After a lot of time this week in the pool, on the bike and on the treadmill, I realized I just wasn't ready to do a triathlon next week. I'm sad about it - I really can't think of a time when I quit something. But, I have to admit to myself and accept that I just didn't train properly. I am not making any excuses here - I didn't train enough - I let life get in the way and I just wasn't ready.
This morning, I got up at 5am and swam for the first time in an olympic size pool. I could barely do one length freestyle and then would switch to side stroke for the way back. I did this for an hour and thought "well, maybe they would let me do side stroke in the tri?" After an mile in the pool, I jumped out and got on a bike, yesterday I had biked 25 miles, and the plan was to do 25 miles today and then do the full 6 mile run. I got to six miles on the bike and my legs were already throbbing and I thought how am I going to get through another 19 miles on the bike and then THEN run 6 miles? It just occurred to me that I just can't "wing it" with a triathlon.
I always have fear before a race - but this time was different. It was ALL fear. There was no excitement. Before my ten mile race in philly last year, yeah, I was scared, but I couldn't wait to get out there! Get to the expo! I couldn't wait to run. With the tri, I was petrified. And, every email I got from the organizers was a reminder of something I didn't know... how do you change a flat? How do you do an in-water start - as opposed to dive start? What do you mean by "bikes must be racked by the seat"? And, the last email from the organizers described the six very technical, very steep turns on the course. I just realized this was above my head right now and I have too much respect for the sport to think I can just fake my way through it.
I'm sad about it. But, as Angie said "don't cry, try!" (or tri, as the case may be!) I deferred to next year, so I have guaranteed entry. I also will look into sprint triathlons in the area. Maybe start smaller. And, I'll keep up my training, so when I decide what to do next, I'll be ready.
So. There it is. Some sadness around this decision, but it's the right one.
I've been excited to read all of your recent posts... V. - great on the job. That's going to be good for you AND for everyone in the gym! And, Rachel, that's really wonderful about the bike race. Where is it?
Take care girls. Cathy
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Cathy,
I am so bummed for you, but you know what you are capable of. You should sign up for a sprint and you won't need any additional training, they are lots of fun and people of all types show up. I have another sprint on Saturday and had to add 1 min 30 seconds to my swim time (vacation followed by the flu, followed by a colonoscopy and my cardio has dropped big time). Oh well, I still plan on finishing and having fun.
You are allowed to side stroke at any triathlon, that is why they call it freestyle you are 'free' to pick what style/stroke. There are people who breaststroke, backstroke, even doggy paddle.
Mounting your bike from the seat means to hang your bike up by the seat not the handle bars, you will see this looking at any bike racked already.
Excited to hear about your upcoming sprint :)
Rachel
Hi Cathy,
Always good to hear from you. I know just how you feel. When I gave up my number for the Marine Corp Marathon last fall, I was really frustrated, but I immediately felt the stress and pressure leave my body. It was the right decision. There will be another year. That said, when I gave up that race I immediately found one that I could train appropriately for and registered. So, your sprint will be when?
I really appreciate all your kindness. I have been pretty overwhelmed by the supportive responses when I let folks know to stop working on their banners :-)
I started looking around for something close and manageable and I think I found a race....
September 7. A biathlon in Central Park. 2 mile run, 12 mile bike ride, then another 2 mile run. There's a time limit - have to be done in 2 hours. But, I think I could do that. I think I could do that tomorrow actually...
And, I'm just going to keep steadily working on my swimming.
Now that there's no pressure on me, I really am looking forward to just getting back into the rhythm of training.
Thank you again! Have a good weekend. Cath
Post a Comment