Why We Race—Even When it Doesn’t Seem to Make Any Sense
As a triathlete, spectating racers at last Saturday’s Rotho Ironman California 70.3 in Oceanside evoked dual emotions of excitement and sadness.
Standing on the sidelines, I was elated to see so many familiar faces and enjoyed cheering on friends during the final run leg.
At the same time, I felt for those athletes who were visibly suffering on the final stretch into the finish. I was particularly in awe of one athlete who persevered in spite of a bike crash with road rash and abrasions on his leg and his elbow resting in a supportive sling.
For some triathletes, quitting just isn’t an option.
After months of waking up at the wee hours to swim, bike and run before heading off to work, balancing training time with spending quality time with families and friends and skipping social events on weekends, not showing up on race day just wouldn’t make sense.
If you’re wondering why triathletes persist against these odds to race to the finish, here are some of their stories:
Cameron Zolghadri, age-grouper 45-49
In the four weeks leading up to the California 70.3 race, Cameron crashed his bike during a casual training ride for reasons he still can’t recall other than losing control of his bike, falling, and consequently suffering a head injury that rendered him unconscious.
An ambulance transported him to the emergency room where he regained consciousness and learned that he was lucky: His injuries didn't require hospitalization.
Even in the ER, he appeared more concerned about the 'health' status of his bike than his own, which was amazing given that he suffered fractures on his cheek bones and nose, road rash, and required several stitches in his face.
At home, Cameron started the slow recovery process. Feeling the pressure of race day just around the corner, he got back on his bike (which wasn't broken) and on the road merely two weeks after his crash. He also started running, feeling as though “his face was falling off” while dealing with pain in his hips and legs.
On race day morning, Cameron still struggled with the decision to race or not to race. He chose the latter for the following reasons: “It is very important at a time like this to remember that if you don't continue moving forward, then you are stuck. I learned the power of thinking positively and going forward versus thinking negatively and being in fear. Even though I was probably at the lowest point of my physical abilities, it was my mental ability to think positively that brought me to the finish line. Now that I have completed the race, I am so glad that I did it.”
Mike Hazelton, age-grouper 45-49
Mike had been fighting a running-related hamstring and hip injury all winter, which forced him to pull out of his favorite local running races.
He attributes much of his comeback to visiting San Diego-based Rehab United, whose physical therapists and strength-conditioning coaches helped him get back on the road.
He was only able to run less than five miles (which is less than half the distance required to finish the half marathon during the 70.3 race) two months prior to Oceanside in one stretch, but decided to race anyway.
He came back with a vengeance: A personal best time of 5:19:57: “I was a little worried come race day that I wouldn’t have much of a running base under me. I felt great race day-- My bike time was my fastest ever and when I got off to run, I took the first loop easy and aimed at a negative split on the second loop. I really wanted to catch my buddy J. on the run, and I did! Chasing someone down or being chased is the ultimate motivator in my book.
So my advice to fellow triathletes is to find out what will motivate you, or in other words, what will light the fire under you.
Julie Dunkle, age-grouper 40-44
Everyone enters a race with a different goal.
Some athletes simply want to finish, others hope for a personal best and a few select vie for a coveted spot at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
As a top athlete in her age group, Julie was a serious contender for a Kona spot. But that day, the stars aligned against her favor:
“I have an Ironman in five weeks (Ford Ironman St. George in Utah), so I did not have a real taper. Racing tired sometimes works well for me, but this year, I was flat. I earned a third place on the podium, but my time was slow (5:03:43). It felt great to put on the wetsuit, get body-marked and feel the energy before a race, the excitement of a water start, the fun of a race. That is why I do the sport. This sport is loaded with good people who genuinely support and respect each other.”
Bruce MacDonald, age-grouper 50-54
Last year, Bruce entered the sport of triathlon with the lofty goal of finishing a Half Ironman distance. After succeeding, he decided to race the same course again this year, only faster.
This is how it all worked out for him:“Last year was my first triathlon. So going into it, I did not put any pressure on myself to attain certain times, because I did not know what to expect. This year was different. I thought I was better on the bike--which I was not--and I thought I was better prepared for running without stopping--Was I wrong! So, I was disappointed overall. But this only means that next year, I plan to be better prepared and to train smarter. The first thing I plan to do is to go out and buy a running watch. Overall, I should be happy to be able to train with such a good and supportive group of people.
What's Your Racing Personality Type?
Another observation I have made while spectating, racing and volunteering is that we all have different racing personalities. Some athletes are "Happy Racers" who cheer the crowd, high five everyone in sight and provide hugs and kisses. Then there is the occasional (thankfully rare) "EgoRaciac" who wouldn't dream of thanking the volunteers, fills up an entire water bottle with all the little water cups provided and races according to his own rules.
Next week, I'll explore more racing personalities. Feel free to drop me a line which type you think you are at marion.webb@acefitness.org and tell me why.