2007 World Champtionships |
You can read the full article here - It's a good one!
Well here is my confession - I relate because I struggle with the same thing. And I say currently struggle because I don't know that it will ever completely go away. However, I have made HUGE strides in the last year, particularly in the last few months, and I think it's showing in my race results. I started out the year with 2 x 4th place finishes, and moved up to a 3rd, then 2nd, then 2 x 1sts. It seems as though the methods I use help me to shut out the chatter and be able to compete like I know I can. If she can conquer it, so can I.
Spartan Family - Orla Walsh, Margaret Slatcher TyAnn clark, +Amelia Boone |
I'm not gonna lie - I WANTED THIS WIN - BADLY! Toquerville, UT is 2 hours away, so this was kind of my local race. I had lots of friends, family, and support in the audience that day, and I wanted to do it for them. I was especially excited to see one of my trainees complete the course. Click here for her story.
Images of my kids watching influenced much of my performance!
After the ladies were sent off, a group of 10 or so pushed the pace and fought for running ground. After the first mile, we were down to 4. Rose Wetzel, Amelia, Boone, and KK Stewart were the other 3.
One of the things that helped me in this race was experience in long distance running. Having run more 10ks to marathons than I can count has helped me to know how much energy to expend in order to have some left at the end. So when we hit things like the bucket carry, all 3 girls got ahead of me. I tried to go strong, but not as though I'm finishing a workout for time. I tried to evenly expend my energy. Within the next half mile I caught back up.
The Painted Warrior loads his shoes with sand as he |
At this point, we reached something called The Gamble. We are told beforehand that the longer route is flatter and easier, and the shorter, harder. I had already decided to go left (short) because it's served well in the past. It seems I chose correctly because a mile later it was only Amelia, Kk, and I. Rose unfortunately had gone right and we didn't see her for a while. Amazingly she did catch back up to KK pretty quickly!
Amelia and I spent the next 6 miles trading off leads. I would get slightly ahead of her on running, and she would catch back up in most of the obstacles. I honestly had been hoping just for a place on the podium in this race. I don't know if I ever believed that I would be on top of that podium. So when Amelia and I were fighting for first and second, I decided I wasn't going to let her have it. I was going to fight to the death! My race mantras were "Be Epic, Inspire, and have Courage" and I kept repeating it. If my pace on my garmin wasn't what I thought it should be I pushed harder.
We went through tire drags and pulls, tire flips, and a super gnarly barbed wire crawl.
Amelia throws first |
I seal my fate |
One mile left, and I was pushing to the finish to leave no room for doubt. One more sandbag carry, and Amelia had already finished her burpees when I finished the first lap. Really?? I could see the finish line and see my friend Justin finishing up right in front of me. I told him to help bring me in because my energy was failing and he pushed the pace for me.
Last obstacle that could change my game - Traverse Wall. You fall off - you get 30 burpees (and I would definitely lose first place). I took it slow and steady, and made it to the end.
My rock and Love of my Life |
Love my mom! |
Awesome, TyAnn! I'm glad your Mom was there to see you! She's a great support!
ReplyDeleteHaving her there meant the world to me! She is an amazing lady:). I things are going well for you guys.
DeleteWow, TyAnn! You are so inspiring! Way to go!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kim. It always surprises me that anyone pays attention to my racing- and it means a lot!
DeleteSo cool Ty, Almost makes me want to do something like this. You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteAlisa you totally should! I promise you could do it
DeleteLove this, good work girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you Maggi! What is your next race?
DeleteDude youre seriously my hero. Youre amazing. Im proud to know you!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the love Cami!
ReplyDelete