Monday 11 May 2009

Racing, chilling and getting back to work


So this is how I look like after St. Croix 70.3. The race was more than a week ago and I know I am crap at keeping this blog updated but I was chilling on the island enjoying my husband's company ;)))
So I am not going to talk much about the race as it's already history but I will say that it was the hardest and the slowest half-ironman race I've ever done. Pre-race, everyone was talking about the Beast but no one (apart from ELF) mentioned the rest of the bike course. Don't get me wrong, the Beast is hard, very hard but at least it is over and done with pretty quickly. But the rest of the bike course I found much harder. There were so many hills and change of speed, change of gears... You descend, then you start climbing again and think "is this ever gonna end".
I swallowed a lot of water on the swim and my speedsuit was cutting straight into my neck and it was painful. I was not happy with my swim but I am not going to dwell on it. I loved the bike course, as hard as it was, but the run in that heat was just brutal. Coming out of winter, it was really really hard to race in that heat. We haven't seen such hot days since last summer. No, who am I kidding, we never get such hot days.
But the race was done, I finished and that is the most important thing.
I spent last week at West Point chilling as I really needed some holiday. The days before the race I was working such long hours that I really needed just to relax and forget about it all. It was just so nice for Shaun and me to have a bit of a normal married life. We caught up with some friends, watched few films and did couple of rides together. I miss riding with him. But in just over two months he will be back in the UK and we both can't wait. I will miss all my trips over the pond but I also intend to keep going over there at least every 2-3 months. If for nothing else, then for racing and training.
But as of this morning it was back to work and reality. Hopefully it will not be that busy next few weeks - CDA is in six weeks. And I can't wait :)))

11 comments:

Beth said...

Thanks for the tips - I do want to do St. Croix some day but I need to remember that the Beast isn't the hardest part! :)

Anyway, I think you are such a trooper for having to live apart from your husband and you never complain! Exciting that you will be together again soon. AND IM!!! WHOO-HOO!! :) Lots to look forward to.

Molly said...

I didn't realize you were doing CDA! Woohoo! I'll be there as a spectator!

D said...

And Molly wonders why I have a hard time keeping track of all the people that will be in CDA. Can't wait!!!!! Hopefully I'll be able to steal Gatorade at Powerbars to feed myself for the weekend heh heh.

Maggs said...

Great job on the race. It sounds tough. I hope you had a great time relaxing and recovering (my favorite part of the sport!).

jessithompson said...

Way to tough out the race! CDA? Maybe I'll get to meet you there! I won't be racing, but I'll be there, as I only live 45 min. away. I'll get to cheer for you I hope!

Marit C-L said...

GREAT JOB! You survived - that is one heckuva tough race! Way to go!!! I'm really really happy that Shaun will be back in the UK in a few short months...that's awesome. I KNOW how much that means to you! :) HOORAY for CDA! I can't wait. It will be great to finally meet you!!!
Keep up the training... almost there!

Jennifer Harrison said...

Welcome back! I told you the bike course was TOUGH all around...the back end of that course is the worst! HOORAY for CDA for sure!!!! Glad Shaun will be in the UK soon. AND, hope you are feeling better post race! :)

Charisa said...

I think you did great on the race despite problems. And you had some fun and learned from it - that is all that matters! So glad Shaun will be in the UK soon and can't wait to read about your CDA fun! :)

Lisa T said...

Great job finishing the race even in the tough conditions! Happy training for CDA!

TriGirl Kate O said...

CDA?! You'll do great. I am not sure if we'll get to overlap in London at all since we fly in Tues the 17th. At this point, I think we're staying close to the Marble Arch. Email me at kate(dot)oliver(at)comcast(dot)net and maybe we can go for a little run in Hyde Park together!

Kim said...

Very fun! You did great just for making it! That is such a hard course and a really hot run. Glad you got some time relax after. Take a much needed break and then get back to it - 6 weeks! You can do it!