Chapter Six: Race Smart, Race Brave
“If it’s going to hurt either way – make it count.”
Not every race is a tearjerker. Not every story needs a collapse at the finish line or a miracle comeback.
Some races are quieter. Deliberate. Measured.
The Veteran has learned to love those too.
Because racing smart doesn’t mean racing soft.
He remembers one in particular — a 70.3, years ago.
It was one of those crisp, early-season mornings. He’d trained well. Recovered well. And for once, he had no drama to manage – no tight calves, no broken gear, no emotional sabotage. Just a race to run, and a plan to follow.
The goal wasn’t fireworks. It was execution.
“Don’t get greedy on the bike,” he’d told himself. “Hold fire. Let it come to you.”
The temptation, of course, was to chase.
Someone passed early. Then another. The power numbers started creeping. And still, he held. Trusted. Backed off just a touch when instinct told him to surge.
He knew what he was doing.
Then came the run.
It wasn’t heroic – but it was relentless.
He picked off athletes one by one – the over-bikers, the under-fuelled, the ones who went too soon.
He moved through the field like a man reading a script he’d written himself.
He didn’t win. Didn’t podium.
But he ran strong. Finished proud. No limp. No implosion.
And when he crossed that line, it wasn’t euphoria. It was something better – satisfaction.
Quiet. Solid. Earned.
A race run not on adrenaline, but on wisdom. On pacing, patience, and just enough pain to make it count.
“Pacing is faith” he tells people now. “It’s believing the effort will pay off – even when you can’t see it yet.”
And bravery? It’s not always about risking collapse. Sometimes, it’s trusting yourself not to.
Another mile behind. Plenty more ahead.
P.S.
Race day isn’t just about who’s willing to suffer. It’s about who knows how to suffer … and when.
Be brave, yes. But be smart too. That’s how you build a body – and a story – that lasts.
Coach’s Corner: How To Race With Brains And Bravery
Have a plan. And respect it. Going in with a strategy – especially around pacing and nutrition – is a mark of maturity. Stick to it unless there’s a really good reason not to.
Don’t mistake hard for smart.
Hard is good. Smart is better. Know when to push and when to wait.
Be patient early.
The first half of any race is about not messing it up. The second half is where you let the engine go.
Aim for a controlled fade — or a negative split.
It’s better to pass others than to be passed. And it usually means you fuelled and paced better.
Practice decision-making under fatigue.
Train to be calm when your heart’s racing. Know your numbers, but listen to your body too.
Redefine bravery.
It’s not about emptying the tank too soon. It’s about trusting your preparation, running your own race – and knowing when to strike.
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