Reflecting on the Race…
The day after any race is always an emotional one for me, and the day after Kona tends to be that ,and then some, taking those feelings to the nth degree, given its significance and magnitude. This is precisely why I opted not to write a post yesterday, to reflect on the race (as well as take a rare day of digital downtime), process everything in its entirety and craft something a bit more more thoughtful. On paper, my race went exactly as I wanted it, just as I’d planned it. I had a swim PR on this course by 4’, my bike watts were dead on at 80% FTP and my run pace was just a tad off – 10’ slower that my goal pace. Not a PR for me time wise, and I missed the podium by two spots this time, but honestly, I gave it everything I had. The conditions were awesome! Not too hot, not too windy… really, there’s not a single thing I can report that I wish had gone differently. I felt present, filled with gratitude and focused all day long; balanced but not disengaged….happy but not lackadaisical by a long shot. Hydration was spot on, energy level solid and steady and seeing my husband at multiple spots throughout the day, as well as the inherent energy from the crowd, all served to create an idyllic setting for an outstanding day. So that’s why I was a bit surprised to wake up yesterday morning still feeling a little bit out of sorts. I know myself and I know my body and I knew without a doubt that I raced with all my heart on Saturday, yet I still found myself mulling over whether I could have found that extra few minutes somewhere during the day to push through and have a faster bike split, as I’d done in years past or to possibly have come closer to my goal run pace. Why had I suddenly gone down the what if or could’ve / should’ve route? I chalked it up to part of the personal growth work I’ve been so highly focused on this year, and rather than either allowing myself to detour into a foul mood, I just sat with the emotions for a little while, had a little bit of a temper tantrum in my mind, meditated and took an invaluable day off from everything. Chris and I enjoyed a much needed day by the beach. I got in some serious magazine reading, meditating and aside from responding to some kind congratulatory notes from friends and family, had relatively no computer time, in order to begin this week, the off season from triathlon racing and the months leading into the holidays feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and focused. Too soon to say at this moment what next season’s going to look like, but I can say one thing for sure. I’m not done here yet! Aloha!
