Mont-Tremblant 70.3

   I am so happy that I did this race. What a wonderful venue and wonderful time. All together this is one place I would suggest that no one miss to race a 70.3. The location is not difficult to get to, the scenery amazing, course challenging, and the community support was outstanding.
Mont-Tremblant is a lovely ski village north west of Montreal. I have never raced in Canada and was very attracted to this race. First off, it was the inaugural year for the race, and secondly, I knew the scenery and atmosphere would be gorgeous. It was right up my alley. It also fit into an open space in my race schedule, so why would I not race. The Ironman coordinators had a great expo area set up just below the village which was easy to get to, and had lots of different vendors that we don't see in the USA.

 My husband, Rob, and I drove up to Mont-Tremblant. A 13 hour drive doesn't seem that bad with someone else along, especially after driving that far for the last race. We also got XM radio in our car recently. Helps the time fly by.  I love taking my car to races. No bike fee, no chances of things getting lost or broken, and I can way over pack to make sure I have every single thing I need for the race. Love it!! I also am very grateful when Rob can come along to races. Although, when I leave home my bike seems to be in proper order, it is always helpful to know he is there to tweek whatever needs to be done pre race. I trust him a lot. It's also great to have the support and at least knowing that one person will be cheering you on. Thanks Rob!!!

On Saturday before the race Rob and I did a little bike ride on the course and took a dip in the lake. I really assumed that Lake Tremblant was going to be freezing because it is so far north and it was only mid June. Boy was I wrong! The lake is not very deep so it had warmed up pretty nicely. It was just on the edge of being non wetsuit swim. I didn't mind either way, but it ended up being a wetsuit legal swim. Lake Tremblant was so peaceful, clean, and clear. It was an ideal location to swim for a race, especially for me because my swim is still a work in progress. Later in the afternoon Rob, Jenny Fletcher and I took a drive on the part of the bike course we could not ride on that day, and then took a relaxing dinner before settling in for the night. I was unusually calm about this race. I was in a really good spot to not make any expectations for this race, but to just get out there and get more experience and execute to my best ability.

As usual race morning comes around pretty quick. The night before is rarely a full nights of rest. In Tremblant the sunlight is full on by 4:30am, so it did not seem like such an early morning. Nice part was that it was super easy setting up our transitions spots and getting to the water front quickly. Jenny and I , shortly join by Caroline, got down to the water first and took and nice warm up before the race. The water temps were perfect, conditions calm. I couldn't ask for better swim conditions.

The race organizers prepared a surprise for everyone right before the gun went off.
The famed Canadian Snow Birds took a few fly overs above the race swim start. The Snow Birds Demonstration Team is a Canadian icon comprised of serving members of the Canadian forces. It was really cool and an honor to be present for something that is much respected in the country.

So now to the race. As I said before I felt really calm and just ready to give it my all but really enjoy the whole experience as well. I got a nice start in the water and actually hung onto a few girls for much longer than I normally would. After I got dropped I just took the best pace possible and kept calm. The water never got choppy, the sun wasn't in my eyes. It was just a successful swim for me. I ended up having my best swim time in two years on this course. Now having perfect conditions does help, but I have been working really hard on the swim, so I was pleased to see the clock read 2 minutes faster than I expected out of the water.

T1 was almost a quarter of a mile away. We all had to run a LONG way to get to our bikes. I was definitely out of breath and tired by the time I got to my transition spot. Everything went smoothly and off I went. The first 5 miles miles of the bike are on a beautiful country road, nice rolling hills. I took off and felt wonderful. I chose to use my HED Jet 6 front wheel, and HED Jet Disc on my back. I actually got to the long highway stretch after the first bit and was worried I went too hard because I was just cranking out the power and flying. I decided that so what if I went too hard, I needed to take some chances on this course, on this day, and see what I could do. Every race is a learning experience and if I didn't try to go all out, then I would never know if I could do it or how it would effect me. So I gave it everything I had and hammered the course the whole way. In my opinion the last 20 miles of the course were the most difficult and had the best scenery. We were really in the back country. I would get going fast on downhill, then the steep hills would come and I'd have to granny gear it to the top. It was hard to get into a rhythm and that is where the challenge comes in for most cyclist. I looked at it as a big feat for me to stay present and just push what I could push and go hard. In the end I had a top 5 bike split and I was super happy for that.

