You Win in the Locker Room First

Since the beginning of last year, I’ve had this crazy little habit whenever I go to the pool.  I HAVE TO choose a locker whose number ends in a ‘#2’ or a ‘#3’.  Somehow, I thought that would help me get a podium spot.   Maybe it worked.   Who knows?

I never chose  Locker ‘#1’.  Why?   I guess part of me still didn’t quite believe that I was an athlete.  That I have come so far in my journey from frumpy houseswife –  and couch potato – to a triathlete capable of winning a race.     I always thought there’d be some uber fast unbeatable chick that would take the first place spot.    The best I can hope for is 2nd or 3rd, and only then, if the stars align.   Even after my great race at Pinehurst last year, I thought that was just mostly luck.  I didn’t even sign up for Pinehurst this year because I didn’t think I’d ever be able to repeat that performance.

After my Bandits race this year, I talked with my mentor, Jon Farber.   He’s always trying to convince me of how good I am.    He saw that I was only 1 minute behind the #1 spot.  Only 1 minute behind ‘Speedracer girl’.    He asked me if I realized that now I am in her league.   He’s right, I didn’t realize it!  In fact, while I was running at Bandits, I was completely 100% focused on keeping my #2 place.  It never even occurred to me to try and step it up…to try and pass ‘Speedracer girl’ to nab first place.

Well guess what?  Ever since that conversation, I have been taking Locker #1 at the pool.   I won’t ever beat the uber fast chicks who take first place if I don’t even TRY!!!