Boise 70.3

Wow - what a gorgeous race course! Boise did not disappoint. I traveled with Laurel to this race - we haven't raced together before and thought it would be a fun girls' weekend. And, so many other friends would be racing that it was set up to be a fun trip. 

Bike check in 

The prerace setup was a bit complicated - T1, T2 and registration/the finish were all in different locations, and we had to drive our bikes and run bags all over the place. You definitely need a full day to get set up for Boise.  

Race morning - shuttle to start

Race morning is different since the race doesn't start until 10am. What to eat in the morning? How do I stop myself from freaking out when the alarm doesn't go off at 5am?! Ha! 

Pre-race with ONE Elite teammate Maureen

Race time!

This race was gorgeous. I heard this was a fast course, but that wasn't true for me. And, it seems that the times were slower than the past few years. I'm not sure if it's because of the super crazy wind out there, or the change in the course, but times were a bit off. 

Just before I got into the water, my Garmin froze. I was able to reset it, but wasn't sure what the problem was or if it would happen again. A little prerace stress, but all ended up well. Whew - problem aborted! 

Swim - 46:03

Many said the swim was long, and my garmin reads 2397 yards (half ironman is 2112 yards), but I didn't change my watch to transition until I ran up the hill, so maybe take off 50 yards or so. I was hoping for 40-42, so this was slow for me. Based on my Garmin file, I clearly didn't swim straight :)

Bike 2:59:28

One word: WINDY. 

Overall, I felt pretty good out there on the bike. The hills kept coming, and the wind was gnarly. And it was super fun! I love my bike!!! There were a couple of times where I had to come half out of aero to make sure I didn't fly over the guard rail. Wow. This was Kona wind. I was feeling pretty bad for the people who chose to race with a disk, or even in 808s.  I continue to race in my standby Rolf wheels with no dish, but fewer spokes. 

There is a significant descent just out of the water, but wind was blowing into our faces, so there wasn't much speed to be had. And, we rode in the left lane, with cars driving pretty close to you if you're riding far right like you should be. It was a bit treacherous. 

There are a couple of out and backs, and the three aid stations are places well. Finally, on a stretch about 15 miles from the finish, wind was finally to my back and I could get some speed. I was hoping to get back up over 19 mph, but it wasn't going to happen. 

This is a great course - i believe this is the kind of course I could ride really well with good training. I'd like to do this one again later. 

My nutrition was interesting thus far into the race - I had half a bagel with egg at 7:30am, with the intention of eating the rest before start, but I didn't get hungry, interestingly. Then I took in a gel 45 minutes and again 15 minutes before my swim start.  Then, only one honey stinger waffle and a half pack of chews during the bike. Along with one nuun tab in my water. That's it. I carried more, but I didn't need it. Hmmmm. 

My goal was 2:45, and I was lucky to sneak in just under 3 hours. My HR average was 157, 7 beats higher than Deuces. And, my deuces bike was faster. Interesting. Not sure if I am still recovering from Deuces (likely) or if the course was just plain tougher. I was worried about how the run was going to go, after my quads were heavy with soreness during the last 20 miles or so on the bike. But, have to admit, I was ready to get off the bike this time. 

Run 2:07:55

Okay, I have been back running (if you call it that) for about 8 weeks. I ran two 2-3 mile recovery runs since Deuces. Let's face it, this was going to hurt. I knew it going in. But, I honestly thought I could run 9:09s to break under two hours. The course is flat and pretty shady. My legs were in enough oxygen deprivation coming off the bike that I knew right away, this was going to be a tough one. I held under pace for about six miles, before I started to slip. I needed salt and more nutrition, but the aid stations weren't cutting it. I went in and out of feeling good and really crappy, but I kept my mind positive, and pushed through. 

I started going in and out of dizzy with about 4 miles left, which was too far to push hard through it. I walked a few steps of my first aid station around mile 8, to get in a good chug of watered down Gatorade. Just after this, I started running with a guy named Ken from Minneapolis. It was good to have some company. With about 3 miles left, the race almost got the best of me. I told Ken that my goal was not to walk and that I'd been successful so far. He told me that he would keep me honest, and he pushed my when I wanted to walk. I was in tough shape the last 3 miles. 

