Thanks @Chriswim really enjoyed reading that, and agree with @gingerbongo to others (us) your result looks incredible - because it was, especially when you consider your weak(!) build-up.
I totally get how you could be disappointed. An ironman is a huge investment in time and energy, for it not to go right has to be frustrating, but it is the results despite adversity that define us, not the one’s where everything went to plan.
I used to be very critical of my own performances, rarely satisfied with how I had performed, even if the result was ok. Unlike you, I just wasn’t confident enough to share my critical thoughts with anyone else and more often than not, kept my disappointment to myself. But it meant I was always looking to improve, and always prepared to come back for another try. Now I look back on some of those events, and they are the ones that I am most proud. I’m sure, given time, this event will be the same for you.
I’m certainly not all doom and gloom or a pity party!
Although those emotions during the run were strange and something I’ve not had to deal with before.
I think my first reply after race is the best summary of tone. A little disappointed at what could have been, but still very proud overall. I think I have a lot to commend myself for, starting with a good training block*, and near perfect race-day execution with good decision making throughout, not panicking when things didn’t go on right but staying in control to optimise each chunk of time.
Which is why I’d advise trying to have an honest reflection of training before you’re swayed by result. Yes I’m looking back on that training now and trying to question what I’d change to go better, but fundamentally I’m sticking by it.
Agree
Wales 2024 was the plan. How competitive is up for debate if I take first six months of 2024 off travelling, but I have race credit to go towards Weymouth or Wales once I’m back. But I’d be doing well just to make a podium in Preston club champs!
And is why I’ll stick by that last paragraph in some ways. Yes I’m very happy to have the trophy and kudos, but I still recognise a lot lot lot of other people are capable of going better before I think of myself as the best. BUT yes I think this balances out with me getting the result I deserved, if we’d all gone 15-20 minutes quicker and I’d still taken second.
Interestingly part of my let down is that the next day I wanted an award for second overall, much much more than I wanted a first place for 30-34 which is kinda pointless for this AG.
The final paragraphs I missed out on the TT version I asked myself what I’d learn from this or try and improve.
Well, next to nothing. I’d look into the taper to think about illness twice in a row being coincidence or something else, but beyond that not much major comes to mind.
The other Q, what next? Well I’ve already booked accommodation for Busso in December to have option to launch an 8:45 attempt on that course. Whilst I probably will cancel it, it shows the competitive itch is/was there even though my plans for final 12 months in Aus were laid out to explore other things. But this is probably my best opportunity to train to pursue AG podiums and I don’t want to look back on what could have been either.
Gun to T2 solo, then ankle was hurting within 2km of the run. Thought you could call me Lucy, but then I got blown away with some very good runners. I felt the best I’ve ever felt at the end of the bike for energy/hydration etc so gave and set off at goal RP ~3:05 pace but having the last 4 weeks off caught up to me in the last 15km.
Great field, 8:10 age group winner with a 2:52, top 3 running sub 3. I know technology is helping, but the stabdard of athletes must also be part of these crazy times.
And obviously I take back any sandbagging about the bike course. Road surfaces were clearly much better than I was told to expect.
Write up during the week, but super happy. But main takeaway has to be it’s not big and not clever to race on an injury. Back of mind is a little nervous at what this will become, I’m needing help to walk anywhere now too use someone like a crutch and reduce the weight
