So, I did my first triathlon this summer and by coincidence a girl at my work did the same one. I barely trained due to 2 injuries from marathon training and I finished last in my AG. BUT, I was proud of myself! My co-worker placed 3rd in the same AG (our AG had 12 people). I had a week vacation immediately following the race weekend. I returned to work after vacation to find out that not only does everyone know that I placed last but they also knew that I put my head through the arm hole of my shirt in T1, that I walked for half of the run and that I was limping when I came across the line, “like a turtle” to quote directly from her.
So far, in response to all of this I have just said I tried my best and I am proud of myself. I have made no excuses or explained why it was a disastrous race for me because I do not want to look like a sore loser. But I show up everyday at work and I feel like tripping her, or maybe putting a laxative in her coffee (hee hee).
Anybody experienced anything similar? Any advice on how to deal with this gloating co-worker? Thanks!
To those who mock you, simply ask “So how did you do in that race?”.
As for your co-worker rival, train your ass off and beat her in the future. Gain ten minutes on her in the same event next year, and she’ll see what’s going to happen.
Ignore her. Braggerts are BORING and people tire of them. The next time someone makes a less than favorable comment about your performance, blow them off with a smile. Ignore the desire to ask them when the last time they got up at O-dark-thirty to put their fat ass in the water, on a bike and on a run… It’ll fade.
There’s an article in the most recent (sept.) Triathlete mag. about making positive use of anger in racing. Use the anger you feel as motivation for training and racing. This broad has painted a huge target on her own back, just for you. I’m happy for you, this is an exciting time in your life!
