Photo: Cheer sign from Quelle Challenge 2007 in Roth, Germany
Have you ever asked yourself these questions in the days or weeks leading up to a big race?
“Do I pull the plug?”
“Am I just having an off day?”
“Do I need to some extra rest?”
I’m struggling with all of these questions right now.
Today is Monday and I’m signed up to race Ironman Arizona this coming Sunday. I want to do this race - I invested hundreds of hours training for it and it’s a stepping stone for me to set another PR at the Quelle Challenge in Roth, Germany this summer. My training had been solid and consistent up until about two weeks ago when the issues first started.
The symptoms started with a general feeling of malaise and tiredness. “Ok,” I thought to myself at the time, “You’re training for an Ironman. You should be tired. No big deal.” I slept more.
When I swam with friends during that week, my swim pace dropped significantly. Frustrated, I told them, “I’m tired today,” then moved over a lane to swim by myself. Perhaps I am experiencing over training. I backed off intensity and volume for a few days and slept more.
“I’ll bounce back,” I kept telling myself. “I always do.”
I didn’t.
Last week began with congestion and an achy flu-like feeling. I took three days off completely last week. When I attempted a few push-ups mid-week, I couldn’t do them and my right side was noticeably weaker. I finally went to the doctor and he ordered up a slew of blood work.
The cold is gone, and I am anxiously awaiting the blood work. I really want to race. I want to experience that feeling of flow that I experience when I’m racing - the feeling of total commitment and total absorption in the event. I want to see people cheering and read the motivational signs. The thought of not racing…or not being able to race…is unpleasant.
If I was an objective person, I would probably tell myself, “Ah, just skip the race and save it for another day.” As my subjective self, I keep thinking, “It’s temporary. I’ll bounce back. Go race!”
Do I race or not?
To be continued…
Cheers,
David
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David B. Glover
Professional Triathlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net
© 2008 David B. Glover
