I shouldn’t be so hard on myself, but I thought I had a shot a the podium today. Mother f’er - I finished 4th in my age group.
Yes, 4th is acceptable, competitive, blah, blah. But, I want to be faster, stronger and to slide into one of the top 3 slots, dammit. The good/bad news is that I wasn’t even close to making the 3rd spot (about 5 minutes short), so I don’t have to torment myself that I fell short by just a few seconds when I slowed down to fart or pull out that wedgie.
I always want more. I am never satisfied. This makes me annoying, but also makes me driven. It’s who I am. There is a fine line between acceptance and pushing yourself. I am still trying to find it.
Enough wah, wah, wah. It was a GREAT morning to be racing in Boulder today.
I knew temps would reach at least 100 degrees later, but hoped my 7:35 a.m. wave start would make me beat the worst of the heat and it did.
Iron Girl puts on an A-class race. This race caters to newer athletes and strives to provide racers with an experience, not just a venue to swim, bike and run. Case in point – have you EVER been to a race where they had tampons, pads, extra toilet paper and nice smelly soaps on a table outside the porta potties? I almost wished I had my period so I could partake:
In the parking lot, I ran into Dimity (Another Mother Runner), which was nice because I didn’t really know anyone doing this race. We did a bunch of people-watching commenting on how freaking in shape and perfect lots of these people are. One girl seriously looked like she just stepped off of a fashion show runway and put on a tri-suit. I wanted to give her a hamburger, but I didn’t have time.
Ken and the kids showed up right before the start and it always calms me to see them. My kids are probably sick as hell of waking up to see us race, but whenever I feel selfish about it I remember two things:
- Let’s see – how many piano recitals, baseball games, soccer games, school plays and choir concerts have I been to? Oh, yeah about a million. ‘Nuf said. I think it’s good balance for mom and/or dad to be the focus sometimes.
- I’m hoping coming to these races and watching people (me included) dig deep plants a seed in their minds about perseverance, going for goals and not giving up. They certainly don’t have to do triathlons or marathons, but there will be many opportunities in life for them to work their asses off for something they want. I need them to know it’s theirs for the taking.
Water temperature was 74 degrees. I did forgo the wetsuit since it was such a short swim. After a moment of silence for the victims of the recent Colorado shootings, we were off.
That’s me in the pink probably praying that I don’t get clocked in the nose.
Yes, it's the best to swim into a nice sun glare that makes you legally blind.
My swim (1/4 mile) was slow, sluggish and frustrating. Lots of people were doing the backstroke, just trying to to drown and I was having a hard time getting a groove. Everyone really should just get out of my way. Swim time: 8:53.
Here I am giving someone the finger.
The bike (17.2 miles) was speedy and a blast. I spent the entire time trying to catch this one girl in my age group. I never got her, but passed her later on the run. I swear, she made me faster because she was like a little carrot the entire time. So, thank you anonymous 45 year old girl with the bony spine (c’mon, you know you notice these things too when you are riding someone’s ass forever). Bike time: 51:45 – 20 mph.
Clearly the dude in the stripes should be shot for blocking this photo.
The run (5K) was uneventful except that it was getting really hot and no shade. They had ice cold sponges, which I shoved in my non-existent cleavage. Run time: 24:39 – 7:56 min/mile.
I hate this picture. My legs look like tree trunks.
I finished in 1:28:18 which is exactly 31 seconds faster than last year. 4/55 in age group, 25/444 overall.
I am happy with that time because at this time last year I had just done the Boulder 70.3 and was in better racing shape than I am right now. I also went to a party last night and might have had a few drinks and lots of Mexican food. I think that will have to be my pre-race fueling from now on.
Sometimes I think the sprint races are harder for me because I am PUSHING my ass off the entire time vs. a longer race where I settle in pace yourself. Regardless, it’s never easy. And shouldn’t be. I always like to know I gave it everything I had so there are no regrets. When I get tried in a race, I constantly tell myself that. No regrets after I cross the finish line about what I did or didn’t do.
The best fan club in the universe.
Thanks so much to Athleta for today’s race entry!
Which do you prefer, shorter/sprint races or longer/endurance races? I am more of an endurance girl, but I do like a shorter race. I mean sometimes it’s nice to not be out there for 49 hours.
Do you drag kids to your races? No, not every single one, but most. If Ken and I are both racing, my mom and dad will often bring them to the finish.
How’s the weather where you are? Colorado is stinking HOT. Over 100 degrees everyday. Time for a nap.
SUAR
