A Catch Up on Summer and Triathlon

   Where has the summer gone? It feels like it was just yesterday we were begging for warm weather so we could play outside without heavy gear. Now the end of August is upon us. This summer has been a pretty good one for me. There are a few things I have missed out on. One being taking epic hikes in Glacier National Park, the others being camping, and a vacation (like that was going to happen).  I just didn't get to it, or it did not fit into training. BUT, hey Glacier National Park isn't going anywhere, right? I'll have many more years to play in the park and camp and vacation. This summer I gave myself a second chance at triathlon. After a year plus of injury I wasn't sure where triathlon help a place in my heart. I knew that if it was going to happen and I could be happy, then I would have to let it happen organically. Go with the flow, ya know. You can read my previous blog to see that a triathlon camp in Mexico brought me back to life and rekindled my passion for the sport.

   After camp, I got right to work with a new coach and a new outlook. Instead of creating pressures and stress on myself for performing, I decided to let fear go and just take some chances. Why not see what happens and let it just happen.  I knew, and still know, that I am a developing athlete. I wasn't going to be a superstar overnight, especially with the time I took away from racing. So I've made this summer about doing everything to my best ability. This means taking it day by day, workout by workout, race by race. I had to keep my head out of it and my heart in. And this is just what I've done. Each day I am learning more. I'm not only gaining fitness, but confidence and experience.

Wasa Lake Triathlon

   I started racing again in June and July at  Olympic distance races, one at Wasa Lake in British Columbia, and the other in Helena, MT. I do prefer the longer distance races, but since it had been so long I needed to just start building. At Wasa I placed 5th in a strong field of women from Montana and Canada. A few I knew already, so it was nice to race the course with them. The day was just about seeing what I could do with only a month of quality training under my belt. My swim still left a bit to be desired, but the bike was coming along, and my run was fast considering I had not done much speed work. I have to say thanks to Sue Huse, who was my little carrot during the run. Although I didn't catch her, I had my game face on and fought for it. It felt great to go fast!!

I do have fun!

   I shortly after, I got right back on the training wagon. It was going well and I was having fun.  The weather was finally starting to get warm. I did get to spend a bit of quality time on Whitefish lake this summer, thanks to our wonderful neighbors. It usually had to come after the training, but that was ok. One of the key things I had to remember about going back into the training and racing was to keep my life balanced. I train mostly solo, so having social time with my friends is super important.

   After July 4th, I went that weekend to Helena to race again. In the winter I was swimming with the Kalispell KATS 11-14yr old swim team. They helped push me to be a faster swimmer and also enjoy swimming. I made a few young friends on the team, and this weekend on of my pals, Shaye Thompson, asked if I would take her to race. She wanted to race the sprint tri. It is super fun to see a 13yr old with a passion for triathlon and a urge to train and race. She said her friends didn't understand why she was always chose training over goofing off in the neighborhood. This young lady will be one to watch when she comes up into the junior ranks. It is a privilege and joy to mentor her. She placed 1st in the 19 and under category. It was a great weekend for both of us. It also reminds me that there is more to sport than just ourselves. That keeps me grounded.

  My race was pretty great. I was second out of the water. I know it is all relative to the field, but I wasn't used to being in a lead pack while racing. Only one other elite male exited the water first. It was cool!!! Swim was good, bike was good and much tougher than I expected. Then came the run. My coach had given me one goal for the race and only one I had to accomplish. I had to run under 40min 10k. Although my little sport background comes from running, I tend to doubt myself on this part. I went out on the run really hard, almost scared it was too hard. It was two loops and when I got to the second loop I felt great. I stopped looking at the Garmin and went hard. I came in 1st overall and succeeded making my sub 40 min with a 38 and change. Goal accomplished!!! Back to work.

daily fridge

 The rest of July pretty much looked liked this (see pic to left). I was adding lots of volume. I needed to prove to myself and grow confidence that I could go long again. I seemed to be progressing along with the plan pretty well.  Calgary 70.3 would be my first long course professional race of the season. It is close by and one I had not done before. And timing was perfect.
  Calgary is directly north of where I live in Montana, but I have not been up there yet. I looked forward to experiencing the city.  I do love being able to drive to races too. I over pack the car, but am super prepared for anything. I was also fortunate to have a lovely family open their home to me for the race weekend and show me around. Thanks Mills family.

