Training and racing is a great escape from the rest of the world. Typically, it's no problem leaving it all behind and focusing on the ride and the races ahead. Today was different. I returned from vacation to learn of an "unfortunate event" at work. Admittedly, I'm still seething, so I may not be thinking clearly. However my perception is that, while no guidelines or rules were broken, a moral code was. And that burns me up. Even though I learned about it four days ago, the feelings are strong enough that I could think of little else on my ride. It was hard to appreciate the warm temps, 5:30 daylight, lack of traffic, and first long ride of the year on my TT bike. Shit, shit, shit.
After two hours, and ending with a good effort, I had a very quick transition to a run. It felt good to put on the racing shoes for the first time. I ran hard for the first mile to get that "race" feeling for the first time this year. And oh, did I feel it. We all know that feeling...heavy and huge quads, shakey legs, tight upper body, etc. I didn't look at my watch until I hit the mile marker, and thought I was probably around 7:00. I came in at 6:16. I WIN. Not the events at work, but ME. I WIN.
While I can't expand on the events any more, suffice it to say a certain individual is signed up for Polarbear on Saturday. Toast.
Speaking of Polarbear, it's the season opening sprint at Bowdoin College. 525 yd pool swim, 11 bike, 5k run on road and trails. Last year at this time I was just coming back from "daddy prevention surgery," and did well. This year I'm coming off a great 8 day, but far from relaxing, vacation. I did some running in Florida, including a 9 miler. And thanks to a stomach issue, I didn't stuff or drink myself silly. So I think things are falling in line.
My races this year are sprints and olympic distances, so every one of them is intense. No better way to improve than to go to the mat every time. A long winter, big end of the year goals and lots of training with a lack of racing have me keyed up. Oh, yeah...and there's that other issue.
Bring it on!
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I understand that feeling of a "certain someone" being signed up next week. I think I'm hungrier though...sounds like you are too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had good vacation. They aren't too relaxing any more are they. :)
You sound ready to crush the season. 6:16 on a
T run. look out.
I'll stick Mark and the boys on that corner...good plan. :) SEe you Saturday!!!
Oh boy! I can't wait to hear how Polar Bear goes now!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so curious, though. OF COURSE I want to to know who you are really racing this weekend and what was violated in the moral code and all that good stuff! haha!
You are going to kick ass this weekend-- I know it and I can't wait to read about it. A 6:16 during a T run??? I think I've run a mile that fast like once in my life-- and it was just a mile run!
Good luck!
Funny how a stressful situation can drive you to perform well, isn't it? I remember running really fast after nearly being attacked along my favorite bike trail. I was SOOOO pissed at the guy I wanted to tear him up.
ReplyDeleteGood luck at the Poarbear!
Brunswick Worlds Steve...see you there.
ReplyDeleteBTW, miss Bancroft I think your "person" might not be there as that "person" is dealing with some foot issues.
I have no "persons" to race...bummer:-)
Hey! 5th overall today!!! Awesome!!! that's excellent. 58:06 is Impressive!!!!! nice race.
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