Wednesday, June 3, 2009

I'm Up!

After three and a half days in bed with a fever, headache, sinus pain and general malaise, I'm up! The doctor gave me some precious antibiotics on Monday, and by Tuesday afternoon I was able to stay vertical long enough to get some laundry done. Today, I'm still too snotty and fatigued to exercise, but I was able to meet a friend for coffee/Diet Coke and PICK UP MY WETSUIT!

Even though I haven't worked out since last Friday, my triathlon has stubbornly stayed on my calendar for this Sunday. For a little while I was thinking about not doing it, but I've decided that I will do it barring a relapse. The entry fee has been paid, the wetsuit has been rented, and my bike sherpa has agreed to come along to cheer. The stars are aligned so I am going to be at the start line.

The combination of missing this last week of training and coming off being sick makes me a little worried about the race. The fact that it is a Sprint makes it a lot easier to contemplate doing it with a little less training and a little less energy. It finally came down to the fact that I need the experience. Having not done a triathlon before, I know nothing. Even if I just get through the swim, I know it will give me more confidence going into my Olympic distance tri at the end of June. If I feel great, then great. If I don't, then I'll just take it slow and try to learn as much as I can along the way. That's one benefit of doing something new: I'm guaranteed a PR. Well, I guess that's assuming that I finish.

I know some people wouldn't want to risk a DNF, but I look at it a different way. This is not my race for Olympic Gold. This is not my lifelong dream. This is just one of many steps along my path to enjoying life. If I have to drop out, then that's what I'll do. Who cares? My goal this summer is to try to find an activity that is healthy and that I enjoy. End of story. In the meantime, I guess I'll get to add worrying about water temperature to my weather related obsession. The forecast is for the lake to be 70 degrees. I've never done any open water swimming... is that cold?

12 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

absolutely agree and love your frame of mind, you're so right about just going out, living and enjoying life. Glad you're feeling less snotty :D

Jean said...

Glad to hear you are feeling better, Beth! That is no fun being sick.

Good luck to you this weekend. You definitely have a fantastic attitude and approach to your athletic activities, and I think you will do great!

Londell said...

You will do your best and that is all you can ask. And I believe your best will be a finish... Good luck,

Nat said...

Not as cold as last year...you'll be glad you have the wetsuit though. Glad you are feeling better! My training has been very minimal too but you can tough through it! It's way easier than a marathon, that is for sure.

Mark said...

Glad you are feeling better. 70 is pretty cool!

I Run for Fun said...

Great to hear you are feeling better. You have a super attitude. Think of the past week as taper week (er...do they do that for triathlons?) Have fun at the race.

Nitmos said...

I've been suffering the same symptoms but foolishly continue to run through them. then I beat myself up afterwards when my times aren't where I want them.

You did the smart thing. I'm a fool.

Sunshine said...

You get an A+ for attitude!
Glad that you are recovering.
It is a great gift to be able to wait to decide until you need to about the next weekend and the next challenge.
Be well, good luck.

Chris said...

Sounds cold to me. Course I'm in Phoenix. Good luck!

Dori said...

Sorry you were sick, but I'm glad you're all better. Just make sure you're well hydrated and eating well and I'm sure your training will get you through the day. Good luck and have fun!

Velma said...

GOOD LUCK. 70 is a bit cool, but you will be fine in the suit. It makes you bouncy :) Have fun out there!!

Chad said...

Beth, great attitude. Have fun tomorrow and enjoy the race.