Being sick is one thing, but trying to race when you are sick...well, that is just something else. I have had that upper respiratory thing now for over a month. I had it during the race at Gunstock; it started to get a little better, then it slammed me again, and I did not get out to train for the entire week before the winter tri in Mass. I knew it was going to feel not very good, and I was so right! The run started out fine; for the first two steps, then I realized that I was going to have a bad day. I fell behind the leaders. Far behind. Normally I am right up there and trying to stay in front to make some time on the folks that can actually bike and ski. Not today. My lungs were protesting, my legs were protesting, and my whole body ached. The only bright spot was that my family came out to cheer me on. Just hearing that ‘go daddy’ perks you up just a little, and adds a bit of sunshine in a gloomy day. Well, the little spots of sunshine aside, the run went bad, and then on the bike it was bad. There was very little snow, so it was about 70% grass/dirt. I pulled out my old cheap bike for this one, but I wish that I had not gotten there late. I would have changed shoes to running flats, and left more air in the tires. The only bright spot in the race (beside the kids) was that I was able to ski down three racers. This is the first race that I was able to pass anyone in the ski. I guess it helps to start the ski back farther; leaving more people to pass. In the end, I was able to pull off a 9th place. Not exactly stellar, and about 4-5 places back from where I thought I might be able to place; but I guess we don’t get to choose when we get sick. I am now a little over a week out from the race, and finally starting to feel a little better. I will not be in top form for this coming weekend, but it should be fun nonetheless. We are doing a family team triathlon on Sat. We will field two teams…the boys vs. the girls. I am hoping that everyone will have fun and not get too competitive. I think bringing some ‘awards’ for good sportsmanship will help…like some Mc D’s coupons or similar. On Sunday, the last of the winter triathlons in the series is at King Pine. They are finally expecting some snow, so I am crossing my fingers that we will have enough to justify bringing the big tire bike. In any case, it will be a good one. Have fun out there and think snowy thoughts.
