From Nice to St. Croix, the adventures continue

In this photo, fire ants were biting our feet, hence the look on my face (though somehow Jeanne looks completely normal... hmmm...)

In September 2003 I did my first race as a pro in Nice, France, back when it used to be "la longue distance" (4k swim, 120k bike, 30k run). The week before I had DNFed from my first attempt at the Ironman distance after becoming seriously hyponeatremic on the bike. (ie, losing to much salt).

 

After spending a few days moping on my boyfriend's couch, my coach called and said, there are 2 races this weekend, pick one. It was Thursday and the race was Saturday, so I booked a flight to France. Long story short, I fought my way into 7th place in that race in Nice, the last "money spot." Making money confirmed that I was a bona fide pro athlete. I was so proud of myself that I cried at the finish line.

 

Since then, I have learned that races like these are rare. Races where you really accomplish more than expected. Races that can bring you to tears.

 

After the Olympic-distance race in St. Petersburg, I flew to St. Croix. I finished on the podium there last year and was hoping to repeat. I am also fitter than I was last year at this time and was truly excited to race.

 

The weather was stormy in St. Croix again this year. Like last year, there was a huge storm the day before the race. Unlike last year, there was not enough time to clean the roads. (Apologies to those who have heard me tell this tale already) Clint asked me why they couldn't get someone to sweep the roads... Sweep!! I just laughed. Volunteers were out there shovelling debris off the road as we rode through. A bulldozer would have been required in some places. Needless to say, there were many, many punctures, and multiple crashes. At least 3 pro girls double flatted and couldn't finish (and those are just the ones I spoke to, there may have been more!). It was carnage.

 

I had a strong swim and was riding well with a couple other women until mile 38-ish where I punctured. I changed it quickly and got back on the road. Starting up again my legs were pretty roasted. It took awhile to get going.

 

The run was hot and not a day for a fast run split. Overall, I wasn't feeling great and was happy when I finally got to the finish line in 7th place.

 

I was pretty disappointed by how the race went, with my bad luck, lack of pay cheque and blah feeling in general. One of the biggest challenges of being a professional athlete is dealing with the disappointment when things don't go your way. You can put your heart and soul into a race, leave your family, fly across the world and have it go wrong. Heck, there's this guy who swims with our group who put four years into preparing for the Olympic Games and crashed on the first speed bump coming out of transition. I mean, this kind of crap happens all the time. How we deal with it defines who we are as athletes and how successful we will be in the long run.

 

I've spent this last week feeling disappointed. Not sorry for myself, that's a different thing, but just a little disappointed that it had to go down that way. In the bigger picture I recognize that these disappointments make the successful races feel even better, and that all experiences help mould us and make us stronger. That's just how it is.

 

Ironman Brazil is less than 2 weeks away and I am gearing up for a good race there. I am also rethinking my plans for the rest of the season. There are a gazillion races I want to do and choosing the next step is always part of the fun for me. I will look forward to that process after the Ironman.

 

One thing that makes every race great is the people. Race week was great fun hanging out with some of these folk (among others!):

Homestay Ed and fellow pro athlete Jeanne Collogne relaxing pre-race. Jeanne double-punctured and couldn't finish the race, but I say, Watch out for this girl people! I predict great things for her.

My lovely homestay Linda hanging out on the beach.



Ed in his "swimming pool," a good reminder to all of us that life really isn't that bad ;)

 And the adventure continues....