The A Point

Part of the reason, I think, that I find racing so exciting is that there are rules. I say this knowing quite well that rules exist elsewhere, but in racing, they are important, not merely a vehicle for bureaucrats to continue the bureaucracy. Consider the race: Pretty simple, Point A to Point B. As fast as you can. On foot, in the water, on a bike. Distances vary, as does terrain and location. Rules state that one cannot obstruct another competitor, ingest performance enhancing drugs or use illegal equipment. No tripping, no EPO, no fins, no drafting (in triathlon) and no cutting the course. Other than that you're on your own.

Point A to Point B. Go.

In order to properly prepare for the journey, we train. Our bodies, our minds and our spirits. If your motor is suspect, the race will remove all doubt. If one crumbles as soon as the going gets a little tough, point B might never arrive. And the spirit? A great quote I saw last week, sums it: "There are no atheists at mile 24." Fine tune the motor, ready the resolve, respect the process. And you're ready, right?

Partially.

Repetition is a prerequisite. Your motor, especially if up on blocks in the shed for twenty years, will need time to re-build, and that mental aspect is something that only experience can improve, meaning the spiritual side, becomes the key.

Because if you don't have the fire, the passion, the gratitude and the gumption to face the pain and suffering, the dedication and the drama, the doubt and the dread, the countless hours spent in relentless rehearsal, the defeats and the setbacks, the tough days and the long hills, you are are missing the point. The point is not getting to B, it is getting to A.

If I have done everything right (motor, mind, matter) in training and show up on race day fully engaged and prepared, I have already won.

All that is left is to go out and enjoy the fruits of that labor. Why would I want to break any rules after all that?

Pic: IM Germany in 2009. Can a impeccable will and spirit compensate for missing parts? They can. Please notice the spectator noticing the Ironman's right calf. Ya gotta say WOW. That's the point.