There's no denying that a cancelled race, shortened distance or course change will evoke a lot of emotions for the athlete who has invested time, money and energy in to participating in the upcoming race. Although no athlete can predict or control modifications and cancellations, it's part of the game when preparing for an outdoor activity which requires a venue that is impacted by outside forces.
As a coach who puts on triathlon training camps, I empathize with race directors. While athletes may feel otherwise, I can't imagine that any race director wants to put time, energy and money into a race, only to cancel it. Because many race directors are athletes themselves, there's nothing fun about cancelling a race, changing the course or venue. Recently, Ironman made the decision to cancel Ironman Florida in PCB due to the devastation of Hurricane Michael. Prior to that, Ironman 70.3 North Carolina was cancelled. This was the right thing to do as each city tries to overcome the significant damage that occurred. Ironman Chattanooga had a cancelled swim and Ironman Kentucky had the swim shortened.
As a coach who puts on triathlon training camps, I empathize with race directors. While athletes may feel otherwise, I can't imagine that any race director wants to put time, energy and money into a race, only to cancel it. Because many race directors are athletes themselves, there's nothing fun about cancelling a race, changing the course or venue. Recently, Ironman made the decision to cancel Ironman Florida in PCB due to the devastation of Hurricane Michael. Prior to that, Ironman 70.3 North Carolina was cancelled. This was the right thing to do as each city tries to overcome the significant damage that occurred. Ironman Chattanooga had a cancelled swim and Ironman Kentucky had the swim shortened.
Whether it's a tune-up race, fun race, key race or a race of a lifetime, every athlete will handle the decision of the race differently. While some athletes will agree with the decisions that are made (whether they like them or not), a large number of athletes will voice their unhappy thoughts and feelings about the situation. Essentially, it's a lose-lose situation for the race director and staff.
Soon after IMFL was cancelled, something happened that I have never seen happened before. The event was moved to a new location (Haines City, FL) just one day later (Nov 4th). This is unheard of! I can't imagine the stress, money, time, energy and overall effort that is involved to put together a 140.6 mile event, in a new location, in just 3 weeks! It takes me many months just to plan a 5-day triathlon training camp for 15 athletes! If you'd like to volunteer for the event, you can do so HERE. I think it's absolutely wonderful that this is happening!
Despite the two options that Ironman provided for IMFL athletes to still put all that training to good use in a new venue, on the same weekend OR to defer to another Ironman (Texas) less than 6 months later, there has been a lot of complaining. I'd like to think that triathletes are a special group of people who are genuinely nice, supportive, caring, resilient and mentally tough, but this has not been the case as I've heard many nasty, negative and mean comments made by triathletes over this recent decision.
This brings me to the purpose of this blog....complaining.
Thanks to various modes of communication, such as on forums, private groups and social media, many athletes are venting about their thoughts about the recent decision of moving IMFL instead of cancelling the event all together. Athletes are venting about their lack of options and the money lost due to the recent cancellation of the event in PCB. Athletes are downright not happy. While it's ok to vent (you don't want your negative thoughts to add up), it's best to share your thoughts with a close friend, your coach or a family member who can help you work through those uncomfortable feelings. Venting in a forum (or on social media), with a group of like-minded individuals, has the potential to escalate into stronger feelings of anger, frustration and disappointment. Knowing that others are listening, the complainer often comes with an agenda - needing to feel validated, sympathy or attention. While there is no real solution to the situation, complaining often feels like the right thing to do for some athletes because it feels good to complain.
Interestingly, complaining doesn't change a situation. However, it can certainly change your mood and perspective. Complaining is exhausting and draining - for both the complainer and those who choose to listen. For many athletes, complaining is a default setting. When things don't go as planned, complaining is the norm It's all the athlete knows to do. If complaining seems like the easy solution when things aren't going your way, I encourage you to change your perspective. Here are a few ways to ditch your negative thoughts:
Interestingly, complaining doesn't change a situation. However, it can certainly change your mood and perspective. Complaining is exhausting and draining - for both the complainer and those who choose to listen. For many athletes, complaining is a default setting. When things don't go as planned, complaining is the norm It's all the athlete knows to do. If complaining seems like the easy solution when things aren't going your way, I encourage you to change your perspective. Here are a few ways to ditch your negative thoughts:
- Think positive thoughts - While this is easier said than done, there has to be something good in every situation. Instead of only seeing the negative, try to see the positive in the situation.
- Vent - Instead of using a public forum to enlist help from strangers, find comfort in talking to your coach, close friend or family. You may even consider speaking to a therapist who can help you work through uncomfortable feelings.
- Acceptance - Don't waste energy on things you can't control. Complaining will not solve the problem. Try to be less judgmental if you are playing the blame game. Focus on something else that is good in your life and surround yourself with energy givers.
- Limit your exposure - Stay off forums and avoid complainers who only see the bad in a situation. Be the voice that will inspire others. If complaining does not cause real and positive change, it's not worth listening to (even if it's in your own head).
- Move on - Life goes on. There will be other races. As an athlete, things will not go as planned and certainly not every race will go as planned. If you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders right now, take a deep breath and remind yourself that there's more to life than just one race.