As I posted earlier I’m
always in a time crunch that is both physically and mentally exhausting.
Planning, packing workout gear and successfully executing my day takes a lot
out of me and that’s before I even get to my work-out! So far this year I have raced five triathlons,
one half-marathon and two 5Ks. I traveled overnight for five of these events,
which means even more planning and packing.
In late May I become totally burned out, I just wanted to come home
every day and lay on the couch. I
continued to train but my mind and heart just wasn’t completely in it. I was on autopilot and it seemed that I wasn’t
getting any faster or stronger. I was in
a rut!
I am somewhat fast for my rural area and I do well in local races. However, at larger races I feel somewhat intimidated. I feel like my gear isn’t fast enough, especially since I have a lower end road back with clip-on aerobars. I recently completed the TriAggieland Sprint in College Station, TX. The day before I completed a local 5K in Center and was the 2nd overall female. I had a good run but my hamstrings were especially tight so I did not get my hopes up for a good day at TriAggieland. I did not have a good run at TriAggieland but my swim and bike improved and I finished 4th in my age group out of 39 participates. I was thrilled and after I recovered for a few days I have felt mentally recharged, I’m back baby!
So what helped me recharge? The successful race at TriAggieland, I finished
one place short of getting an award.
Yes, I could have just said I do not feel like doing this and not
competed. But, I gave it a tri. This affirms
what I always tell other, “Give it a tri, you will be amazed at what you can do!” Maybe I should get out my old list of
inspirational quotes and post a few around my office and home. I should definitely reflect on my feelings
and start taking some of my own advice. I believe that I will also start writing down
concrete race goals for each race; maybe this will help my focus on each race. Of course a Caribbean vacation could help
too, but we will have to see about that next summer!
