by Maggie Fournier
I'm a Diesel. The type of engine taking a long time to warm up, not very powerful, yet can go forever. Not the speedy, fast sports car like, rolling on high octane. Oh but I've tried and tried to change my make up, one speed session at a time. Don't get me wrong, I still do my speed workouts throughout the season diligently but the outcome always reminds me that indeed, I'm a diesel engine.
I confess: I have ODE, also known as Olympic Distance Envy...I just love watching the girls (and guys) racing at lightning speed with such efficiency, making it look effortless. They way they move and power through a race with such explosion is impressive. I enjoy watching a fast paced race, but of course, I don't like watching the pack getting away from me because of such speed!
Too much emphasis is placed on longer events. Runners should run marathons. Cyclist should bike "centuries" and the ultimate goal in triathlon is the Ironman. I beg to differ. And I can guarantee you that a well raced Olympic distance event can be just as painful, albeit being much shorter. Why is it that longer events are better? Are we judging our fitness level, or success level solely based on distance? And how about speed?
Again, don't get me wrong. I'd like to think that I race my Ironman with just as much speed as I can sustain for the duration of the event. I push my body to its speed limit, fighting burning lungs and aching legs. I rarely race short distances but everytime I do, I wonder why I don't do it more often! They are fun, adrenaline-filled races without much thinking involved. You just go. Nutrition? Just enough please. Salt tablets...what for? And brunch instead of late dinner after the race? Yes please!!!
Embrace the event you're training for, regardless of the distance. You put time, sacrifices and efforts in. In the meantime, I'll embrace my inner ODE, wishing I was faster, trying to figure out where my 5th gear is and wishing I could hang with the Speedsters!
Stay Healthy :)
Cheers
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