Pro triathletes often have to push through severe pain to train and compete in some of the world’s toughest races – but after dealing with their fair share of physical challenges, Canadian Rach McBride has admitted its time to take a step back.
McBride, 46, is a veteran of the pro triathlon scene, having finished 11th all the way back at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in 2011.
Since then they’ve won numerous 70.3 events, most recently doubling up in 2022 with wins at IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder and and Los Cabos.
But since then McBride has failed to podium at an IRONMAN event – half-distance or full – and in a post on their Facebook page, McBride revealed it was time to take a “step away” from training for six months after pushing through severe pain.
“Not a retirement post”
McBride’s last race came at IRONMAN Cozumel in November last year, where they finished 10th in a time of 9:39:02.
But it was while training for that race that McBride realised something had to give. Whilst being quick to stress they’re not leaving the pro scene behind, McBride’s now shared more on the agony they’ve had to endure for over 2 years due to an ongoing injury.
They said: “This is not a retirement post. But… for the next 6 months or so, I’ll be taking a step away from triathlon training, more specifically running.
“For the past 2.5 years, I have been struggling with an irritated toe joint that now has me running in discomfort with every step.
“I am good with pain. I’ve raced on broken metatarsals…twice (don’t recommend!) and more injuries than I can count. I’ve raced IRONMAN with food poisoning and open wounds.
“However during the training build into IM Cozumel, I finally reached my limit. I am tired of the step-by-step soreness. The constant distraction from really being able to push my body to the limit.”
The pain has had more than just a physical impact too, McBride explained.
McBride added: “It’s gotten to the point that even in the absence of pain, my brain and body anticipate it. So they need to be uncoupled, unwired.”
Plans for more “long distance adventures”
McBride says they and their team have put together a plan to get back to full strength, with the hope of competing later in the season.
They also revealed there would be some other “exciting announcements” to come soon, .
“I love running. I have dreams and goals of so many long distance adventures. I had lost hope in frustration and disappointment. I was heartbroken,” McBride explained.
“But my team has not lost faith… I am beyond grateful, and I am here to do all that I can to get myself back on my feet.
“So this means my season will look a bit different than usual. Not only that, but I have some more exciting announcements coming soon.
“Needless to say I am STOKED and have some big athletic goals. Stay tuned…!”
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