Sunday, November 16, 2008

Clearwater

It’s only a failure if you fail to learn… That is what a good friend of mine reminded me after my disappointing race at the 70.3 world champs. At first I was not at all interested in hearing any of this crap - I was so upset at how the race turned out and so frustrated that I couldn’t pull it together on the day. But after a few days of reflection and some time chatting with my coach, I am starting to see where I went wrong this year and can now make sure we do not make those same mistakes in the future!

I think there are a number of reasons that can help to explain why the day didn’t turn out as we had hoped... But mostly I think I was just tired! It has been a very long year with my first race way back in early February, I think I raced far too much early in the year and didn't get in enough training early on... Then I neglected to take my usual mid year break and may have trained a little hard these last two months into Clearwater trying to cram in as much work as possible before the race. Bottom line - I didn't give this race the same respect I gave it last year... Lesson learned!

I don’t think I need to go through all the details of the race. I will just say that it was not at all one of my better days. I just felt awful the whole way and never really got going. I did get a penalty at about mile 10 on the bike for blocking & that didn’t help at all. It was a fair call though and just a silly mistake in my behalf – I was riding behind Dede legally and figured I needed to really get going if I wanted to make up any time on the bike… So I pulled out and tried to pass… Then realized I was going nowhere! I just didn’t have the strength in my legs to get around her in the 25 secs they give you for passing. So I dropped back again and bingo yellow card for me and my first ever visit to a penalty box… I think I followed the bike up with a PW (personal worst) run!! But no matter how terrible I was feeling I was going to make it to that finish line no matter what!!!

Congratulations to Joanna and Terenzo who both put together fantastic races!! Also a special congrats to my great friend Richie who placed 3rd – I think he is one of the most consistent triathletes out there and he unfortunately does not always get the credit he deserves!

So anyway I am now in St Croix having a little down time. I am going to do an Olympic distance race here this weekend for fun then I am heading off to Vancouver to visit one of my best friends, Lauren aka Gunz aka Gigi aka Gunnison Groves.. She is one of the funniest girls I know and there is always many laughs when we get together! After that I am going to spend a couple of days back in Boulder before I head back to Aussie for a quick bag drop then I’m off to Phuket for a holiday race with my best friend Annabel Luxford.. Bring it on - I more than ready for some fun times!!

4 comments:

Liam O'Connell said...

i think your right on about the early race. that affected my season as well. i got a flat at clearwater though? no flat kit on my bike?! lessons in the bag.

have a good break

TRI-ROB said...

I'm SO glad you're taking advantage of the time off! Have a great time... a great holiday... and...

Breathe...

BreeWee said...

Mirinda!!
I am totally pulling for you! ENJOY it all, the fun and sun, and family/friends! Get in some trouble, be a bit naughty, and then you can tackle 09 the way you know how!!

All the best!

Ramon Serrano said...

Rinny you are becomimg a nice blogger! I was sad for you too but there's always tomorrow! It's better to learn at this stage than later, you are still young! Enjoy your time off with your family and friends!
xoxoxo