The crowd support around the village was just super fun. I get a lot of energy and emotion from the crowds and volunteers wherever I go. It is something that is always appreciated and bring positiveness into my race experience. T2 was great because that's where we got a chance to see tons of people and hear the crowds cheering us in on the bike and then a ton on the other side at the run out. Very cool.

The beginning of the run was pretty tough. There was a short but very steep climb and then a winding road and another longer less steep climb up into the actual town of Mont-Tremblant, with a few rollers. The temps were going up and I could really tell but it wasn't anything worse than what I had been training in Ohio. The mid section of the race is on a long flat sand trail. This time of day there was no shade. Although the less impact of running on the sand was nice, it got very hot out there and there was not enough water out there for me. I needed more for sure. About mile 9 I started feeling the burn and hit a wall. I had not caught any girls on the run, but was gaining on them. I dug deep to give it what I had, but the rollers at the end hit me hard. I could tell that my fitness wasn't the best at this point and maybe it was because I did take some chances on the run. Either way, I finished with what I had. The finish line was just spectacular! We ran in from above the ski village and down through the middle on a stone paved walkway through hundreds of people. The energy was amazing!!! In the end, I had a good swim, great bike, and a decent run. I am proud though that I executed the race exactly how I was hoping, minus the last slower 4 miles of the run. I was able to dig and stay present and not worry about anyone else, just myself and what I could do with what I had. It was a wonderful race and I hope that next year it fits into my schedule.

After the race I got to have a little girl time with two of my favs, Jenny and Magali. It was nice to celebrate in our great races, Jenny first out of water, and victory for Magali in her hometown race. It was a perfect time to celebrate, reconnect and unwind. Of course there were a few glasses of vino, yummy food, and lots of laughing. We had to have a little kid fun time to race down the mountain Alpine Slide. What A blast!!! Rob was a little competitive on this one. He had to join in on some competition during the weekend, right!?!?














Overall this was a refreshing and revitalizing weekend for me. I was in need of a race that was successful in my eyes, a get-a-way with my husband to a beautiful part of the world, and to reconnect with some good friends. It all fell into place just right.

Thank you always to my sponsors, Power Bar, HED Cycling, FuelBelt, Rudy Project, and Blueseventy. I wouldn't be able to race and succeed without the best products in the triathlon world! Thanks to my coach, Derick, for believing in me and helping me keep a level head on this journey, and pushing me to my max. Most of all, thank you to my husband Rob for being by my side and supporting my endeavors everyday. Next up is Ironman Lake Placid July 22nd.

Mooseman 70.3

Well this blog is a little behind, but better late than never. I don't have any pictures for this race because I traveled alone and it was pretty much raining the whole time, and I don't have a waterproof camera.

I decided to switch up my race schedule and go back to Mooseman the first weekend in June. I really loved this race last year. Love the challenge of the bike and the run, and the cold clear waters of Newfound Lake. Since this was a last minute decision I ended up driving to New Hampshire, a 13 hour drive...alone. I've got to say, though, I am one heck of a road tripper and can really haul ass and just go forever....sorta like Ironman, right?!?!

Well it rained the entire weekend before the race. All day Friday, and All day Saturday. The temperatures were only in the low 50's and it was an little scary to think we were going to race in this cold of weather. I am one that is all for racing in cool weather normally, but this was a little cooler than I had hoped. Race morning it was still raining, but not pouring. It was bearable for the most part. Transition was a huge mud puddle. Some people even had to move their bike rack because it was under flooded areas. I've got to say that I love when conditions get a little unpredictable because it brings some excitement to the day for me.

The water was cold but not as cold as last year. I was low 60's and perfect for me. I like being in cold water with my  Blue Seventy Helix wetsuit. The new Helix gives me a lot more freedom with my arms with thinner flexible sleeves. Really like the fit a lot. I thought that I had the best swim of the season so far for me this year. I kept focused and just moved forward and tagged on to feet the best I could. However, my times reflected that my swim has at this point has not gotten any faster. I am always bummed when I think it was the best swim ever, and it's not, but I keep working and know it will come some day soon.