Calgary swim venue

   The race venue was really nice. It was a man made lake in a suburban town. There was a soft sand beach, and really calm waters. Perfect for me. This race was really just a test for myself to see where I kept me head, to learn to be a racer, and go hard. I had nothing to lose but my fears of not being good enough. Having this mentality worked. I went into the race and went as hard as I could. My swim deficit had a smaller gap than I had imagined. I wasn't even last out of the water. Progress!!
The bike course wasn't very easy. The first half was a lot of long rollers and a good amount of little chain ring climbing. It is only one loop so you never can see where your other competitors are. I did get caught up in a little bit of the male age group drafting and had to hang back a few times. I lost a tad bit of time but I'd rather lose time that way than get a penalty. Off the bike ,I was with two gals. I decided to go with coach's plan and go the first few kilometers hard and then settle in. I passed them right out of transition and never looked back. I was surprised how fast I was running. This hadn't happened before. I was just present and took it one step at a time. I didn't see anyone until about 2km from the turn around. The run was all on bike path which was quite lovely. I made a good bit of ground on the girls, but in the end just caught one with 2k to go.  It was an awesome feeling. For the first time I saw myself as a "fighter", a "hunter", a real racer. I was racing other people, not just myself and the clock. It felt different. Of course, I followed my plan and stayed within my abilities, but it was great! I finished 6th place and was just ecstatic. Crossing that finish line again, as a professional, strong and happy, was fantastic.

   I had not planned any farther out that Calgary. I needed to finish this race first, see where I was physically, and then I could start planning more. This was a smart choice, but mostly guided by my coach, Dan. He seems to get me. I'll be honest. I love planning ahead and organizing. However, in triathlon and in life, if we plan too much of our future out we can set ourselves up for a bit of disappointment if it doesn't go our way. . Dan is one smart guy. I have put my faith in him to help guide me to a lifestyle where I continue to love and grow in my sport ,but as a person too. Even if he doesn't know it, he challenges my mind everyday, not just my arms and legs.

  So, next we decided I would jump into Lake Stevens 70.3. This was another race that was fairly easy for me to get to and a new course to try out. Why not!! Lake Stevens was just beautiful. The scenery is to die for. It's amazing how different climate and vegetation can be just one state over.
I really enjoyed this quick weekend. I flew out early Friday and back out Sunday night. As I was back into a new block of training I did not taper like I would for a key race.   I didn't need a ton of time preparing. The swim venue is an awesome lake, and luckily it was calm on race morning. The swim was ok for me. It felt really good and confident but my times didn't show it. As I came out of the water I knew I had a lot of work to do.

My trusty steed

   I drove the bike course the day before and thought that there were a few rollers and it would be fun with the technical winding roads. It was fun, but boy it was not easy!! Just remember, the course is never as easy as it looks from behind the wheel of a car. HA!! It was a challenge. I came out of the water 9th but was able to bike myself up into 5th place. Another one loop course meant that I never saw the other women racing unless I was coming up behind them. With this type of course I really had to stay in my zone and within my power. So that is what I did. I was pretty tired by T2. I had gone hard and the hills did a number on me. I started to have a few doubts in my mind as I exited the run. Luckily I had a little talk with myself...which I often do....and said just stay present step by step. By mile 2.5 my legs loosened up a bit and I stayed the course. I saw the girls in front of me as they were turning round. I didn't think I could catch them but would keep my pace. By the next two miles I was gaining and didn't realize it. I stopped looking at my watch, again, and just went as hard as my legs would take me. I was able to run myself into 3rd place. My first podium as a professional.

