20th December 2011 Musings

Haha... again more thoughts than tough-it-out.

I am really at a loss of what to do now.
Without the push to go for any activity (Not that I am doing a lot pre-IM), you have a lot of time on your hands.

Wanted to bring the kids out during the weekend, but it rained out.

I am hesitant to sign up for my next IM.
I wish to go back to WA, but I wanted to taste other IM races as well.
Any IM races will be a huge strain on my pockets.
I simply cannot afford to sign up for any IM on a whim.

Is a 2nd IM a desire to show that I am not a one-time wonder?
Nah, that thought never cross my mind.
It is the desire to challenge myself again that makes me contemplating on taking up the endeavor again.
Having done it, I can safely tell anyone who wanna do an IM is that 226k is extremely do-able.
IMWA is so well organised, I am sure you will throughly enjoy it!

Haha... remember when I say that you can harness the energy from both competitors, supporters and volunteers for the race? I meant it!
It build up such an atmosphere that you forget that you are not alone.
That there are so many people doing the same race with you and a thousand more supporting you and cheering you on!

If you are expecting the kind of negative feedback that exists in Singapore races, DON'T!
There won't be volunteers telling you that you are almost there when you complete 5km of the marathon.
They won't be competitors who shout at you or overtake you during the U-turns.
(I had a train of elite age-groupers behind me during Tuart Drive U-turn. Not a single one shouted at me nor overtake me! I am impressed by their professionalism.)
The aid stations will never run out of anything!
The Swim Exit, Bike Exit and Finish Line supporters will never thin even if you are the LAST one.
In fact, expect even more supporters if you are the last competitors.
The Finish Line is simply electric...
You gotta to be there staring down at the Finish Chute to truly understand the meaning.

Oh, if there is something that you can do for the supporters and volunteers...
SMILE!!!
It makes you happy, it makes everyone happy!
I cannot stop smiling when I came out of the swim nor when I start my bike leg!
Those are truly surreal moments.
THANK YOU are also well appreciated. =)

Something I can do now is to go back to basics.
But I really do not know where to start.
I have better get my run straighten out.
It is a discipline that stands out.
I could have better if only my run was better was the general consensus.

And if I ever choose an IM course with hills, I better start training on Mount Faber.
There is just no shortcuts...