The Athena Strategy

Well, I've talked to a lot of people over the past few months about my Athena strategy. I've alluded, hinted and muttered about it. So I've decided it's time to go public.

I will not be racing as an Athena next season.

Wh-wh-what?!

I have a number of different reasons for doing this, and let me preface this by saying I have nothing against my Athenas out there who race Athena; let me also say I am not embarrassed to announce my weight at races. No, there are other reasons.

First, if (and when) I place in my age group and/or win more awards (because I will, eventually, even if it's when I'm 60, dammit), I want it to be because I am fast. Period. Not because I am fast for someone over 145 pounds, not because the class was so small that there was no one to really compete with, but because I am fast. Second, this is one of few times in my life I've weighed over 145 pounds and I'm sick of it. By the time St. Anthony's comes, I won't qualify for an Athena weigh-in.

That's right, you heard me.

Not I don't want to or I'm going to try to but I WILL NOT QUALIFY FOR AN ATHENA WEIGH-IN BY SPRING.

How ya like them apples?!

2 tidbits of wizdom:

Allez said...

Sometimes I feel like that weight category is unfair, because there's no light weight class either. Not that I would be in it! I think your strategy is great. When you place, its because YOU ARE FAST and not because the competition is weak!

Dr. Iron TriFeist :) said...

Oh, hon. Good luck. Many of us are seeking a healthier life through this. It seems like you're well on your way.

Too bad you're so ashamed of your Athena accomplishments. Why is weight a bad way to group people? Have you seen the speeds in the women around age 50? We may never reach those speeds.

Ask yourself what's most important: improvement or competition.

Through my athletic progression, from Athena to Age Grouper, I realized I have more in common with the elites than the mid-to-top age groupers. Granted, I only know 2-3 pros but the top age groupers are so very concerned about beating the next girl in line. The top pros just want to be the best they can on that day. That's always been my philosophy and it's only when I stray from it that I'm disappointed with my races.