AM: So a couple of weeks ago I was offered a free spot to join an Olympic Triathalon relay team hoping to win the overall male relay award. My teammates were described as absolute beasts and awesome racers in their disciplines. However my teammates admittedly were not in top shape, which was disappointing. I honestly only agreed in the beginning when a coaching friend of mine mentioned they were top performers in their disciplines as I thought it would be wicked fun to anchor a strong triad in a sport (Triathalon) that I don't do very often. I realize it's neither of their faults for her making it seem like they were so good I'd be the weak link, but the day before when they told me their expected times for their disciplines/ what they could accomplish tomorrow and that neither were in top form even to hit those, I was bummed out. I had been gearing my recovery since the marathon in hopes to be as primed as possible for an okay run just six days away from Boston in this race, so it was deflating. By the time my running leg was up, I just relaxed into a 5:50-5:55 pace and just coasted. I spent the run high-fiving volunteers, supporters, and those cheering on the way, running through sprinklers set up, hoses, fist-bumping people I knew on the course after the turn-around. The finishers chute was the best part! The crowd was much more dense and I was able to slap the hand of almost everyone on the side before finishing which got some cool cheers. A big caveat to the experience though- I felt terrible for passing so many people along the route though. By the time it was my turn to run, 99% of the runners on the 10k course in front of me were 8:00min/mile race pace or slower, so I didn't really know what to say other than a "you got this" or "keep it up" as I glided past as they wilted away in the 80+ degree heat. Passing people honestly felt humiliating, and usually that's the most satisfying. It felt as if I were cheating. Weird feeling during a race. Overall, the race was entertaining. I got to see a lot of people I knew, including Tom, a friend from this blog! That was a pretty exciting surprise. Thanks really to Drew for introducing us (and for Tom being nice enough to say hi). | 