Only one day left til the big race. I am as physically prepared as I can be, the only thing left now is to make sure I am mentally prepared. What goes into mental preparation? Daily visualization of my perfect performance, setting the goal to writing, positive mental self-talk or affirmations, plenty of sleep the days prior to the race (this is important physically and mentally).

Today I had my last big practice day--I did the swim course today and felt better in the water than yesterday until I got washed up on top of the reef--fortunately I was able to get off--oh the adventures! Other than that mishap and the saltwater burning my throat--yes, I know you are not suppose to drink it, it was a good swim. Took an easy run right after. Then it was back to my room for lunch and a nap. After nap time, I had an hour massage and boy do I have some angry muscles. Next was an adjustment and muscle/fascia therapy from the team chiropractor. Later tonight I get to take an ice bath--sound fun doesn't it.

Race Day Strategy

I decided that I am going to focus on everything coach Buzz and I have been working on as far as technique -- although I may be tossed to and fro in the water I will imagine I am swimming in peaceful, calm waters. My self-talk I repeat to myself on race day is :

On the swim: "long and strong, fast as a fish, torpedo thru the water". I also sing to myself in the water--some favorite tunes are "row, row, row your boat" and "I am like a star".

On the bike: I am playing a movie over in my mind of me winning. I imagine the press conference after the race and I am surrounded by reporters and they are asking me questions like...."Melissa you have come into the triathlon world and dominated the women's division in record time--to what to you attribute your success?", "Melissa, you are without question the best female athlete in the sport of triathlon--what have you done to become the best in such a short time?" I also imagine I can hear the commentator talking about me while I'm doing the race and he says things like: "Ladies and gentleman, Melissa Guthrie is all around the strongest female athlete in this race today. Every athlete out there competing in multi-sport events has an event that is weaker than the others, not the case for Melissa Guthrie. She dominates the entire race from the swim, to the bike, to the run. She is equally strong in all three." Of course, I have to answer these questions--I have some great answers, but I'll let you all remain in suspense as to what they are. I also envision myself standing on the awards podium at the end of the race with a winners medal hanging around my neck. The bike segment is very fun for me because it is where I really create the outcome. I also sing to myself at times--my favorite tune right now is "break away" by Rascal Flatts.

On the run: Well, this is where I win the race every time. The run is my forte. I know I can get off the bike and absolutely fly for 6.2 miles. I pick off the other runners one at a time as I surge past them. My self talk is: "light and lean, fast as lightening", "little bit faster, pick it up, pick it up, little bit faster, pick it up, pick it up." My race strategy is to go out moderately fast for the first 2 miles, pick it up the second 2 miles, and then kick-it into high gear the final 2 miles and then my absolute favorite part of the race in my grand finish--the instant that I spot the finish line I kick it into a full-on sprint. I cross the finish line like a roaring lion, throw my hands in the air with victory having given every ounce of effort possible.

My goal for the race on Sunday is to set another personal record: I have a goal of 2:22:30.

Tomorrow I'll go out for an easy swim and short bike ride to loosen up and then rest the remainder of the day and eat plenty of high energy foods. We have a team USA meeting in the morning and then we put our bikes into transition area in the afternoon.