I've followed many people racing Honu, Mooseman, Kansas and Rev3! Some had great races, some had fast races, some had good luck, others had loads of bad luck, and others did not make it to the starting line. Everyone had a story, some of which I am yet to read. Everyone fought so hard, whether a beginner or a seasoned triathlete. It was very emotional and amazing.
So what's the lesson?
In training and racing there are no guarantees. As an athlete you cannot focus only on PRing/winning an AG, or having a good race. If you do so, you are bound to be disappointed because no matter what, if you race long enough, chances are you are going to have bad races in spite of spotless training. So you need to be prepared for that, and ready to embrace it when it comes your way. And you need another reason to race and to train. You need to love training and racing for what they are, not what they may bring to you. Because you really are the same person/athlete, whether you win your AG or get a flat tire/cramp/injury/bad day and you don't. You need to be able to enjoy the failures along with the wins. You need to embrace the "chance" element that comes with racing. And life, because life and training/racing are so very similar. This is hard, very hard!!! Of course it is!
In spite of my desire to be glued to the computer and see how everyone's race was going, I managed a 30 mile faster (for me) ride, 2 swims (1.5 and 1 mile) and a 14 mile slow run (still not 100% after my fall). And yesterday the three of us went to Harvard Square where I had tears in my eyes watching my little street musician "play" with the street musician I used to listen to 10-12 years ago when I lived in the square....Some things don't change! And my little guy just enjoys "playing" his banjo, whether you clap when he is done, or you just walk by...
18 comments:
i volunteered at the 70.3 race yesterday, terrible weather. i was at the bottom of the mountain, telling people to slow down as they approaching a hard right turn (after coming down the mountain going 30+mph) it was awesome to see the pros do their thing. my first tri is this weekend and i can't wait.
That banjo playing is about the cutest thing I've ever seen.
You are totally right. I had actually spoken with a sports psychologist a few weeks ago and he asked me WHY I do this sport... and the true answer is that I LOVE IT. I love everything about it (except the thorns on the road that remove air from our tires- lol!) I actually have more FIRE now than ever... so it's all good. Now I just need to come up with some new goals and you can bet they'll include lots of running. ;)
OMG, your little one with the banjo is just soooo cute!! I know how proud you are of him :). Hope you're feeling better with the running part soon....you're so amazing!!!!
Gorgeous photo of your boy - amazing.
And I totally agree with your line of reasoning - I found that out recently when I couldn't race Boston... I realised that the training was much more important than I though it was ..
that pic is too cute!
Wow, you have been busy getting the workouts in! I wish that I could do as much as you! My stamina and endurance will never be as good as yours:)
I love the picture of your little Romeo playing the banjo:)
Damn, I feel like you're talking to me in that post. Maybe you're not, but I had the exact same thoughts as I was laying there on the ground, supremely p-'ed off at my DNF! Then I remembered that only people who are willing to put it on the line, to roll the dice, and throw something to chance, will experience success and greatness. Hey, the elites do it all the time, don't they? That may me feel a little better once I realized that.
Your post just echoes those thoughts and sentiments again for me. Thanks!
Awww. That's so cute!
I really needed to hear this today. Thanks.
so true. this all IS hard!
sooo cute with the banjo <3
You are spot on. You take the good with the bad and try to roll with the punches. The 'unknown' factor is what makes it all a little thrilling, but the quiet accomplishments are what make it exquisite.
Ok, your son is so cute!!!
I stalked so many people racing this weekend too! Ha. It was super inspiring though. I'll be at Kansas some day. :o)
I completely agree. The longer you race the more likely you'll have both bad and good days. I've had my share of bad days, but I honestly just love the sport. It's always disappointing to have a rough day, but not having run the race seems like a less desirable alternative...
Oh and we were at Harvard Square two weekends ago! We stopped at the Harvard Natural History Museum then strolled around the area. It's always so much fun!
Nice :-)
still not 100%... but sure are logging the miles/workouts! impressed as always :) (and a little jealous!)
the banjo picture -- too cute!
so true about running & racing. sometimes i think i actually like "just-training" more -- i can get pretty worked up before a race and that's just too much anxiety on myself :)
What a cutie:) Hope the sacrum/coccyx is doing better, those take awhile to heal so be patient, as you know:)
Great post!
There are no guarantees in a race. That's why I love the training even more and have learned to appreciate the element of "chance" that racing brings. Sometimes it's a little scary...
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