I flew through transition as it is pretty short. I knew the bike was going to be cold so I wore arm warmers under my wetsuit, and also my Blue Seventy neoprene tow covers for my cycling shoes. Although the arm warmers are a little wet at first, they dry off and protect your arms. It is much more difficult to pull arm warmers over wet arms. I stayed warm enough on the bike course and it really helped me stay focused and push hard. I set up my bike with my HED Jet 6 and Jet 9 wheel pair. I used it last year and knew it was the right set up for me. There are some steep grade climbs and I prefer to not use a  Jet disc on courses that have difficult climbing.

I really stayed pretty consistent on this bike course. I love the beauty and the challenge. Since there are lots of hills the competitors spread out easily which makes for a fair and safe ride. Up until the last 10 miles I was feeling strong and present. I lost a little steam at the end and started to worry a little if I had saved enough energy for the run.

I went in T2 with the attitude of, I've gotta give myself a fighting chance at this point. If I go and I'm dead Ill push the best I can. I was just coming off of Ironman St George and not sure how my speed would be. I did not wear a watch or Garmin, just went by feel. Surprisingly, I felt great! I took the first  mile a little easier to get my legs under me. It was sprinkling a little and the sun still had not come out. Perfect running conditions in my book. Cool, rainy, no wind....I mean it doesn't get much better than that when you are maxing yourself out, right!!!  So I got into a pretty good groove. I was able to push up the hills and really stay present. On the second loop I was so surprised, as well, that I was able to pick it up ever faster. I had no idea of my pace, but I knew it was challenging enough, but not where I would flatline. It was energizing. I was really happy with my run.

In the end my run was a 1:31, which isn't may fastest ever, but was a good effort and solid for me. I may have not be in the top 5 finishing, but I really executed a great race day and stuck with my plan. My fitness is coming and I am learning every race more about myself and how to play out the long days to my advantage. The most important part is I am figuring out what works for me. The season started out a little rough, but the more I race this year and continue to follow my coaching plan, I am seeing things evolve.

Thanks to Blue Seventy for keeping me warm and dry this race. Rudy Project for keeping me safe and aero on my bike, and HED for a wheel set with wider rims for the wet roads and keeping me super fast.
Additional thanks to Fuel Belt, Power Bar, and  Derick Williamson at Durata Training. I could not get through any day without all of them. This race was a step in the right direction. Looking forward to the next races.

A Day to Remember Forever, Ironman St George 2012

   What a weekend!!!! I'm ecstatic to say that I have completed my first Ironman of 2012. It was the toughest one I've done thus far, but also the biggest breakthrough for me. It wasn't my fastest time, and everything didn't fall perfectly into place. However, I kept my head and body in line, and that would be my biggest feat of the day.
   I flew into Las Vegas on Wednesday and met my friend Katie, who would be racing as well. We had the most easy and amazingly beautiful drive north to St George. I will tell you all, if you haven't been to St George, Utah, consider going to race next year at the 70.3 event. It is one perfect town to have a race. Nice roads, friendly people, and stunning scenery. I never once felt the chaotic tension that is sometimes around city venues with tons of people, traffic, and that frankly don't enjoy having an Ironman in their community. St George was none of these. The entire town was welcoming and accommodating to all of us.
   My husband Rob arrived in late Wednesday, which gave Katie and I a chance to drive the bike course and check out the swim venue without dragging him around. I hope he appreciated that, as he would be number one bike mechanic, sherpa, and ultimate spectator on call for us the rest of the weekend.
   Thursday was an easy relaxing day. I just went and took a swim at Sand Hollow. The water was so clean and clear. I am sure many of the triathletes appreciated the conditions. I got to finally swim in my new Blue Seventy Helix wetsuit. It was awesome. The most notable difference in the new suit is the feel with my catch. I can really feel the water so much more. I really felt comfortable and strong in the water. Then after the swim, I went to the normal pro rules meeting, and bike shop to get my bike tweeked a little bit. Everything seemed in place.
  Friday was a little of the same. Jumped on the bike for about 30 mins, and got a little wet in the reservoir. It was really windy and hot on Friday, but the weather forecast for Saturday, race day, said low 80's and no wind over 9mph. That seemed perfect for me!!!


