Like I mentioned in my last post, I left the race feeling pretty great. I was all smiles.

But a lot went through my head the next day when the results were posted and I had time to process everything.

I started getting down on myself and I couldn’t shake it off. Coach got a long email from me telling him what was going on in my head and how disappointed I was. I’m not out to be competitive, but I always want to do my best. And I felt like I didn’t do my best. Here’s why:

1. I let others dictate how fast I was swimming. Instead of fighting to get ahead I just swam comfortably with the crowd.
2. I didn’t push myself on the bike. At all. I rode like I do any other day of the week! I still have no reason for this – ugh.

I was so mad at myself after I thought about it. And thought about it. And thought about it. But I finally told myself to just GET OVER IT already and aim high for the next one. What good is it doing me to stew over it? What’s done is done.

Just from that one race, I’ve already learned a lot:

1. Do warm up “laps” to get out the nerves and to let my heart rate adjust.
2. Line up more towards the front of the swimmers (not in the front line, of course!).
3. Relax on the bike and push. Push hard. Race the bike, don’t just ride the bike.
4. Have fun!

If anything, this race was worth it just for the learning experience. I’m so ready to tackle the next one!

Are you a redemption person, like me? Or are you able to just let things go and move on??