So often we find ourselves focusing on the outcome that the process becomes neglected and, quite frankly, joyless. If a race is your goal, that's fantastic but remember there is a family, a team, and world to partake in and enjoy. Take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and the simple process of one foot in front of the other, the trees passing by on your bike, or a sunrise from a new vantage point.

We saw quite an event yesterday at IRONMAN St George, and on behalf of the entire Purple Patch team I would like to congratulate our 16 athletes that gave their very best in the heat and wind of Utah. We will go into more details on the race itself, once the dust settles, but I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a little perspective for every Purple Patch athlete who has upcoming races.

On Thursday, two days prior to the event, I enjoyed a nice intimate pre-race debriefing with the Purple Patch crew. Whenever I host these types of events, I consider what message I should deliver to try to help frame success for athletes who are both excited and understandably nervous. Outside of a few logistical and tactical recommendations, and answering some great questions, I provided the athletes with a little perspective, which I though I would share here. As you read below, perhaps you had an experience like this, or certainly know someone who has. I hope you can use this little vignette to assist in your future racing.

Sheila and John are in love. They have known each other for a couple of years, and their relationship went from flirtatious to dating, and now to a committed and serious relationship. Both are ready to take the next step and John, always the gentleman, asked Sheila to marry. She immediately said yes. Both Sheila and John planned a wedding in about 6 months time, and wanted to build the perfect once-in-a-lifetime day. Every detail had to be perfect, from location, to music, to flowers, to the food. They wanted an experience for their guests, and hoped the throw the best party ever. Sheila and John threw all their energy, as well as considerable finances, to the planning of this special occasion. Everything was going to be so special.

As the big day came, Sheila and John felt the tightening noose of expectation, and the days leading up were a whirlwind of hand-holding, last minute adjustments, checking the boxes on the checklists to ensure it was seamless. The weather was great, and the event was choreographed to the minute. The day came and the blizzard of logistics and emotions continued, with Sheila and John everywhere and anywhere seeking to make this one special occasion so special. 

You know what? Once the day was over, and Sheila and John woke the next day, they wouldn’t have known how to answer a simple question; did you enjoy it?  Why? They spent so much time trying to make the experience perfect and seamless that they forget to give themselves the liberty to just immerse themself in an experience and allow themselves to have fun. Seeking perfection at every step disabled the chance to fall into the chaos and go for a ride, and the guest undoubtedly felt the couple’s frustration of the minor mishaps that are inevitable at any large occasion. Sheila and John let the occasion bypass them and didn’t get to truly enjoy the occasion. They didn’t bring their best selves. 

I asked the athletes to bring their best selves, but also be willing to go for a ride and have fun no matter what happens, as that will be the path toward their best personal mindset. However, this is a global ask. Any race, any event, any endeavor worth doing is worth enjoying.

We are not planning and hosting a wedding - we are racing a race. Smile, enjoy and go have fun. The body will then express its readiness.

Cheers,

Matt