Worst I've ever felt, while pushing through, in the run leg of a triathlon. I managed to run (slog is more appropriate) the entire race and get through it at a 9:45 average. I was off, but I truly gave it everything out there this weekend - I can say that for sure. 

Finish: 5:57:54

14th in AG 40-44

When your time goals drop along the way, you have to adjust your thinking so you don't give up. My last adjusted goal was to get done under 6 hours, which I did, just barely. 

This photo describes it all. When I have given everything, my legs collapse and I have to get them in the air to get the blood OUT. I was done. For about an hour, I was a train wreck. I scarfed down a piece of pizza so fast that I don't know where it went. 

My teammate Maureen was 4th in her age group and proudly took a slot to 70.3 Worlds in Austria for the end of August. She's awesome! 

Okay, so I technically got a Worlds roll down slot, but I gave it up - the trip this year doesn't make sense to make. Maybe Australia 2016 😎😎

Now what?

I'm not signed up for anything else this year. Since I seem to be running injury free, it's time for me to put some effort back into building my run back. So, I will be searching for some run races to sign up for. Maybe a couple of 10ks or maybe a half marathon. I'll be looking at calendars in the next few weeks to scope it out. 

Thanks again to my awesome team ONE Multisport and our generous sponsors Destination Kona, Right Auto, Cyclologic, Endurance Rehab, Lush Burger, OHSO, Four Peaks, ONE Realty Group, Penguin Air, etc etc. 

Deuceman 2015 Race Recap

Half ironman #1 down.  And it was a good one for me!  Perfect weather, great fans, wonderful course.  It wasn't my best time, but I stuck it out on minimal training.  This was a great training day for Boise 70.3 in two weeks.  

First, HUGE shout-outs to my awesome team ONE Multisport.  We have such a fun group of people who make racing so very enjoyable.  And, to our sponsors Destination Kona, Pei Wei, M Drive, myoatmeal.com, Realty ONE Group, Lifetime Fitness, Biotech Wellness, Ohso... THANK YOU SO MUCH for making this sport so amazing.

Okay, here it goes.... I ended up 5th place OA, and first in my new age group (40-44, although I am still 39 for 5 more months, hello!).  Putting that "40" on my leg wasn't exactly exciting.  

This race has gotten significantly less competitive in the last several years.  I'm not sure why, but the most competitive gals in AZ aren't showing up to do this race anymore.  I have raced Deuceman three times in the past, as my first half iron distance race in 2010, again in 2011, and in 2014. In 2010, I was the 20th female finisher with a time of 6:04:13.  In 2011, my 5:31:33 time got me 6th OA.  And here in 2015, 6:01:29 got me 5th OA, 6:10:58 (with Oly swim due to lake issues, so really more like 6:20 to make it comparable) got me 10th OA.  Interesting.  I'll take it. 

44:25 swim

Swim times seemed to be slow.  Granted, I haven't reincorporated swimming into my life (yet), so this swim time is quite unrehearsed.  My watch said 2166 meters (230 meters longer than 1.2 miles!).  I'm sure some of it is from my weaving, but I'm confident some of it is from a long course.  This was the longest half ironman swim I can remember.  The first 300 meters or so were awful... I couldn't get my breath - I was breathing every stroke, feeling dizzy, and ended up breast stroking a bit and lying on my back.  I have to admit that I was a bit worried.  Then, I seemed to get it all together, and I went on breathing every 3 strokes and getting pretty comfortable.  I could hear Frank Sole in the back of my head the entire time: "twist, push through, keep your head down."  But, still the back stretch seemed to go on FOREVER.  I have never been so glad to get out of the water.  

I have to pause here and give some love to my new Garmin.  I bought the Fenix 3 from Destination Kona in the Spring, and I LOVE IT.  It's cool enough to be a "regular" watch, but has all the functionality of the newest Garmin.  The $499 price tag seemed a bit steep, but I am LOVING this thing.  

2:58:14 bike

This is my slowest bike split ever on this course.  I rode 2:42 in 2010, 2:49 in 2014, and 2:51 in 2011. This year, I was holding back to make sure I didn't trash my legs for the run.  I did some long riding, but not enough - maybe three 50-60 milers and one 70 miler last weekend.  I knew I could break under 3 hours, but I didn't want to push it too much, as I haven't been running much long distances either.  Every time I hit a hill, I had to remind myself to slow it down - you still have a half marathon (gulp!!) to run! I had SO MUCH FUN out there on the bike. 

