Admiral's Cup Triathlon - Sprint Distance
30 MAY 2009
400 meter swim / 12 mile bike / 3 mile run
Air Temp: 64 / Water Temp: 50 / Wind from NW / Ocean Current toward SE
2009 Admiral's Cup Triathlon Race Results by EternalTiming.com
I've always thought it would be amazing to have a "race report" written before, during and after a race. But, as I'm nowhere NEAR a professional athlete, the day after will have to do! Below, just a couple of pictures of the event, and a little (I promise, just a little!) commentary about the connection I see between performing on the field, and performing in the workplace. Please click on each picture to see it a little bit bigger. (Send me an invite to Facebook, and you can see more commentary on each photo!)

Since starting to race as an "age-grouper" competitive triathlete in 2001, as well as starting the path toward owning and operating my own consulting firm, I've found at least four connections to performing on and off the actual "field."
Right Mind: On the way to the event, I "rehearsed" the course in my mind several times. I'd completed this race many times over the past few years, and knew "most" of it. When we arrived, and listen to pre-race announcements, we learned they had changed the run portion to be a 2-lap, out and back twice, route. With the swim and the bike the same, I was able to quickly and effectively visualize this new run course.
I do a very similar activity before each coaching call, on-site coaching program and seminar. (In fact, I also visualize submitting an article, if that's what I'm working on!) I have found this to be an extremely powerful process...To see it before I see it! (For the intro to our last OjaiInstitute TeleSeminar, click below!)
See It Before You See It 01
Right Equipment: Gear makes a difference...It just does. I've got PLENTY of tri gear, and I admit I'll probably buy some more before the year is over. There is just something special about setting up in transition area and believing that I do have quality equipment, sized right, maintained properly, and ready for the race. I like to "forget" about the gear I have, and just work.
This is why I wrote the book, "Maximizing Microsoft® Outlook®." You see, too many people let their tool / gear / system slow them down. The moment you have to "think" about whether or not the tool will do something (or, worse, when you get frustrated that it DOESN'T do something!) you slow down. Your attention is compromised, and your performance drops.
Right Support Team: I wouldn't want to race alone; a team makes (more) things possible. I like to arrive to my races early enough to set up, and then spend a few precious moments with friends and family who come down to support me through the day. Years ago I read several books by Steven Covey, and even went to a few seminars. One of them talked about making "deposits" into an "emotional" bank account. During the race, I want people yelling my name...Before and after I need to let them know how much I appreciate them.

The "mentoring" program I started for clients years ago works as an 8-week "check-in" process that uplevels their work/life game. The people who are attracted to this process always realize within 2-3 weeks how critical it is to have people "on their team." (Or, as Jim Collins says, "on the bus!")
Right Results: I'll always remember the time I was talking to a 6th grader at a race years ago. He was there to watch one of his brothers race...When he found out I too was competing, he turned to me and asked, "So, are you any good?"
It's a good question to ask yourself when you look in the mirror in the morning. "Am I any good?" It doesn't matter what the subject is, just ask yourself and see what happens. On the way to the race yesterday, I was focused on Placing in the top of my bracket. I had heard they were only giving awards to the top two athletes in each age group, so that gave me one of two chances to earn the medal.
All the training, mental visualization, gear and support paid off. I had a good day, placed second, and am already getting ready for the next race!
Woo Hoo
!