Another race report from Ironman 70.3 Raleigh. This race report was the report sent to my sport RD, Marni Sumbal. I get lots of questions about what goes in the system for a race of 5+ hours. I use to have those same questions, but with Marni's help I have developed an amazing relationship with my food and how my body feels about what I put in it. Sometimes though, you practice and practice, but the body feels differently.
4am - after waking and getting my kit on I ate a kids cliff bar so that I could take my asthma medications before leaving the hotel. I also had a cup of coffee, water, and 1 salt stick.
We boarded a bus around 5am which is when I ate my 4 wasa cracker combos and drank some more water.
Once arriving as getting my gear set I started sipping on my bottle with 2
Scoops custom infinit. Took a GU 30
Min prior to race start and sipped on a cup of water while waiting in line for the swim start.
Once on the bike I proceeded with consuming 1 bottle per hour and 1 salt stick every 30 min. I also took 2 GU's while on the bike 1 each at the 1 and 2 hour mark. I can say that while my energy levels and muscles felt great all day, I did have a little stomach issues after about 2 hrs on the bike. I found I had to force myself to consume the end of my 2nd bottle in time and to continue to drink my 3rd. I felt the urge to pee but could not relax enough to go while on the bike.
Once on the run I still couldn't relax so around 2.5 mile mark I stopped at a port-a-potty and peed bc by that time my stomach was getting upset.
I had my 2 bottles of napalm and began sipping every aid station plus water and ice in my bra top. I took a salt stick at mile 3 and around mile 5 I had strong gas pains that at the time I wasn't sure if they were just gas or
Going to be more. I also had a strong pain under my left lower ribs.
At that point I started taking in more salt and kinda hit "survival mode". I started taking salt more frequently trying to avoid a bathroom stop for I was afraid once I stopped to go #2 I would have to continue to stop. I did crave some sport drink along with my napalm so I had a few cups along the course.
At this point still, completing the distance never seemed like it wasn't going to happen, it was just trying to control my pace to keep the discomfort in my GI at a tolerable point to continue to run at a pace I was OK with. My energy never dropped and I felt I did well at delaying fatigue and managing the heat.
Once across the finishline I did not have to use the bathroom, so either it was just gas pains, or my nutrition throughout the second loop helped the issue.
While I'm not happy about my bike split which was not GI related, I did have a fantastic swim (for me) and a decent run. I feel as if I could have pushed harder during the run, but I wasn't sure what my GI was going to do and I didn't want the wheels to fall off and completely stop me in my tracks. Other than the cramping and gas, I am happy with how the rest of my body felt throughout the far.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Ironman 70.3 Raleigh Race Report
I started this blog to keep note of some of my thoughts, and hopefully inspire a few others along the way. So the race report I am going to give you is the same one I wrote my coach. So it's not all book like, and it's not exactly an intense read. It's the raw feelings and emotions that went through my head on race day. I'm not going to sit here and act like I didn't give it my all, because I did. I'm not going to say I wasn't "racing" because I was. Yes, my #1 goal was to beat myself, but everyone out there racing enjoys the rush of passing other athletes and crossing the finishline first. It's part of the competition. Yes, this was a race to test my fitness for Ironman Lake Placid, and give me a better understanding to the positives and negatives that come out of my current training methods (both physical and mental). Part of racing is knowing when to hold back and when to push. It's making the wrong choice. It's pushing too hard on the bike and bonking on the run, as much as it's holding back too much to stay comfortable and finding yourself exhausted playing catch-up at the end. Making those choices doesn't mean I wasn't "racing" it means I was in the moment, and learning what my body is capable of....and yes, it is capable of much more than I allowed it do. Lesson learned to no one's fault but my own.
Pre-race: I felt good, nervous, but good. My body was ready to race.
Pre-race: I felt good, nervous, but good. My body was ready to race.
Swim: I planned right up front to start the race. I decided I was going into the swim with confidence that I could maintain a harder effort this race without the side-effects of freaking out. I couldn't touch the bottom of the lake at the start line, and didn't want to tread water for 4 minutes, so I moved about only about 1 row of athletes so that I didn't waste energy.
When it was go time, I went. I knew the first bit of the race would be rough, but I put that aside mentally and just embraced the flailing arms and legs and trudged onward to the first buoy. It felt like I quickly got into a good groove, and felt like I was barely using any energy for the first stretch of the swim. Once I made the first turn all my nerves went away and I just focused on my swim stroke and sighting each buoy. I felt more confident in my sighting since there were lots of buoys to sight, so I did not look up as much as I normally would have. I tried to maintain at least 6 strokes before sighting and sometimes up to 10 for I have learned that picking my head up out of the water causes me to slow down. At the second turn I tried to pick up my pace, but because I was catching athletes in the waves ahead of me it was much more difficult and the pack was getting congested. I felt like the swim leg flew by. I told myself no matter what the time was, I would be happy because there was no way I could have swam better than I did with my current fitness level, and swimming abilities. My stroke felt smooth, I stayed calm, my sighting was great and I never felt "off course".
Bike: Through the entire bike I was passing lots of riders and catching up to those who started far before me. I focused on keeping a high cadence and maintaining my watts in zone 3. There were times I wanted to push harder because I was getting frustrated at my calculations as to how long the ride was going to take me. I pushed those thoughts aside and stuck to my plan because I knew I would regret pushing too hard if I fell apart during the run. With the temperature rising, I didn't want to chance falling apart. There were times I felt like I wasn't going anywhere, and other moments when I felt like I was making good progress. I feel as if I could have pushed harder DURING the bike leg, BUT, I don't know what that would have translated to come time to run. My energy was good, I was doing a good job at delaying fatigue, and other than my saddle rubbing a previous saddle sore, I felt good and felt ready to run when T2 came around. Nutrition: 3 bottles custom infinit, plus salt stick every 30 min, and water for drinking/cooling at each aide station
Run: I tried my best to run by feel for the first 3 miles maintaining an effort that I felt I could keep. (I stopped at a port-a-potty around 2.5 miles) I felt like the turn around came quickly and I embraced the downhill portion of the race. At mile 5 I had a sharp pain under my left rib and started to feel some gas in my abdomen. There was a point I wasn't sure if I was going to need a bathroom or not, so I started increasing my salt and had to slow down a bit due to the discomfort. At this point, I continued to try and ignore the numbers on my watch and push at a level I felt would keep me moving forward at a decent pace. Miles 6-9 were the toughest for my body, but mentally I loved this course. At mile 10 I told myself "1 comfortable, 1 uncomfortable, 1 hard to the finish" To get me through the last 3 miles. I feel I could have pushed harder if I did not have the cramping and gas pains. My legs and muscles weren't the issue with running harder, it was the fear of the bathroom and the discomfort it was causing. I never felt like I got "too hot" because the cold sponges seemed to come at just the right time. Nutrition: 6oz napalm (equivalent to 3 gels) consumed by sipping each mile with water every aid station, sport drink the second loop of the course, and ice for cooling. Plan was salt stick every 3 miles. I took 1 at mile 3, and 1 at mile 6, then I started increasing the frequency, and I don't know when and how many I took.
