Lessons from the Kona Underpants Run

Written by Coach Ginny
In 2007, we witnessed the underpants run in Kona. Roch Frey and Paul Huddle put it on every year, and the whole purpose is to help the type-A, uptight Ironman junkies to laugh at themselves and our crazy sport. Once all the sweeeet toned bodies run down Alii Drive in their panties they gather by "dig me beach". Roch and Paul lead some stretches and get you to demonstrate your favorite pose or flex etc. They also ask you to TURN TO YOUR NEIGHBOUR AND TELL THEM WHY YOU WILL NOT WIN THE RACE ON SATURDAY. I think this is SO observant, and pretty funny.

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I've done this many times....Someone asks me if I'm all set for my race, and I always temper my response with what particular injury might affect my performance. Why do I do this? Probably to brace my ego from a less-than-spectacular performance. A critical side effect of this response is preparing myself NOT TO SUCCEED. It's a known fact....no one ever won the Olympics training for second place. Whether you are racing your best friend for 23rd and 24th place, or racing for 1st in the pro ranks, a big part of success is believing it's possible. Yes, your achilles is twinging, yes your knee bugs you on the hills, yes you might get blisters, yes you had bronchitis in February, YES YOUR TRAINING COULD HAVE BEEN MORE OPTIMAL.....BUT it might not affect your performance, or you may overcome the issue. I've had many a race where I've avoided running due to achilles injury or ITB pain etc, then by some miracle it doesn't bother me on race day. I'm not telling you to ignore injuries, but just get on with prevention exercises and rehab, then start using POSITIVE SELF-TALK, and use positive words with others. Try saying, "Yes, I'm going to be ready. I can't wait for the challenge. I'm working really hard on getting my foot strong, so I plan to have a great day".

I love the quote, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail"