T1 (Tonly): Slow. Yeah, yeah. Of course it was slow, there was a long walk (well, run for everyone else) from the beach to my bike. And after being extended for 32 minutes with no weight on it, the ankle wasn't happy to be asked to go fast (relatively speaking here). So couple that with trying to get the wetsuit over my ankle without crying, and it apparently was about 5:27. Ouch.
Bike: Not the 17+ I had hoped for, not by a long shot!! By this time, the sun was out and it was HUMID after the morning's rain. I hadn't eaten enough (always a gamble...eat enough, and risk serious GI distress...I figured I'd rather be weak than in pain), so pulled the GU out of my saddle bag and that seemed to make a big difference. This course was HILLY. I'm used to hills, but this redefined rolling hills for me. I would go from 40+ on the downhills (FUN!) to I think I hit 6.2 on one steep uphill. Of course I passed a lot of people. This was expected, given my wave and the fact that, by the time I left transition, there were very few people behind me! I am VERY curious to see others' bike times, as my average was only 15.2 yet I really couldn't have gone much faster. I definitely have a problem maintaining momentum up hills, and a few times (ok, a lot of times), I said screw it and didn't even try. The lack of competition that far back didn't help my speed, but again, I had FUN, and really that was the point today.
I waited around FOREVER for the awards. I actually thought I might have been the only aqua biker, and, well, you know what that means. They went through most of the age group awards (but missed some, including the only 60+ year old woman) but then said, oh, we're not done but we're not ready to give those out yet. UGH. So I went up and asked, and they sent me back to the timing truck, and the guy there told me I'd won. Out of 2 females. Though I did also beat the 2 males. So I went back to the stage and asked for my award, and left. No going up on stage, no fanfare (though honestly no that many people stuck around for the real awards anyway), which I guess annoyed me a little.
On the drive home, I was pissed. I'd had fun and won my division. Why was I upset? Took me a long time to figure it out (I had a long drive), but I guess I came up with the fact that this is just a consolation prize. My competition is now the fat, lazy, and crippled. And ok, I'm the fastest one. So fucking what? I'll get over it. I have no choice. But my performance, fun though it was, didn't deserve a prize. There's just no real meaning in what I won.
All the real athletes ran.
9 comments:
Wow, Ok I think I can understand why you're upset and not being able to be the top of your game in running is just unfair because you are obviously so dedicated and passionate about it. But I'm still sooo impressed!! Well done for doing what you did. I'm doing a 50 mile bike ride in September.. I'll try to keep you in mind, if I ever feel like giving up!
On one hand, I empathize with your frustration about not being able to run and the change in the group of athletes you're competing with. It's really hard to give up something you love so much (I haven't been able to run in a year and a half and I still get upset about it sometimes).
On the other hand, I absolutely disagree that you're not a "real" athlete because you didn't run. You most certainly are! You train, you push yourself, you compete. That makes you an athlete in my book - and most other peoples', too, I think. (Is Lance Armstrong not an athlete because he "only" bikes?)
Even though you've had a set back for running, you still doing amazing stuff. And not just because you have RA - but because you're a busy mom, teacher and wife - yet you still train regularly, go to races, etc. That alone is impressive - and not many people do it. As for the RA part, well, that just makes it all the more inspirational for me and other RA-ers!
Don't sell yourself short!!
i didn't mean that i wasn't a real athlete...just that not many people who are real athletes would ever think of signing up for a triathlon and choosing the option that lets you not run. so i felt like a slacker, even though my reasons may have been legitimate.
You had fun while you were out there and that's the important part. It's what I'm looking for again in triathlon. And I understand why you're upset but a win is a win. And if it makes you feel any better, no one usually sticks around for awards at most races. It's always pretty anti-climatic.
Congrats on having a fun time out there and winning, at that. Don't let the "post-race analysis" ruin it for you :)
This is not a consolation prize. You are dealing with some physical issues that would totally sideline most people. They would have thrown in the towel and be home eating chips and watching bad TV. You should be proud of your accomplishment.
That's ashame you are thinking of it as a consolation prize - you did great and have worked hard at your swimming and biking. You'll be able to run at some point. Just enjoy the races and be proud of yourself. You could just be sitting on the couch.
It sounds like you worked hard and had a great personal race. I wouldn't dwell too much on how you stacked up against everyone else. Keep working hard. :o)
Oh! Enjoy the race you had - you did well and you won. And you are an athlete by definition of getting out there, training and racing.
I don't think cutting the run out of a triathlon makes the race less challenging. I'm a wimp about stacking two different activities back to back so I admire anyone who has the energy to complete a swim just to hop on a bike!
You have another aqua-bike coming up this summer, right?
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