I surpassed my goal for the swim, and just met my realistic goal for the run. I know I'm my own worst critic, but I have bigger expectations out of myself for LP, so this was kind of discouraging for insight as to what I can do for 112 miles. I am looking forward to our training camp to test my bike fitness on course.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Stop criticizing and start approving!
I've been seeing a lot of posts lately on my Instagram page of beautiful females with captions stating "Sorry, I'm bloated today." "I had a cheat meal, sorry for my bloat." "I apologize if this isn't what you wanted to see" ....
If only it were as easy, as I just made it sound...*sigh*
LADIES....STOP IT!
No one is perfect, AND I can guarantee you that even if there was a "perfect" body that body would not look that way 365 days a year! I know what you're going through. I've lived through an eating disorder. I've hated what I saw, and I did all the things you're not suppose to do to change it. Eating disorders (or disordered eating) and body image disorders are female steroids. No one wants to admit to them because then you can't "claim" the "perfection" that you think comes with it. Once you stop apologizing to others for the way you look, or see yourself, only then can you start to see yourself in a new light. I could tell you that 99% of women with eating disorders wish they didn't have it. It's not something anyone wants to live with forever. Find someone to talk to, someone willing to listen. If you have someone in your life (physically or virtually) that you feel the need to apologize to for how you look, then you should probably re-evaluate why they are in your life and if they truly need to be.
If only it were as easy, as I just made it sound...*sigh*
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
January 15th already??
I can't believe we are already half way through the first month of 2014! It just goes to show how fast time can pass. So much has been happening during workouts and with work, family, and life that I've been overwhelmed during the week! I have been able to enjoy some wonderful, relaxing and productive weekends though and even spent some time with friends that was long over due now that the holidays are over!
I've had difficulty with positive focus on my tri-season because until this past weekend I haven't felt like I was performing like I wanted to be. It took me a while to realize that I shouldn't be at my goals paces/times yet, because that's where I need to be during peak season, not post or pre-season. New to my swimming has been the addition of flip turns. I'm still not real good at them, and the addition of the turn also takes out a breath or two at the end of each lap. The combination of these 2 things have decreased my swim times. I can't get up and down the pool as quickly as before, but Brian keeps telling me that it will make me a more efficient swimmer in the long run. Trusting a process to make you faster that you can clearly see via a stopwatch is making your instantly slower in the present is a very hard thing to wrap your head around...but, I trust Brian...a lot! I finally saw some improvements in my flip turns and swim stroke this week, and Brian saw them too when we happened to be swimming at the same time on Tuesday. So apparently this process does work :)
I also previously stated that consistent stretching was going to be a goal of mine for 2014. I attended my first hot yoga class this Sunday morning at Bliss Bliss Bliss with a few of my friends. I was very uncomfortable, and my lack of flexibility was very apparent as I struggled with most of the moves. It's that kind of feeling where we like to say "It hurt so good" but in reality you're in significant discomfort. By the end of the session though I felt good. I went home, refueled/fueled for my Sunday long run and headed out the door for the most invigorating, and comfortable run I've had in months! No pain, no discomfort, no difficulty staying within the proper hear rate zones. I had an easy 1.5 hr run in zones 1-2 and felt like my whole body was in sync. My runs have been brutal since my marathon. Aches, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and not being able to hold the right zones with a pace I am proud of were very mentally defeating. It felt so good to have a run that not only looked good on paper, but also felt good while I was performing it. Finally, I can see my 2014 season in front of me and it makes me excited rather than nervous!
So what about the bike leg of this triathlon puzzle? Homewrecker had a retul fit! Not only were there adjustments to the different components of the bike, but I also had inserts, wedges, and a lift put in my bike shoes for proper alignment, and comfort. We were able to address a leg length discrepancy with the use of a lift under my left cleat that not only made my hips feel better, but it stopped friction on my seat and my bum feels better too! I am so excited to see what I can do on Homewrecker this season. The comfort I feel on her being properly sized is 10 fold compared to Polly. I can actually stand up to pedal without hitting my knees on my elbow pads :)
But, so far my most consistent change of 2014 has been how quickly I upload my data for my coach. I use to upload my data by Sunday evening each week. When I asked Brian what I could do to improve this season he said "Just listen to your coach...and more feedback. Update your data more often." This has always been a joke between us, but since I had asked what I needed to do better, and that was his response I knew it wasn't a joke anymore. I have done my best to upload my data within 24 hours or sooner of completing each workout. To help, I even set a reminder on my phone to go off each night at 8pm that says "Data?" just in case I got busy and forgot! It also says stretch just in case I hadn't done that after my workout either!
So that's the update of my swim, bike and run so far in 2014. It started rocky but I'm excited in the direction it is heading!
Have you stuck to any of the goals you set for 2014? Or are there any that you are going to start now?
I've had difficulty with positive focus on my tri-season because until this past weekend I haven't felt like I was performing like I wanted to be. It took me a while to realize that I shouldn't be at my goals paces/times yet, because that's where I need to be during peak season, not post or pre-season. New to my swimming has been the addition of flip turns. I'm still not real good at them, and the addition of the turn also takes out a breath or two at the end of each lap. The combination of these 2 things have decreased my swim times. I can't get up and down the pool as quickly as before, but Brian keeps telling me that it will make me a more efficient swimmer in the long run. Trusting a process to make you faster that you can clearly see via a stopwatch is making your instantly slower in the present is a very hard thing to wrap your head around...but, I trust Brian...a lot! I finally saw some improvements in my flip turns and swim stroke this week, and Brian saw them too when we happened to be swimming at the same time on Tuesday. So apparently this process does work :)
I also previously stated that consistent stretching was going to be a goal of mine for 2014. I attended my first hot yoga class this Sunday morning at Bliss Bliss Bliss with a few of my friends. I was very uncomfortable, and my lack of flexibility was very apparent as I struggled with most of the moves. It's that kind of feeling where we like to say "It hurt so good" but in reality you're in significant discomfort. By the end of the session though I felt good. I went home, refueled/fueled for my Sunday long run and headed out the door for the most invigorating, and comfortable run I've had in months! No pain, no discomfort, no difficulty staying within the proper hear rate zones. I had an easy 1.5 hr run in zones 1-2 and felt like my whole body was in sync. My runs have been brutal since my marathon. Aches, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and not being able to hold the right zones with a pace I am proud of were very mentally defeating. It felt so good to have a run that not only looked good on paper, but also felt good while I was performing it. Finally, I can see my 2014 season in front of me and it makes me excited rather than nervous!
So what about the bike leg of this triathlon puzzle? Homewrecker had a retul fit! Not only were there adjustments to the different components of the bike, but I also had inserts, wedges, and a lift put in my bike shoes for proper alignment, and comfort. We were able to address a leg length discrepancy with the use of a lift under my left cleat that not only made my hips feel better, but it stopped friction on my seat and my bum feels better too! I am so excited to see what I can do on Homewrecker this season. The comfort I feel on her being properly sized is 10 fold compared to Polly. I can actually stand up to pedal without hitting my knees on my elbow pads :)
But, so far my most consistent change of 2014 has been how quickly I upload my data for my coach. I use to upload my data by Sunday evening each week. When I asked Brian what I could do to improve this season he said "Just listen to your coach...and more feedback. Update your data more often." This has always been a joke between us, but since I had asked what I needed to do better, and that was his response I knew it wasn't a joke anymore. I have done my best to upload my data within 24 hours or sooner of completing each workout. To help, I even set a reminder on my phone to go off each night at 8pm that says "Data?" just in case I got busy and forgot! It also says stretch just in case I hadn't done that after my workout either!
