Oct 14 2011
Post Kona Reflections
Firstly let me thank everyone who helps me do this wonderful sport. It’s a team effort out there – athletes are but the tip of the iceberg. Friends, family, sponsors, coaches, fellow competitors and supporters:- it’s you guys and girls who make it possible for me to go out there and chase my goals and to fulfil my potential. Thank you each and every person who cheered from near and far; to those who gave their time and energy to fix and prep my body and mind and who took the time and effort to help motivate and inspire me in so many different ways. Special thanks to husband Richard and coach Phil who put up with a lot of angry, frustrated and upset Cat. And special thanks to my amazing homestay families without whom I would not have hoped to have the season that I have had: Lulu and Frank in Galveston; team Newman on St Croix; Fred in Austin, and the Trinkle family in Houston and John and Linda in Kona.
What can I say about Kona this year? My first reflection is that it was a privilege to see some fabulous performances out there by my fellow competitors. In particular by fellow Brits: Leanda whose race came together so perfectly; Rachel who should really be called “Little Miss Consistency”; and Chrissie who triumphed despite “sub-optimal” preparation as she would say!
My personal race didn’t go 100% according to plan. I’d give it a score of 6.5-7 out of 10. At least this year I made it to the start line minus colds or flus. A sub-par swim is never the best way to start, however, it’s a long day out there and if I were to judge all my races on the quality of the swim I’d have quit this sport a long while ago. My bike ride was solid, the best ride that I’ve had in Kona, so I’m happy with that. My run was off par and to be honest this is what broke the race for me. Between around mile 7 and 12/13 I had a bad phase. I was going to call it a bad patch, but it was more prolonged that that!! The wheels fell off and I was into one foot in front of the other mode. I had to visit the portaloos on four occasions. Such a joy, especially when they’ve been sitting in 35 degree heat all afternoon. Then somebody flicked a switch. The lights came back on and I was off – out the gates and running again. The best thing was that I was also enjoying the race. I ran as hard as I could and I didn’t give up on the hope that I could catch some of the girls in front. I knew that top 5 was out of the window but I ran for top 10. It’s a disappointing result on paper but I can take away so many learning points and positives from this race. I can work on the swim. I can try to explore why I had some stomach issues and why I had the bad patch on the run. I worked through a lot of negativity and came away smiling. The heat didn’t bother me.
I raced as hard as I could and gave my best personal effort on the day. I’m proud of that but I’m not finished with Kona, that’s for sure.
Way to hang in there. All this will just make it even sweeter when you do have a great day in Kona!
Definite progress there Cat – it’ll all come together some day soon, just look at Macca. Keep doing Scotland proud!
Hi Cat
It’s such a pleasure to sponsor you. You’re always happy to do little interviews or come along to events like the breakfast in Kona and I really appreciate the support that you give back to us.
I’m looking forward to working with you again next year and helping you have the race you deserve in Kona (and being there to see it happen)
Rock on
Simon
hey cat… i like the quick recap… and love that you took and highlighted the positives. i feel so similar; good swim, good run, just a sub-par bike left me out of the mix. and that is how it goes some days… like you, i want to go back. ya know it seems to be something about until you feel you have ‘mastered’ something you wanna go back for more! i guess that i sour sick and twisted personalities eh? rest up & let me know if you roll thru austin again! great chatting at the pool, thanks for listening.
Hi Cat;
Just a short note to echo Simons comments. I really apreciate the support you have shown my race over the years and our little interview sessions at the race briefings have always gone down really well with other racers, so well done and thank you. You will have your day in Kona, with your approach its a matter of when, not if!
Richard
Cat, you know as well as anybody that some races seem to create more questions than they answer! Even in the Ultra scene, I’ve had races where the first 150 miles goes to plan but for no rhyme nor reason, running the next 2 seem a killer!!! I’ve watched you since those early days back in the Tri Club where you always seemed to be looking for answers when most were happy to get the rest! But that’s why you are who you are and hold the titles you do. Yes, you’ll work it out, but you’re always going to look to the next horizon. I’ve ran the Sahara three times and just when I thought all was ‘mastered’ as Kelly says, I’d learn something new. You inspire people by inspiring yourself. Keep up the good work. Gerry
Thanks for being on point and on teargt!