4 weeks to go! I actually can't believe it's almost here. In one way I'm just terrified and want it to stay away, but the other part of me can't wait for it. Or the day after when I can claim bragging rights for the rest of my life.
I have gone through it in my mind so many times, but I don't think anything I can imagine will come close to the reality.
What I am looking forward to is being able to say ''Yes'' when someone asks me to do something that involves being out after 9pm, or away for the weekend, rather than ''Sorry I can't, how would I do my 5 hour bike ride?''
Even simple things like sport for fun I can't do because it's wasting valuable energy or putting myself at risk of injury. I can't play on the trampoline or rollerblade with my cousin at the moment. If I fell off or landed in the wrong way the last 6 months would be out the window. Call me paranoid but having knackered shins and a sore shoulder already and clinging on to compete as it is I won't be risking it!!
Heaven knows what it must be like for olympians. Putting your heart and soul into your training for 4 years.. and if something goes wrong it's another 4 years before you can try again. It shows that the link between mind and body truly matters, if you don't have the right attitude and mental strength you won't get anywhere.
I must say I am enjoying seeing the Union Flag everywhere. Sadly our St. George flag seems to be simultaneously associated with racism and football hooliganism now. I am ashamed of my country at times, particularly when I go abroad and see us behaving appallingly, but that is a minority, it isn't just who we are, there are many wonderful people and traditions to be proud of here. I am not particularly in favour of the Queen, but nor am I against her. She has her place in our culture and heritage and brings a lot of tourism to the country. I admire her still carrying out her duties at the age of 86, and still doing it with grace and good manners. I often read about the latest celebration or parade or whatever and think that she must be bored of soldiers on horses, singing school kids and the same old questions by now. With power comes great responsibility. She does her job well. And I'd sure as hell rather have Her Maj than a President Cameron!! That doesn't bear thinking about!
It's lovely to see people coming together and having pride in where they're from. Or just enjoying the extra day off she's given us! I hope the olympics bring that sense of pride too. I for one can't wait. I will be on the streets of Nottingham cheering with my Union Flag and my daft glasses when the torch passes through, and I'll be at the celebrations too. I'm also going to watch the cycling at Box Hill in Surrey.
I know a lot of people think the olympics is a waste of money and our resources, and I can see the point that people find it hard to get excited about sport when they're struggling to afford food and clothes, but sport unites us, it inspires us, and it gives us dreams and ambitions. It enables us to push our boundaries and limitations like nothing else. And there isn't a price you can put on that.
I remember watching Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell when I was a young child, and I wanted to run. When Gladiators was in its prime every child in the country wanted to be one! My brother and I would have duel and climbing contests on the wall outside. -The loser would get shoved down the stairs in our laundry basket.. he is 7 years younger than me, so guess who won-
Watching and reading about Bruce Lee inspired me to begin martial arts.
I wanted to be like my heroes. 19 years later, I still do.
Persistance will get me through the 1st July. My goal is to finish. My injuries have knocked my confidence and made it hard for me to know what to expect, particularly in terms of the run and swim, but one thing I am completely sure of is my mental strength, and commitment to completing it. I will not quit.
And when I get that Outlaw medal put around my neck, it will be my own personal Olympic gold :)
