Stepping out into the sunlit arena and onto the track. The noise of a cheering crowd swells up alongside competitors as they race around the stadium and past those who just entered the site of this athletic spectacle. The atmosphere is overwhelming and intimidating, but exhilarating at the same time. What an experience. Being here. In this moment.
Then, there is the call. Stepping up to the starting line. The body feels poised. After all, it has been readied for this in countless hours of training and exercise during the past few months. This is the instance and instant to prove oneself, to show that one belongs here amongst the best in the field, hailing from all corners of the world.
Yet, nothing ever quite prepares one for the actual event. Now, when everything has to line up for the best possible performance mind and body can achieve on this particular day in time. Confidence and doubts engage in one last heated debate. Straining the nerves. But then again, every move has been practiced endlessly. To near perfection. Or one would think. The body itself has internalized what it needs to do. One ought to count on mere muscle memory at this point. Also, every possible situation and scenario has been played out in one’s mind, all odds have been considered and variables tested beforehand. So yes, ready. On your marks! Set. Go.
