Anyone looking for the perfect method of self-torture need only sign up for a triathlon. The key component, of course, is to not train. Not only will the anticipation of such a race weigh down on you as it creeps up closer and closer, the race itself will test you in ways you never expected.
Ok, I might be getting a little dramatic, but the circumstances call for it. I completed my first sprint triathlon (and let’s face it, probably my last) a week ago and almost killed myself. Having been sick three weeks straight just before the race, I wasn’t able to train as planned. My breathing was completely stunted and my body weak. I was scared. Even more scared when my partner-in-crime bowed out a couple weeks before the big day.
But I guess the important message here is that I did it and, all things considered, tried my hardest. (Sounds convincing, doesn’t it.)
Confession: I’m competitive.
The day of the race, I remember standing on the beach in my wetsuit (which I rented just two days before) watching the other swimmers walk confidently in the water to warm up or position themselves at the start line. I stood there barely listening to a few seasoned triathletes giving me a few tips and tricks to ensure I didn’t get overwhelmed at the beginning — too little too late.
Of course, it wasn’t the prospect of the physical swim that overwhelmed me. It was the mental one. I fell so far behind that I was actually embarrassed to finish. The group that started 20 minutes after me had caught up. A fast cyclist and runner, the snail pace I was swimming at truly disillusioned me. I didn’t anticipate falling that far behind.
It wasn’t completing the swim that was the true test. No, the true test was completing the swim at my own pace and not trying to be a hero. Knowing I’m capable of better was tormenting. Yet in the end, I knew that I had to crawl to the finish line or tire out and tap out.
And once the swim was done, I was back in my element. I even managed to run faster than I expected considering how tired I was once I reached the end of the race. (I just wish I had Jess Baumung there to capture my finish line shot!) With that, I’ll leave you with a quote I serendipitously stumbled upon today:
“Every time you take a big risk in your life, no matter how it ends up, you’re always glad you took it.”