   Saturday morning came around fast, but I was feeling ready and centered. I had dealt with my pre race anxiety very well. I choose to read books that keep my mind in a good place. This week I was reading, "ZEN GOLF". Now although the book was written for golfers, any one in any sport can relate to the mind/body tool in this book and put them into action for competition.
   Katie and I got on the shuttle bus about 4:45. It was unbelievable how awake and chatty everyone was that early in the morning. We actually put in our headphones and tuned it out. Too much talk about race strategy and planning right before the race can create a lot of anxiety. For Ironman, I would hope that everyone would already have their plan in place and not need to worry or talk about it, but everyone deals with the stress in different ways. For me, I have learned to trust my plan and no matter what anyone else is doing or thinking, I stick to my plan.
   It was pretty breezy out at the Sand Hollow State Park transition. It was a  little chilly too, but perfect as we all knew the day would warm up in no time. Mike Reilly was on the speakers directing athletes where to go and announcing that the winds would die down before the start and we would be in perfect conditions for racing. Well, if you all haven't heard yet, mother nature threw us all for a loop Saturday morning. The pro entered the water around 6:30 and the water was calm and cool. I was feeling very centered and at ease. The swim is where I usually carry the most anxiety early on. I am still a work in progress on my swim and tend to worry about the outcome. The biggest focus of my race day plan was to stay present at every moment. So far it was working. I felt the most relaxed I ever have at the race start. The plan was to just put my head down and go my best. And that is what I did. I settled into a comfortable pace right off. The first stretch was 1,000 meters and I was able to clear the mind and just keep moving forward. I thought, "wow this is going to be my best Ironman swim yet." Little did I know what was coming. Let's just call it the PERFECT STORM. As, I turned the first buoy, I see that Jessie Donavan is with me and that both of us are realizing the water was getting a bit choppy. Not a big deal and we pushed ahead the 300+ meters to the next buoy. At the next turn it was like being smacked in the face.....a thousand times. The water was obviously getting worse and now we were directly into the chop for the next 1800 meters. For me these waves were a bit scary, but having someone by me made it less so. I've never really swam in bad conditions. I put my head down and stayed present and just realized this wouldn't be my fastest time but I would make it out of the water without a doubt.

   Jessie and I pushed forward the best we could. We were being thrown this way and that way, mostly up and down, up and down. After a bit, it became apparent that there was no one out there with us, no boats, no kayakers, no one.( come to find out they were either saving age group swimmers or not able to stay afloat themselves. It got chaotic and over 200 people were pulled from the water.) We kept each other in our sights, put our big girl panties on, and made it happen. It was so rough that there was really no way to get into a rhythm. We eventually made it to somewhere close to the final turn. The buoys had pretty much been spread here and there. I could tell where the last stretch went into the shore and went for it. I made it out and was very happy. That was one experience I don't wish to happen again, but if it does, I'm all prepared.

  T1  seemed like a breeze after that swim. But it was apparent that the winds had generously picked up and that this might be one challenge of a race day. Right off the bat the first 5 miles out of the state park we completely against the winds. I'd guess over 20 mph. Everyone that was on the road was pushing as hard as possible, which isn't the best thing to do when you've got 112 miles to ride, but it was the only option. Once out of the park the wind was at my back for a bit which was nice since there is a two mile climb following the park exit. I fared pretty well for  about 25 miles, as there were turns and ups and down not all against the wind. This course definitely kept me on my toes, but I really prefer that. Love the variety, keeps it fun!!

   I only got to see my cheering section once on the bike, but the timing was perfect. I saw Rob right before the turn off into the dreaded backside loop and the beginning to what I'll call the tornado. All I can say is that it was insane! The wind was so harsh and it wasn't going to give in to anyone. It was tough to even stay upright. All I could do was push my planned power no matter how fast I was going, and to stay present. My biggest goal for this race was to stay present. At anytime I let my mind wander or go into negative thoughts, I had tools that I prepared to bring me back into the moment and only stay there. I will admit, the mind always strays but the sooner I was able to bring it back, the better position I was in. It was a huge step in the right direction for me and my triathlon career. Never give up and believe in where you are in any moment is right where you are supposed to be.

