Roller coaster week
July 30th, 2010 by Lisa
It’s been an emotional roller coaster over the past week. From a surprise win in Hamburg to a disappointing 20+ place in London. None what really what I expected of myself coming into the races.
I was going down to the two races thinking I’d be able to squeeze out two solid, but not exceptional results.
Wasn’t quite the outcome!
But looking back, I rather have my 1st and 26th instead of the two twelves that would make out the average.
To be on top of the podium is one of the best things in life. And the times when you don’t expect it are the best. Not that I do expect to get up there very often. But after great blocks of training when you know you are running well, thats where you do want to end up!
When I ran into the last couple of corners still being in the main pack I knew I was in contention. If I played my cards well, it could be a great outcome. I had two(!) of my training partners in the same pack, as well as Moffat, Hewitt and Bennet… So I also knew I could as well miss out. I didn’t. And I thank my lucky star for that! It hasn’t been a lot of sunshine on the Norden sky lately so it was well sought after.
On the contrary London was a messy experience. It’s a busy city with lots of people and heavy traffic. The accommodation wasn’t perfect but I had to share a mini room with Kate for the first night before moving all my stuff to another building. There was a few media things to do and the venues were spread out and going places was time consuming. Training had gone well and I felt the best in the pool for quite a few months! But, it’s not necessary that reflects in the race results. A miss in the swim can cost you dare. Ask me…  I know.
I had a position on the far right side, maybe 5-7 places in. As my speed is not bad I normaly manage to get a way just a little bit which saves me a little bit of fighting. I didn’t and I got stuck with the girl on my right side swimming all over me reducing my speed. Made me hit the boy just a little bit too late, together with the big mass. And the carnage.
That was where my London race came to an end. 50 seconds behind in T2, stuck with a pack where very few girls wanted to work and frustration by loosing time by the lap.
Decided early on that I might as well turn it in to a good training session and get something out of it. Had a painful run and a reminder how it feels running 10k’s of a bike with smashed legs. It’s not fun.
It’s was so different and miles away from how it feels to run for medals at the front of the race.
Disappointment. Anger. Frustration.
But also fire.
What did I learn?
I know I have the capability to win a World Championship Series race.
My training is going in the right direction.
I’m still far from top fitness.
I just need to keep working hard.
And that is exactly what I’m planning to do!
Sprint victory in Hamburg! - Fraser Cartmell IM UK winner!
