Everyone, at some point, has probably signed up for something without really thinking it through. I’ve done this quite a few times actually. Most recently I did just this back in December and now I have to deal with the consequences of my actions this weekend.
Here’s what I did…
I had just returned to town after a work trip and my friend called and left a message that I should listen to CBC Radio. It was BC’s Food Bank Fundraising Day and if I donated a bunch of cash, me and nine other lucky people could spend a day with Simon Whitfield (this was just one of several packages being offered).
Those of you who know me, know I am crazy about Simon Whitfield. Not crazy weird, but crazy in awe of his athleticism and coolness. I’ve met him twice very briefly and he kindly let me get a photo with him each time.

This is the first time I met Simon – Victoria BC – prior to the marathon/half. I didn’t really like my hair that day.

Me and Simon after the Sun Run. I recall I had a pretty good grip around his waist. He was probably freaking out.
Back to the story…I decided to sit on the idea for a bit as I had a few errands to run, had to pick up Kobi from her godmother’s house and had to get home. I decided I’d call hubby and run the idea by him.
I get home, talk to hubby and totally forget to run the idea by him. That was my subconscious consciously telling me not to run the idea by him as he knows my obsession with Simon and is way too practical (and maybe concerned Simon will have to get a restraining order placed on me).
I waste a bit more time and then text my friend and ask, “should I do it?”
“Of course!” she says, adding something about regret.
I make the call and when I explain I’d like to make a donation for the day with Simon, the lady on the phone says she thinks the last spot was just taken. “Oh darn,” I say, but I’m thinking, “oh thank god.” She says to wait one second and she’ll go confirm.
At this point I am debating just hanging up and then wondering how much I’m going to donate if I don’t get the day with Simon. She gets back on the phone and says, “you’re in luck, there is one spot left!”
“Awesome!” I say, but in my head I say, “what the heck was I thinking!?”
I take some time to digest what I’ve just done and the money I’ve just spent (not counting the money I’m going to have to spend to get my butt to Vancouver).
Then I convince myself that this will be a very cool experience and Simon will just chat with me and the other lucky nine folks about his Olympic experiences, maybe show us his medals, talk a bit about training, all over tea and yoghurt.
Wrong. It’s an actual training day!! Like biking, running, swimming, yoga, and weights with some healthy eating thrown in. Wait a minute, swimming? That means I have to wear a bathing suit in front of Simon Whitfield! I think I am going to die.
To make me even more nervous, they emailed asking for my triathlon experience. Oh dear, I don’t have a lot of triathlon experience. I did 2 maybe 3 triathlons back in the Jurassic age (1993) and more recently, 2 in the last 4 years plus 1 half Ironman 3 years ago. I haven’t even ridden a bike outside since last October.
On the upside, I will make the other nine look pretty good. Did I mention I also get quite clumsy when I’m nervous? Like trip-and-fall-down clumsy?
Besides falling down lots, I may also attempt to distract this group of athletes from my lack of triathlon-ability with my brilliant humor. I have this survival mechanism of resorting to humor when I get nervous. I’ve actually surprised myself at how funny I can be when scared out of my mind. Well, I think I’m funny (which is probably just another survival mechanism).
Writing about this doesn’t seem to be helping much so I’m going to stop now. I just hope Simon doesn’t Google his name and come across this blog…
What’s your funniest “regret”? Do you rely on humor or other mechanisms of survival when scared to death? Want me to pass on any messages to Simon for you?
March 27, 2014 at 7:21 pm
You’re going to have a great time!
March 27, 2014 at 7:33 pm
I think once I get over my nerves it will be awesome!
March 27, 2014 at 8:34 pm
Enjoy! Relax. I think it is awesome how outside of your (or my) comfort zone you went and just did it!👍 I hope you learn lots and have fun and make a great memory😊
March 27, 2014 at 8:48 pm
It sure is out of my comfort zone, but I didn’t want to look back and regret not going for it!
March 27, 2014 at 9:09 pm
Oh my God Angela, how awesome! I am a big fun of him as well and I am super jealous and happy for you!!
March 28, 2014 at 6:51 am
He is pretty awesome isn’t he? I just hope he slows down a bit for us mortals.
March 27, 2014 at 9:12 pm
Wow what a story. My regret is one of omission. I could have studied Chinese harder while I was living in China. I was too busy speaking English. Well good luck! ☺
March 28, 2014 at 6:56 am
It’s sometimes hard to know what we’re going to end up regretting as we often do what we think is best at that given time. Then when we look back, we think we should’ve done something else.
March 28, 2014 at 6:21 pm
So true. It can be helpful in that I try to see what’s the lesson to be learned, but it can get in the way of staying thankful for what I currently have.
March 28, 2014 at 8:13 pm
Kind of takes you back to that saying, “it is what it is”. But yes, we should be thankful for what we have and you never know when the lesson to be learned might make sense or be helpful.
March 28, 2014 at 8:39 pm
Haha. Indeed. ☺
March 28, 2014 at 6:05 am
I read this, this morning and had a good laugh…especially when you said it was “actual training day”! You’ll be fine…it WILL be awesome!
March 28, 2014 at 6:58 am
How naive can I be? I seriously thought we’d just chit chat for the day. Kind of makes sense it would be a training day when it involves a top athlete. It will be awesome (once the pool portion is done).
March 28, 2014 at 8:03 am
This is awesome! I can’t wait for the follow up to hear about your weekend! Have a great trip.
March 28, 2014 at 8:22 am
Thanks!
March 28, 2014 at 10:49 am
Hahaha, I can tell you’re giddy as a school girl! Have a blast with it! Oh yes, I always default to humor – in all situations. I don’t have a message for him, I just want to know what Simon Says. teehee
March 28, 2014 at 8:09 pm
I am going to try to act mature, until I trip and crack a joke. I think humour is the best way to deal with most situations. I suspect he gets the “Simon Says” a lot,
March 30, 2014 at 1:06 pm
This. Is. Totally. Awesome. All of it. The post, the situation you got yourself into, the weekend you will have. I can’t believe you didn’t realise that you were signing up for a training day – it’s the universe punishing your naughtiness I’m sure. Have you come clean with the husband yet? How did that go? When will the weekend be held? How’s your swimsuit body? I can’t wait to hear all about it. 😉 I’m currently trying to get my head around the fact that I will attempt to run 55 miles in 12 weeks time. My current thinking is that I was temporarily possessed when I signed up for it!
March 30, 2014 at 2:19 pm
The weekend was this weekend! I will post about it soon. I survived and had fun and learned a ton. This was much easier than running 55 miles. Think about the character you will build. I’ve heard that it is only during an “ultra” that you truly get to know yourself. That’s pretty cool.
March 30, 2014 at 2:23 pm
Oh – details please! Can’t wait to hear how you got on, but am glad you had fun. 😀 I completely agree with your point about ultra running being primarily a mental journey. I’m pretty sure that I’m physically fit enough to run it already – it’s all a question of whether or not I can tame all the crazy in my head!
March 30, 2014 at 6:06 pm
An ultra is going to be so cool! You’ll tame the crazy in your head or at least use it to your advantage.