We read, we talk and sometimes we write about the memories of the races we’ve been in: we describe our success stories, our fears, the events and the unexpected circumstances that distinguished them. What we rarely mention, are the races that we didn’t compete in.
It might seem absurd but have you ever happened to prepare yourself for an event for a long time, invest all your available resources only to find yourself unable to attend?
A few days ago I was at the beach in the city in which I would have participated in my first 3 km open water race. There’s no point in me describing the emotion, the expectations and the will to compete in that wild but inviting waters. I got everything ready, I was wearing my cap and goggles while pretending to not notice the waves getting wilder although obvious to the confused organizers. Rumors started going around about the race first being delayed and then finally cancelled just like the dream of swimming those much desired kilometers.
At the time, after the initial relief of not having to affront the fatigue, came anger and disappointment of what that day was supposed to represent. With sadness you think about the stories you could’ve shared with our friends and training companions or about the…