So that's the update of my swim, bike and run so far in 2014. It started rocky but I'm excited in the direction it is heading!
Have you stuck to any of the goals you set for 2014? Or are there any that you are going to start now?
Monday, January 6, 2014
Homewrecker
This post is long over due... but, I present to you HOMEWRECKER! There is a unique story that goes along with how this beautiful, purple beast got her name. . .
This past year (2013) I traveled 3 different times with my coach and friends, Lori and Brian. We traveled to Eagleman 70.3, Lake Placid, NY for a training camp, and then again to IMLP. The bike I have been riding since I started triathlon's name was Polly. Polly previously belonged to Lori, which is initially how we met. Polly was a great bike. Lori rode her for 6 or 7 years before I bought her. While at Eagleman (and every other time we're together) we were chatting about racing, speed, training, and BIKES! I'm bike illiterate, and until more recently triathlon illiterate as well. I'm just good at doing what I'm told! :) I vividly remember looking at Brian and saying "I can trust you to tell me when I've improved enough to invest in some free speed, right?" He looked at me, put his head down, and reluctantly said "You're ready." I say reluctantly, because Brian does NOT like to make financial decisions for me (which I don't blame him). I try to remind him that when I ask a question that pertains to a purchase/hotel/travel I'm asking for his honest/coach opinion and if I can't afford his answer that's fine, but I still want the truth.
I went home and told Jason, very excitedly, that Brian said I had improved enough that a new bike would be beneficial. He was very proud of my. . . until we started discussing the price point of a custom built Project One bicycle. . .then he got sick. . .(just kidding...kinda) From there, I played on the Trek website for months and the longer I played the more I feared to tell Jason about what I was designing. It wasn't until I was determined that I wanted a power meter to take my training to the next level that "Homewrecker" came into play, because the more I added the higher the price increased and by the time I was done designing it took several conversations before Jason finally gave the "OK" for my dream bike to be built to my exact specifications. Before that, Jason would just refer to her as my "baby" saying if I got a new bike I had to race for a few more years and couldn't even think about asking to have a baby...I was cool with that :)
I have a wonderful marriage, and would never actually purchase a bike if I felt it would "wreck" my marriage, but as a non-triathlete, I totally understand how it's hard to swallow the purchase of a new bicycle, but as my husband, he understands how much triathlon plays into my happiness and he sees my potential and what I've been able to accomplish on a bike that's actually too small for me (Polly was an XS and Homewrecker is a Medium). He really is the best!
This coming Friday I will be traveling to Pittsburgh, PA for a Retul fit of Homewrecker. This bike fit will set me up in the best position to get the most out of each ride. . . I'll be sure to share how that goes after they hook me up, and make me a video game for a few hours!
This past year (2013) I traveled 3 different times with my coach and friends, Lori and Brian. We traveled to Eagleman 70.3, Lake Placid, NY for a training camp, and then again to IMLP. The bike I have been riding since I started triathlon's name was Polly. Polly previously belonged to Lori, which is initially how we met. Polly was a great bike. Lori rode her for 6 or 7 years before I bought her. While at Eagleman (and every other time we're together) we were chatting about racing, speed, training, and BIKES! I'm bike illiterate, and until more recently triathlon illiterate as well. I'm just good at doing what I'm told! :) I vividly remember looking at Brian and saying "I can trust you to tell me when I've improved enough to invest in some free speed, right?" He looked at me, put his head down, and reluctantly said "You're ready." I say reluctantly, because Brian does NOT like to make financial decisions for me (which I don't blame him). I try to remind him that when I ask a question that pertains to a purchase/hotel/travel I'm asking for his honest/coach opinion and if I can't afford his answer that's fine, but I still want the truth.
I went home and told Jason, very excitedly, that Brian said I had improved enough that a new bike would be beneficial. He was very proud of my. . . until we started discussing the price point of a custom built Project One bicycle. . .then he got sick. . .(just kidding...kinda) From there, I played on the Trek website for months and the longer I played the more I feared to tell Jason about what I was designing. It wasn't until I was determined that I wanted a power meter to take my training to the next level that "Homewrecker" came into play, because the more I added the higher the price increased and by the time I was done designing it took several conversations before Jason finally gave the "OK" for my dream bike to be built to my exact specifications. Before that, Jason would just refer to her as my "baby" saying if I got a new bike I had to race for a few more years and couldn't even think about asking to have a baby...I was cool with that :)
I have a wonderful marriage, and would never actually purchase a bike if I felt it would "wreck" my marriage, but as a non-triathlete, I totally understand how it's hard to swallow the purchase of a new bicycle, but as my husband, he understands how much triathlon plays into my happiness and he sees my potential and what I've been able to accomplish on a bike that's actually too small for me (Polly was an XS and Homewrecker is a Medium). He really is the best!
This coming Friday I will be traveling to Pittsburgh, PA for a Retul fit of Homewrecker. This bike fit will set me up in the best position to get the most out of each ride. . . I'll be sure to share how that goes after they hook me up, and make me a video game for a few hours!
Monday, December 16, 2013
A look back through 2013
As 2013 is coming to an end, I thought it would be appropriate to take a look back. The easiest things to remember are the ones that are most fresh in your mind. So while I could look at 2013 and say it wasn't a success because my most recent race didn't go as planned, that's not the case. 2013 was an amazing year for me in the sports of triathlon and marathon running. It was also a year blessed with special memories made with friends and family. So while it would take too long to relive a memory from each day, I've chosen to highlight each month with a special event that took place, and end with some photos of the year.
January - I spent much of the first few weekends in January helping prepare for my nephew's construction themed 3rd birthday party. I loved this time, because it wasn't often that I got to spend extended amounts of time with him and my sister due to them living 1.5 hrs away and my training schedule being hectic.
February - Valentine's Day in 2013 was spent as a double date with my brother and sister-in-law at Richwood Grill. The food there is amazing (it has since closed) it was local, fresh, and organic products. It was awesome to get to spend time with them without the company of children. It isn't often that it happens, but I loved sharing my Valentine's date night with them.
March - Marathon building month!!! Lots of run focused workouts. As well as building time on the trainer and getting use to my new Adamo saddle. March is also the birthday month of my nephew, Jacob. He turned 4 and my goodness is he ever an amazing, funny kid. We share the same attachment in life, our blankets :)
April - MARATHON PR 3:36!!! I will never forget running the Glass City Marathon and realizing that I was going to PR by 12 minutes! It was an amazing feeling. I went into the race as a training run, and walked away with the biggest smile on my face!
