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2005-08-23 12:40 PM

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Chicago IL (via Vancouver Canada)
Subject: Should i even bother??
Im doing the Accenture Sprint in Chicago this weekend 08/28. My first one, always wanted to do one before i turn 40. I've been working hard at it too..swimming in open water, riding my bike hard, running (my weak point) for about 4 months now

This past weekend, my dad passed away. All of a sudden i get the call that he's in the hospital, and two days later - he's gone. That was hard. No matter how much you talk yourself into understanding that eventually your parents are gonna go - its just never easy.

So the past weekend, i was going to do more open water swims, and runs, and get the bike out some more, and instead i did nothing but cry and pack (oh yeah did i mention i'm moving too....)

I've had almost 4 days rest from exercise, and from what i understand i'm supposed to take it easy before the race but 4 days a week before is a bit much.

What do i do?? do i run, bike swim this week? after all its only tuesday. Shall i not do the race? take some time off incase i hurt myself what with all the emotional stress etc....i dunno..my mind's a big blur right now.

i feel like continuing with it, and maybe running hard and swimming in the openwater - just to relax...but am i setting myself up for a bad race and a bad finish??

Any advice is appreciated...

Thanx all

Salma


2005-08-23 12:48 PM
in reply to: #231873

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Veteran
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Woodridge, IL (Chicago)
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??
Salma, Sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure your father knew you were running this race. And this was suggested in another thread but as long as the race doesn't interfer with any family arangements why not run the race in his honor. You've trained hard for this. 4 Days off isn't all that much. You should continue with light exercise between now and then. Of course if you feel that you are unable to compete you could try and contact the race officials and see if they can transfer your registration till next year. Good luck and there will be a lot of BT'ers there at the race as well. Again sorry for your loss.

Mark
2005-08-23 1:44 PM
in reply to: #231873

Regular
70
2525
Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??
i am sorry for your loss....i think if you have been working hard at it, go for it. It might take your mind off things. Maybe do it in your fathers memory...
2005-08-23 1:49 PM
in reply to: #231873

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Master
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Lexington, Kentucky
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??

I'm so sorry to hear about your father's sudden passing.

4 days is not too long a break. Go ahead with the race.

2005-08-23 1:57 PM
in reply to: #231873

Regular
72
2525
Milwaukee, WI
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??
Salma,
You are right that all the emotional stress might lead to injury.

But there's also something to be said for going with your gut instinct. Do what feels right. If you feel you need to do it to give yourself some 'me' time, do it and don't feel guilty. But if you don't feel up to it, don't feel guilty about that either. There will be many other races, but you need to grieve now the way that is best for you.

If you decide to do the race, do what you would have done if you hadn't taken those 4 days off. See how you feel the day before the race. Better to take it easy than to kick yourself for doing it or not doing it. And, hey, moving and packing are a huge stressor in life too. I'd count all that packing as strength training.

Take good care. Our thoughts are with you.
~Lisa
2005-08-23 2:13 PM
in reply to: #231873

Sydney Australia
Subject:


2005-08-23 2:26 PM
in reply to: #231873

Master
1728
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portland, or
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??
There's no better stress relief for me then training and racing. I would do what I could this week without worrying too much about it. Hop off the bike on the 28th thinking about my dad, and have the run of my life. He'll be proud.

My condolences.

scott
2005-08-23 2:33 PM
in reply to: #231873

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Master
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Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??
If you have been training all along 4 days off is not going to harm you and may, in fact, enhance your performance. If you are racing this weekend do a little of each sport today and tomorrow. You can then swim or bike on Thursday and take Friday and Saturday off.

Take it easy on yourself. I lost my mother years ago and I still miss her so very much. I am so sorry for your loss.
2005-08-23 4:54 PM
in reply to: #231873

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Champion
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Whizzzzzlandia
Silver member
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??

I lost my dad in much the same fashion this past December... VERY VERY hard... My heart goes out to you...

Funny thing is... I had an Indoor Triathlon scheduled for while he was in the hospital... I didn't want to do it while he was in the hospital, but he encouraged me to do it anyway... I ((somehow)) won 2nd in my age group that day... I brought the medal back to the hospital and we joked about how I was an "Award Winning Triathlete"... 2 days later, he was dead. I know he was so proud of me, though... much like your dad was of you, I'm sure.

Your 4 day break from training the week before the race will have little to no impact on the fitness you've gained throughout the 4 months you HAVE been training. You should be tapering anyway...

I'd say JUST DO IT... Get out there and do it. I'll be there... What will you be wearing? I'll watch for you... and our Dads will be watching out for us.   Send me a PM if you want to meet up!?!?

It does get a bit easier, Salma.

((((HUGS)))) Whizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2005-08-24 9:39 AM
in reply to: #231873

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Chicago IL (via Vancouver Canada)
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??
Thank you all so much for your kind words of support and encouragement. I decided to go ahead with the race. I think i was spending too much energy worrying about the time off the training...guilting myself.

I have worked hard and I think it will be fun - interesting thing is before my dad died, i was feeling more competitive, wanted to achieve a personal best etc....now, i just want to have fun. Today i will bike and OWS a little, and tomorrow do a short run and pool swim and thats it.

Again - thanx all so much so helping me clear it up in my head

S
2005-08-24 2:42 PM
in reply to: #231873

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Champion
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Fairport, NY
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??

Salma, the loss of a parent is an incredibly hard thing to get through, but I'm glad you're doing the race, good for you. I'd just like to point out one thing from your original post.

You were wondering if you would be setting yourself up for a bad finish. When doing your first triathlon, there is no such thing as a bad finish. Given the circumstances, your finish will be awesome regardless of what place you're in or what your time is.



Edited by marmadaddy 2005-08-24 2:43 PM


2005-08-24 3:20 PM
in reply to: #231873

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Master
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Savannah,
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??
Race. Write his name on your bike. Race. Race. Race.
2005-08-24 3:26 PM
in reply to: #231873

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molto veloce mama
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Subject: RE: Should i even bother??
i'm so sorry to hear of your loss. my sincere condolences. i can't add anything that hasn't already been said. trust yourself, 4 days off is okay, do what feels right at this point, and think of him while you race.
2005-08-24 3:29 PM
in reply to: #232928

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Master
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Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Should i even bother??
Salma,

What have you decided to do?
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