So here we go. Exciting write-up for a few friends. And what's the current mood? Snarky, I'd say.
LET ME CATCH YOU UP
Injured
Seriously injured
Can currently only run 1/2 mile at the pace needed for a whole 10K at Nationals just to grab the 18th spot for 2014 Team USA.
This miracle change needs to occur in 12 days in the face of the injury having kept me from run training for 28 days.
Feeling weak overall because, for fun, I sought to find out if one can overtrain without the damaging, high stress impact of running. Answer: Yes you can.
Ready for the H.S. to zap me and energize me and make be able to run. Unfortunately, I am not a Christian. I know a few, though. So I'll accept some of that grace (unmerited favor) they talk about.
WHERE DO I SIT?
If one were considering the goal of podium-ing then, without injury, that might look possible, almost given, based on the current USAT rankings. I'm 1st nationally among the list of Olympic distance entrants (87) and 2nd nationally among the Sprint distance entrants (67).
But-but-but (five 'buts' will work, too, if you got the right rhythm).
But #1: One has to consider the 59 year olds aging up in 2014 since they are included in the 2014 Worlds team selection.
But #2: I'm injured. Seriously so. (Did I mention that?) I look for smooth concrete to do my pseudo-running on. The garden hose is a scary obstacle to negotiate. I become even more of a short-step prancer when I encounter 1/2-3/4" of dirt washed by rain across the concrete river trail. Grass is completely non-negotiable since all unevenness is hidden.
SO WHY AM I JAZZED?
Trying to get that final spot for 2014 Worlds is as scary and daunting as trying to podium was in prior years. And that final spot is way, way slower than the time will be for anyone who podiums this year. I admit, it did take some mental work to move to this position from sitting in the northern Wyoming desert emitting pregnancy push grunt-screams (while keeping an eye out for rattlesnakes). But this sport does nothing if not provide opportunities for self-challenge whatever one's position is. (2014 Worlds is a big deal since it is in an affordable place to travel to -- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I usually forego World Championship events because of costs.)
ASIDE
Another scare this morning. No need for details. Suffice it to say I hit my foot wrong on a log and froze in pain for a while, wondering how trying to walk would be once the pain ceased. Good news: Later swimming and cycling went ok.
RANKING NOT THE STORY
I mentioned national rankings but they aren't the story. For example, three key people have aged up to 60 this year. One is a multi-time national champion and also multi-time world champion who has been laying low this year. One is an ex-pro who was on the first cover of one of our seminal triathlon magazines as the first winner of one of our most historic races. The third would have won Sprint Worlds last year had he been 60 in 2012. (All three will kill me in the swim, something that just ain't been working right this year.)
So even uninjured, with all the new players in my 3rd year of this age group I'd say that I'd be doing good to make 5th-10th in either the Oly or Sprint Nationals. And, of course, being one of the few doing BOTH national championship races on back-to-back Saturday-Sunday means I'll definitely lose a few places in the Sunday morning Sprint Nats.
FEARS
Oh, it's a simple list of fears. Someone could hit my heel wrong in the swim and send me into paroxysms of pain. Beach and grass running during transitions is very uncertain and fraught with danger. Pulling my wetsuit off in a hurry is painful to the injured lower left leg, ankle and foot. Putting my shoes on quickly in transition cannot be done. etc. At least it won't be another trail run -- which is how the original injury and re-injury occurred.
WELL?
And that's what I'm facing, folks. What you got on YOUR table?
Quick racing year note:
No race, not one of the six, has gone well this year. Multiple reasons. What's the lesson the universe is trying to teach me, kids? It certainly ain't how gloriously wonderful and indestructible I am, eh?
