It’s an old saying, whose origin is lost to me… But as much as its just become a part of my own lexicon, there’s a deep truth to it. One needs to “plan the work”…. And then one needs to “work the plan”.
A couple days ago, I described the visualisation I was repeating with myself with regard to the execution of the race on Sunday. I described in excruciating detail how I should (and will!) feel on Sunday at various stages of the race. How I will move from phase to phase. Smooth. Consistent. Positive. Strong.
Underpinning this, is a lot of work. Like a choreographed dance, or stage performance – the execution of my “perfect race” requires me to link together many, many small but important details. So, over the last few days I have been concentrating my attention on capturing those details in a list. Linking them in a chain, and ensuring I have the ball rolling on them all to ensure everything goes on without a hitch.
I need to ensure I have all of my equipment. That I have all of my clothing and kit. That the foods, snacks, nutritional supplements I need for the days leading up to the race and beyond are available and ready to go. That I have the wee thing – sunscreen, body glide, chargers for all the electronic gadgets and doodads I’m bringing with me. That I have water bottles… And rubber bands. A visor. A raincoat. Who knows what I’m going to be facing on the morning of the race … So without bringing the kitchen sink, I need to have all the stuff I might need to deal with the most common of potential “disasters averted”.
And then, I need the wherewithal to calm my nerves, to focus and to execute. To ensure that whatever “disaster” gets put in my way in the lead up to the race, that I meet it with a positive attitude and don’t let it phase me. This race is as much (if not more) mental than it is physical. And I’ll need to ensure the fortress I have built in my mind does not crumble over some silly detail overlooked … But rather, is as strong as it can be before beginning my day… Because it is inevitable there will be attacks. Doubts will appear. The demons will surface. And its only by having a strong mind that I will persevere.
And I will. Perservere. I’ve decided.
As with all my posts this week, I am closing them with an appeal for your support in helping me raise funds for the American and Canadian Cancer Societies. I appreciate and thank all those that have already given. I thank in advance all those that will give now or in the coming days. And I ask that if you cannot give… please simply share the links to this post or others with your friends and family to give them the opportunity.
Donations for the Canadian Cancer Society –
Donations for the American Cancer Society –
