I signed up for Cali 70.3 last October and trained my ass off all fall and winter long. Round about 6-8 weeks before the race, every ride and run felt like a major struggle. Frankly, I felt powerless. I thought my legs were just overly fatigued and would "snap back" during recovery week.
I was completely wrong. I finished Cali 70.3 an entire hour slower than Troika. Granted, the swim at Oceanside is in a choppy ocean and the bike course is much more challenging in Camp Pendleton. Whatever. I gave the race all I had, but I just felt bad, again powerless. Not sick, but not 100% well.
I'm not an excuse maker and when something goes wrong with me, I will always blame myself. Immediately after the race I started finding all kinds of reasons for such a piss poor performance at the race...I didn't recover between race season (this might be true), I should have hired a coach, I should have used a different training plan, I shouldn't have done strength training this season, I need a new bike fit, and so on. My husband had another theory - perhaps my chronic anemia was back, since I hadn't taken my iron in months.
One blood draw and a doctor's appointment last week said it all: I am severely iron deficient and suffering from anemia. So, though I don't have to change my entire training approach, I am still mad at myself and it really is my fault for not taking care.
What's next is not entirely clear to me yet, since it could take four months before my iron stores reach a reasonable level. My plan is to finish my three weeks of recovery this Saturday and start building the blocks of smart and healthy training again. I want to feel some power when I swim, bike and run. I look forward to enjoying a long run, not dreading my failure at it. I want to be able to push hard and know I am making progress. I want to succeed.
5 comments:
I love your honesty. Sorry it wasn't the race you hoped for, but I'm glad you have an explanation. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Andy
Bummer it didn't all come together but you have the right approach and attitude to make it happen.
You did and will continue to suceed. That is an extremely difficult race. Hang in there and hope you start feeling better soon.
Been there... and it suuuuuucks. BIG time. The road back from severe anemia is a long one but important. I am so glad to hear that your first priority is to get healthy.
I hate that this race and training didn't come together like you had hoped, but it surely wasn't due to lack of investment or dedication to your plan. Your sacrifice and perseverance through the winter was deserving of a great race in Oceanside. As we have all found out, however, there are just so many variables that can't be anticipated or planned for - they aren't on any training plan. And I am so glad for your body and your sanity, that you have some answers.
I hope that no matter where this journey back to health takes you, that you get back to enjoying the ride. I have learned recently that this is paramount.
Love you much and as always, appreciate your honesty about your experience.
in no way whatsoever did you fail, I am impressed how much you did. finishing with what was going on in your body shows your drive and dedicating, its impressive! Keep your spirits up and keep rocking on!
Hey Nat! would love to touch base with you about your husbands experience...kkalt01 at gmail
Post a Comment