   Ok back to the bike...it was tough. The "WALL" which is one of the longest climbs happened to be one of the only sections that was with the wind. WHAT A GIFT!!! By the time the course starts going downhill to end the first loop, it was such a relief. I had exhausted myself pushing for hours and climbing against the wind. We were all in the same position, so all I could do was push forward. Starting the second loop my legs enjoyed the downhill break, but they knew they'd have to get back into the groove again, and they did. I lost some steam on the second loop, but luckily the wind died down a little bit...a teeny tiny bit. I stayed focused and made it through each each mile the best I could. Boy oh boy, though, I was so happy to be done with the bike course.
 

   Heading out on the run I stayed as calm as possible. I usually get a bit nervous right out of transition and then settle in. This time was no different. I reminded myself to keep the pace under control and then would bring it up once I felt my legs were underneath me. Surprisingly my legs didn't feel too trashed after 6 hours on the bike. The run course was mainly flat but there was a gradual uphill on each out and back on all of the legs of the course that put a challenge into the run. By mile 6 I had run into 4th place and was astonish! This is where I got when I took expectations out of the result. I was super pumped and motivated. I even had my first bike pacer riding along with me. Its the little things:) That's Dave above. He got the crowd cheering for me and was so sweet and kind to me.
 
However, right about this time I started getting a shooting pain in my left hip. Out of nowhere, and not sure why. I wanted to freak out and for a moment a hundred things came into my mind about what was happening. I saw Rob and he just reminded me to keep pushing forward and do what I could do. I went back to being present and thinking about the rest of my body that still felt pretty good. I had to slow down and eventually was off of my pace, but I just had to control what was controllable. In the end, Gillian Clayton, who I had not seen the entire run, comes flying from behind the last half mile to best me by a minute. She had an amazing run split. I kicked it into a the gear I had left but couldn't catch her. I now wonder what if I had pushed through my pain harder, faster, longer or done this or that, but the past is behind me and I'm still learning a lot about myself and racing triathlon. I am so happy with the result that I accomplished at Ironman St George. It was an extremely tough day out there and the goal I had for myself to stay in the moment and keep going until the end was a success.

  I am super happy that I did this race. Not only because it was the last full Ironman in St George, but also because it was such an epic day for everyone. Ironman is never easy, but a day like today makes it extra special.  I'm super fired up now and ready to conquer 2012 in the best way possible.

Congrats to Meredith Kessler for putting out an spectacular race. She is the real deal!

  I have to say thanks to  my sponsors who help make all of this racing possible for me. I could not do with with out their support. Thank you, HED Wheels, PowerBar, Fuel Belt, Blue Seventy, Maxxis and Rudy Project.
 I also have to thank Heath Thurston and Jimi Young for helping pace me up Diagonal St when I started to feel my worst. I am never surprised by the love and care that other triathletes show each other. It is really an amazing sport to be a part of. To Sue Hutter, for being the ultimate spectator, support crowd, and photographer. And finally to Rob Spitler. I could not do any of this without you. I appreciate your support day in and day out.

As we drove away from St George the Rolling Stones came on the radio and this sorta stuck with me.
"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might get what you need."

This was a day that not everything went according to plan, but the steps I made and the strength gained from digging deep are just what I needed for this day. I needed to show myself that I could accomplish anything I wanted to, and did! Thanks all!!

