Things That Go Bump

Reoccurring themes. A few months ago, I struggled with taking two steps forward, one step back (or sometimes one step forward, two steps back) with training after a bout of stupid little ailments.

Those feelings are skulking back in, though they are more psychological rather than physical this time.

After Smith Mountain Lake, the doubts about Eagleman started to creep in. I was happy with my SML swim time, but was queasy thinking that the Eagleman swim would be about three times longer – a distance I can do easily in the pool, but in the open water with tons of people more aggressive than I am? I pictured myself pulling off to the side to let everyone pass. One step back.

Last Sunday, the Richmond Triathlon Club offered an open water swim clinic. The river was noticeably warmer than SML or the TRIgirl swim practice. The warmer water really made a difference in my comfort level. We practiced drafting, which reassured me about swimming in close proximity to other racers (in most races I look for a space cushion – and will swim away from other racers to stay in it – though drafting can save up to 30% in effort). I also tried out a long john wetsuit – liked the extra freedom around my shoulders. The clinic helped me gain some confidence for Eagleman – I can do this! One step forward.

Yesterday, Triathlonmom shared she’d found great tips on Desiree Flicker’s triathlon site. I dug around for awhile and found her 2006 Eagleman race report.

Jellyfish wrapping themselves around wrists.
A strong voice inside yelling get out of the water.
Punishing waves.
So glad to hit land.

Not exactly the account you want to read – from a pro no less.

As "girly" as it may sound, I'm freaking out more about the jellyfish than the rough conditions. Where I come from, you don’t have to deal with jellyfish until late July or August. Gross! I’m thinking carefully about the wetsuit deal. The full sleeve would protect me more from these blechy creatures.

One big step backward. Until I can find jellyfish repellant.

Setbacks

But don't you ever give in
Taking one step forward, slipping two steps back
There's an empty feeling that you can't forget
Reaching out, reaching out for a helping hand
...
But now I'm the one to decide
Who needs, well I don't need, who needs you?
(from "Who Needs You")

These Queen lyrics have been stuck in my head - like my own personal soundtrack.

Was it just a few weeks ago I was so happily and proudly writing about PRs?

Before the nasty chest cold. Before the bike fall. And before today's appearance of some gunky eye weirdness. Things I didn't need if I had my druthers.

Yeah, I've plugged along through about 80-90% of the workouts - but they haven't been great. A medium distance run instead of intense repeats. A horrible first swim after being out of the water for a week and a half. A pathetic long distance run at a slower pace than I've done for over a year.

Maybe it is my own fault. I try to ignore being sick. Usually I think it works to my advantage. With the help of a few over-the-counter drugs, life seems normal. And before I know it, the irritating symptoms have disappeared. But not always. More than once, I've stubbornly tried to do it all, wheezing and coughing, to only later end up in the doctor's office with a diagnosis of pneumonia. Today, TRIgirl LD looked at my eyes with concern suggesting I might have pink eye. To which I said - and believed whole heartedly - nah, I think it is just allergies. (I still am not convinced it is pink eye and reserve the right to wait till tomorrow before even considering it.)

Positive thinking - I am a firm believer that it is just as, if not more, powerful than any drug.

In the meantime, I'm itching to feel strong again. To continue making progress. To stop worrying that these annoying interferences are causing major setbacks that will take my backpacker, non-athlete self, weeks to regain.

I'm hoping, that maybe instead of taking one step forward and slipping two steps back, I've accomplished two steps forward and have only slid one step back.

I'm really hoping.