I don’t think I mentioned it, but this Tri Group I joined is all men and me. Well there’s one other woman who’s coming back from a broken foot I’ve yet to see. I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t find the all-male dynamic intimidating. Had I known that beforehand I doubt I’d have signed up. Plus they’re all training for full Ironmans (Ironmen??) vs my sprint.
Except for the very first week when there were two woman in addition to me at Monday morning Masters Swim, that’s been an all male affair too. Last week in particular there were not one but two jackasses…I mean accomplished swimmers…who didn’t take too kindly to sharing a lane with moi. I changed lanes but fought the urge to leave. The old me would’ve packed up and left with tail between my legs.
After the indoor tri, one of the guys flat out asked me “Why are you here?” Don’t you love his subtlety? I explained how I am a marathoner taking on a new challenge. He wanted to know what marathons I’d done and my times. After that there might have been a slight thaw.
Last night we met on the track for mile repeats. I hung in the back of the pack for the warmup mile, not wanting to push faster than is normal for me.
Mile 2 I passed one of the guys, and worried I’d have nothing left for the remaining repeats.
Mile 3 I passed another. Would he pass me back? The answer is no.
All along the coach was not telling us our splits so I had no idea and wasn’t looking at my Garmin, just heart rate, which was in that gut-busting place just under the redline neighborhood, right where I wanted it.
Mile 4 felt sloooow. I told myself just do what you can. I used a guy in front of me as a rabbit and hung on.
And then it was over. One heavenly cooldown mile and I was done.
I ended up with an 8:07 overall pace. My first two mile splits were within one second of each other and my final repeat (the one I thought was slow) was 8 seconds faster.
Now what just happened here?
Was it being on the track? Running at night? Running with a group? Running with people faster than I? Running with men? The other training I’ve been doing? Probably all of the above.
I don’t talk about it much because I feel like I’m whining, but I’ve chalked up my decline in running speed these past few years to peri-menopause, hormonal fluctuations and weight gain. Maybe that’s true and last night the hormones aligned? That’s still a mystery. But gosh I surprised myself.
It’s like that song by my friend Eminem:
‘Cause sometimes you just feel tired,
Feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
And just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.
As much as I am way out over my skis with this group, they are pulling something out of me that I doubted was even there anymore.
When’s the last time you blew your own mind?
I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
So Awesome! Kind of annoying that the guy asked why you were there:/ Jerk! Some people are so rude and entitled. Glad you showed him what you were made of;)
Awesome! Way to show that arrogant a** how to run. I hate people like that. Actually, runners aren’t like that. Triathletes? Yep. Don’t you change.
Nice job! I would be so intimidated so huge kudos to you. I do think running with faster people can help you get faster. It pushes you. But you also have to remember to do your own training and include those easier runs at your pace and not theirs.
I hate that some jackhole tried to make you feel out of place…we join training groups to grow, not because we are experts. Freakin’ annoying.
I love that you busted out such a fast pace 🙂 All smiles!! It’s great when everything lines up and you have one of those moments 🙂
Keep at it.
Nice Marcia! I think running track workouts w/ others makes ALL the difference. When I first started running yrs ago, I did track 1x/week with a huge group and a coach. I loved it–miss it even, but that was pre-kids and I had the time in my schedule to drive half an hour to get there!
Run10Feed10 last year and then the Phoenix Marathon this year. Starting with Erica, her getting me going, and then just going–not breaking from it–in the end I blew my own mind.
VROOM ZOOM my hot mama!
First, congrats! Heck yeah, you still have it. Secondly, that guy who said that….he has an entire bag of issues that have nothing to do with you. In fact, he just just might as well be wearing a neon sign that reads “I’m insecure”. I would bet money that this fellow isn’t picking up any checks for crossing the line first either I suspect. I’ve come across people like this in tri sports and some have almost ruined it for me. I keep having to remind myself at times that it’s not me, it’s them. I’m doing what I love, they’re issues are just invading my ear space. FYI, these are also the same men that will trample you in an open water swim.
