Chin Up

How do I prepare for a morning of swimming, riding, and running?

I eat, drink, and sleep. And then do it again.

Tomorrow morning is my fifth New York City Triathlon. Used to be, I spent weeks preparing. I’d do laps at lunch, ride out to Jersey on weekends. Not so of late. I squeeze quick runs in before work, plus a few weekend duathlons. Thus, I am woefully unprepared.

Still, I know I’ll finish, which is all that matters. Heck, I’m leaving my stopwatch at home. But I know I’ll finish. Lately, when I’m running out of steam, I say to myself, ‘Courage,’ and push a little harder. So maybe then I run six miles instead of five, or do a dozen more sit-ups. Whatever. Seems to work.

I plucked the word from, of all places, “Batman Begins.” The film reminded me, of all things, of what courage means. Case you’ve forgotten, here’s a refresher:

cour·age (kûr-j): The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.

See you at the end of this: