Well…..turning 50 hasn't gone exactly to plan so far.
This was going to be the big one. The year I put it all together…smashed PRs, did new and exciting races, built the EO Racing team to new levels of greatness…..
So far, I've underperformed on a few fronts.
At the Abq Half Marathon I stopped at mile 12 to help a girl who had collapsed near the side of the road. I walked in with her and didn't put up a very good number. I feel great about what I did…and wouldn't do anything differently…but I was hopeful that I'd surprise myself with my early season level of fitness. Now…I'm not sure where I really am?
At the Jay Benson Triathlon I damaged my foot at mile 2 of the run while hitting a bridge expansion joint. I hopped in, pedaled the course with one leg, and swam without kicking. Sure…I finished, but I was expecting a solid time and maybe an age group placing for the first time ever at this race…instead I was a distant also ran. It was wonderful having my EO teammates there to take care of me….and that, perhaps, is the best outcome of all.
I planned the HITS Grand Junction ironman distance aqua bike as part of my training for IMCDA….and this past weekend was the final nail in the IM coffin for me. Even if the water was 58-59 degrees as we later discovered…it was too cold. My body was freezing and already shutting down near the end of the first loop of the swim. The second loop was survival swimming…and for the first time I was actually scared in the water. My legs began to cramp badly so kicking was out of the question. Halfway thru the 2nd loop my core muscles, shoulders, arms, and hands began to cramp. I couldn't even wave for help if I needed it….and I wasn't sure someone was going to be able to pull me out in time if it went terribly bad. The bike was a horror…..from swimming "flat" my neck was already jacked up…so I couldn't stay aero because I couldn't look up. I lost my finger bandage early in the bike and the hemangioma that needs to be surgically removed on my finger began bleeding immediately. I was bleeding until the mile 20 aid station when one of the volunteers had some Roc tape to put some pressure on it. Near the end of the first loop my left foot began hurting so I was primarily pedaling with my right leg again…and finally at mile 75 my right leg seized up at the adductor and I could go no further. It took me no time to decide that the cold water at IMCDA and the short time frame to the race meant it was time to move on. I had not a moment of pleasure this past Saturday….other than seeing my friends and my wife…..every moment on the course was a lesson in pain and futility.
I've decided to reset the season and drop back to the distances that I really love. I'll be racing Oly and sprint tris in an attempt to salvage what is left of my 50th year on the planet. I'm still a go for the SOS Triathlon in NY in September….and will probably go back to the SOMA 70.3 race in Tempe, AZ in October (the longest distance I'm will to suffer these days).
I want to thank the entire Endurance Obsession Racing Team for their friendship, support, and great efforts this season. It's a true blessing to be involved with so many good people who are doing so many good things.
I want to thank Altra Running for their support. The Ambassador Team has been a great source of motivation to me as I get to follow their challenges around the globe this season. Via my new race schedule I intend to get back out there and represent the brand the way they deserve to be represented.
I want to thank EO Racing sponsors Trisports.com, XTERRA Wetsuits, and Boston Bill Sunglasses….you have been great supporters of our team and we appreciate knowing that you believe in us and our mission.
Plans change, people change, goals change…..I'm not even 50 1/2 yet (or 606 months for you Moms out there) and it's time to hit the reset button. I'm feeling great about my decisions and ready to get back to work.
Rock on!!
Peace…...