Don’t pay any attention. Do your thing cause I think it’s super cool watching you work hard for victories in the pool. Look how far you’ve come! I’m totally inspired!
You have so much talent! It’s in there… release the hounds!
Awesome job! Way to pass some of the guys! I feel it definitely helps to run with a faster crowd. They will definitely push you!! Btw, not cool of that guy to ask why you were there. Way to show him what you could do!
Show those men that you mean business!! 🙂 I firmly believe I run faster when I’m running with faster people. I always have a faster pace per mile when I run races vs running on my own.
Good job sticking it out and sticking it to those guys! I’ll be at the Espirte de She too! I enjoy reading about your training!
You amaze me! Ever since I read that you BQ’d at your second ever marathon, I have been in awe of you and nearly all of your posts have me wondering the same thing…how do you do it? Hanging with the “boys club” during a Tri training would be crazy-intimidating! Thanks for representing the ladies – and for not backing down 🙂 That’s a great way to start your weekend!!
Do you know if broken foot woman is “Ruth”? I think she lives out near you. Glad you’re finding a group for tri training!
When I joined with my squad I mainly hung with the women and was incredibly intimidated by the men. Not any more. I run more with men than with women and if they’re fast all the better. My speed’s pretty good this year because of it. Hang in there – you’ll just be one of the guys sooner than you know it.
That’s awesome. Most guys are very gracious although why some feel the need to be competitive is beyond me. I ride with guys regularly because I’m a good cyclist and often drop many of them on climbs. I don’t run with guys much, though. I’ve been meaning to go check out a local running club’s tuesday night track workouts. Primarily have been using the treadmill for speedwork out of convenience. Training with a group is a good way to get stronger – just be careful you don’t get sucked into competition mode every time (cuz guys are like that)- honor the easy days and keep them easy!
Running with a fast crowd definitely makes you stronger. You have been found strength and cross training, too. Glad to see the results – and that you showed them who is boss in the run!! These track workouts and sticking w/the swim will pay off!!
It’s amazing what a little friendly competition can do. there is something about the track though that makes me want to channel my inner olympian and makes me move faster 🙂 Have a great weekend Marcia!
I think I would be so intimidated to run with all guys…but great job sticking it out! I have definitely had runs where I just surprise myself and can’t figure out what caused it to go particularly well.
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOO way to show em who’s boss!!!! I don’t run with guys except my hubby, because I could never keep up with any of the guys in my running group!!
I totally think running with a faster crowd makes you faster!!! I think that’s why I always race faster. I always like to be right in the front for races.
Woohoo! Great job “keeping up” with the boys!!! I always tend to run faster around faster people, especially guys! I always wanna beat them 😛
Hmm, that guy was a bit rude!
I don’t mind running with guys, actually that’s what happens most of the time. It is definitely motivating to run with others who are faster than you (or bike, swim, etc.) As long as everyone is out there rooting for each other, it shouldn’t matter “why” you are there. Keep up the great work!
Sweet Marcia!! So irritating that guy tried to make you feel like you didn’t belong! Betcha you won’t be hearing from him again. Great job!
Way to hang and then some with those guys! Love it! They do bring out the best in you, I like a little healthy friendly competition and guys are good for that! Have a great weekend!
Woohoo. So proud of you for sticking with it. I find working out with a speedy crowd makes me work harder.
I do think that running in a group with people who are fast makes us faster – it’s that competitive streak that just comes out!!
I used to do my track workouts with all guys. They had to invite me a bunch of times before I got up the nerve to join them. It ended up that I was in the middle of the pack and didn’t feel intimidated at all. Of course, they were all far nicer that the jackass you encountered! Way to stick with it, and not leave after his obnoxious comment.
100% think it’s other people pushing you and running with faster people helps. you’ve been a machine lately.