Race Report: Strawberry Fields Duathlon

[Wahine]

Blue, congrats on a good finish. You finished, amoungst a tough group. You could've thrown in the towel with the pain you were in, but you didn't and that means a lot. You didn't DNF.

I can't tell you how many times I've been out on a course and thought what the hell am I doing here. I've been in races where I've spent more time in the porta potties than the run course. RnR is right, you suited up and that makes you better than most. Not only that, you finished under tough circumstances.

Congratulations. You're tough.

[Bluetree]

Thanks gals. I think I would go bonkers without you. I woke up this morning really sore but not immobile (thanks to a couple of bags of ice and 800mg of motrin yesterday). Hopefully it there is no real damage.

I have to reassess my goals for next month. I had planned on using this race as a stepping stone, then focus the next month on open water swimming. Now I have a setback/dilemna. My coach wants to reevaluate my gait and focus on improving my running. So I don't know if I'll have the time for the swimming. Plus, I'll be super-swamped with work the next two weeks along with the usual stress levels for my upcoming show.

I wish my next race was six weeks away, instead of four. I almost want to skip it (the following race is in June) but the fees are paid and I am the acting den mother regarding the hotel/road trip with my friends. I want to go, as much for the cameraderie and support as anything, but I'm wondering if it would be detrimental for my long-term plans (and short-term sanity).

One option is to focus on the swimming (while maintaining run/bike) and come April race day just walk the running leg, if I have to. I could postpone my run training/focus until after the race, to prepare for my summer/fall races. I figure I won't be as disappointed in my upcoming race if I don't set my goals very high.

[HappyAnika]

I'm so sorry about your back! I hate back pain. Have you seen your chiropractor?

You should be so proud of yourself for finishing under those circumstances. It shows you have a lot of determination and a strong will, which will help you do awesome in your next race. In the mean time, take it easy and get the back problems solved.

[Grog]

I hope you feel better BlueTree, there's nothing to be ashamed of.

*big hug*

Not every race can be a PR. Good luck on the new and improved training! A girl I ride with told me that after experiencing a back pain she's been thought by her personal trainer how to sit and stand again. Back to basics. But she feels better now.

Good luck!

[alpinerabbit]

You are one tough chick. Now I am scared. Of you.

[Wahine]

I wish my next race was six weeks away, instead of four. I almost want to skip it (the following race is in June) but the fees are paid and I am the acting den mother regarding the hotel/road trip with my friends. I want to go, as much for the cameraderie and support as anything, but I'm wondering if it would be detrimental for my long-term plans (and short-term sanity).

One option is to focus on the swimming (while maintaining run/bike) and come April race day just walk the running leg, if I have to. I could postpone my run training/focus until after the race, to prepare for my summer/fall races. I figure I won't be as disappointed in my upcoming race if I don't set my goals very high.

Blue, why don't you use this as a strictly training race. Choose the sport you want to work on and push for only that one discipline, then cruise through the rest. I mean cruise - wear a HR monitor and don't go above Z3. I do this with a lot of my races. Helps to give me focus but keep from burning out or over-doing it. Even give yourself permission to DNF if things are feeling too tough. You can justify it by the fact that if you push through a bad day it will take you too long to recover and will affect your training for your June race.

You definitely need to set out some rules before this race to keep your competitive nature in check. Do not self distruct.

[spokewench]

You did a great job and if you need to because of injury limitations etc., just use your next race for training.

I've lived with back trouble all my life it seems like. Broke my back in my early to mid 20's when I fell off my own horse!

It can be really hard to take, but just take every day at a time. I have found that yoga and stretching really help me. It doesn't get rid of the pain, but it helps immensely, allows me to do more and not have to just cry uncle!

For many years, and especially when I was first starting to race road and mountain bikes, I just used my early season races for training, and then would try to focus on getting better at the end of the year. It works!

Hope you start feeling better soon.