News & Reviews

I’m writing this on the deck of a Hotel in Waikiki, overlooking the surf…
Waikiki is chockers with triathletes- and you can spot us a mile off!

Writing this is a big struggle, but extremely therapeutic and helps me rationally evaluate my race. I’ve been through the post-race emotions.

It starts with the initial jubilation at finishing, it’s always amazing to finish, no matter the outcome. The crowds pick you up and make you feel special…The finish line is the most welcome sight after mile upon mile of never ending highway. You’re reminded of how fortunate you are to be there- to be really living- to have the ability to be experiencing this, the good and the bad- just experiencing.

The next feeling was I’ve got to sit down, and I need water…I had to grab someone I knew to lower me to the ground- the legs would not bend and support me simultaneously.

Not long after I had to be helped off the ground to hug a disappointed Pro friend in tears- I told her smiling,”it’s just a silly race, no-one died” and made her laugh. You put the best athletes in the sport all together in harsh racing conditions and you are bound to get fireworks. This year was no exception.

I was remarkably light hearted post race. It wasn’t until the following morning that I woke to feelings of shame, self-loathing, guilt and disappointment. I know this sounds harsh, but I was perfectly prepared and in great shape. I’d arrived on the Big Island one month early to acclimatize, train on the course and settle in to the routine. I’d placed 11th last year, and wanted to improve on that this year, but had ended up in 27th, Wowaa!
Why am I so harsh on myself? Well because this is my job. I poured a lot of money into this race, and a bad result on one day- the day that counts- means I don’t get paid- at all. You know, I know this is the way it is, and I accept the risk. So for one morning, after the race I allow myself to be down. Then the self-pity is over and I can move on:)
In the past I’ve dwelt on disappointments for far too long, and that’s been another lesson in itself- learning to deal with it. My ego is fine with it, I know I can do better. I’m far better at putting things into perspective than I used to be.

So I’m now on holiday on Oahu enjoying my recovery with some fun in the sun. It’s an amazing life, and I will ride the setbacks to live like this.

So what happened on race day?
Coming next!

Still smiling
Charlotte