Risat’s BodyBlog

It was a beautiful day, great weather, things looked good for the rest of the competition. We went through our standard warm-up, then did a one touch on all the obstacles, I was running early, heat 9, they ran the guys individually, then it was my turn. I spent too muchtime getting over the wall, I was up quick, but didn’t get a good push off, so it was catch up after that. There are two courses set up so you run side by side, but its your time, I could see the other runner, just slightly ahead of me, she was always just right ahead of me, but I didn’t let my mind focus on that just the next obstacle, so I was over the wall, through the grid (felt sluggish), monkey bars were good, three stepped the beam (yes I know, I was going to two, but…), I’m good on the net, my feet just felt and bounced off it, I was up over and down, the baton went right in the box, perfect, then it was all me, around the cone, I felt strong, good endurance, three hurdles, steeple box, I was flying, ahead of the runner in the next lane, under bar (two hand touch) perfect, I was leaning too far forward though, I hit for the puch front to roll over the bar, felt my torso hit the bar knocking it over….rats 2 sec penalty. I finished ahead of the runner next to me, heard them call out my time - 55.137 + 2sec = 58.137 (would it be good enough?).

Next was the shuttle run. 20 feet, 10 bean bags. Again I was running early. This is an event that needs rhythm. Three steps, keep low, grab with the left, transfer, toss with the right (into a riser), look it in, aim well, you have to keep them in, usually by the 5th bag, the lungs are burning, things just felt right (why all of the sudden?), my timer called out to me to keep going, 4 more, three more, 2 more…I grabbed the last bag, turned, pushed off and ran…threw the bag in (no penalties!) 35.29! It was a good time, a real good time. It felt good to have one event go well.

So eventhough I had been eating all day, I knew I had about 45 minutes before the next event and kept at it, more carbs, I was felling good, focusing on the bench press….The temp was up, low 80’s by now, closing in on noon, this time I was one of the last to bench, my name was called, I usually kiss the bar, tell it that it is light (I do the same for hte box, though I tell it that its not so high), don’t know why I didn’t this time. I lifted the bar, it was heavy, no I mean heavy, it felt unbalanced on the left side. I made it to ten, struggled to 20, and stopped at 22 (I can do more, I’ve did 36 in Vegas). I did not feel good about this. I stood up, walked back to my stuff, put on my trainers and ran, I ran to try to find peace. It was just one event. I had success, I had fun, I did not want to let one event make this less then the the best…..

So that was the end, it is always a little sad, I want it to start all over again. I went out with my daughter and a friend to eat, then it was time for awards. the results are posted. Surprise I was actually 7th, not 8th like I thought. I finally broke into the Dual Fitness Optional category (first for me), won my age group for the course, and dual fitness. 10th overall in the course, and 8th in my routine. So what’s left to achieve? Well, really a lot more, a better, clean course run better than the 54:02 that I had in May, age group winner in Grace & Physique, age group winner in Fitness skills, then there is Vegas, that is the real test, with over 100 competitors that is the one I want to make top 10 (any event would be cool).

So I relook my training (more bench training), a new routine (time to retire this one) with a better them (any ideas?) and keep going with the rest of my training (sprints) and relook my nutrition plan.  Next event up is a mini challenge in January (course and one skill).

So I am just running a little (helps me mentally), racing a little (feeds my competitive spirit) and looking for new training ideas. I believe I am on the right track, I would have ended up in 7th if I wasn’t, but I have to eliminate the errors so I can do better. Oh and still have fun!