Part 2-Revised

   So yesterday I was writing part 2 to my "Rough Start" blog. It was a follow up after a difficult race at Texas 70.3. Half way through writing the post my computer crashed for some reason. I decided to just walk away and finish today.
   So this morning, thinking about completing the blog and just getting it out of the way, I received a phone call. One of my closest friends, Keith,  the person that introduced me into sport and my partner in marathons, had just had his first child. While it should have been a moment of excitement and joy, there was other news that came with it. His brother ,Nick, was killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan 12 hours after the birth of his child. My heart just dropped.....  Why oh why do these things happen to such good people?
    Going back to writing a sob story on how my race went bad just didn't seem appropriate. Nick was only one of a few people that I knew that always had a smile on his face. He was a loving husband, father, and an overall genuinely happy guy. The life of the party. Mr. Comedian. Having something like this hit home so hard made me realize that writing a blog about my "bad race" was a waste of time. There are much more important things in life than a "bad race".  Your family and friends weigh much more heavily than a race that I won't even remember in 20 years. I know parts of what went wrong and will deal accordingly and make changes with my coach. We are really the only people that need to know, and will build strength and learn lessons from the mistakes.
   Mostly, what I can't stop thinking of, is how precious our lives are. Most of us take for granted our daily ins and out. I'm as much at fault in getting wrapped up in the inconsequential things. It only takes one thing in our lives to bring us down to earth and realize how lucky we are, and how we must be grateful for every moment, every breathe, ever encounter with the ones we love.
   As I conclude to be close with my family tonight, I want to end with this.... I am so blessed to be living my dream every day.  I'm blessed to have the support of family and friends. I recognize it and have a renewed love for the process of evolving in sport, my personal life and what it represents for me. I have no way of knowing what tomorrow brings for me, for you, for anyone.  All we can do "is be happy for the moment. For this moment is your life."

 We will miss you, Nick.

Rough Start to the 2012 Season-Part 1 Costa Rica

I started my season at Costa Rica Rev3 triathlon a few weeks ago. The race location was amazing, and the course a killer......It just took us a while to get there. My husband Rob and I left 6 am on Friday morning from Ohio and didn't arrive to the race venue at Reserva Conchal until Saturday about 3pm. And mind you the race started Sunday at 6am. We had all sorts of travel delays with the airline due to maintenance issues, crew duty, and plan availability. An extra day in Chicago airport was not on my race weekend plans.
When we arrived finally, all of the Rev3 staff were just so kind in helping me get everything done I needed to get done, and helped me try to destress. One of many reasons I love doing the Rev3 series is that they really take care of their athletes and will do anything to make the experience a A +.
So we started putting my bike together and realized that one of my band new carbon race wheels, with zero miles on them, had been broken. So on top of being late, I had bike issues. We got the mechanics to glue the carbon together, as that was the only option at this point. I went out for a short swim and did a little spin on my bike to test myself out on the giant hills right out of transition. It all just seemed so whirlwind. We went right to dinner and right to bed.
By 4 am I was up and getting ready to race. We got to the site on time and I was feeling like I had a good night sleep. I got to the start line and all I could think of was, "how did I just get here?" It was like a blur. And we were off. My race didn't go very well. My training has been great, so I was really hoping to see improvements in my performance. No such luck. As soon as I got on the bike I could tell my legs were dead. I rode hard and did what I could but I knew my energy level was not where it should be....rested. Then came the run. Tough run as the first 1.5 miles are on sand. It got hotter and hotter as the minutes went on. I hadn't been in 95 degrees heat since last summer. I live in the north, ya know. So having like 16 hours of acclimation wasn't enough, of course. It just all did not fall into place for me how I would have imagined. There will always be uncontrollable factors in every race. Sometimes you can do something about them, sometimes you can't.

I slept for most of the day after the race.Sorta funny since you'd think we were in Costa Rica and should do something vacation like, I just didn't have the energy. Rob and I did get a chance to surf and horseback ride the next day, so it wasn't a whole loss of a trip.

                                                     Teresa Nelson and I  in ice bath
I didn't do document the trip very well, but I did get to make some new friends, and I want to show how Rev3 adds that little touch to every race experience. Real coconut water drinks at the finish for all and the coldest ice baths Iv'e ever been in at the hottest race.
Thanks Krista, Charlie, and the whole Rev3 team for helping me out and also putting on another fabulous race. Looking forward to seeing you all at Quassy. And of course thanks to my sponsors, Power Bar, Blue Seventy, Fuel Belt, and Rudy Project for supporting me this season. However, the BIGGEST shout out must go to HED cycling for getting me back in working order in less than a week after returning to the States and getting my wheels situated for me. These guys really can work some magic. (well as long as they have coffee)

Time to get the year started!