I had a couple of scary encounters on the bike.  One was on the last stretch around mile 45... a large flatbed semi buzzed me, and the wind force pulled me closer into the truck, ahead of his rear wheels.  I managed to pull myself out of the line of wind before the rear wheels went about 3 inches from my bars.  WOAH.  Then, on the 60 prior to turning onto Old Linden, a truck pulled out in front of my while I was flying downhill.  I had to slam on my brakes in front of him.  THEN, I had to stop at a red light on 60! Quite an adventure on the bike.  But, boy oh boy was it fun.  

Nutrition on the bike was a little light for me this weekend, I think because the weather was so mild.  I had one Nuun tab in my Speedfill (I usually go through 2), one Honey Stinger waffle and one pack of Honey Stinger chews.  I had a couple additional bars, but ended up not needing them.  That was interesting as well. 

2:14:11 run 

This was going to be my greatest challenge.  Due to a pelvic injury post-baby, I was not able to run more than 3-4 miles until mid-April.  So, basically, I haven't really been able to run since June 2013.  To gear up for this race (and Boise), I put together a few long runs in the last month - one 8 miler and two 10 milers, all pushing Siris.  Needless to say, they weren't very fast :). 

I was quite nervous to get out there on the run.  I hadn't done any transition running or bricks, and boy my legs were shot when I got off the bike.  I decided I was not going to look at my watch - pace wasn't important.  This would be a run based on feel.  I needed to FEEL my way through a half marathon.  My run history for this race isn't very good.  This is a difficult, half trail, hilly course.  In 2014, I walked most of the run due to my pelvic injury and ran a 2:42.  In 2010, my quads broke down and I walk/jogged myself to a 2:39.  My best full course run was 1:57 in 2011, but I did the half marathon in a relay in 2013 and pulled out a 1:47.  All this coming from someone who in my best days runs my straight half marathon under 1:30. Tough course.  

So, I get out there and the first mile felt like it took 20 minutes.  When I saw the first mile marker, I was SHOCKED that it had only been one mile.  Oh no.  This is going to be torture.  I managed to keep to my goal of not looking at my watch because I didn't want to know how bad it was.  I pushed through lap one of the course and managed to run do NO WALKING until around lap 6.  I broke down and walked part of the way up the big hill towards the finish area.  I was proud of myself, honestly, but I knew this was going to be a LONG day on foot. Would I be able to keep this shuffling up, or would my quads break down after the bike and run?  

I stayed mentally strong.  I walked small uphill portions.  A couple of times, I walked flat sections, only to realize that the quad burn was the same rather I was walking or running.  What good does walking do?  I didn't break... that is the biggest positive of the day.  Yes, it wasn't a great run, but it also wasn't a BAD run, considering the course.  I took in water and small amounts of Gatorade.  Nutrition was spot on. Seeing Tyson and Siris at the finish line was amazing.  I sat in a chair at the finish for a good 15 minutes, and my quads burned for several hours.  

Next up.... Boise 70.3 in 12 days! 

This weekend was a great experience for me. I'll be doing a little bit of training over the next 12 days, but not much.  Boise is at 2700 ft elevation (compared to 6500 in Show Low), and the bike course has 1868 in total gain, compared to 2400 in Deuceman. The run in Boise is 168 ft elevation gain, compared to Deuces at 330. 

So, here is my Boise goal - I'm putting it out there: 40 minute swim, 2:45 bike, 2:00 run, with 5 minutes for transition.  This puts me at 5:30.  This is a stretch goal.  I think I can do this in 5:45, but somewhere between 5:30-5:45 would be awesome.  

YIKES.  The week of Boise, Tyson is out of town and Ethan and Jade are both out of town at summer camps.  It will be just me and Siris.  I am going to use this time to sleep a lot, eat right, no alcohol (!), and get ready for Boise. 

I'm excited!

T

It's Race Season!

... And I'm excited!

I must say that while I recognize I'm not in the best racing shape right now due to (my fantastic, exciting, and completely acceptable) competing priorities, I am SO happy to be healthy and injury-free, and I feel GOOD!  

