The Blog of Author and Athlete David Glover

I’ll be racing at the Quelle Challenge in Roth tomorrow morning for the fourth year in a row. When I first came to Roth in 2005, I came to experience the legendary atmosphere of what is the largest Ironman-distance field in the world with more than 2,500 individuals and 500 relays competing and more than 100,000 spectators cheering. I was not disappointed in the experience.

I also came to break nine hours again in an Ironman after first going “sub nine” at the inaugural Blue Devil Iron Distance Triathlon in 2007. Because of the fast times posted at Roth including the 7:50 world record set by Luc van Lierde, I mistakenly believed the Challenge would be an easy course. Fast, yes. Easy, no. It took me three tries to break nine hours, which I finally did in 2007 with an 8:51 for 23rd overall with the help of my coach, top German pro triathlete Olaf Sabatschus. You can read about my experiences at least year’s race here.

Photo: Me finishing in 2007 (Photographer: Courtney Johnson)

Tomorrow will be different. My original intent in signing up for the race was to post a faster time than last year. Unfortunately, some earlier recurring leg issues and a bout with over training followed by my stubborn unwillingness to back off leave me in decent (but not great) swimming and biking shape with no run base.

So tomorrow I will swallow my pride and only do the swim and bike. I will forgo the run as my leg is still bothering me and I need to let it heal. I will finish early then spend the rest of the day cheering on my Virginia friends: Shawn, Reid, Jennifer and Mark. I plan to have fun. That’s a good enough reason for me to do the event.

After a spectacular 2007 season with an 8:51 PR at Roth, an overall win at Vineman and another strong finish at Ironman Louisville within a 2-month span, 2008 is turning into a temporary reprieve from Ironman training and racing in order to recharge mentally and physically. It’s taken me a while to get to the point where I am willing to admit that I need a break from the disciplined training and focus, but deep down, I know this is the right thing to do. This is not to say I won’t do 4 hour bike rides with Brady or Krista when they need training partners for their long rides, but rather that I can choose what I want to do instead of what I need to do.

Plus, there are many unique and challenge events outside of triathlon to sample. Next week, I’m heading down to the Swiss Alps with my friend, Dave Tipler, to do a week of hiking in the mountains, and in the fall, I am looking forward to experiencing a few adventure races.

Next year will be here soon enough and I will be back with my passion.

Live life boldly and richly,

David Glover

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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