What gets you to the start line? What motivates you to line up when the weather is adverse, the traffic is challenging, and the number (or lack of) participants is overwhelming? What internal dialogue breaks through all the options that might dissuade us from showing up? What keeps you returning even when the results are less than your best or you feel unseen? What keeps you competing when the expectations get too high?
I raced the Engadin Ski Marathon in an all-day blizzard, with an amended course due to snow threatening the stability of the ice on the larger lakes; it was a unique iteration. Due to the snow and windy conditions, a preferred racing line became evident, and long queues of racers formed. Overtaking other competitors required a significant energy investment to ski in the deeper powder and headwind. On challenging days, the mentality favors those who can keep their mindset on progressing when the opportunity appears. A gap in the line forms, and one can jump ahead and wait for the next chance. But sometimes, remaining in the line is the best strategy, and navigating the biggest pinch points, this act abides by the unwritten racing rules.
What-if-concepts 