OK, ran my last two miles until race day. I got a new pair of Asics, same model as I always wear, and put a new set of Lacelocks on them and I had to try them out with my old orthotics and make sure everything was copacetic. Check, check, check.
Also gave Buttercup a good cleanup so she'll be ready for race day too. I haven't really had any problems with her lately, so I'm not getting a tuneup done before the race. Everything looks fine with her except possibly I bent the elbow pad a little when I laid her down like a dumbass the other day because I failed to unclip. I never noticed it while riding, though, so no big deal.
I got snarked at on one of my email lists today. Someone said to me, "Are you considered a triathlete if you only race and never train?" What say you, dear readers?
In fairness, it was a rejoinder to a tongue-in-cheek post I had made earlier in the week wondering aloud if someone was a triathlete if they just happen to do three different activities in their spare time. I said you can be a runner if you never race, certainly. But I have my doubts about triathletes who never race. Seems to me the aspect of putting it all together on one day with a clock running is part of the essence of the challenge.
Then again, it would be fine with me if everyone just got allowed 15 minutes per transition. What's all the rush about?
13 comments:
yes.
though probably not a very accomplished one.
I can't even begin to imagine racing without training..that would be crazy!!!
I think the New Year's Day triathlons in blogland counted: swim, bike, run. Do 'em all in that order and I suppose you're triathleting.
rules rules rules. what's with all these rules?
Here, here! I want transitions where I have time for a nap and a snack.
I'm not certain on this one but I think that Galloway lists the stages of a person who runs and that the qualifying credential of a runner is someone who has done a running race. You don't have to do it quickly but you have to pin on that number and move your behind down the course.
I've done 10 different sports in my life but I'm no more a decathlete than the man on the moon...he isn't a decathlete is he?
Ha- Shelly needs an education. Not training is the new training - isn't it?
"Someone" is always snippy, no matter what the subject matter is. A lot of someone's in the world don't have children or companions either so plenty of free time to train...
Racing without training? That would be no fun. The race's value (at least for me) is built by the amount of time you put into the training.
Nancy, I certainly don't think they were talking about you. Maybe you didn't peak for this race as your A race, but certainly all of the work you've been puting in (over the past couple of years) to get to the point where you are now and all of these 1/2 marathon's that you've been doing count as training (even if they are races too).
I agree, what's all the rush about? I thought we were in this to have fun! And I was just asking myself the same question the other day: am I less of a triathlete if all I want to do is have fun at the races?
I think you've gotta do both to be considered a "triathlete." There's definitely some art to racing--surviving the crowded open water swim, passing folks on the bike, running directly off the bike, doing transitions, etc.
IMHO, the snark back at you was just stupid. Have you read http://www.moronman.com/ ? Pretty funny account of someone who DID race, but not train for, IM.
I get a bit frustrated when I read such comments as the one left for you, "Are you considered a triathlete if you only race and never train?"
It reminds me of another post where the blogger was concerned what others thought when they came over and saw his latest issue of Triathlete with the lady in the bikini on the cover.
Why do so many go through life so concerned with what others think? Isn't our true measure how we feel about ourselves. I am a triathlete, among other things, and don't really give a rip if the rest of the world agrees or not.
I may not be slimmest, nor the swiftest, nor the strongest, nor the smartest, but in my world I know I can rock and roll and bring the best I have to the table and I am satisfied with that.
Nancy - keep rocking to your own personal tune.
Good luck for the weekend!
Post a Comment