Did Not Start 😦
So it was not to be…
After waking up with a cold on Friday morning it just got progressively worse over the day and in to Saturday. I carried on taking the Viral Guard and other things, got lots of sleep and tried to remain optimistic. We drove through to East London, and I even checked my bike in on Saturday evening on the off chance that I would feel better on the Sunday morning.
On Sunday, the morning of the race, I woke up feeling slightly better. I got dressed, covered myself in sunscreen and sat down to eat breakfast and think – how did I really feel?? Did I feel good enough to do a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycle followed by a 21.1km run? The answer was no.
I remembered reading an interview with Chrissie Wellington on her decision on to do race Kona 2 years ago. She said that she thought to herself – if it was a normal training day would she go out? The answer was no, so she did not do Kona. A huge decision for her as she was defending champion. I was not in the same situation, but asked myself the same question. My answer was also no.
I got undress out of my triathlon clothes and put on normal clothes to go down and watch the start. I was fine with my decision, until I saw my mom. How sweet are these t-shirts she had made….
But all in all I know I made the right decision. I might have been able to finish, but I also might have seriously injured or damaged myself.
For me the outcome of the race was the same, whether I did it or not. This time it was not about the challenge of finishing. I know I can do that distance, hell, I know I can do double that distance. For me it was all about setting myself a goal and forcing myself to get back onto the bike, back into the water and back into a training schedule and the race did that. I love training again and finishing (or even starting) the race had nothing to do with that.
My Happy Pace! 
So you immediately popped back home and mowed your lawn, right?
(Right?)
right, and the ironing…
LOL!
You must have been disappointed, but it was the right decision. I have a friend who took part and her bike broke so she didn’t finish.
Oh shame, that really sucks. mechanical problems are always a worry.
Hope you are feeling much better now? Must have been a huge disappointment not to be able take part after all the preparation, but your health is paramount.
A popular saying where I come from ” the water was spilled but the water jug is still intact” So you live to compete another day 🙂
I am sure you made the right decision for your body. There is always next year.
Was so disappointed for you, but you made the right decision. It’s not worth it. I love where you say, “hell, i know i can do double that dstance”! 🙂 I hope you’re feeling much better…
Aw man! David is working towards this race next year and I know he would have felt sad about it if he couldnt make it.
But rather sit one out and be healthy 🙂
There is always another race!