It's race time!!! Finally!!! My body is ready, my mind is ready, and my heart is ready.

It has been a long winter for me. The weather not so brutal here in Ohio, but having spent the last two winters training with other people in warmer climates, the lonely inside winter has been tough. Its the mental stuff that gets me when I am cooped up in a basement all day, cracking the whip on myself physically and only me to motivated myself.  There were plenty of good days, but also a few bad ones. This is how life is in general. Every day can not be perfect. I started looking at my training different; one workout at a time, one interval at a time. The more I stay present the easier it is to make it through the tough ones.

I will say though, that I think this experience will make me stronger, happier, and appreciative as the 2012 season goes on. I have made some changes to my routine, including a new coach and style of training. I am much more focused on intensity, strength and measuring my progress and improvements on a regular basis. In the last three months, I have been able to see my physical improvements by having goals in each of my workouts and watching what was once impossible become not so impossible anymore. When I sit back and can see the progress it is a great feeling. Now I just need to get out there and see what I can do, and see where I build from there on out.

So this weekend, I will toe the line at Rev3 Costa Rica Olympic race. Although the short stuff isn't my preference, I really think it is important to be versed in every side of the sport. It will be good to push and test myself in a field of outstanding athletes. I love the way that Rev3 puts on a race and I'd be lying if I say the destination wasn't a draw. Being in the cold for winter makes this a perfect end to my cabin fever! I'll probably need lots of sun screen though, no sun on this whitey in a while.

Ironman Arizona 10hr or bust

Well I am finally finished with my rookie year as a professional triathlete. Boy was it interesting! Lots of ups and a few downs, but overall if was an amazing year of learning how to run with the big dogs. I am happy to say that I finished on a high note and that I will be reporting back for a second season to see where I can challenge myself next.

Ironman Arizona turned out to be a wonderful way for me to complete the race season. I went in knowing that my competition was tough, and that there was a big field racing this ironman. For this race it was only about me and my goals to achieve. I set my one big goal for this race to finish under 10hrs. I knew it was doable if I could stay present and have faith in my fitness.

Race morning was the usual mass of athletes running around like an army of ants. Everyone focused on their own mission to complete. I prefer to arrive early as I would rather be sitting around with nothing to do, than running around stressed out that I had too much left to set up. So I was finished setting up early, and took some time just to sit and relax and be calm. It's not the easiest things to do, but when you are around such great energy, you can't help but be grateful for being in a place that you dream of and strive for everyday.

When the pros got into the water it was still pretty dark and the water temps were frigid. I did discover this year I enjoy swimming in the cold water and once you get your face in, it is never really that bad. I just hate when the water is too cold and I over heat in the wetsuit. So 60 degree water was just perfect for me. We got a 2 minute warning for the start and then no other warning. The gun went off and kind of startled me. I took off. It always takes me a few minutes to get my rhythm and to weed though the bodies. Once I got going I knew I would be in the back of the pack but that if I could stick with at least a few athletes, I'd be happy. I was able to keep a few girls and one guy about 10yrds right in front of me for almost the entire swim. I was feeling good that although I was in the back I wasn't alone and was keeping pace. The first bridge seemed to come very fast and then to the turn around. I felt strong and just tried to keep up that pace. Not long after going back under the bridge both of my calves cramped up for a min or so. My legs were cold and I just had to kick it out or otherwise I wouldn't be able to make it through the swim or maybe worse. So I slowed a and kicked out the cramps. At that point I wasn't able to pick my pace back up and I was getting tired as well. I trucked through the last .25 miles of the swim. That is when I was being caught by the age groupers. I had a few small packs blow over me and just tried to hang on any little bit that I could. This swim time turned out to be my worst Ironman swim ever. I don't know how because it felt much more smooth and controlled as others. Needless to say, I am back in the water already with a swim coach and focusing my off season training on my swim. I will get there people, I will get there.

