Pregnancy and Triathlon

Yep, so that's me, Coach Angela.  Today.  Almost 25 weeks pregnant.   Here to talk to you about triathlon and pregnancy- which clearly have nothing in common unless you are a female triathlete of child bearing age.  And then they have everything in common.

I have a delightful five year old daughter, Alexandra.  My pregnancy with her was a bit of a surprise and for a planner like me, I took that as a blessing.  There is never a "best" time to have a child and when you are presented with a positive pregnancy test and just need to start planning your life around the arrival of that little baby, it forces you to be ready.  I liked it that way.  

On the contrary, when Alex turned 2, and then 3,  people were starting to ask me when I was going to have another.  Instead I decided to register for an Ironman.  Which meant I was putting off getting pregnant til she was almost 4.  And then USA Triathlon announced Age Group Nationals was going to be in Milwaukee and 2014 and Age Group Worlds in my hometown of Chicago 2015.  And I had to try to qualify, which meant if I did Alex would be 6 before I would be pregnant....you get the point.  I could basically put off having another baby forever.  

So last August I qualified for Age Group Worlds which will take place in Chicago in September 2015.  As I ran my way into the 25th and final qualifying spot I was doing the math in my head. August 2014 to September 2015, that is thirteen months.  Gestating a baby only takes 9 right?  Maybe I could squeeze this in instead of putting it of.  

Lo and behold, within a few weeks of nationals I was pregnant.  It was shocking.  I had been ready to try for a month or two and then put it off til after Worlds but really did not think I would get pregnant so quickly. But I did. I felt blessed. And determined. Determined to stay in tip top shape throughout my pregnancy so getting ready for Worlds in 4 months would be a piece of cake.

The first few weeks of September were a breeze.  The weather was good and I was feeling great- still running, biking and swimming almost everyday.  I had plans to run the Vegas Half Marathon in November and was certain I could still do it.  

September 27th, 6 weeks into my pregnancy, I ate a kale salad for dinner and have not been the same since.  The nausea hit shortly after dinner and lasted until December.  I could not look into the fridge or brush my teeth without gagging and I certainly will never be able to eat kale again.   I could not make it through a night of sleep without severe nausea, which meant I could hardly drag myself through my morning clients until I could take a nap.  The few times I actually worked out during those weeks I still felt like puking the entire time.  Not one food sounded appetizing and if I managed to run a few miles my hips would hurt for days after.  Not exactly the picture of health I had imagined myself.

The Vegas Half rolled around and I made the trip with several clients.  By that time I had no aspiration to run but instead planned to just be a great spectator. Sadly, I ended up in the ER in Vegas the night before the race with severe stomach pain and nausea and slept through most of the runners the next day.  Everything turned out fine, but I felt like I had let everyone down.   Again, not the picture I had in my head for a trip to Vegas with 15 awesome people.  

Since Christmas I have felt better, but nowhere remotely like myself.  I do swim a few times a week and lift weights or do the elliptical on other days.  But after four months of no running and several extra pounds on my stomach, I don't feel like now is a good time to start hitting the pavement again. Not to mention that leaning over on my bike is now impossible.  Staying in tip top shape is no longer my goal- it has been replaced staying sane and not getting huge.

My new little girl is set to arrive at the very end of May, which means after a month off I will have 10-12 weeks to whip myself into shape for Age Group Worlds.  Getting the last spot on Team USA means that I have no aspirations to place or break records, but I truly just want to participate in this huge event that will take place in my amazing Chicago.  While my previous goal was to have a fantastic race at this event, my new goal is to finish with a respectable time and lose my baby weight by then so I don't look silly in spandex.

Kids change our priorities- in and out of the womb I have learned.  I have 15 more weeks left of being pregnant and am getting through it by envisioning snuggling with my new little daughter and then heading out for a run after I put her down for a nap.  And let's be honest, following that run up with a glass (or bottle) of wine :)

-Coach A

www.sparkmultisport.com

Spark Holiday Challenge 2014

It's that time of year again!  Read below for all the details on the Spark 2014 Holiday Challenge and don't forget to RSVP but Wednesday, November 26th!

Who will be our big winner?

Age Group Nationals: Race Recap

About one year ago, I wrote this post about how I was going to focus on competing in Age Group Nationals in Milwaukee in 2014.  At that time I was training long for Ironman Wisconsin and didn't think I could do very well in a sprint.   I also knew that Nationals was coming back to Milwaukee this year and it was a qualifying race for the World Champs in Chicago 2015.  I had to do it.  I had to try.

And frankly, until I arrived in Milwaukee last Friday, I thought it was going to be easy to qualify for Worlds.  Sure, a lot of people would show up to try to make it to a World Championship in the US.  It would a be a close, affordable option for all of us to be a part of Team USA.  But c'mon - the 2013 results made me think I could place close to Top 10, a shoo in considering you only need top 25 in your age group to qualify.

Then this past weekend finally arrived.  I read an article how athletes from all 50 states were competing. Wow. That is cool. I saw MILLIONS of dollars worth of bikes being racked into transition for the races. Hmmm, there are definitely some pretty serious triathletes here. I perused the results of the Olympic distance race Saturday after it was completed. Ummm, are you kidding?! These times are SIGNIFICANTLY faster than last year.

"I am starting to have doubts," I told Gene and Elisabeth as we sat down for dinner Saturday evening. I know a thing or two about triathlon, and I can turn in a decent time, but I have never been one of those FAST girls that you turn your head at and say "wow." I now realized that all those FAST girls had shown up at this race. Every. Single. One.