 

Got to meet a few of my Betty sisters

    A year ago I would not have had the faith, confidence, or courage to ever think I could make a podium spot. This was a huge turning point for me. I have given myself this second chance to see what I can do, and not put limits on it. Will every race turn out great? Of course not. But I am confident with my present and focused attitude, I will give it everything I have. If my 100% one day is 1st place, Hallelujah. If my 100% is 10th place, it doesn't matter. I know I went out there and tested myself, gave it guts, and did it because I enjoy it. That's all.

   Up next for me will be Muskoka 70.3 for me Sept 7th. Its just another opportunity to do what I love and grow. I'm really looking forward to it. Thank you to my coach Dan, my family, and my sponsors, who have stuck with me even through the rough patch. I am so grateful for all the love and support I am given. We can't do it all alone, we are only human.

Back in the Saddle Again. Tri Cozumel Camp 2014

    On May 6th, I reentered the world of being an athlete. Living and breathing life of sport into my veins once again. And BOY did it feel oh so good! After nursing a few broken bones over the past year, I hadn't been sure if this was a direction I wanted to take my life again. I had a huge year of soul searching. Being immobile really gave me the opportunity to work on things in my life that were not jiving and enhance those parts by trying new things, new behaviors. I have learned it is necessary to have balance in all aspects of my life, and in turn it has created a renewed, Erin. The new mantra for my life it this:             

Take Risks, Stay Present, Have Faith....see where it all evolves.

     A few weeks ago, I said to my husband that I was ready to take on training and racing again in its full capacity. I had this one heart string that was still hanging on. I wasn't ready to let go of triathlon. I knew the love of the sport was there inside me, however, I knew its presence in my life would be held in a completely different space than it was before. I have a new perspective on my own life and I would now be looking at triathlon with a new perspective. Rob was all on board with taking this leap of faith and seeing where things could go. And as if it couldn't have happened at a more perfect time, the opportunity to attend the Tri Cozumel camp fell into my lap, thanks to the coaching legend, Brett Sutton and his extremely hard working assistant coach, Robbie Haywood. 

   So on May 6th, I showed at the pool in the morning ready to go.  Day 1 of a of week of intense training at camp, community philanthropy, and racing. I was all in! I dove in head first, literally just trying to keep up. I know I have a lot of ground to gain back, but I was giving it all I had, and staying present in every moment.  Instantly the joy and passion I have for triathlon came rushing back. I felt full. I was a sponge for knowledge, and I was surrounded by a group that wanted me to be the best athlete I could be...individually. Brett's coaching style is about the person as an individual. Not one athlete has the same swim stroke, bike position, or run form. So many coaches take the same approach to every athlete, but often that back fires or hinders the athlete from excelling. We all are different and will evolve in our own ways. Sure the workouts may be similar, but the "Sutton Way" is tailored to each person and level they are at in each discipline. Brett really wants to help the sport of triathlon evolve into being all encompassing for anyone who has the desire or dream to compete. 

    Camp week was filled with challenging swims, double track workouts, and incredibly windy and fast bike rides around the island. And let's just add heat and humidity for me, as this Montana girl had not even been riding her bike outside this season due to the frigid temperatures. Luckily I love sweating and embraced the heat as a tough maker, not a disadvantage. Also I can not omit that I was surrounded by world class athletes, old friends and new friends, and thriving in the atmosphere of like minded, driven, and compassionate people. This had been exactly what I was looking for to fire up that spark in me. I am so grateful.

Daily during the week we would see about a hundred kids come to the track and sports facilities after school and practice with all volunteer coaches in their chosen athletic activity. It is free to all in the community and seems to grow by the day as the residents of Cozumel spread their desire to be healthy.

       Another part of the week that really made the camp meaningful and complete was the weekend of DOVE community events on the island of Cozumel. The TriSutto team has begun putting together community events all around the world to fight DRUGS:OBESITY:VIOLENCE: through EDUCATION. And this is not just for the young kids, but adults and hopefully families together.

