According to Webster’s Dictionary, the top two definitions of the verb to control, are as follows:

1.)  to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command

2.)  to hold in check; curb

 In preparation for St. George which is swiftly approaching, Scott decided to initiate our pre-race discussions and plans around one question, “What does it mean for you to control a race from start to finish, and end up with a result that you are happy with?”  Good one.  Now, as I am sure for most of you, that word ‘control’ seems to depict some interesting images in our minds.  Often which are accompanied with or connected to a negative connotation.  Something like this perhaps…..

Seem familiar?  (Either that or some Ex-Lax is a dire necessity – one or the other.)

However, when Scott asked me about controlling a race, I’m pretty sure he wasn’t talking about THIS kind of control.  In fact, how are these images in any way even truly related to the word control?

In an race like Ironman, we are anything but in control…of our circumstances.  The sooner we realize and accept this, the better off we are. That is for absolute certain.  Weather, what the other athletes are or aren’t doing, mechanicals, cramping….the list is endless for an event such as this.  I like to say that we can prepare our very best for a race like this, but in the end, it is up to the “Triathlon Gods” who will decide how things will turn out for you - in the end.  Or perhaps not.  Perhaps they set up some of the factors or variables, but the onus is actually on YOU to decide how it will turn out – more times than not, anyways.  Interesting concept!  One thing that is for certain, is that if you try to use some of the methods shown above to control how your race will turn out…you’re probably setting yourself up for a pretty tough day!

 After thinking pretty hard about this question, it is clear that the above images connote anything BUT control, in fact they represent the exact opposite. Through this process, I have come to wonder if the English language needs to evolve a little bit more with regards to this linguistic imprecision.  According to Webster, the terms command or dominate, don’t really seem conducive to what I actually think ”control” means.

 So, how about I paste in an image or two  of what   I DO think control means so that I am being clear.  Let’s try this again shall we?

 Now, I don’t know about you, but I think this is more like it.

 Control, within a race, or in anything we do in our lives, is not about controlling the outcome.  We cannot do this.  Instead, what we can do is control how we ‘react’ to those things that present themselves to us.  If we want to race, or BE, at our best, we have to remain in control…of ourselves.

 At IM Canada 2009, my first Ironman as a professional, I lost control of my fuelling after a cable snapped at the 120 km. mark of the bike.  I ran my way into third, but I was not in control.  I was so very much OUT of control, that I was unable to join in on the finish line spraying of champagne….instead I found myself hooked up to multiple IVs in the med tent.  Had I remained in control of myself when this happened, I would have realized that although I couldn’t control the mechanical, I was still moving forward, and I COULD control my fuelling.  This I have learned. 

So, I guess control means taking the focus away from the outcome, and instead controlling ourselves within each and every moment.  To do the very best that we can with what we are given on the day, albeit during a race, in training, or life in general.   No matter what kind of chaotic insanity might be going on around you, the trick to being at your best, is to stay calm within the center.