Tag: halfironman

I’m Back: 2017 HITS Naples 70.3 Race Report

2

I’m back… I’m back from the edges of overtraining. I’m still pushing my edges – just not tipping over them. I’m back into the thrill of the chase, and working that line between getting enough oxygen and going as fast as I can. And, with my first 70.3 in almost 2 years, I’m back to races that begin and end on the same day. I’m back, baby. I. AM. BACK. You know what? I kinda missed the shenanigans.  Okay, I definitely missed it. A lot. While I did a few shorter races in the Fall, I didn’t really consider myself “back” until I did HITS Naples 70.3 …

(No) Room for Doubt: Lake Raystown Triathlon Race Report

16

Doubt is a stubborn presence. While I’ve worked hard physically, mentally and emotionally to keep my doubting voices quiet, they are persistent. I’ve learned that I need to be more persistent, more stubborn than the doubt. I have the Lake Raystown Triathlon to thank for this important reminder: The mental work of endurance is harder than the physical work.  John and I were looking for an early season half iron race with plenty of hills, which is hard to find in the Northeast U.S. given the cool spring temps. But, the inaugural Lake Raystown Triathlon, held on May 18, 2014, seemed to meet our needs for …

It’s Not Ideal: The Intimidator – Florida Challenge Triathlon Race Report

10

“The first race of the season is always something of a sh!t show,” I mentioned to a friend, last week, as we talked about my upcoming race at the Intimidator Florida Challenge Triathlon, held in Clermont, FL on March 22, 2014. In the case of this race, “sh!t show” turned out to be an accurate descriptor, as a series of events joined together to make this day–and the lead up to the day–less than ideal for racing. But, if you wait for the perfect conditions, you’ll never race. All of my racing experiences – from high school until today – …

Do or do not – there is no try: Rhode Island 70.3 Race Report

15

At the starting line of races, I used to think: “I’m going to try the best I can.” Doing the best that we can is important. Trying, however, is useless. “Trying” implies an attempt, but not necessarily the execution of an act.  If I want to do my best, I have to focus on execution – not on trying to execute. Yoda is right: It is do or do not. There is no try. To focus on trying is to give myself an excuse for doing less than I can before I even start. Each race presents a unique set of challenges, whether it be …

The Rematch: Rev3 Quassy Half Iron Triathlon

10

This was my second year racing Revolution 3’s Quassy half iron distance triathlon. Last year, I finished, but ran into some issues with GI distress, and the chronic return of ITBS which plagued me all throughout last season. So, it was time for a rematch with one of the most challenging courses I’ve done to date. With thousands of feet of climbing between the bike and the run, this course is not for the weak of heart – or leg muscle. I had two primary goals this year: Be brave and finish early enough to meet Mirinda Carfrae–my favorite pro triathlete. …

Season Opener: Bassman Race Report

25

“Fifteen seconds to start,” the race director called through the bullhorn. What the heck? Only 15 seconds before he made this announcement, he had just let us enter the water. Now, about 100 of us had to make our way to the in-water start line, which was about 100 yards from the shoreline. Note to RD: It takes more than 30 seconds to line up 100 athletes at an in-water start. I tucked my head into the clear water and gave a few fast strokes to get to the buoy line. John was right in front of me. We wound up …

Execution Day

11

“I think my right knee and foot is broken,” I said to John. He shot me a look of doubt. It’s race week. On Sunday, May 6th, I’ll be doing my tri-season opening at the Bassman half iron distance triathlon, a local affair in Bass River State Park. And, as is typical of most race weeks, I experience these odd phantom pains in various places throughout my body: knees, shoulders, quads, calves, back – you name it. I stress and fuss–without cause–that I’m “injured,” and it will ruin my race. I know I’m not the only one that gets these …