The Unlikely Triumph of an Amateur Athlete
A Day of Redemption
As an amateur triathlete, I’ve grown accustomed to facing a series of mishaps on game day. From forgetting essential gear to struggling with pre-race jitters, it’s a wonder I’ve made it to the finish line at all. But last Sunday, something unexpected happened – I had a near-perfect race.
The Triathlon: A Test of Endurance
For the uninitiated, a triathlon is a grueling competition that involves completing three sports in succession: swimming, cycling, and running. Distances vary, ranging from 10 miles to a daunting 140.6 miles. My personal best falls somewhere in the middle, at a modest 24 miles.
A History of Bad Luck
My previous attempts at triathlons have been marred by misfortune. During my first race, I was still finding my footing. The second year, a police standoff outside my hotel room kept me awake until the early hours of the morning. And last year, I arrived late, starting the race a whopping five minutes behind everyone else. It seemed like Lady Luck had it in for me.
Turning the Tables
But this year, I decided to take control. I ensured a good night’s rest, hitting the sack by 10 p.m. and waking up feeling refreshed at 5 a.m. The day before, I rehearsed my race routine, ironing out any kinks. And to avoid any last-minute hiccups, I enlisted the help of a friend to remind me of the start time.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Despite my limited training – I’d only been running a few times a week, swimming sporadically, and hadn’t even seen my bike in months – I was determined to see this through. The race fee had been paid, and more importantly, I’ve never been one to give up.
The Sweet Taste of Success
When the results were announced, I was surprised to find myself second to last in my age division. Ordinarily, this would have been a blow to my ego. But not this time. I’d achieved my personal best swim time, navigated the bike portion without any cramping, and completed the final run without stopping. It may not have been the most impressive performance, but it was my perfect race – a testament to perseverance and determination.
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