...a Shawnigan Lake Triathlon didn't-race report
or, "Why Kate was on the Sunday Ride on a Tri weekend"
I'm a Big Chicken (crippling race anxiety)
Moderator: mfarnham
I'm a Big Chicken (crippling race anxiety)
kateweber.com
Re: I'm a Big Chicken (crippling race anxiety)
http://kateweber.com/2014/05/26/chicken/#more-2195
Of course, following my advice has been nothing short of terrible in the past, but I think this triathlon thing is just too complicated for one's first race back. Bike, various shoes, numbers, strappy things so you can turn the number around, gels, socks (do you wear socks in a tri?), water bottles, wetsuit AND swimsuit, cap & helmet & visor, towel, flip flops.....This isn't racing, this is the stress of packing for a holiday at the end of the world where the locals have no stores or currency.
Now on Wednesday night, you have the option of an uphill test of mettle. All you need is your biking stuff and 15 minutes of discomfort (MAX). Heck, who can't ride a bike for a mere 15 minutes. Then on Friday night there's an even shorter, flatter race to be had (10 mins MAX) - this time with near continuous cheering. Leave the same bike stuff in a pile on Wednesday night and you're out the door on Friday (15 minutes won't even be enough time to get your kit dirty).
So 2 races this week in under the time it would take to setup T1.
For any residual anxiety, I have a pair of sunglasses that can help with that. It's tough to take yourself too seriously in the race when you know you look like an idiot. Of course we could put the sunglasses on Terry Fox and force you to dismount mid-ride, scale the statue, put on the glasses, get back on the bike and then keep going....you know, to make it feel more like a triathlon.
Of course, following my advice has been nothing short of terrible in the past, but I think this triathlon thing is just too complicated for one's first race back. Bike, various shoes, numbers, strappy things so you can turn the number around, gels, socks (do you wear socks in a tri?), water bottles, wetsuit AND swimsuit, cap & helmet & visor, towel, flip flops.....This isn't racing, this is the stress of packing for a holiday at the end of the world where the locals have no stores or currency.
Now on Wednesday night, you have the option of an uphill test of mettle. All you need is your biking stuff and 15 minutes of discomfort (MAX). Heck, who can't ride a bike for a mere 15 minutes. Then on Friday night there's an even shorter, flatter race to be had (10 mins MAX) - this time with near continuous cheering. Leave the same bike stuff in a pile on Wednesday night and you're out the door on Friday (15 minutes won't even be enough time to get your kit dirty).
So 2 races this week in under the time it would take to setup T1.
For any residual anxiety, I have a pair of sunglasses that can help with that. It's tough to take yourself too seriously in the race when you know you look like an idiot. Of course we could put the sunglasses on Terry Fox and force you to dismount mid-ride, scale the statue, put on the glasses, get back on the bike and then keep going....you know, to make it feel more like a triathlon.
Re: I'm a Big Chicken (crippling race anxiety)
Ha! I was so rattled, I forgot to include the link!
Simon, last time I followed your advice, I wound up circling Beacon Hill Park 62 times on the shortest, and one of the nastiest, days of 2013. Hmmm.
Simon, last time I followed your advice, I wound up circling Beacon Hill Park 62 times on the shortest, and one of the nastiest, days of 2013. Hmmm.
kateweber.com
Re: I'm a Big Chicken (crippling race anxiety)
Last time I listened to Simon, he made me briefly forget I'd just ridden 230 km and reminded me that coming down the Malahat was really fun. I think he makes for a good listen.
Great, touching blog again, Kate. I'll be sure to bring fries on Friday...
Great, touching blog again, Kate. I'll be sure to bring fries on Friday...