WHO'S WORLD OF FANTASY WILL YOU DIVE INTO NEXT?

It is barely a week to race day and you’re perhaps wondering whether you are ready; will you be able to beat your previous time or set a good time (if this is your first attempt)?

These are valid concerns, and they point to a performance aid known as anxiety. Yes, you read that right.

Anxiety before and at the start of a race is a good indicator that you’ll perform really well (relative, of course, to you as an individual). If you listen to Pav’s podcast on Bespoked.com, you’ll realise that some bit of anxiety is good, healthy even!

Which is a sure bet of better-than-before performance. Of course, terms and conditions apply (haha!)

Now, there’s a chance that you work during the week or that your child schools Monday to Friday, meaning that there’s no time for training. Does that mean that there can be no stellar performance by these parties?

Let’s have a look at Sunday’s race: it is 26km for adults and 5+km for the U14. Knowing the numbers is important as it helps set the psychological space necessary for motivation, anxiety and belief in one self. Not to mention that one can already explore their imagination, which is totally allowed even at your current age!

Imagery is the term given to the above-mentioned exploration. These last few days to the race, I would encourage you (and/or your children) to take a few minutes each day to day dream about Sunday: see yourself on your bike at the start line, tying your race number, warming up, tackling the course, overtaking, crossing the finish line….

Remember the anxiety we spoke about? That’s one way to bring it under control. Oh, and by the way, YOU ARE TOTALLY ALLOWED TO DO THAT. No one should ever make you feel like it’s wrong or stupid, ever. If they do, contact me and I’ll speak with them.

Now, on race day, you want to be there at least 30 minutes before your start time. Arriving late only disorients you and dents all the psychological preparation you’ve employed throughout the week.

Then, you also want to hydrate. When you lose more fluid (in sweat) than you replenish (drinking), your body undergoes certain changes that impair your performance. That’s dehydration, and you want to avoid that.

In a Time Trial, however, one could lose seconds rehydrating on the course, and thus it is recommended that you (force) hydrate before you start.

That said, here’s what we have for you and yours on Sunday:

1. FREE zumba at 0810h for all in attendance to help with the warm up + set the psychological tone of the day.

2. Water station at the start line, and we might just flavour the water to stimulate the drinking urge.

3. Free refreshments to help with the refuelling.

It is normal to feel unprepared for an event, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll fail to perform. The steps above will help with your anxiety levels, and the warm up on race day will complete the set.

In case you haven’t registered, here is the registration link:
https://forms.gle/fcn7GUYN1mZqX2Va9

CONTACT: +254 707 047 249
EMAIL: josemariambui@gmail.com