My last entry I discussed my upcoming triathlon, the first one in Hawaii and how I wasn't feeling ready because of some illness. You can read about my nerves and fears here but come back because the race is
finished.
Yes, the race is done & I forgot something. I forgot how much fun triathlons are! Even when you're not feeling 100% they are fun. They're all about fun, because frankly, why do them if they aren't fun. Right?
I forgot how much I love triathlons. I've always raced triathlons with my health issues, and I forgot about that too. I let the newness of the ocean combined with the newness of actually feeling healthier, then suddenly not feel well, get to me.
But I quickly remembered the joy they bring. All it took was me hitting the water. That old feeling came back & the rest is history. I smiled the entire race, loved every single minute of it (not an ounce of nerves about sharks, lol) and I got first in my age group. A first for me! My triathlon days are not over & I couldn't be happier about it. In fact, my next one is already planned for September.
The morale of this story: If you have a goal or dream, work for it & do it even if you think you're not ready. You may surprise yourself & you'll certainly be glad you did it! - Written by Emily Collins, owner & trainer Honolulu, HI
The Honolulu Triathlon is Sunday. This is the race I've anticipated for 1 1/2yrs.
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| At paket pickup |
Even though I've done dozens of triathlons this one is a big deal for me. A really big deal. I always said once we move to Hawaii my triathlon days are over, but I found I wasn't ready to let go just yet. I've spent so much time acclimating to the ocean & prepping for this event...
But for several weeks now I've had a flare up of my chronic illness, causing my training to be quite difficult. Fatigue, breathing issues, etc (the list is long) & I've been struggling in training. Recovery from simple sessions isn't like it should be.
I've been very upset because this much anticipated, much trained for triathlon is going to be extremely difficult, and I'm most likely going to suffer through, very slowly coming through the finish. That scares me.
It's hard to explain the disappointment that comes, not from being slow, but what illness takes from you. You do everything right, but it gets taken. Some of you know what I mean, and I'm sorry that you do.
I went to packet pickup today for the race, feeling doom & dread. Then I saw
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| My visor |
that I got not only a little bag & cool t shirt but also a Headsweat visor. A visor!? I love those!
Now I'm feeling better about participating. Things haven't changed, but I'm feeling better about it.
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| The tank top |
I even bought a tank top with the logo, which is a HUGE deal because the only time I've ever bought something at a race is for the 1st marathon I did. I'm going to wear it plus my visor to train for the upcoming marathon & that makes me feel excited.
I'm such an easy sell. The shirt usually is enough, but a VISOR too. Yeehaw!!!
It's the little things in life that can make a difference. My circumstances haven't changed, but I know I will have earned these little pieces of swag and for me, it makes me happy.
For this event my motto is this "Do what you can, where you are, with what you have" by Teddy Roosevelt. I think that's a great quote to keep in mind, don't you?
If you're ready to train for a triathlon, or any event let me know. Remember, if I can do this, you can do this! - Written by Emily Collins, Owner & trainer Honolulu HI
