So, for those of you who don’t remember, let me refresh your memory on my last year and a half of racing:
- Running sick into a bonk at GA ING Marathon (look at the pics at the end where it looks like I was punched in the eyes from being sick)
- A swealtery, pukey DNF at Eagleman 70.3,
- An undiagnosed-endocrine-problem-laden miserable race at IM Wisconsin.
Needless to say, I’d had a bad year. I was starting to think the racing gods hated me. So I backed off.
I was tired of shitty races. I needed a break, and a break I had. I haven’t really raced since the Ironman last year (save a little 26.2 jog through Boston in April) and have been gearing up for my poorly planned fall of races:
- 9/25 Augusta 70.3
- 10/2 Twin Cities Marathon
- 10/15 NF Endurance Challenge 50K
- 11/4 Savannah RnR 13.1
- 11/24 Atlanta Half Marathon
- 11/26 Zooma Atlanta Half Marathon
Yep, I planned 6 long races in the span of 8 weeks. Not my best planning, but I was excited to hop on the fun race train again. I mean, my racing had to be an improvement on last year? Right? Right.
But anyway, I was feeling good about my 70.3. I was feeling strong and ready. And I felt a little throat scratchy yesterday. And then this morning, I woke up ear-achey, throat-hurty, head-throbby, woozy, exhausty, fevery, miserable.
WTF.
Dear racing gods, what have I done to piss you off? Why do you hate me so?
Anyway, I’ve spent the day in bed, sucking down water, gatorade, vitamin C, and tylenol. I’m going to race tomorrow because I already ate the race entry fee for Eagleman 70.3 in June due to my continuing burnout and endocrine problems. And gosh darnnit, I’m not eating another $270+ race entry fee that could have instead been spent on puppies and vacations and books.
Coach says if I have a fever tomorrow, no racing.
I say, what he doesn’t know, won’t hurt him.
Seriously, has anyone else gotten sick right before a big race? With all these horrible races, I’m starting to have a crisis of faith…maybe it’s not worth it. Maybe I should just give up forever like I almost did after Ironman Wisconsin. Has anyone been here before? If so, how do I fix it? Help!
Ok, to bed.
ps. totally don’t judge me if it is a horrible race for me. I promise I’m not as slow as I’ve been the last year…or am I?
Needless to say I’ve had a little rough racing season.
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A public defender super heroine by day, I am a cupcake baker extraordinaire by night. And come weekend, I am an IronPerson. I deal with an NPR addiction daily and I dream of one day having Carl Kasell on my answering machine. I strive to be the best fur-mommy I can be, and when I have time, I'm learning to be a grownup.
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6 Responses for "Crisis of (racing) Faith."
I’m so sorry girl
I’ve had the same questions, too. My stomach problems (now known lactose intolerance) reached their peak 2 days before my marathon last year and I DNF’d because I literally had not kept anything dowm for days. Life is so not fair! My fingers are crossed that it’s just a 24 hour bug, and you wake up feeling well tomorrow. Good luck!
Sorry to hear you’re feeling ill! Unfortunately coach is probably right that you shouldn’t race if you have a fever as you will be bound to have a poor experience which will just further frustrate you and probably make you feel worse. But don’t make a decision yet. There is always hope that you will wake up tomorrow feeling much much better!! In that case, go for it!!!! Remember that the most important part of all of this is to have fun and racing while sick is guaranteed not fun. Also, there is no shame or judgement in DNFing or DNSing. We all know how much training and work it takes to prepare for a race and race day is just one day like any other when anything can happen, good or bad. Head up! Rest and take care of yourself!!
Crossing my fingers that you feel better for the race!
I miss your posts
[...] last time I posted about running (or really posted in general), it was the eve of the Augusta Half Ironman and I was sick. Since then, I’ve had two DNFs, two DNSs, and two horrible showings. Le sigh. The worst [...]
Just found your blog from Wellsphere…
Geez that sounds like an unpleasant racing year!
It sounds like you’re looking for a way to break the cycle. Have you tried any shorter races? Sometimes I find a 5k or 10k gives me the pep I need to keep pushing for the longer distance events. Just a thought!
I look forward to reading more!
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