There are no races on my calendar for 2025. No IRONMAN races, no marathons, no open water swims, not even a sprint triathlon, local 5K, or Master’s meet. For the first time in years, I am not training for a particular race. And it’s OK.
My triathlon story started over two decades ago, when I signed up for a race on a dare. I’ve been training and racing ever since, minus the two seasons I was pregnant (I still worked out, but did not race). And of course, even though most races were cancelled in 2020, I still trained since I was signed up for an early-season 70.3 that I deferred to 2021. So, what do you get from 20+ years of training cycles? Lots and lots of fitness, for sure, but also lots of fatigue. Not just physical fatigue, but mental. In my younger years, there were a few seasons where I stacked things stupidly: I raced a couple 70.3s, plus a few sprints, then rolled right into Master’s swimming, then started training for a spring half marathon while also targeting a spring championship meet for Master’s. Only to turn around and start triathlon training again! All while teaching 7-8 group exercise classes a week and taking care of two young kids. I don’t say that to show off, but to demonstrate how thin I was stretched over those years.
The last couple of years were no picnic either; between going through menopause, both kids heading off to college, and other health issues, my training felt like a shadow of its former self. I managed to get myself to the finish line of IRONMAN Maryland in September, but that cycle really wore on me and sapped my racing desire. So I took the rest of the year off: I didn’t think about me and triathlon, but when the mood struck me I walked and did yoga and Pilates. When the new year rolled around, I realized I liked the unstructured time. I also liked having my weekends free and not feeling guilty or panicked if I miss a workout.
There is no chance of me being completely sedentary because, honestly, I would go absolutely crazy if I sat like a lump. However, I am for the foreseeable future retired from long-course triathlon (and probably Olympic distance too). Now, I am doing *something* everyday, mostly lifting heavy weights and HIIT workouts, just not endless miles of swimming, biking, and running.
This year, I’m focusing on the fun; I want to move in ways that make me feel good and also leaves time in my schedule for people and activities that I love. Because what good is being fit if you’re too tired/stressed/overscheduled to do fun stuff with the people that matter most?
