Friday, October 10, 2014

A different kind of pre-race post

Ladies,

Ordinarily this is where you would expect to get the "Braveheart" speech. You know, "They can take away our race, but they can't take away our... SPEEDOM!" or something like that. Words are great, and the proper use of them can indeed be a powerful tool. However, even an amateur wordsmith such as myself knows you can't dip from the well too often, so tonight I want to try a different approach.

We've all suffered that phenomena where a song gets stuck in our head and we can't get it out. When it's a cool song, it's great - I could run Styx's "Renegade" 24/7 - that song rocks! Wait a sec, I can almost here it... the jig is up, the news is out, they finally found me, the renegade, who had it made, retrieved for the bounty... Ah... good times. Ask your grandparents, they'll know that one. Conversely there are the songs you hate that get caught, which is pure agony. For example, (interestingly and ironically) anything from Billy Ray or Miley Cyrus.

What's really great is when you get that song in your head that is the perfect racing song. I mean, you are rocking HARD and you get fired up. There is something tribal about music sometimes, something indescribable and emotional. There is no explanation - it simply taps into your soul. Not surprisingly, this can be just the distraction at the right moment. 

So the assignment tonight is to get a song stuck in your head. Not just any song... one you absolutely love and just makes you bang your head. The best methodology is to listen to it 10 times in a row right before bed or right after you get up - that seems to be when the mind is most imprintable. 

In order to help you understand, let me offer some scenarios and example songs. This is how it works: I offer a link, which you click, and you listen to the song while you read my description of the scene. 


As you are warming up, take the time to push your mind forward, thinking of the possibilities for the day. Think positively, think big. Don't be afraid to dream! Visualize the race, yourself strong and light, flowing up hills with deer-like ease. Flow down hills like water. Feel the power flowing down your legs to your feet that are striking faster and faster. Dream big!


At the starting line, act like you belong there. Project strength, always. Don't stare anyone down, but don't avert your gaze either. Get into your game mind. Start thinking about all those other girls trying to take something away from you. Imagine them all as your brothers and sisters who have just gotten into your stuff - again! Someone has to pay!


The moment has come! Everything we've done has built to this moment. Since early June you've suffered and worked hard, overcoming all to arrive at this moment. Will it have been worth it? This is where you decide!



The Good Lord forgive me for invoking this artist, but this endurance sport staple has a very good rhythm for fast-paced work - like racing! On top of that, the tag line is exactly right. 


Shhh. SSSSHHHHHH! Don't fight it. Let the Outkast pour over you. You can't listen to this song and be down. No, you can't. 


I think we can agree this will be the anthem of the day!

It's going to be a sloppy day, ladies. Bring spikes, layers of clothes, and great attitudes. Do your homework tonight and be ready!

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