The last of my prep races are behind me after last weekends go at Vineman 70.3 and I'm really happy with where I am this season heading into the final push to Ironman Canada.  I really ripped it up at Vineman posting a 4:36:06 final time good enough for 7th in my age group and personal bests at the bike and run at this race distance.  That's two PR's at the 70.3 distance in two very tough races although I just can't quite crack the podium in my AG (finished 7th in both races).  Given my history of Ironman times compared to my 70.3 times I have teh potential of a good one in me.  So I'm putting the guys in my AG at IMC on notice, you better come ready to race.

It just goes to show you that a goal, desire, consistency and hard (but smart) work pays off.  I've got some big training weeks coming up so I'm getting ready for those physically, mentally and logistically.  As start the final push I also change my mental focus.

Here is a little something that I put together that was adapated from a VS. commercial that find appropriate as I shift my focus in the final few weeks of training.

No one trains to fail
Nobody prepares to lose
Everyone wants to prevail

but first....

You must compete, and to compete you must;

Persevere
Have passion
Focus
Overcome adversity
and have the will to triumph

Competition is life, live to compete....It's on.

When I'm on the bike for 7 hours riding and then throwing an hour of time trial effort or when I'm running an hour tempo just a tick slower than 10K pace or when the swim is 6K with six descending 500's, I can think back and remember why I'm doing this, focus on my goal and find the clarity to go harder, go faster and go longer.  It was once said, "if Ironman was easy, everyone would do it".  

If you want to view the commercial I adapted this from you can do so here.

For now if you see me on the trail or the road in the lake or at the pool and I'm not in a chatty mood you know why, I've shifted focus and it's on.