This past Memorial Day weekend, I participated in the inaugural Cooperstown Triathlon. It was my first visit to Cooperstown and this event gave me quite the introduction. The scenery was gorgeous, the town is quaint, and the race was very well organized. These three factors made it a great event and one that I plan to participate in again next year. In addition to awesome race organization, one of the premier sponsors was JFA client Brewery Ommengang!
First, I am going to admit that my training was not what it should have been. I have been running consistently but I had not ridden my bicycle outdoors since September. This is not a training method that I recommend. Fortunately, I have the aerobic capacity and enough experience to monitor my efforts and react accordingly. This event was one that I simply wanted to finish and enjoy.
The week leading up to the race, I had severe anxiety about the swim. While I am confident in the water, the race director had emailed all athletes updates on the water temperature. I do not react well to cold water. At all. On race day the water had warmed slightly to 58 degrees. I was in a full on panic. The course was shortened from 800 meters (half mile) to 600 meters (third mile) for the safety of the athletes. On race morning, I put on my wetsuit, booties, and neoprene swim cap for added warmth and tried to warm up in the lake. My sinuses froze and my arms went numb but my core, feet, and head were comfortable. When it was time to get in the water to start the race, I decided to take it easy and not put too much pressure on myself. The first several meters I was cold, but ok. Then I picked up my head and that was a mistake. My chest constricted and my breathing got very shallow. I could not find my rhythm again. I have never dropped out of a race but on this particular day, I decided that it was not worth the risk so I cut the swim short, and headed back to shore. As I neared the water's edge, I started seeing blue spots, my arms were tingling, and I realized that I had made the right decision. Any more time spent in the water could have been dangerous.
The first time I experienced the cold water upstate NY wheezing was at the Musselman Triathlon in 2006. At the time I had been training in warm Florida water and my system was shocked by the water temperature. I took my time and refused to quit the swim, wheezing and coughing for the rest of the day. In 2006 I was unmarried and had a very lovable dog to care for. In 2011, I am married, have a child, and the same very lovable dog. I am not in any position to take risks with my health or life. There are too many who depend on me and I put them ahead of my pride.
This decision, while a tough one that bruised my ego a bit, was the best I made that day. I was able to ride the bike course and jog the run course without pressure of trying to "race". I had removed my timing chip and withdrawn from the race and was finishing the course for fun. Surprisingly, my time was included in the final results and I learned that there were only 2 people in my age group. I finished second.
The JFA Worksite Wellness Team shares stories, tips and information about living well, or doing the best they can, while balancing life and working as worksite wellness professionals.