T1 wasn't as complicated as it looked in the set up. It flowed really well and didn't take me long to get on my bike. The air was a little cool, but nothing anyone couldn't handle as their body heat would rise soon.
I did not mind the three loop course. The first loop went fast. The trip out on the loop goes a little uphill and was against the wind on that first loop. As I turned around, it was awesome. Downhill and with the wind helped me gain over 1.5mph average on the way back into Tempe. As I was reaching the turn around I saw a group of people with purple shirts on jumping up and down and screaming my name. I flew past and had no idea who they were. So funny, because when I came back past them, it was my family. All of them were wearing homemade shirts with different triathlon picture of me ironed on the front. It was the Spitler crew.  I started laughing, and then was filled with joy because they all wanted to surprise me and be my biggest supporters of the day. I really appreciate all the time and effort they spent being in Tempe. Being an Ironman spectator is not an easy task.

                                                                Photo by Jay Prasuhn
Second loop was just another loop to me. It felt same as the first and I stayed at an even pace. I really feel I picked the best set up for me for this race on my bike. I knew that my HED disc was the best  choice wheel for this type of course and it really assisted me in keeping such a fast pace for most of the bike portion of the race. I was comfortable down in my aero position and couldn't be more grateful for that. 112 miles is a long time to be hunched over and as long as I am comfortable it is usually going well.
As I started the third loop I knew something was different. I was tiring a little but heading outbound it did not feel too awful. GREAT!!!! As I approached the turn around all I could think of was, I'm home free. Little did I know that the wind had drastically turned and that the next downhill portion was going to be the toughest part of the whole race. It was like getting smacked in the face. The wind was so strong that even going downhill I was losing my average mph and pushing as hard as I could. It was rough.
I really dug deep on the way back into transition and just gave it everything I had. I was really happy with the overall time of my bike. It was a good course. I never got jammed up with athletes on the course and there was plenty of aid around. It was not the most scenic, but there were always people around which always helps me push myself.

As I ran into T2, my teammate Donna Phelan, was there to greet me and cheer me on. Donna was coming off of an injury and had planned to pull out on the run. She had a stellar swim and bike, so I'm pretty sure she was happy with the day. It was so nice that she stuck around. It made such a difference having her say encouraging words to me. T2 is always a place of high anxiety for me and it is the part of the race I hate the most. So thank you Donna for keeping me together and reminding me of the good things to come in the race.

The run started out really great for me. I am not a usual fan of a three loop run, but this run course was more than perfect. Just like the bike there was always someone around on the run. Whether it was spectators or athletes, I was never alone. The fact that the three loops do a figure eight was really cool too. I was able to see my family over ten times on the course. That is just something that most races do not provide. Ten opportunities to get an energy pump.

I felt really great the entire run up until mile 18. I was going under 8 min miles and just pacing along well. At mile 18 I hit a little bonk. It wasn't that I was in muscle pain, it was that I was just getting really exhausted. I had kept up my nutrition just fine and was keeping hydrated. I just hit a wall. I walked the aid stations only from mile 18 to 21. After that I saw I had about an hour left to reach my ten hour goal. I knew if I stopped all walking and went as fast as I could without pushing myself to too much muscle fatigue, I would make it. So there I went. I just dig deep and got back on the horse. The last two miles were just about looking straight forward and reaching the finish.

AND....I made it!! The finish was slightly anticlimactic. Athletes have to run through a parking lot with a bunch of cars and semis and you really don't know where you are going. Once you hit the last turn you are in the finish shoot and it is over. I did shed a few tears when I crossed. I knew I had made my goal and kept my head together for the entire race. This was a success for me! I knew I could do it and it meant so much to end the season in a place where I felt good.

Thank you so much to everyone that was out there cheering me on. It really meant a lot. Thank you to Mom, Michelle, Karen, Katy, Chris, Rob, Kathy, Derick, Sue, and Siri! Seeing you guys out there on the course made my day. It was such a wonderful day, a good Ironman, and a fantastic way to end my season. I am spending the next month taking it easy, and enjoying not being on a strict training plan, but of course, still keeping up some fitness. Looking forward to a little vacation in the sun without a bicycle, and spending downtime with my family and friends over the holiday. After that it will be on! I am more excited and motivated than I have ever been to make next year even better than this one. I am still able to live my dream everyday and I am grateful.

Happy Holidays!!!