Spark Kids Triathlon Training Information

Email angela@sparkmultisport.com for more info or register online here. 

Pleasant Prairie Triathlon Recap

Before I write this I should really go back and see what I wrote about last year's PP race.  I remember it being ideal conditions and one of the most well executed races I have ever completed.  I was pretty certain going in today that I would not be able to better my time, but I did...by almost 2 minutes.  Honestly, the conditions today were probably THE BEST I have ever raced in in my 13 year career.   No wind whatsoever, low 70's and overcast.  Loved it!

So, let me back up.  I love coming to this race.  It is in the town where I grew up so I have an excuse to stay at my best friend's house, I always see lots of people I know and it is fast no matter what the conditions are.   The lake is warm and clean, the bike is flat and smooth and the run is around the lake.  So fun!

I rode my bike over to the race and immediately set up my transition.  I wandered around looking for a few people I knew who were doing their first tri- one Spark athlete and few coworkers from the gyms.  I gave out a few words of advice, shared some Bodyglide and wished everyone well as they headed into the holding pen.  Frankly, they all seemed a lot calmer than me!  I hung out with another friend who I know from Lululemon (yes, I shop there that much) and we kept each other company until the sprint distance began.

The lake was really warm, 77 degrees to be exact.  I tried to stay as close the front of the group as possible, but there were several 14/15 year old girls who were in my wave and they totally kicked my butt.  The only solace I can take in this is that my 14 year old self (as a swimmer) would also kick my butt right now.   Ran out of the swim and busted through T1 as quickly as possible to head out onto what was one of my most fun and fastest rides ever.  Imagine newly paved roads, no cars and no wind.  That is what those 13 miles were.  This is where I picked up most of my time from last year.  After T2 I knew I just needed to come in under a 24:00 5K to beat last years time and I was confident that would be no problem.  It wasn't!  I did not bust the 1:10 mark overall but did come as close as possible at 1:10:00!

It was a great day, feel so happy that I actually was able to get my top goal- totally worth the blisters on my feet from wearing no socks with my Mizunos!  Also amazing to see all these people finish their first tri- Congrats Cat, Adrienne, Brent and Stacy!  And Brad and Emily even though you are veterans!  Welcome to the sport!

Can't wait to race with the rest of you!
-Coach A. www.sparkmultisport.com

Triathlon Gear Checklist

Use this handy dandy checklist to make sure you have everything packed for the big day!

SparkKids Coming Soon!

Official schedule/info to be announced later this week, but Coach Angela will be working with young athletes this August to prepare them for Chicago Kids Tri!  If you know any junior triathletes age 7-14, please spread the word!

Five MUST-DO's before your first tri each season....

Seasoned triathletes and newbies alike, make sure you have everything checked off this list before you do your first race of the season-

1.  Get in the lake.  With your wetsuit.  Preferably with several of your closest friends kicking and pulling all over you.  This will get your swim anxiety out of the way before race day.

2.  Nail down your breakfast.  Have it many times right before a workout and fine tune it so it fills you just the right amount to keep you energized but not weigh you down.

3.  Practice your transitions.  Especially that bike to run.  Always a shocker how those legs feel off the bike.

4.  Workout with your race outfit.  You may have forgotten how it rode up last year, or that you gained 20 lbs and it is now a belly shirt.  Figure that out before the morning of.

5.  Establish a goal.  Think about what you want to accomplish this year and DO IT!!

Now you are ready to race!
-Coach A www.sparkmultisport.com

Elkhart Lake Tri Race Recap

The first race of the season is a wrap. As I sit on the balcony of our hotel and gaze upon the scene of the tri I can't help but think that this is by far the most logistically easy race in which I have ever competed. Up at 5:45, across the finish line before 9, back in the room with all my gear by 9:30 and in the pool playing with my daughter at 10. Does it get any better than that?

The race began with a short 400 meter swim in beautiful Elkhart lake. One of the shortest swims I have ever raced- took only 6 minutes. After running out of the lake up the first of many hills towards transition I headed out to the pretty technical bike course. Lots of hills and lots of turns- witnessed a couple crashes but managed to get through safely with a decent time.

Then for the run. Note to self- would you ever let one of your athletes head to a hilly race and not train hills beforehand? No. Then why did you think you could do it? Not sure. Did you pay for it? Yes. That run sucked.

The first 1.5 miles was almost completely uphill, whether steep or gently sloping. I was not prepared for either. A lot of heavy breathing, a few curse words, and 12 minutes later I was on the second, and much easier, half. I was able to pick up the pace a bit and and bring it in under an 8 minutes pace, but barely.

Luckily for me, I wasn't the only one who got her a** handed to her on the run. I eeked out a 3rd place overall female finish and am starting this season off on the right foot. And while no Sparklers are along with me at this race, I am here with many tri friends from over the years. Now time to sit back and enjoy the weekend with my fam and friends!

PS- Would definitely recommend this race to everyone - especially those who could enjoy a relaxing weekend in the country!

Pre-race Rituals

It's the night before a race and I need to prepare. Here are the things I ALWAYS do before I race: *Prepack my bag and double check everything on a gear checklist *Lay out my race outfit *Check the results from last year's race. Even if I didn't do it- need to scope out the competition, ya know? *Have dessert *Freeze my profile water bottle *Take my bike for a quick spin with my race wheels- always a confidence booster *Prepare my breakfast as much as I can for the morning *Get to bed by 9:30 and visualize my race as I'm falling asleep What do you do the night before a race? Anything crazy? -Coach A www.sparkmultisport.com