Goal

Singular. Not plural.

I may have to repost this entry every month until it's etched in my brain, but I'll start by stating it once: My goal is to finish the race before the time cut-off. That's it. My goal is not to finish before nightfall. My goal is not an age group placing. My goal is not to qualify for Kona.

The emphasis is probably going to be important. If all goes reasonably closely to plan, come next August I'll be in the best shape of my life, fitness-wise. That will tempt my brain to outgrow my body and try for a better performance than my training will allow. Cue the ominous music portending a looming disaster.

So I'm going to be clear. All I want to do is finish. And if I want a stretch goal, it's simple: finish with a smile.