This weekend is the first real test.  I am racing two Half Ironman races in the next month.  I know it's going to hurt, but I also know that I'm going to have a HUGE smile on my face.  

This weekend: Deuceman Half

I love this race.  I love the course, I love the venue, I love the half distance, I love the people, and I love that we always have a great showing of ONE folks out to support each other.  LOVEFEST.  Can't wait.  I'm racing Saturday and Tyson is racing Xterra on Sunday.  We are bringing the little guy and staying in a big house with friends.  It's going to be so much fun.  

The course is going to hurt.  I have done a few long rides - 50-70 miles - over the last 6 weeks.  And, I've run 8-10 miles about 4 times.  Not my best preparation, but enough to get me through the course in the pain cave.  This race is a training day.  I don't expect to be smiling.... 

June 13: Boise 70.3 

This will be my first official "Ironman 70.3" race.  Of all the halves I've done (maybe 15??), I've never done a branded "Ironman" half.  I'm looking forward to it!  I'm flying in Friday and out Sunday, so quick race weekend, but I'm really looking forward to this one.  You won't see me on any podiums (except maybe the mom podium) as I am not properly trained for that level of participation, but I am REALLY looking forward to this one!  I hear the bike is nice and hilly, and the run is flat.  Okay.  

You'll note I have made no references to swimming in this post. I have not been swimming - it's the one thing that hasn't made itself into my schedule.  When I have free time before/after work where I don't have kid responsibilities, I tend to fill that time with bike rides. When I have Siris with me, I'll put together a run with the jogger.  Swimming should find itself a home once my mini lap pool warms up in the next few weeks, but not before these races.  We shall see how that goes...! 

Bring on race season!

Teri

Balance

I haven't written in a while. The off season has distracted me - mainly because I'm such a wimp when it's cold and dark, and Siris has been so much fun! 

But I do know that staying active -- whether through the triathlon disciplines of swimming biking and running, hiking, yoga, strength classes, or simply walking the hills around the neighborhood -- is part of my personal happiness, and it's a priority. 

As we move into a new year, and as I age up into the adult woman group (40-44- yikes!), I feel invigorated! Last year ended up being the best year of my life. Tyson and I brought little Siris into our world on February 12, and we managed to keep it all together in the meantime! 

I wasn't sure it was possible. We both have full time careers and we both require outdoor sports to maintain our sanity (Tyson's first passion has become mountain biking).  We have Ethan (age 14) and Jade (age 11) 50% of the time and this new little bundle of energy 100%, I eeked out 5 local triathlons (and 5 podiums!) in 2014, and we still managed to have time for ourselves and feel like we gave each area of priority proper attention. Possible? I question it daily. 

People think we are nuts, but I find that you make time for things that are important. You can't overplan life. You just have to make decisions as they come, and you'll see where your priorities lie at the end of each week, month and year. 

I've made it no secret that we want Siris to have a sibling, so that is something we are hoping for. And... I plan to keep racing until then. 

So, with everything else going on, how do you stay active and competitive?

For me, lots of hiking, short runs, and biking when possible. Oh and occasional masters swim.  And, I added in strength training, which is a new area of interest for me. 

I've been enjoying strength work. Siris and I joined Life Time Fitness in Scottsdale. Don't laugh, but it was important for Siris to join so he could go to daycare while I'm in class. And, so our beloved nanny Alicia can take him with her when she wants to hit the gym. Siris has his own membership! 

Alicia talked me into trying a couple of strength classes at Life Time, and after getting over the embarrassment that I have NO group choreography skills (I could NEVER have been a cheerleader), I really have enjoyed it! Great workout. 

So what does this year have in store? I wasn't able to run other than racing all of 2014 due to a lingering pregnancy recovery issue. I seem to be over it, but I'm still keeping my distances down to 2-6 miles max right now. I raced the Xterra White Tanks Trail Race a few weeks ago - that was fun! 

I'm planning to race sprint and Olympic distance local triathlon races this year, and hopefully some 5K, 10K and trail races. Hopefully that will keep me entertained!!

IMAZ: To race or not to race... That is the question

I've been torn on this for months now, but it's time to make a decision: do I bag it or race? I can't let indecision make my decision.

