Race Schedule and Results

Saturday, February 18, 2012

The power of perception

I haven't talked much about my workouts lately, but Coach Sharpie is keeping me busy. I'm in a drill phase...  learning a lot of things that I probably should have known after 5 years of racing, but never really did (I guess that's the power of a coach.  Hum... who would have thought?)

In any event, as I swim and bike and run, I am constantly thinking to myself "I am getting stronger.  I'm am getting better".  And often during my drills, I think to myself, "wow, I feel so smooth right now".  And then it hits me...

It doesn't matter that I'm rocking a sparkly Rev suit that makes me feel like a super hero:
I'm pretty certain I look like this when I'm swimming: 
And when I run:
Ah, the power of perception.  I guess as long as I think I look good, and fast, and smooth, that's all that matters.  Right?

:)

21 comments:

TriMOEngr said...

I have this whole post rolling around in my head about what my mind's eye thinks I am versus reality versus others' perceptions, etc. Now that FB is clogged with the "What I think I do..what my mom thinks I do..what society thinks I do...etc", it doesn't seem as original, but really I am amazed at how often I look in the mirror and surprised not to see what I feel like I look like (both the good and bad). How can our own perceptions be so far off? In mind mind, I am younger, fitter, faster, thinner, and better looking than the mirror indicates. That is a tough pill to swallow.

MCM Mama said...

I try not to think about what I might really look like. If I feel fast or feel like I'm looking great, I just go with it. Living in denial is a good place to be LOL.

Unknown said...

It's all mental! As long as you rock confidence, you'll look your best and perform just as you see yourself.

Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb said...

I feel ya on this one. I must admit I try not to think about it too often. Although I appreciate photos of me "racing" or doing something athletic most often I do not look like I'm doing either :/ Ah well. Keep on keepin' on!

Jamie said...

I always narcissistically catch my reflection in store windows as I pass. For that split second, I think I look pretty fast. But I'm pretty sure I look like that girl in yellow the other 99% of the time.

Patty said...

Hahahaha! I’m right with ya, girl. EXCEPT I’m pretty sure you look like a rockstar triathlete when you are training...and I really do look like a wanna-be. I always cringe when I look at the videos from my swim lessons... SPLASH SPLASH...”why is my elbow there?...where is my foot going??... “ haha.

Matthew Smith said...

Your perception is all that matters! Keep up the good work! That swimming suit is sweet! I love it!

Steve said...

well who knows about that. I will have to say I better have coffee in the morning and everything always seems just a little bit better. :)

Glad you are doing good. :)

Unknown said...

haha! love this, but I'm pretty darn sure you don't look like a manatee when you are swimming, except maybe to exhibit their graceful flow through the water!

Christi said...

Love your mantras and I know you don't look like a manatee!

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

Wow!! I never thought about it. I guess I really don't look like Craig Alexander when I run.... damn.

DRog said...

sounds like a great lead into your year w/ a coach and learning new things...should be a good season!

D

Teamarcia said...

you're so not alone in thinking that way. But I assure you you're nothing short of fabulous. Believe it! : )

Unknown said...

You are way faster than you "think you look like"....www.dashingdiva.net

Jason said...

I think I said this already but I am really digging the new header.

If you don't think you look good then nobody else will.....I think that is a tag line but it is true.

Aimee said...

Ummm...I'm pretty sure you do NOT look like that sealion or that little girl running! :)

Mark said...

I think that picture of that little girl running is epic... as is your new Rev3 bathing suit.

March on, soldier.

P.S. Is El Sharpster kicking your butt?

Karen said...

ha ha - love the little running girl! I ahve always said I don't want to see a video tape of me runing, playing tennis, swimming or any of it as I am sure the reality of what I look like will not be pretty :)

Love the sparkly rockstar swimsuit!

Wes said...

if you look like a manatee when you're swimming, then you got it going on. just sayin ;-)

Ironman By Thirty said...

As long as you are happy, who cares how you look. :)

Unknown said...

OMG laughed out loud when I saw the "i look like this when I"m swimming'.. feel the same! And you already know how I feel about the runner!