Looking back to 2013 my plan was to train over the winter months safely and to work for a stronger healthier back and planned to do some different races in 2014 and work up to my first triathlon.
I would work in some strength training to help me avoid injuries after a terrible 2013 plagued with endless let downs,
as March 2013 came to its end and the race season was about to start I hurt my lower back again. Through the wonderful and multiple treatments from my chiropractor and massage therapist I had recovered in an amazing 6 weeks.
Thoughts after this had me working towards what ever my body could safely do without re-injuring my back.
My cycling took a beating due to the back injury and could no longer do long rides. I did a quick switch of planning and training to work around the pain. I joined a different running group and worked on my distance and did a short ride where I would usually do my long runs.
With my work schedule made it near impossible to plan and train for a race. So I worked out to race in late August and September. I did 4 races in 5 weeks which has led to a tear pull in my left glutes, not so much a pain in the butt, I just know it’s there.
I did my very first Duathlon since I have not been in the water in two years to train for a triathlon. I was surprised when I came in 5th place in my age group. I learned I needed to do more brick work training to avoid the muscle cramps I got going from the bike to run.
My second race another Duathlon had the worst weather and my registration was messed up and through the stress I was ready to go home but I stuck it out and continued. We raced through the mud and rain wiring my way through my worst transition T1, I thought I will come last. If not for the bike effort I would have never placed 3rd in my age group.
I looked forward to a 10km race at the Toronto zoo this year without the rain and cold. At the finish I was glad to meet up with new friends I met during my training to do a marathon race, due stomach problems did not feel confident I could make the distance this year. I ran the farthest I have ever gone, 29.9km. I was so happy to set this new distance.
One week later I was all hipped up to do a 1/2 marathon in my home town. I figured my training would do well to blow my time out of the water from last year. The race started as planned and my pace was where I wanted it, but when I got to the 7km mark I felt like I got hit with the flu. My stomach got deep cramp pains then my legs felt like lead and could barley lift them. I wanted to quit but hung in until the end to finish upset.
Considering my plans from 2013 for this year it did not turn out too bad and I tried Duathlon for the first time.
I have met some new friends and realized I need to push my self to get what I want to achieve. It’s in there I just need to get it out. The fear of injury and large crowds has kept me down, I need to have the courage or just take what comes and I am ok with that too. So have some fun and stay healthy in body and mind.
