Panic Attacks and Perseverance

A picture taken on the sidelines post a 1.9km swim in Palm Cove, Cairns.

The Race: 70.3 Half Ironman.

My friend who took the shot said I looked possessed. He was right.

Backtracking to the start of the race, here is how it unfolded…
Ready. Set. Go. Gun goes off. I Jump into the water. 30 seconds in, in all the commotion, I get punched in the face 🤛 I pull back to gather myself.
Wetsuit feels way too tight.
Breath shortens.
Lip is bleeding.
I suddenly remember I’m in Cairns croc infested waters.
Panic attack kicks in.
🛟 Lifesaver comes to the rescue and says, “If I pull you out it’s all over.”
🤔 6 months of training and I’m just 50 meters into the race! I can’t give up!
💪 Solution — One stroke at a time. Doggy paddle turned to breaststroke turned to freestyle and I was away again.

KEEP IT SIMPLE
One stroke at a time.
One moment at a time.
One decision at a time.

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