May - In May I participated in my first triathlon of the year. Black Bear Triathlon in Maryland. It was an Olympic distance race and I was ready to see how all my winter training would come into play. This race would turn out to be an amazing learning experience. The race itself was a bust. I had an asthma attack in the water (due to temperatures being so low) within the first 2-3 minutes. I was furious with my body for failing me, but was not going to walk away that easy. I wasn't the only one pulled from the water, the temperatures were so low that nearly 15-20 people had the same thing happen so the race director allowed us to bike and run for training. So that is exactly what I did. I pushed myself through a cold, rainy bike and run and was very happy with the results of those 2 legs. It definitely was a great training day!
June - On June 9th I celebrated my 1 year wedding anniversary with my amazing husband. What makes him so amazing? Well one thing would be that on the morning of June 9th I was hours away in Cambridge, Maryland competing in my first Half-Ironman. He wished me luck on Friday morning and sent me on my way with my 2 very dear friends (and coach) Lori and Brian. He didn't blink an eye when I mentioned wanting to do this race, in fact when I returned home on Sunday evening at around 11pm he had dinner from Muriale's (our rehearsal dinner food) and presents waiting for me. He knows triathlon makes me happy and that makes him happy. I couldn't have picked anyone more understanding. Oh yeah, did I mention it was my FIRST half-ironman AND I went under 6 hours? 5:42:05 to be exact :)
July - Not only does July house 2 of the most special boys in my life's birthday's (Drew and my Dada) but it is also IRONMAN LAKE PLACID month!!! Tackling this hilly, challenging course made for an awesome day! I managed to PR in the Ironman-distance by 33 minutes. A years worth of training really paid off! I enjoyed spending the week with Lori and Brian, as well as my Dad and Jason who joined us for the weekend. It was relaxing and exciting all at the same time. I can't wait to do it again in 2014. Being able to travel to these races and afford to also pay the entry fees is not something that I take for granted.
August - August was a special end to my triathlon year. I qualified for the Best Of The Us race by coming in 3rd overall female in WV's qualifying race (Stonewall Jackson Triathlon) This was my first major "win" as a triathlete and it was pretty great. The following weekend my 3 nephews and I participated in the Kids Sprint Splash and Spin race on Friday evening. They LOVED it! I was able to get into the pool with them for their swim, run along side their bikes, and run along the trail with them. I will never forget Drew telling me "This is beautiful, you should bring me here more often." On Saturday morning I participated in another first for me. A sprint distance race. This was the most painful triathlon I've ever endured. I was fatigued from racing the weekend before and an all out race for 1:03:00 is painful! It was so incredible to place first overall female. I can't even put into words how I felt. . . Did I mention it was Jason's birthday, and he got up extra early to come watch me race? :)
September - FOOTBALL SEASON! This is my favorite month of the year. My weekends are spent with my very very best friend, and other half. My cousin Brittany! She and our friend Julie come for every home game and spend the weekend with me. We don't live in the same town so getting to see her for 7 weekends in a 3 month time makes me so so happy!!! September is also when I made a HUGE change in my diet. It wasn't easy, but I was loving how I was feeling.
October - October is the month of the Ironman World Championships. It is so inspiring to watch the live feed via the internet. All Ironman All day! It's often referred to as "Tri Porn" :) October is also when my last marathon training cycle was really in full swing. I was nailing workouts I had never thought possible and feeling better than I have ever felt. My diet changes and focus on racing and training was really paying off.
November - While we are all aware that my race did not go as planned, lets not forget that November is a time to remind us to be thankful for all our blessings. I have the ability and means to race, travel and share the sport I love with some amazing friends and family. I have the support of my family and friends not only for sport but also in life. I have a wonderful father and mother who love me dearly, and incredible siblings. My sister-in-law and brother adapt family dinners around my eating style and everyone is so encouraging. I have the most inspiring, funny and loving nephews. They love me like no other, we have a bond that I will forever cherish. So while my heart was broken for most of the month over the outcome of one race, it was also mended by all the blessings that I have been able to enjoy in life.
December - What's better about December than the fact that I, yours truly, was born? Ok, kidding. Kinda ;) This month is just a spill over of all the family time and blessing that start in November. Traditions are my favorite and I look forward to them all year. I love decorating and making the house smell of Christmas. It's also a time to reflect on how amazing my life really is, and focus on my goals to make 2014 even better!
January - I spent much of the first few weekends in January helping prepare for my nephew's construction themed 3rd birthday party. I loved this time, because it wasn't often that I got to spend extended amounts of time with him and my sister due to them living 1.5 hrs away and my training schedule being hectic.
February - Valentine's Day in 2013 was spent as a double date with my brother and sister-in-law at Richwood Grill. The food there is amazing (it has since closed) it was local, fresh, and organic products. It was awesome to get to spend time with them without the company of children. It isn't often that it happens, but I loved sharing my Valentine's date night with them.
March - Marathon building month!!! Lots of run focused workouts. As well as building time on the trainer and getting use to my new Adamo saddle. March is also the birthday month of my nephew, Jacob. He turned 4 and my goodness is he ever an amazing, funny kid. We share the same attachment in life, our blankets :)
April - MARATHON PR 3:36!!! I will never forget running the Glass City Marathon and realizing that I was going to PR by 12 minutes! It was an amazing feeling. I went into the race as a training run, and walked away with the biggest smile on my face!
May - In May I participated in my first triathlon of the year. Black Bear Triathlon in Maryland. It was an Olympic distance race and I was ready to see how all my winter training would come into play. This race would turn out to be an amazing learning experience. The race itself was a bust. I had an asthma attack in the water (due to temperatures being so low) within the first 2-3 minutes. I was furious with my body for failing me, but was not going to walk away that easy. I wasn't the only one pulled from the water, the temperatures were so low that nearly 15-20 people had the same thing happen so the race director allowed us to bike and run for training. So that is exactly what I did. I pushed myself through a cold, rainy bike and run and was very happy with the results of those 2 legs. It definitely was a great training day!
June - On June 9th I celebrated my 1 year wedding anniversary with my amazing husband. What makes him so amazing? Well one thing would be that on the morning of June 9th I was hours away in Cambridge, Maryland competing in my first Half-Ironman. He wished me luck on Friday morning and sent me on my way with my 2 very dear friends (and coach) Lori and Brian. He didn't blink an eye when I mentioned wanting to do this race, in fact when I returned home on Sunday evening at around 11pm he had dinner from Muriale's (our rehearsal dinner food) and presents waiting for me. He knows triathlon makes me happy and that makes him happy. I couldn't have picked anyone more understanding. Oh yeah, did I mention it was my FIRST half-ironman AND I went under 6 hours? 5:42:05 to be exact :)
July - Not only does July house 2 of the most special boys in my life's birthday's (Drew and my Dada) but it is also IRONMAN LAKE PLACID month!!! Tackling this hilly, challenging course made for an awesome day! I managed to PR in the Ironman-distance by 33 minutes. A years worth of training really paid off! I enjoyed spending the week with Lori and Brian, as well as my Dad and Jason who joined us for the weekend. It was relaxing and exciting all at the same time. I can't wait to do it again in 2014. Being able to travel to these races and afford to also pay the entry fees is not something that I take for granted.
