Sitting Out to Step it Up
I rarely
sit out important races, unless forced to by injury. This year however, I did by choice sit out Nationals. It sucked. It’s hard watching the social media roll out
and not being a part of it. It sucks to
not fight for the right to wear the National Champion’s jersey which would no
doubt have been a nail biter of a race.
But it also feels good to commit to an Olympic preparation plan that is
optimal for me. In order to rebuild my
form between Worlds and Rio I need some time on the same time zone and
preferably in one place. Racing
nationals, 4500 km from my home, would have meant either being on the road
since I left for Worlds in June until I returned from Rio and finding an
eastern home base or compromising training by adding in a quick trip back to BC
before the World cup in Mont Sainte Anne.
Either could have worked, but as an athlete entering their 3rd
Olympics and an athlete that favours the home environment over training camps
and altitude, coming home to my trails, my bed, the interval climbs I know
intimately, well it was just the right call.
Sitting out a race is tough, but it also makes me more fired up to step it up for the next one. But please bring the next one soon!
Sitting out a race is tough, but it also makes me more fired up to step it up for the next one. But please bring the next one soon!
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