Elkhart Lake Triathlon: Race Recap- Out of The Comfort Zone

When I crossed the finish line of the Chicago Tri last year I came to the realization that I was ready to race long course again.  Three years of sprints after Alex was born and I could predict my time within a minute and almost guarantee (hopefully!) a medal of some sort.   It was fast, it was fun, but it was getting boring.  

I didn't realize that I was going to register for Ironman WI two weeks later, but here I am, exactly three months away from my second 140.6.  And today was my first race of the season, in Elkhart Lake, WI. I did this race last year for the first time and fell in love with the venue.   So easy, so fun for the fam- I had to come back for more.  

So, to gear up for the big race in September and to get out of my sprint rut, I raced Olympic distance.  My first Olympic distance in FIVE years!  It seems crazy that that much time could have passed but it was 2008 when I last raced longer than sprint.  I knew I was in for a challenge with this hilly course, but it was time to get out of my comfort zone.  

The swim- should be piece of cake, right?  Well, I believe I swam at least 100 yds off course (never a good sign when you are by yourself, don't fool yourself into thinking you are the fastest ) and I hauled ass to get back on track.  I exited the water a little winded and a lot annoyed.  

The bike- pretty hilly but I've been training hard on the computrainer so I actually felt pretty good.  This course has some crazy turns but I managed to turn in decent splits except for a few super hilly miles.  There was almost no wind today, so it made for fast straightaways.  It was fun to pass guys on my new bubble gum pink bike- I've been looking forward to it:)

The run- killed me last year and I was back for revenge.  I have adequately trained hills this year and it paid off.  Don't get me wrong, two of the giant hills were ball busters, but I ran all the way up them and actually felt ok.  The run turned out decent, nothing amazing, but felt good to "handle" those hills.  

So, 2 hours and 47 minutes later, I crossed the finish line.  It got me 7th in my age group and 16th overall.  Am I happy with that? Eh, not especially, but its ok.  I think it's safe to say there will be NO medal for me this year.  With a half and full ironman being all that's left for the year I am out of contention.  The longer the race, the less the swim matters and the worse for me.   But you know what I am happy with?  That I'm racing out of my comfort zone.   This is not the easiest path for me, and there is something to be said for that.  

A special shout out to Elisabeth S who killed it her first time at this race and got 4th in her age group! Woot!  And thanks to all those CAC'ers who cheered me in. And to my hubby for toting a 3 year old around for 4 hours.    Despite the fact I felt like I was going to throw up pre race, the feeling I have now is why I love this sport.  The people, the pushing yourself, and the pride.  Congrats to all Elkhart Lake racers!  

      

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Setting Race Goals

Before you head to the start line of your next race, be sure you have goals set!  Whether you are newbie or defending age group champ- it is important to know what you are trying to do when you compete.  Before all of my client's race, I have them send me their A, B and C goals as described below:

C Goal- One that you should pretty easily be able to achieve, barring any unforeseen circumstances.  You will be happy if you achieve this.  (ie- finish the race- for a beginner)

B Goal- A challenging goal that is possible, but things will need to go well and it might be tough.  You will be really excited if you reach this goal.  (ie- finish the entire race without walking)

A Goal-  A "better than you really think you can do, but if you do you will be super-duper ecstatic goal!"  Everything will need to fall perfectly into place- weather, nutrition, sleep, etc to achieve this.  (ie- run the entire race and break 30 minutes for my first 5K)

Follow this practice the next time you race, and start knocking out those goals!

-Coach A www.sparkmultisport.com

Ready, set, train!!!

Nope, that is not a postcard, that is a pic from my balcony where I just spent the past two weeks of my life. Cancun, Mexico. Amazing scenery, weather, hospitality and fun. I have been going there the first part of April for the past 18 (yikes!) years of my life. It is my home away from home, something I look forward to every year and I feel some serious sadness when I leave. But the sadness doesn't last too long- when I return it is "usually" spring in Chicago and time to get busy.

Yes, waking up the morning after my Cancun trip in my own bed is my signal that training season is here. When I was in high school it marked the start of the long course summer season. A time of outdoor practices, warm summer nights and swim meets all over the Midwest. Once I turned into a triathlete it meant outdoor rides, the start of my training plan and switching my brain into summer mode; more clients and less excuses.

This year is even more special as I build my own business and embark on my training for Ironman Wisconsin. I have built a pretty amazing clientele, each with their own individual goals and aspirations for the summer. I want nothing more than to help them achieve these. I also have my own goals, my biggest one being to train the heck out of this season and have a great race on September 8th.

It's pretty easy to get motivated after two weeks of overindulging and visualizing getting into the best shape of your life. Right now I am ready to go. I won't be giving a play by play of my workouts ( unless I fall off the treadmill and smack my face:) but I will post about the highs and lows of Ironman training.

Get ready, people, it's going to be a great season!

-Coach A www.sparkumultisport.com

Boston XOXO

Maybe it just seems like it, or maybe the world is really getting worse.  Whichever it is, it's sad to say that watching events such as yesterday's in Boston is becoming all too commonplace.   I will admit that some events don't even effect me and politely ignoring them is the way I cope.  However, yesterday's events have effected me.  Hard.  I can think of dozens of reasons why, and to make myself feel better, I will write.  Writing it down gives me clarity, helps me feel better and helps me to move on.

Maybe this is so upsetting because at 2:03 pm in Chicago yesterday I received a text from a dear client and friend who was at the finish line in Boston.  It read "oh my god explosions."

Maybe it is because finish lines are one of my happiest places to be.

Maybe it is because another client and friend had finished the marathon and I waited 30 long minutes after the explosions to hear from her.

Maybe it is because she ran her best marathon time by 6 minutes and no one even cares anymore.

It could be because I lived a few blocks from that site for two years of my life. 

It could be because I have cheered for marathon finishers in that exact spot.

It could be because I have been a spectator at countless events over the years.

It could be because I have dragged THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN MY LIFE to come watch me race.

Perhaps it is because the lowest moment of my life was at MGH, where many people are probably experiencing that feeling right now, tenfold.

Perhaps it is the mere thought of walking into the lobby of MGH that makes my heart race.

But I really think it is because this is MY world.  OUR world.  Any athlete understands what I mean.  Day in and day out I train for, prepare people for, talk people into and cheer people along their path to a finish line.  This is my life.  Our life.  And it has been invaded by someone or some people who are clearly so opposite of yesterday's participants and spectators.

They are not going to stop us.  We will continue to train towards finish lines, and now they have made them that much sweeter to cross.  And if there is anything I have learned over the years from tragedy, it is that those who come out of it are stronger, closer and tougher than you could ever imagine.

-Coach A

www.sparkmultisport.com