As the days tick by, I am trying to balance my anxiety about Sunday's race as I enjoy tapering - definitely more resting this week! I did sign up for the Boulder Stroke and Stride, a weekly event that is either a swim/run or just a run. It seemed like a good opportunity for me to squeeze in one more open water swim before Sunday. Also, I participated in the event last year and my experience - or performance - was less than stellar. I signed up for the 1500 meter swim + 5K run and then bumped myself down to the 750 meter swim. It ended up being a challenging swim, not because of the conditions but because of the altitude. So, I wanted redemption this year - I hoped to build my confidence for Sunday with a solid swim followed by a nice, easy run.
Unfortunately, things did not work out like I hoped! The good news (I suppose) is that this had nothing to do with my performance in the water which was non-existent. Seriously. So much for that open water practice swim! I'm actually surprised that I even went to the Boulder Rez yesterday - there were thunderstorms threatening all afternoon, and around 4:00 the sky opened up and it started to pour. "Good!" I thought, hoping that the thunderstorms would blow through, leaving clear conditions for 6:00 pm. By 5:15, however, the rain started again, along with thunder and lightening. No way was the swim happening. So, I geared up in running clothes and headed to the Boulder Rez, driving towards the dark clouds and not even sure about the run. Once I arrived, I heard the announcer talking about the swim rules - GRRRRR! The swim was happening and I did not bring any of my swim gear. Nor did I have time to return for it. Total fail!
Well, I still did the run, which was low-key, especially considering that there were about 12 of us who only ran the 5K. I came in first in my age group - out of two! I held a faster pace than I've been seeing lately, but I certainly did not go "all out". So, I came home with a cool t-shirt, a failed swim and a somewhat slow run. Not a total wash, but certainly not the experience for which I had hoped.
As I gear up for a swim in the Rez this morning (my last before Sunday!), I'm shaking my head at myself, but I've also shrugged it off, to a certain degree. If the swim had not gone well, then, rather than building my confidence, it would probably be shot right about now. I know that I can do a 1.2 mile swim - it might be slower than I would like but I think that much of Sunday will be a bit slower than I'd "like".
So, maybe I'll have the experience that I want at next year's Stroke and Stride - vamos a ver!
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