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Anu Vaidyanathan: Say you will
By Anu Vaidyanathan
3/30/2009 |
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As I grow older in this sport (this is my sophomore year with proper training facilities for 8 months of the year since 2007) I realize firmly that my expectations change, the reasons for doing this sport change and most of all, self-realization does happen. I realized for example that the reason I was going so slowly on my double run days (when I thought I would train like a runner for a marathon, early in the season) was because I forgot to shave my legs. Now, any law of aerodynamics will point out what a sin this is. A culmination of physiotherapists, posture analysts and mental therapists also gave me lots of insight into the 20 things I was doing wrong and sure enough, I didn't listen. I don't understand what things like "don't swim because your shoulder is sore" means. But, self-realization came along and I realized that I only do what I want, when I want to. One of the greatest privileges of being the world's fastest Indian. Bring it on!
The Auckland half ironman is probably one of the "most interesting" races (besides some others I've had the honor of participating in, around the texas/arizona regions) where you get absolutely nothing for the race-entry. There is one aid station on the bike-course, selling something vile called a leppin squeezy. As you exit the swim, someone associated with the race asks you "what is your number" which when delirious (as walruses often are with an excessive intake of oxygen) I just couldn't get myself to answer. On the run, there are several coke stations and that is the only highlight of the race (besides the absolutely stunning location). This year was my third year at this race and I went because I needed my head to toughen up. I knew there would be ten things that went wrong at this race (at least) and that would get my attitude back on track. For starters, the race is plenty hilly and there was construction and clearly the roads had not been swept. This led to a spill and one of our friends, David, went down.. his race ended there. So, I knew I had plenty of organizational difficulties coming my way.. of course, this was the whole reason for starting this race. I needed a mental warm-up for the year to come.
The swim was stellar (and started only 10 minutes late, which opposed to 2007 when we were 20 minutes late was nothing) and I was lovin' it. The water is almost always calm at Maraetai beach and there are exactly two buoys, easily confused (as they are white and black orca bouys) with sail boats. I had a stellar swim and had a PB by 3 minutes. I really wanted the boys to pay attention to me at this race so, following Mrs. Martinez's sad demise thanks to some wonderful racking at another race, and a year's battle with that big ding on her frame, I had to replace her with a second hand Blue, who does have a clue on what it takes to be a great bike. Of course, all the testing in the world cannot replace training well on new equipment and I paid for it with 20 minutes off the bike walking and running up hills, staying in the smallest gear on the flats for a while as the rear wouldn't shift well etc. etc.
I was in a good mind to turn in my chip after the bike ride but that sounded too easy. Besides, one has got to respect the fight and the fighters. Talk is very cheap but grammo wheels ain't :) And I had borrowed these for this race and was seeing speeds on the flats that I did not know existed. So, something was working.. just not up and down hills, apparently. Onto the run, I thought I'd run a lap, turn in my chip, put on my walkman and finish the race as a workout. However, the first lap was a cruisy run and I did pretty good.. I reconsidered and thought about the times I had had fun doing these events. They were filled with positive imagery and the thrill of gettin' it done. I ran the second lap at the pace I could've run the whole run but, I had specific instructions to not nuke myself on the run. I told myself to be patient. That was all I needed to get to the finish line on Saturday and while cruising I still ran a decent time in the heat.
Sure, this was not a personal best (far from it) or a miracle in the making BUT, the swim was a personal best and the run taught me a few things about eating properly on the bike. Isotonic drinks are not overrated on a hot day :)
I had a great day and I know I am getting fitter. I can feel it and that's really satisfying. My goal for 2009 is no DNFs on any race unless I'm in a truck or road-kill or both. I have a friend called Shirley who does about every damn race in the country and then every other race outside the country. Her motivation is excelling in her age-group (60+) and I've never once heard her stress out about solids, liquids, pre-race nervousness, post-race taper, fitness, quad size, aerodynamics or lycra. She just does. No explanations of why she did this race 3 weeks after IM-New Zealand (yes, a half ironman 3 weeks after an ironman) or why she is about to do some crazy riding in a week from now. People that sit around and talk about training, taper, correct-technique, glute-activation, hamstring de-activation and rest clearly missed the memo on Shirley. She's my idol! Finishes every race with a big ol' smile and has roast chicken ready to consume at the finish (that is preparation!)
It's going to be a big long year for me. I am singing "say you will" to another person :) CRAP. I hate waiting! But, all good things are worth waiting for, so, hurry up!
Speaking of aerodynamics, I DID pay attention on the run and took off my ten kg waist pouch at T2. I think that explains the run split.
Stay tuned for monthly reports on on-going exploits.
Anu Vaidyanathan is an obstinate fool whose biggest crime against humanity was not realizing how swim caps are worn for about 2 years. Watch as her non-dnf-ing stories and associated glories unfold at www.anuvaidyanathan.com.
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