They agreed this was the highest caliber of racing experiences. And they convinced me that if I was really going to make it, I should do it in a race like this.  They were right. It would be a truly gratifying experience. If I was going to qualify, it was best if I did it against the best.

Sunday morning came and I knew I was going to have to give it a valiant effort to make this happen. I was in the first wave of girls and told my spectators to let me know what place I was in coming out of the water and starting the run.  I just had to hang in the top 25. I could do this.

The starting horn blew and I took off, kicking and stroking. I was close to two girls who were giving me a run for my money and paced me well throughout the swim. We stayed near each other and I used them for drafting and sighting. In the first couple of minutes I lifted my head and saw the lead pack, 50 to 100 meters ahead. Don't get discouraged Angela, just keep going. I felt nauseous from exertion just a few minutes into the swim.  It was going to be a tough race.

When I ran up the ramp out of the water I was told I was in 9th place. Not a bad position. But I knew my bike was my weak point.  I have just not gotten out of the city enough to ride this year and I hoped my sessions on the CompuTrainer were enough to keep me from getting passed by too many girls.

The first girl passed me just about a minute in. Then another about a minute later. By the time we were crossing the big bridge I had lost count of how many had overtaken me. Just keep pedaling, I told myself. You do NOT want to miss this by one spot.  My mouth was dry, my stomach was churning and my legs were burning. But I kept down and gave it my all. Finally I pulled into transition and racked my bike, relieved that portion was over.

I grabbed my visor and race belt and headed out onto the run.  Immediately I saw Gene, Elisabeth, Tavia and Alex. "Twenty-five," they yelled.  I died a little inside at that moment. I give up, I thought. There is no way I can hold off everyone behind me over the next 3 miles.  I just can't do it.

The negativity was fleeting, though.  I decided there was no way I was going to miss this by one spot. So I found the closest girl in front of me. And I watched her and paced behind her.  As I creeped closer I realized I could pass her. So I picked up the pace and just after mile one, made my move. Twenty- fourth. Phew. A cushion. And then I got passed by another girl about thirty seconds later. Back to twenty five.

A few times I heard footsteps approaching behind me and I froze a little bit in fear.  But then they would pass and it would be a guy and I would relax.  A couple even mustered up the energy to say "Don't worry."

With about one mile left I could tell I was about to overtake another female. I thought I might wait to the end and snipe her but she seemed to be fading fast so I passed her fairly quickly.  A cushion again. Relief. I kid you not, I got passed by yet ANOTHER girl thirty seconds later.  If this was going to be, it was going to be by the skin of my teeth.

Finally I could see the finish line.  I ran it in like I was being chased.  Because I was.  By several other girls who were racing to qualify for  World Champs.  And when I crossed they announced me in 25th place in my age group, the final position for Team USA.   I had hoped to break 1:20 and had finished in 1:17.  In 2013 it had taken a 1:24 to qualify.  I ran my fastest 5K time ever at the end of a sprint triathlon. I felt like I was going to puke and cry and laugh all at the same time.  It was glorious.

I have been thinking about punching my ticket to the 2015 ITU Age Group World Championships for well over year.  I have talked about it, dreamt about it and worked hard for it. I didn't expect it to be quite so challenging to achieve, but that just makes it all the sweeter.  To represent Team USA in my hometown will hopefully be nothing short of amazing!  Bring on September 2015 :)

-Coach A
www.sparkmultisport.com

Spark 2014 Open Water Swim Clinics

At Ohio Street Beach

Friday, June 20th 6-7 am

Friday, July 11th 6-7 am

Friday, August 15th 6-7 am

These clinics will develop open water swimming skills utilizing lecture, demonstrations, and an in-water swim lesson. Wetsuits are recommended (especially for June clinic) but not required. Swim caps and goggles required. Skills covered will include water exit/entry, sighting, turning, drafting, equipment do’s and don’ts, stroke technique and swim training tips. Open to all levels of triathletes.  Click on dates above for registration and more info.

Spark on the Strip

Love to run?  Love to have fun?!  Then join Coach Angela Park and other Spark athletes as they head to Vegas for a weekend of running, fun and sun this November for the Vegas half and full marathons.  

Spark events for the weekend will include:

Saturday, November 15th Pre Race Dinner

Sunday, November 16th Race Day Support

Monday, November 17th Post Race Brunch

Monday, November 17th Post Race Cocktail Party 

(Time and locations TBA but most will take place at Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas)

There is no cost to join in on the weekend but all events, including race registration, will be covered by athlete.  Additionally, Spark will be offering a run training group and training plans at affordable rates for those who are interested.  

Contact angela@sparkmultisport.com for more info.  

Race registration opens April 2- the early you register the more you save!

Spark 2XU Race Gear 2014

Here are the final drafts and prices for 2014 Spark Gear.  Orders will be place March 31st.  Email angela@sparkmultisport.com to order.

Women 2XU Comp Tri Top- $60

Women 2XU Comp Tri Bottoms- $65

Men's2XU Comp Tri Top- $60

Men's 2XU Comp Tri Bottoms- $65

Women's 2XU Cycling Jersey- $75

Men's 2XU Cycling Jersey- $75

Spark Healthy Holiday Lifestyle Challenge

First Place will receive a certificate for 60 minute massage and a 60 minute personal training session

Second Place will receive a 60 minute personal training session

Third Place will receive gift bag of healthy goodies

All participants will receive coaching throughout and feel great all holiday season!

Not a current Spark client but want to participate?  Purchase any personal training, coaching or training plan for duration of contest and you are in!

-Coach A www.sparkmultisport.com