Well done, everyone.
I am afraid I was already coming down with a bad case of bronchitis on Sunday, which in retrospect helps me understand how on earth I hit a wall like none before at 1500m. I am still very ill, and sadly disappointed that the timing was what it was. I fear that traveling by plane with coughing and sneezing people all around on a coast to coast flight probably did the trick, and next year I may delay my arrival in Boston (assuming I do this again!) to a day closer to the race. I have no idea what the incubation period is for these kind of germs, but maybe I should have not given myself from thursday - sunday in Boston. Yes, I am rethinking everything, because it was horribly disappointing. I had expected a 7:16 at a minimum. Arghhhhhh!
I was about 10 times more fatigued rowing the 7:25 than I was after rowing the 7:18 just 10 days prior. I knew there must be some explanation, as I literally had trouble getting up and leaving the arena. How disappointing after so much training.
I kept having to sit down every 30 feet or so. I must have looked ridiculous trying to make my way back to where my great and supportive husband was sitting.
Ironically, the 7:18 I ranked on C2 is still only puts me in 6th place which is where I ended up for CRASH Bs, but I will try to put up a better 2K time before May 1 if I can. My trainer also says 'we set out to row a 7:15 and we'll get you to 7:15 by May 1' so I think provided I get well soon I will try to push on and row that time. Right now I am so weak I am having trouble standing up long enough to go into the *** DELETE - SPAM ***, so the idea of a 2K anything makes my head spin!
Carla, thanks for the words of understanding. People were so great to congratulate this novice, but for me it was terribly upsetting to put up a time that was 7 seconds slower than my PB rowed just 10 days prior. And yes I do not think the 3 2K "all out" efforts within 10 days is something I will ever, ever let someone strong-arm me into again.
The good news is that I did not let the pressure of being in the exhibition row next to these super fast women get into my head. I stuck with my plan and did not waver. Unfortunately, I was just not all physically present.
I'm probably going to get some "oh, you must not do well under race pressure" B.S. from the same sources who muscled me into doing the extra 2K, but I intend to tell them where to go. Once I began rowing, I didn't think about anything other than what I needed to do for my race plan. I am pleased about that aspect of the race.
The 40-49 field was fast (my time would have medaled in the 30-39 category--go figure!) but even a 7:15 would have only gotten 5th place. Medaling was obviously not in the cards for me this year. That said, I think provided I can row the qualifying time next year, I will return to give it another shot, if for no other reason than it would be great to prepare and then row my best race on the right day!!!
Thanks to each of you for such great support. I am looking for a silver lining here. As a novice, I still have another year of (hopefully) improving each month, and I don't intend to stop training.
Perhaps I'll see you all in Boston again next year!
We're in for next year.