        This week there were a few key events that DOVE put on in order to spread the health and wellness movement for all. On Friday, the lovely, athletically talented, and Spanish speaking pro triathlete, Brooke Brown,  held a nutritional talk for over two hundred kids and their parents about the importance of whole foods eating and staying active. The support was tremendous with claps and cheers of encouragement and how the community wants to see the changes implemented. 

On Saturday morning all of the Tri Cozumel team and campers joined at the track in the morning to hold a kids biathlon for anyone 18 and younger that wanted to participate. There were laps around the tracks, then directly laps into the pool, and then back on the track for laps to the finish line. There were no firsts or last, everyone got to cross that finish line tape and a medal as they accomplished something amazing. Each shared a common desire, to put their best out there and give it all they had. The final division of racers included a disabled category, which further shows this event was for ALL. Many of the kids were partnered and supported by the Tri Cozumel teammates. The very last finisher was a young kid confined to a wheelchair. Olympic gold medalist, Nicola Spirig, had pushed him around the track and then swam with him in the pool. As they approached the track for their final stretch, the young kid exclaimed that he wanted to walk. He wanted to prove that he was just a normal kid, with dreams and abilities. The entire crowd in the bandstand and on the track stood in amazement and cheered this young Mexican kid on to the finish line.  There were so many tears of joy and inspiration in that moment. 

       For me, and for many of the professional athletes there, this event helps keep us grounded and awake. Daily we get wrapped up into our silly struggles of when to fit in workouts, or being too tired and stressed out. PEOPLE, we have a gift, and that is LIFE! I know there are times of difficulty when life is not balanced, dealing with injuries, or not enough time to do what we want. But deep down for me, the meaning of life is about living it to the fullest, giving and receiving love, and remembering to be grateful for each moment. Keeps your eyes open, there is purpose in each breath we take. 

     So finally, Sunday, the Taste of Cozumel sprint triathlon. I had not competed in a triathlon in almost 18 months. Although this race was more about community, charity, and camaraderie, I couldn't help but be excited to get at it again. After all that time away from racing I forgot what it felt to train hard, race hard, and what it was like crossing the finish line. Anyone reading this knows what I am talking about. Whether a good or bad race, the feeling of crossing the finish

line is sorta like bliss. YOU DID IT!!! Its a celebration of dedication and passion. So when this morning came I was just happy. Once again feeling full. I was surround by love and support. This community wanted to have the sport as part of their home. There were age groupers and pros racing together with heart. There was no timing or places, just a feeling that we could all together be a part of something that connects each of us, love for triathlon. 

   This week was so important to me on many levels. I wanted to reignite my drive and dedication to being a professional athlete. I can say that this was one complete week for that! I got to train under a legendary coach with a new perspective on training and racing that I completely believe and trust in.  I had the opportunity to workout with some of the best athletes in the world, and got to be part of philanthropy, something bigger than myself, which happens to have impacted me the most in this journey of coming back into triathlon as a much different athlete. 

   The DOVE organization (go to trisutto.com) is expanding throughout the world and I encourage you to go the website and find out more on how you can join in on the ultimate training, camps, racing, and community involvement that I was so blessed to be a part of. Even in the United States we could help our communities fight against the DRUGS:OBESITY:VIOLENCE: through EDUCATION. We can all make an impact.

  Thank you to Brett Sutton, Robbie Haywood, Susie Langley, Jorge Valdes, the island of Cozumel, and the rest my amazing friends and athletes. This week of immersion has changed me forever. I hope to return again. I am forever grateful.

One of the things I love to say is, " MORE TO BE REVEALED".  I will stay present and let things unfold as they will. I look forward to writing more blogs about my renewed journey into training and racing. 

Just a few more fun pics of the week:

Old friends and new friends

                                                        Brooke's birthday and relaxation time

Me and "the DOC"

Post race fiesta with my roomies

                                                               My cheering squad