Big races are like weddings. You put in so much time and effort thinking, planning and getting ready. Then all of a sudden, it's over in a blink of an eye and you're left wondering where the day went. I usually feel a little lost after a big race and sad that it's all over, but this time around, I'm crushed. I've been so down since Saturday and would give anything to go back and do it all over again. The fact that it was my last Tri of the season isn't helping matters either. I did look up some races to see if I could fit one more in but with 2 half marathons and a marathon already on my schedule for the rest of the year, I need to switch gears and stay focused on what's coming up.
Aside from feeling bummed out, my body feels pretty good. It took a day or so for my legs to actually feel a little sore but even then, it was nothing like being sore after a marathon. The worst of my soreness was actually my upper body which I think was from the position on the bike, coughing, and snot rocket neck turning. It's nice knowing that such a tough course didn't beat me up too bad physically and that I was in the right shape for the race.
I've been trying to not dwell on my finish time and just celebrate the fact that I finished. But for anyone who's been reading for a while, you know I'm really hard on myself. Especially when I know I am capable of more. I did get confirmation from the race director that the swim was long, but they aren't sure by how much. Turns out they had the fire company set up the course and they screwed it up. So I feel a little better knowing there was a reason for my swim time and it wasn't just that I suck that badly. And I feel even better knowing that not only can I swim 1.2 miles, but I can swim more than that...just not sure how much more. (after I wrote this I found out that someone who wore a garmin on the swim had it measured at 1.6 miles...that's a HUGE difference!)
I've been doing a lot of thinking since Saturday and I'm feeling sort of good about my goals for next year. I have some things I want to research and iron out before I make anything official though. It's not as simple as just registering; I need to make sure I can fit this into my life, that I have support, funds, coaching, etc. Saturday was only half of an Ironman and it required a lot of sacrifices on both me and Andy. On top of that, I was lucky enough to do this one close to home and have my parents, Andy and friend KT there for portions of the race. I can't even express how much it helps knowing I'm going to see people while I'm out there and I can't imagine doing twice the distance without the motivation that I'll see loved ones along the way.
As usual, my mind is racing...
5 comments:
"IRON" out... hehe. I hear you on the massive decision. Huge commitment with lots of sacrifices and adjustments. At least you know you can handle it physically AND you have the mental strength. I think it mostly comes down to making it work logistically, right?
Post-race blues are the worst! Hope you start to feel better soon. Hey, at least I'm coming to visit in 2 months!!
post race blues stink. the only way i get past them is to plan out the next big thing.
I know what you mean. WHo would have thought that a race could leave such a sad feeling...?! I kind of felt this way post-Hood to Coast relay. So much anticipation and then its over - back to real life. I guess you need to start planning & training for another big race :)
i think most of us who have built up to something know exactly what you are going through...especially when we have really big expectations of ourselves :) However you did really do some amazing things this year and now that you know what you can do, i can't wait to see what decisions you make for your next races
When it's not your body racing, it's your mind :)
Are you off this Friday? I'm planning on doing a mid-day 20 near Brent's school. Any interest in joining me for some/all?
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