In the sport of triathlon I have had moments of weakness and moments of greatness; however, this weekend was comprised of moments which reminded me that we, as athletes, are in this together.
It started early on Saturday as we prepared for the Firecracker 5K. Before the race even started there were several friendly faces, all with open arms (it seems we know a lot of huggers). During the race words of encouragements were shared- "Push on", "Getting close", "It could be hotter", "Sprinklers ahead". And at the finish line those same friendly faces, with high fives and sweaty hugs. It was hot and humid and miserable but there we were together. In that heat it didn't matter if you were fast or slow, it mattered that you were there, you did it.
Later on Saturday I had a pool swim, which thankfully Patrick went with me to complete. I wasn't feeling like swimming and I had a "not so great" swim earlier in the week. Patrick wasn't swimming my workout but just him being there and supporting me through this training has made a world of difference. It reminds me that on the day when I hit the water for what will be a very long day, he will be there supporting me, encouraging me, and pushing me. Patrick is sort of a built in support system, but one I am ever thankful for.
Sunday would bring new moments of togetherness out there. For me it started in the water that day. There was an athlete who the week earlier was struggling with memories of the past which limited him from making it out more than a few yards in the open water. When this weekend I saw him in the water making it again only a few yards I went in the water to help. Together we made it to the first buoy, then after a little water treading we made it to a kayak, then the next, then to shallow ground and around the second buoy. After that and a few deep breaths it was a turn to the last buoy. Now the only way out of the water was back across the deeper portion. You would have though we finished a 100 mile swim, both cheering and excited. I was elated for this athlete. He had overcome a challenge that was until this moment unpassable. As I looked back out at the water I saw smiles from the kayakers and safety persons in the water- they did this too! While only this athlete who pulled his body through the water and his mind through the darkness imprinted deep inside, there was a team there to encourage, support, and cheer. This athlete then did something that was unexpected, he agreed to go back into the water and go around one more time. The team came together again, the kayakers moved close, the swim support team moved in to coach and comfort. Around buoy1, then 2, then 3, then back to land. It was an amazing thing to see this full team rally.
On this day too our group would have a few biking accidents to manage as well. Athletes stopped to help each other, stopping their workouts to make sure their fellow athletes had care. This support went on through the morning and afternoon, as messages to check on members went on for hours until there was satisfaction all were as safe as could be that day. Our tri club lifted each other up through out the day and it was amazing to see.
As the holiday weekend drew to a close a few of us got up early to gather for a bike a swim. I wasn't planning on needing emotional support on this day, but at mile two my legs were not loosening up, they refused to turn the crank; I felt myself build with frustration and my legs feeling like they were on fire. I continued on but quickly dropped off the group. The group waited for me a little ways up, then again a few more miles up. These fast, powerful athletes who could have been out and back much faster stayed there with me. One athlete dropped back to help pull me back up to the group since the head wind was not helping matters. At mile seven I was starting to feel a little better, as we took off from this stop the group slowed their pace, and paced out with me. No one complained, they all smiled, and asked if I needed food or how I was feeling. Besides embarrassed, I was feeling my cup runneth over. Without them there my ride would have been a frustrating mess, ending with cursing and tears; instead it ended with "good job' and laughter as we headed into the water.
Sometimes in training or a race you can feel alone, worried, scared, frustrated--- but remember we are in this together. Just take a moment to listen to the cheers from the other athletes, take in the high fives and "that a boy" messages shared out there, because in those moments you find the support to push on through the rough moments and hold on to the great moments we share.
