?
Like it or not, it’s happening and I’m here. Time to buckle up.
I love what I do. I can say with earnest humility that I am very good at what I do and get a little better with each instance. It’s great to look ahead at a full calendar of events, but it doesn’t exactly have a calming effect. There’s a lot of time on the road ahead. Nevertheless, I move forward counting on the experience and knowledge I have from doing this dozens of times before
- Andre “Andy” Rivera
Founder & Race Director
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