August - August was a special end to my triathlon year. I qualified for the Best Of The Us race by coming in 3rd overall female in WV's qualifying race (Stonewall Jackson Triathlon) This was my first major "win" as a triathlete and it was pretty great. The following weekend my 3 nephews and I participated in the Kids Sprint Splash and Spin race on Friday evening. They LOVED it! I was able to get into the pool with them for their swim, run along side their bikes, and run along the trail with them. I will never forget Drew telling me "This is beautiful, you should bring me here more often." On Saturday morning I participated in another first for me. A sprint distance race. This was the most painful triathlon I've ever endured. I was fatigued from racing the weekend before and an all out race for 1:03:00 is painful! It was so incredible to place first overall female. I can't even put into words how I felt. . . Did I mention it was Jason's birthday, and he got up extra early to come watch me race? :)
September - FOOTBALL SEASON! This is my favorite month of the year. My weekends are spent with my very very best friend, and other half. My cousin Brittany! She and our friend Julie come for every home game and spend the weekend with me. We don't live in the same town so getting to see her for 7 weekends in a 3 month time makes me so so happy!!! September is also when I made a HUGE change in my diet. It wasn't easy, but I was loving how I was feeling.
October - October is the month of the Ironman World Championships. It is so inspiring to watch the live feed via the internet. All Ironman All day! It's often referred to as "Tri Porn" :) October is also when my last marathon training cycle was really in full swing. I was nailing workouts I had never thought possible and feeling better than I have ever felt. My diet changes and focus on racing and training was really paying off.
November - While we are all aware that my race did not go as planned, lets not forget that November is a time to remind us to be thankful for all our blessings. I have the ability and means to race, travel and share the sport I love with some amazing friends and family. I have the support of my family and friends not only for sport but also in life. I have a wonderful father and mother who love me dearly, and incredible siblings. My sister-in-law and brother adapt family dinners around my eating style and everyone is so encouraging. I have the most inspiring, funny and loving nephews. They love me like no other, we have a bond that I will forever cherish. So while my heart was broken for most of the month over the outcome of one race, it was also mended by all the blessings that I have been able to enjoy in life.
December - What's better about December than the fact that I, yours truly, was born? Ok, kidding. Kinda ;) This month is just a spill over of all the family time and blessing that start in November. Traditions are my favorite and I look forward to them all year. I love decorating and making the house smell of Christmas. It's also a time to reflect on how amazing my life really is, and focus on my goals to make 2014 even better!
Eagleman 70.3
Our Newest Addition, Diesel
Glass City Marathon
Huntington Marathon
Lake Placid - Prerace
Pre Swim with Lori and Brian
My Momma became a TOUGH MUDDER!!
2 Carseats and a booster seat piled in the back!
Finally got our wedding tattoos!
Throwback of our Wedding Day!
Became a part of Team Wheaties
There's nothing like living in Morgantown on Game Day!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Weekend Activites
So this weekend's activities didn't go quite as planned. I headed to the doctor on Thursday even because I was having trouble with my breathing. (I have asthma for those of you who don't know) Come to find out, sinus infection, ear infection and referral for a pulmonary function test. BUMMER!
Like the good little athlete I am, first person I texted was my coach, Brian. This is what transpired!
Like the good little athlete I am, first person I texted was my coach, Brian. This is what transpired!
This is nothing new. Brian is my voice of reason, and I'm his relentless athlete who tries to talk him out of his rational. I knew the best thing for me wasn't to get in the pool the day after being given steroids and antibiotics for an ear infection, but my mind and body were already set for a swim in the morning! None the less, I listened, and I rode my bike for 30 minutes instead! (*How I've grown - There was a time when recovery meant nothing to me, and I would have jumped in that pool without a second thought. I now know, it's not worth it in the long run.)
Saturday, instead of a run test - which obviously would not have been a good idea - I rode my bike in zones 1-2 for an hour. I cleaned my house, did some laundry, and had lots of cuddle time with my fur-babies! (*Lesson - recovery is imperative to repair the body! Sometimes I have to talk myself into doing nothing (not even folding clothes) but I never regret when I do)
My favorite date night is sushi night! Hands down. Sushi does not make me feel anything but satisfied after I eat it. Only thing is, I LOVE soy sauce with my sushi. I have been using Bragg's Liquid Aminos at home, but this weekend I decided 'who cares' and I took my soy sauce to the restaurant with me! Bragg's has 160mg of sodium compared to the 900mg in a regular bottle of soy sauce, and it tastes so good that even Jason ate it instead of the restaurant's! (*Lesson - Who cares what others think. Do what makes you happy, and if that means adapting your restaurant meal to fit your needs by taking something of your own, then DO IT!)
And last but not least, I talked last month about adding my core/hip/glute work regularly to my schedule now instead of waiting until January...well after my easy ride Saturday and my 1:20 interval ride on Sunday I got down on the floor and performed my routine. As usual, I had a training partner, except instead of lying under me during my planks, he decided he wanted to sit on top of me during my bridges and crunches! What would my life be without these fur-babies? (*Lesson - My core lost more strength than I could have imagined in just a few weeks off. Adding core daily has made a huge impact in my core sessions already. In just a few weeks I have been able to advance my exercises...Never give up just because it's hard!)
And in case you're wondering how I'm able to accomplish all my training, racing, house work, puppy cuddles, working full-time, family activities, and date nights without loosing my mind....I have the most amazing and supportive husband! (who also works on Sundays and sometimes Saturdays too like this weekend) He doesn't question my training schedule, and he loves my drive and passion for what I do. Even with the amazing family support I have, and the unconditional love from my dad who is also my travel side-kick and #1 supporter and fan, it wouldn't be possible without such a supportive and understanding counter-part! Who also, helps unload the dishwasher and takes out the trash without being asked! ;-) (*Lesson here - have people in your life that support you and enhance your drive for whatever your passion in life is. Negative people have no (or limited if you can't avoid them) place in your life!)
Happy Monday! Hope you all have a fabulous week!
Banana Nut Bread
So as promised...Here is the recipe to the fabulous Banana Nut (or nut free) Bread I posted last night! I tend to have trouble sometimes when making a 'clean' recipe. They never seem to turn out right, I mean they're OK, but never like "Mmmm..." but this, this cake was the most moist, perfect banana bread. Even Jason had quite a few comments about this recipe!
In a bowl:
mash 4 ripe bananas
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup honey
2 eggs
1 cup whole wheat flour
(I use white whole wheat, it's not as grainy)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix ingredients while you pre-heat the oven to 350.
Spray 4 mini loaf pans with non-stick spray of choice
I then divided the batter and topped 2 with walnuts and left 2 without since Jason prefers his without.
Bake 28 minutes ( or until fork comes out clean)
I turned and moved mine around in my oven a few times but each oven is different.
Easy. Simple recipe that came out DELICIOUS!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Thank You!
This blog is just to say THANK YOU!
I have received some incredible messages recently thanking me for my inspiration. Honestly, sometimes you're not quite sure what others think of what you're posting on social media. It's refreshing to hear that I am making a difference.
I know what it's like to look up to others for inspiration and a sense of peace that time and patience really do make great things happen. Fitness and health do not happen over night, nor do they have an ending. Often times I find myself frustrated with my fitness level, but once I stop and realize that I've only been competing in triathlon (of any distance) for 2 years now it makes me smile and be proud of where I am. I love to follow other athletes and watch their journey. It makes me excited for where I still get to go in this sport.
