Virtual Camp: the light at the end of this short tunnel
“I’m having a great race, but I’m not gonna push it because I think I’m pregnant!” Joann ran over to hug her coach, Chris, during Ironman Cozumel, smiling and sharing this time-sensitive news. She’s always smiling, which is funny since she’s always succeeding. You’d think an athlete would be one way or the other - either incessantly cheery but not so concerned with outcomes, or laser-focused on ambitious results. Joann first became a CBCG in 2011 (!), and has only gotten faster and happier.
There are essentially two types of triathletes during the current pandemic, with races canceled or postponed, and training compromised. Some will incur such a blow to their identity that they will crumble under the uncertainty of it all. Others will espouse the opposite approach, solidifying their identities as those who truly enjoy training for the right reasons. Joann is obvi the latter. She’s unstoppable these days, despite her A Race being canceled, as well as having to run a wild house with two totes adorbs toddlers. Here, the intrepid Panamanian shares with us how the CBCG first ever Virtual Camp will be ideal for an athlete like her.
A day in the life of CBCG athlete extraordinaire Joann Symonette
Virtual Camp: light at the end of this short tunnel
By CBCG athlete Joann Symonette
A day in the Symonette household these days starts pretty early, around 5:30am (yep, weekends too!). Both Joe, my hubby and I still work pretty intensely during the stay-at-home order, now with the not-so-insignificant difference of having to juggle our two toddlers, AKA “my Crazy Chickens,” Valentina, 2, and Christopher, 4! Miraculously, I still manage to get in most of my workouts early morning, which I prioritize before work or anything else so I don’t get “kid sabotaged.” Days go by fast, so if I don’t stick to the plan, then most likely the day happens, and nothing happens! Getting it done early can be grueling, but it sets my mood for the day, feeling accomplished from the start.
The adorable, unstoppable Valentina
Virtual Camp!!! When I saw the news on social media I immediately got super pumped! I love Camp!!! As nerdy as it sounds, I always have, and I think I forever will - LOL! I remember feeling a little down last week… tired... unmotivated... dejected by races getting cancelled again, and again… uncertain about so much. Once I saw Virtual Camp was happening I immediately signed up without thinking twice. I texted a few friends to join me, and my mood immediately improved!
The OG Crazy Chicken: Christopher!
Camp is like the light at the end of this short tunnel. It serendipitously appeared, proving to be the one thing I need to motivate me again, focussing on something new and fun. I’m hopeful to see old friends, learn new things and re-learn forgotten things, and reserve and entire long weekend for triathlon - just like we would at real camp! Perhaps I’ll forget about the world for a bit as I geek out on what makes me happy - swim, bike, and run stuff.
First step: warn the hubby. After my recruitment texts to friends, I warned Joe that I will be busy with Camp for the better part of the weekend. I’m lucky to have a super-supportive hubby that rolls with whatever passion I have, and who’s also expertly hands-on with parenting duties. Having my mom here with us is an extra bonus. I’ll probably have a printed schedule of the times I’ll be “unavailable” during Camp, and fill in the spaces in between with lots of kiddo activities so they get their share of mommy time. That stated, I can also foresee Joe and my Crazy Chickens quasi-joining me, if not heckling in some of the workouts as they usually like to do.
JoJo always gets it done!
While Virtual Camp is the light at the end of this short tunnel, I cannot ignore the long one. The cancellation of IMCA set me on more of a rollercoaster of feelings than ever during this pandemic. Part of me knew it was inevitable, but once I saw the news, there was a feeling of disappointment, and at the same time relief. Another race cancelled - bummer, but at the same time - more flexibility to keep training (potentially not as hard), and to re-balance life again. My fall agenda still has O-side 70.3 rescheduled for October, and IMAZ in November. They are not cancelled as of yet, so they’ll replace my motivation after Camp this weekend.
The beautiful Symonette familia
I have appreciated Camps in the past as an invaluable opportunity to gain fitness, but I can not deny their biggest benefit: the social part of it all. I thrive on sharing workout experiences with new and old friends, learning together, suffering together, and just hanging out with likeminded people. We’re likeminded in the sense that we share the same athletic passions, but another key factor to the social part of Camp is training and “living” with people from all over...all ages...and trust me, all personalities! Camp adventures are The Best, and I’m counting the hours to the very first Virtual Camp, which will definitely be one to remember!
XOXOX, J