Posted: October 22, 2004

Triathlon: This too, shall pass

Andrew Guitarte's Half-Ironman(r) experience at the White Rock Triathlon (WRT) held at Subic, Philippines on Oct. 9, 2004.

Written by: By Andrew M. C. Guitarte
andrew@enduraman.com
October 10, 2004

I remember a touching scene in the movie, "My best friend's wedding." Julia Roberts cries unabashedly while she sits slumped on the floor. Her best friend, who's getting married, finds out that she's sabotaging his marriage out of jealousy. She fears losing the friendship and losing whatever's left of her self-respect. A passerby sees her anguish and sits down with her. He gently tells her that in this time great distress, remind yourself that this too, shall pass.

I find great comfort in that simple advice. A few times I'm confronted with distressful moments at work, in the family, in my studies, among friends. There seems to be no way out. I feel trapped and on the verge of giving up. But when I remember that these things do pass, I'm comforted.

It can be a death in the family, a lingering illness, a failing grade, or a seemingly unsolvable financial problem that's bothering us. Or it can be a traumatic experience with a family member, a shouting match with the boss, or a bankruptcy, or severe financial loss, whatever it is, that too shall pass.

I remember suffering severe cramps while running the half-marathon segment in a half-Ironman® distance triathlon. The race is against time to finish 3.8 km of swimming, 90 km of biking, and 21 km of running within eight hours. Right after hopping off the bike and preparing for the transition, I can feel both of my legs tightening and severe pain shooting up to my torso. I limp out of the transition area to the run course. Distressing thoughts go through my mind.

Do I quit now or do I continue to suffer the agony of walking and running the next 21 kilometers? What if the pain doesn't ease? What if I don't make the race cut-off? Worse, what if I end up in a stretcher? Can I bear the embarrassment?

When the pain is so intense, no amount of willpower can overcome it. The pain clouds all reason and resistance is futile. Wrong, I say to myself.

At that moment when I'm about to give up, I remember that simple advice. It continues to inspire me not to give up without a fight. This pain is going to go away. This pain is going to go away. I repeat to myself. This pain too, shall pass.

That's when I decide to continue to walk with my cramping legs, stopping every 15 meters when the pain comes back. I stretch, bend, and then start walking again. I ask for ice, a massage, some BenGay® as I stop at every aid station. I run on it for a few meters, slow down, and stop. I repeat this routine for the next 30 minutes until the pain subsides to a more tolerable level. It doesn't totally disappear but it's more tolerable. All this time, I remind myself that pain is temporary.

Surprisingly, I'm able to recover half of my strength for the next 15 kilometers. Though still limping for the last two kilometers, I manage to jog the last 15 meters towards the finish line where a crowd is wildly cheering my name.

When I finally cross that finish line and receive the finisher's medal, one thought brings me much hope and inspiration. However difficult things may be for now, I know that this too, shall pass.
Andrew Guitarte is a budding triathlete and plans a podium finish in his age group before he reaches the age of 65. His recent race is the White Rock Triathlon (half-Ironman® distance) last October 9, 2004 at the beautiful White Rock Resort, Subic, Zambales, Philippines.

About Andrew:
Andrew Guitarte is a budding triathlete and plans a podium finish in his age group before he reaches the age of 65. His recent race is the White Rock Triathlon (half-Ironman® distance) last October 9, 2004 at the beautiful White Rock Resort, Subic, Zambales, Philippines.