I look up to my coach and his wife more than they will ever understand, and I trust my sports dietitian 100% and part of that is due to being able to follow her journey and watch her practice what she preaches. Seeing my friends post about their workouts, makes me excited for my own, and just knowing someone else is suffering the same good hurt you are somehow makes it more enjoyable :) So know you are not "stalkerish" or "creepy" for sending a message my way. I look up to others the same way you may look up to me.
So again, THANK YOU. I'm open to all questions. I love getting emails and messages about all things health and fitness related, and will pass on my knowledge to the best of my ability!
I have received some incredible messages recently thanking me for my inspiration. Honestly, sometimes you're not quite sure what others think of what you're posting on social media. It's refreshing to hear that I am making a difference.
I know what it's like to look up to others for inspiration and a sense of peace that time and patience really do make great things happen. Fitness and health do not happen over night, nor do they have an ending. Often times I find myself frustrated with my fitness level, but once I stop and realize that I've only been competing in triathlon (of any distance) for 2 years now it makes me smile and be proud of where I am. I love to follow other athletes and watch their journey. It makes me excited for where I still get to go in this sport.
I look up to my coach and his wife more than they will ever understand, and I trust my sports dietitian 100% and part of that is due to being able to follow her journey and watch her practice what she preaches. Seeing my friends post about their workouts, makes me excited for my own, and just knowing someone else is suffering the same good hurt you are somehow makes it more enjoyable :) So know you are not "stalkerish" or "creepy" for sending a message my way. I look up to others the same way you may look up to me.
So again, THANK YOU. I'm open to all questions. I love getting emails and messages about all things health and fitness related, and will pass on my knowledge to the best of my ability!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Don't wait until January 1st
January 1st. A new year; a new start. Right? Wrong. Why is it that come January 1 everyone makes all these promises to themselves, and then immediately say, "What I mean is I'll start the Monday after January 1." That Monday turns into the next one and then it's March and you still haven't made any gains.
I say, DON'T WAIT! Start now. Start implementing one or two of your healthier desires now. That way by the time January 1 comes around it's already a part of your routine, and if you've tried really hard you may have already formed a habit! Wouldn't that be the best way to start the new year? Perfecting what you've already started rather than starting what you've only been talking about?
Healthier starts don't need to be drastic. Start simple. Try starting every morning with a glass of water before you drink your coffee, milk, or juice. Maybe you'll realize you don't need as much of the others because the water actually satisfied your thirst, and now you can enjoy your drink rather than chug it. I drink a big glass of water first thing every morning before I even start making my breakfast/pre-workout snack.
It's simple really, the more you make healthy, conscious decisions early in the day, the more likely you are to continue that behavior throughout the day. If you start your day with a simple 20-30 minute workout you may decide to forgo the fast food and stop at the salad/food bar at the local grocery store because it's fresh in you head how hard you worked to burn those calories and make you body move.
I use to be one of those athletes that when my season ended I thought that from that day until January 1 I could eat anything I wanted, and as much of it that I wanted. I mean everyone waits until January 1 to start their "diets" right? Why should I care how I look and feel from October thru December? I'm suppose to feel bloated, lethargic, and have difficulty buttoning my pants aren't I?
NOT THIS YEAR!!
I have BIG goals and dreams for 2014. Instead of waiting until January to start implementing the road to success I've started NOW. While I will still be focusing on recovery for the next few weeks that doesn't mean that I should eat whatever gets passed by my eyes, nose, and mouth in the meantime. Nor does it mean that I only perform my scheduled workouts and forget about stretching, and all the physical therapy work I put into my hip flexor during this last training cycle. I sat down today and figured out a plan to meet my goals and how I'm going to incorporate that plan into my day. I'm human, so I don't expect this to go smoothly. I will likely make mistakes, but the idea is by January 1, these new routines of stretching and PT as well as my journey toward a healthier kitchen will be HABITS and my new year will already be on the path I want it to be rather than just starting to steer it in that direction!
Do yourself a favor, DON'T WAIT! Act now. Start small, and build on it. You'll thank yourself later, and so will your body!
I say, DON'T WAIT! Start now. Start implementing one or two of your healthier desires now. That way by the time January 1 comes around it's already a part of your routine, and if you've tried really hard you may have already formed a habit! Wouldn't that be the best way to start the new year? Perfecting what you've already started rather than starting what you've only been talking about?
Healthier starts don't need to be drastic. Start simple. Try starting every morning with a glass of water before you drink your coffee, milk, or juice. Maybe you'll realize you don't need as much of the others because the water actually satisfied your thirst, and now you can enjoy your drink rather than chug it. I drink a big glass of water first thing every morning before I even start making my breakfast/pre-workout snack.
It's simple really, the more you make healthy, conscious decisions early in the day, the more likely you are to continue that behavior throughout the day. If you start your day with a simple 20-30 minute workout you may decide to forgo the fast food and stop at the salad/food bar at the local grocery store because it's fresh in you head how hard you worked to burn those calories and make you body move.
I use to be one of those athletes that when my season ended I thought that from that day until January 1 I could eat anything I wanted, and as much of it that I wanted. I mean everyone waits until January 1 to start their "diets" right? Why should I care how I look and feel from October thru December? I'm suppose to feel bloated, lethargic, and have difficulty buttoning my pants aren't I?
NOT THIS YEAR!!
I have BIG goals and dreams for 2014. Instead of waiting until January to start implementing the road to success I've started NOW. While I will still be focusing on recovery for the next few weeks that doesn't mean that I should eat whatever gets passed by my eyes, nose, and mouth in the meantime. Nor does it mean that I only perform my scheduled workouts and forget about stretching, and all the physical therapy work I put into my hip flexor during this last training cycle. I sat down today and figured out a plan to meet my goals and how I'm going to incorporate that plan into my day. I'm human, so I don't expect this to go smoothly. I will likely make mistakes, but the idea is by January 1, these new routines of stretching and PT as well as my journey toward a healthier kitchen will be HABITS and my new year will already be on the path I want it to be rather than just starting to steer it in that direction!
Do yourself a favor, DON'T WAIT! Act now. Start small, and build on it. You'll thank yourself later, and so will your body!
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Diet Changes: A few small steps can snowball in success
After Ironman Lake Placid I decided to make some major changes to my daily diet. I gave myself a week to enjoy some of the foods I had been waiting until after the race to enjoy and then it was a total food overhaul.
Initially, I cut out all artifical sweetners and limited my processed foods and indulgence meals. Where I work everyone gets a cake for their birthday. I use to be that girl that ate it because I thought I deserved it due to all my training. Now I was the athlete saying "I don't eat that." rather than "I can't eat that." It was so much easier than I had dreamed it would. Apparently, my goal for a Boston Qualifying marathon time in November was driving me more than I had ever imagined it would.
The more I continued to make better choices throughout the day, the more I realized how wonderful I felt and how amazing my workouts were going. I was nailing paces and distances that use to be difficult and some that were even too fast to even be a possibility.
My new found tummy and training success had me wanting more. I have been really into blogs and following fellow runners/triathletes on Instagram and realized how amazing these athletes were and how little meat they ate. I started experimenting and the less chicken, pork, steak, etc. that I ate the lighter, and heathier I felt. There it was again, the HR and pace on my Garmin decreasing as my mileage and speed workouts were increasing. I contacted Marni Sumbal of Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition. {www.trimarnicoach.com} and together we came up with a game plan to continue to fuel my success. (To date, it has been about 5-6 weeks since I last ate meat. I really don't remember the exact day)
Instead of chicken, pork, ground beef, turkey...etc. I now find my protein sources from nuts, seeds, nut butters, eggs, cottage cheese, tofu, tempeh, fish (averaging 1x/week at most) I've also been more aware to how much protien is in other sources of food. It's incredible. I don't remember the last time I cooked anything using canned "cream of" soups or any package that has more than 3 ingredients! (Usually that's mixed veggies)
Instead of granola bars and cereal, I have oats or plain greek yogurt with fruit, cinnamon, and seeds. I also eat more fruits and vegetables than I use to. Which instantly plays a huge part in a cleaner diet. On days when I train in the morning I'll put together some oats with almond milk, protein powder, chia and sunflower seeds, craisins, and unsweetened coconut flakes. Then in the morning I'll add a chopped apple and either heat for 45seconds-1min or eat it cold. On days when my training is extra long I might add in a few dark chocolate chips for fun!
Here are a few examples of my recent creations.
**I am not a dietian or nutritionist. I solely base my decisions off of experimentation and reading/researching for myself.
Initially, I cut out all artifical sweetners and limited my processed foods and indulgence meals. Where I work everyone gets a cake for their birthday. I use to be that girl that ate it because I thought I deserved it due to all my training. Now I was the athlete saying "I don't eat that." rather than "I can't eat that." It was so much easier than I had dreamed it would. Apparently, my goal for a Boston Qualifying marathon time in November was driving me more than I had ever imagined it would.
The more I continued to make better choices throughout the day, the more I realized how wonderful I felt and how amazing my workouts were going. I was nailing paces and distances that use to be difficult and some that were even too fast to even be a possibility.
My new found tummy and training success had me wanting more. I have been really into blogs and following fellow runners/triathletes on Instagram and realized how amazing these athletes were and how little meat they ate. I started experimenting and the less chicken, pork, steak, etc. that I ate the lighter, and heathier I felt. There it was again, the HR and pace on my Garmin decreasing as my mileage and speed workouts were increasing. I contacted Marni Sumbal of Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition. {www.trimarnicoach.com} and together we came up with a game plan to continue to fuel my success. (To date, it has been about 5-6 weeks since I last ate meat. I really don't remember the exact day)
Instead of chicken, pork, ground beef, turkey...etc. I now find my protein sources from nuts, seeds, nut butters, eggs, cottage cheese, tofu, tempeh, fish (averaging 1x/week at most) I've also been more aware to how much protien is in other sources of food. It's incredible. I don't remember the last time I cooked anything using canned "cream of" soups or any package that has more than 3 ingredients! (Usually that's mixed veggies)
Instead of granola bars and cereal, I have oats or plain greek yogurt with fruit, cinnamon, and seeds. I also eat more fruits and vegetables than I use to. Which instantly plays a huge part in a cleaner diet. On days when I train in the morning I'll put together some oats with almond milk, protein powder, chia and sunflower seeds, craisins, and unsweetened coconut flakes. Then in the morning I'll add a chopped apple and either heat for 45seconds-1min or eat it cold. On days when my training is extra long I might add in a few dark chocolate chips for fun!
Here are a few examples of my recent creations.
Lettuce, rice (cooked in pineapple juice), carrots, roasted peppers and onions, avacado and pineapple.
Sides: Cottage cheese and fresh artisan bread.
Salmon with sauteed apple and onion on a bed of brown rice and a side of broccoli
Taco Night:
Lean ground beef for Jason and Boca Veggie "Meat" crumbles for me.
Toppings: Corn, black beans, lettuse, guacamole, salsa, carrots, cheese
Taco Salad
Left over quinoa, frozen mixed veggies and broccoli with sauteed tempeh.
**I am not a dietian or nutritionist. I solely base my decisions off of experimentation and reading/researching for myself.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Past, Present, and Future
Since I decided that my first post was going to be my race report, I thought I should make a post about what I did to get to the starting line and how I felt along my journey there, as well as where I am now, and what is coming up next!
Past: During 2013 I ran a The Glass City Marathon (3:36) in April prior to officially kicking off Triathlon season! Tri season started in May with an Olympic distance race. June had an half-ironman (5:52) and very busy and long weekends of training for Ironman Lake Placid (12:16) at the end of July. I was on such a high after IMLP that I decided to do 2 local triathlons that I had missed the previous year since my IM was in August. I raced Stonewall Jackson Tri taking 3rd overall female and surprising myself by qualifying for Best of the US. The following weekend I raced my first sprint distance triathlon and took 1st overall female.
Tri season was over but I wasn't done. I wanted to try and qualify for the Boston Marathon after surprising myself and coming so close in April. I dedicated the 3 months after IMLP to the Huntington Marathon. I haven't talked about it much to others, but I almost completely cut out meat from my diet. Other than eating fish/tuna a handful of times since August I have not had any red meat, poultry, pork, etc. I have switched to a plant-strong diet and it feels AMAZING! I feel lighter and leaner. Although, maybe by a few lbs or a smidgen of a percent. Those things don't matter, because I FEEL like I am in the best shape of my life! I incorporated more stretching and a stronger respect for recovery days into my plan. My coach and I were in constant communication over how I felt and I even {asked} for extra recovery one of the weeks leading up to the race. I no longer indulged in cake, cookies, or comfort foods based on "I train a lot so I can eat what I want". While at the same time, working with Marni Sumbal, RD I no longer have "off-limit" foods or times of feeling guilty. (I struggled with bulimia in college) I now view food as the fuel for my training and the last 3 months I was crossing off goals, and nailing {almost} all of my weekly workouts. It was an incredible journey to the Marshall Marathon...it just didn't have the ending I had hoped for.
Present: Right now is all about recovery. Allowing myself to heal mentally and physically from the last 11 months of training. Most of the focus of my off season will be toward swimming and biking. My swim efficiency and form need some work, and biking is no where close to where it needs to be. {No surprise since I didn't learn to ride a bike until I started triathlon, even though my parents attempted to teach me} I look forward to the off season. I'm ready to gain strength and power and watch myself improve.
Future: At the moment, I do not know if a marathon will happen next year. I like to think it will, but I still need to discuss it with my coach and decided if/where it fits into my race schedule. I will be racing an Olympic Distance tri in May, Raleigh 70.3 in June and IMLP in July. Other than those races, the rest is yet to be set!
I have had an amazing journey through 2013. Overall I had a spectacular season. Many ups and downs along the way, but it's my lifestyle and I enjoy every day of it. I think if I always had great races, then I would never appreciate the accomplishment. Sometimes it takes tough training/race days to make the great ones feel amazing! After all, it's the high I feel that keeps me going!
Past: During 2013 I ran a The Glass City Marathon (3:36) in April prior to officially kicking off Triathlon season! Tri season started in May with an Olympic distance race. June had an half-ironman (5:52) and very busy and long weekends of training for Ironman Lake Placid (12:16) at the end of July. I was on such a high after IMLP that I decided to do 2 local triathlons that I had missed the previous year since my IM was in August. I raced Stonewall Jackson Tri taking 3rd overall female and surprising myself by qualifying for Best of the US. The following weekend I raced my first sprint distance triathlon and took 1st overall female.
Tri season was over but I wasn't done. I wanted to try and qualify for the Boston Marathon after surprising myself and coming so close in April. I dedicated the 3 months after IMLP to the Huntington Marathon. I haven't talked about it much to others, but I almost completely cut out meat from my diet. Other than eating fish/tuna a handful of times since August I have not had any red meat, poultry, pork, etc. I have switched to a plant-strong diet and it feels AMAZING! I feel lighter and leaner. Although, maybe by a few lbs or a smidgen of a percent. Those things don't matter, because I FEEL like I am in the best shape of my life! I incorporated more stretching and a stronger respect for recovery days into my plan. My coach and I were in constant communication over how I felt and I even {asked} for extra recovery one of the weeks leading up to the race. I no longer indulged in cake, cookies, or comfort foods based on "I train a lot so I can eat what I want". While at the same time, working with Marni Sumbal, RD I no longer have "off-limit" foods or times of feeling guilty. (I struggled with bulimia in college) I now view food as the fuel for my training and the last 3 months I was crossing off goals, and nailing {almost} all of my weekly workouts. It was an incredible journey to the Marshall Marathon...it just didn't have the ending I had hoped for.
Present: Right now is all about recovery. Allowing myself to heal mentally and physically from the last 11 months of training. Most of the focus of my off season will be toward swimming and biking. My swim efficiency and form need some work, and biking is no where close to where it needs to be. {No surprise since I didn't learn to ride a bike until I started triathlon, even though my parents attempted to teach me} I look forward to the off season. I'm ready to gain strength and power and watch myself improve.
Future: At the moment, I do not know if a marathon will happen next year. I like to think it will, but I still need to discuss it with my coach and decided if/where it fits into my race schedule. I will be racing an Olympic Distance tri in May, Raleigh 70.3 in June and IMLP in July. Other than those races, the rest is yet to be set!
I have had an amazing journey through 2013. Overall I had a spectacular season. Many ups and downs along the way, but it's my lifestyle and I enjoy every day of it. I think if I always had great races, then I would never appreciate the accomplishment. Sometimes it takes tough training/race days to make the great ones feel amazing! After all, it's the high I feel that keeps me going!
Marshall Marathon Race Report
My idea of a race report is to write it as soon after the even as I can as to remember as many details as possible. I then later reflect on that race report periodically and learn more things about the race as the days and weeks go by. It has been no secret that my goal for November 10, 2013 was to qualify for the Boston Marathon by racing in under 3:35:00. This race was not my day, and while many have asked when the next one is, I do not have an answer. My body is ready for a break. I have not discussed with my coach another marathon at this time. I do not know if one will fit into next years race calendar or when during the year I feel is my best shot at qualifying.
So here it is, my raw report. The same one that gets sent to my coach the day after the event when emotions are still running high, and many details are still fresh in my head.
This was definitely the most inconsistent I've ran (mile to mile) during this training block. My morning was typical routine. Nothing different. There weren't as many runners as I had thought and not many pace groups so it was pretty easy to just line up at the 3:35 spot without many runners in front of me.
As soon as the gun went off everything seemed like total chaos. At first I felt too slow, then I felt too fast. I couldn't get into a rhythm and that's how the remainder of the day would go. There were more rollers during the race than I had anticipated. Even when trying to slow down my HR stayed through the roof. My legs felt like they weren't doing any work. The pace felt comfortable. I tried to force myself to hold back a few times but nothing was helping so I just went with the pace bc my legs felt OK and holding back wasn't helping.
Through the first half I felt great. Passed the half clock and saw 1:47:50. It felt perfect. From 13 to 14 I felt great I knew all I had to do was hold the same pace and I was golden. Somewhere shortly before mile 14 we turned a corner and I felt like I was running in place. I'd try to surge through, but end up dropping back bc I could barely keep my head up. I fought from 14-18 trying to calculate if I held back a little now that I could still make it up at the end. But the longer I went into the wind the worse I felt. Eventually my right hip flexor would start to hurt and I had stopped to stretch it a few times.
There was a point where I calculated how long I had left and knew I could run 8 miles in enough time if I really pushed it...unfortunately I then realized I had 9 miles left not 8. Heart broken!! Between 18-19 I had a mental battle that left my body with something to be desired. I was mentally quitting. At mile 19 I knew I had to suck it up. Quitting wasn't an option, and at that point (physically) suffering was not something I wanted to do since I was mentally beating myself up. I didn't want to risk tweaking any of the nagging pains I had so I decided to finish strong but not all out. It was rough. My body still didn't feel great, but I was able to semi-enjoy the last 10K and kind of look around.
I know I didn't race smart. I should have held back and tried to keep get my HR under control, and I also should have pushed harder during the second half and I still may have been able to pull something out toward the end. But I broke mentally and let the physical pains get to me.
I don't really have much good to say, even though I know I should. It wasn't my day. The weather was unexpected but I feel like I still should have been able to hold it together longer.
As soon as the gun went off everything seemed like total chaos. At first I felt too slow, then I felt too fast. I couldn't get into a rhythm and that's how the remainder of the day would go. There were more rollers during the race than I had anticipated. Even when trying to slow down my HR stayed through the roof. My legs felt like they weren't doing any work. The pace felt comfortable. I tried to force myself to hold back a few times but nothing was helping so I just went with the pace bc my legs felt OK and holding back wasn't helping.
Through the first half I felt great. Passed the half clock and saw 1:47:50. It felt perfect. From 13 to 14 I felt great I knew all I had to do was hold the same pace and I was golden. Somewhere shortly before mile 14 we turned a corner and I felt like I was running in place. I'd try to surge through, but end up dropping back bc I could barely keep my head up. I fought from 14-18 trying to calculate if I held back a little now that I could still make it up at the end. But the longer I went into the wind the worse I felt. Eventually my right hip flexor would start to hurt and I had stopped to stretch it a few times.
There was a point where I calculated how long I had left and knew I could run 8 miles in enough time if I really pushed it...unfortunately I then realized I had 9 miles left not 8. Heart broken!! Between 18-19 I had a mental battle that left my body with something to be desired. I was mentally quitting. At mile 19 I knew I had to suck it up. Quitting wasn't an option, and at that point (physically) suffering was not something I wanted to do since I was mentally beating myself up. I didn't want to risk tweaking any of the nagging pains I had so I decided to finish strong but not all out. It was rough. My body still didn't feel great, but I was able to semi-enjoy the last 10K and kind of look around.
I know I didn't race smart. I should have held back and tried to keep get my HR under control, and I also should have pushed harder during the second half and I still may have been able to pull something out toward the end. But I broke mentally and let the physical pains get to me.
I don't really have much good to say, even though I know I should. It wasn't my day. The weather was unexpected but I feel like I still should have been able to hold it together longer.
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