I don't have a biking or running base right now. Since April 2013 after first breaking my thumb and second finding out I was pregnant with Siris, I have been on 5 rides over 50 miles and maybe 10 rides under 50 miles (including a handful that were 15-20 miles). I can count on one hand the number of times I've run further than 4 miles since Deuces 2013.

So, why do this?
1- I love racing
2- I love training
3- I am signed up to race
4- I could use a swift kick in the a$$ and need some motivation!
5- I'd like Siris to one day see that I was able to do this within a year of his birth
6- I wonder what I'm capable of in a 90 day period

That's right... IMAZ is 90 days away. Yikes.

Okay, so what am I capable of?
If I were reasonably trained:
1:15 swim
5:10 bike
3:45 run
With 5 min transition, that's 10:15.

With a 90 day training plan:
1:20 swim
5:30 bike
4:30 run (not sure on this one)
With 10 min transition, that's 11:30.

Goal: 11:30.

There, I said it! Now bring on the 90 day training plan!!

Yikes!

Post Baby Racing

Siris is 4½ months old this week. He’s awesome.  

I wasn't sure how this racing season would go after Siris was born. I was hoping to do some short course racing in the first half of the year to get myself back in shape, with the goal of racing Deuces Half in Show Low in June. Deuces was my very first half IM in 2010, and has been one of my favorite race venues.

I've been able to bike for about 3 months now, but I have only typically been able to ride on the weekend due to my preference for time with Siris, and my work schedule, including annual spring business travel.  In addition, I have only been able to run 2-3 miles at a time due to my pelvis not returning to its pre-pregnancy state quite yet. I have been advised by athletes I know and trust that this is due to breastfeeding and hormones that aren't yet back to normal, affecting my bone structure. Running too soon could cause serious injury.  I went to a spinal surgeon in April due to shooting pains up my back and butt, and was told its related to my pelvis and hips not being back to their pre-baby condition. Breastfeeding is worth it for Siris, so I have resigned to biking only for now.

St. George 70.3 Relay 
I talked with my coach Nick before Siris was born about trying to participate in the St George 70.3 relay the first weekend of May as my first post-baby race. Nick agreed to race with me - he swam and ran, and I biked.  He and his wife Rachel just had baby #4 in April, so we named our team “So What If We Have Newborns.”  It was fun to go to check-in with Tyson carrying Siris around in his baby carrier.  He is going to be raised in this crazy endurance environment… poor kid J

Me and Tyson before SG

Me and Jenni after
Tempe International.
She's a stud.

The SG bike course is TOUGH. I didn't get the training in that I wanted due to the pelvis issue impacting my riding for the 3 weeks prior. I planned to ride Bartlett a few times in preparation, but the one time I made it down Bartlett, I turned around before the last 6 mile descent. Wimp! Let’s just say I was nervous heading into SG. Very nervous. I managed to finish the bike leg in just over 3 hours. Not ideal, but a pretty epic ride regardless. Nick and I ended up taking third place in the relay division. And, most importantly, I reclaimed my motivation to train and race. AND, Tyson and my friend Brooke both raced the full race and both had fantastic race days. I am anxious for the day that I can race the entire SG race for myself. Epic.

Tempe International
I entered Tempe International sprint distance mid-May to see how it would go. I haven't raced a sprint since my very first triathlon in May 2009! My swim performance was less than desirable (I started too far back and got stuck behind), I crushed the bike (it was only 12 miles!), and I managed to run the entire run course after not running for a month. It wasn't a great performance, but I did take second in my AG, to my friend Jamie Dunn.

That was a nice start to the year when I didn't really know what I was capable of. I figured I could make it through an hour race even being out of shape, but "redlining" in a sprint when you haven't seen Zone 4 in over a year is interesting! I even managed a little sprint to pass some poor unsuspecting guy at the finish line.  Sorry, man.  I do still have a competitive nature…

Deuces Wild
I have not been able to run more than 3 miles. I knew I would enter a Deuces race, as we had planned to take Siris and rent a house with friends. I love the 56 mile Half bike course, and the Olympic and Half swim distance is so similar that I just can't bring myself to sign up for the Olympic and cheat myself of the opportunity to go longer on the bike. But I knew I can't (and shouldn't) run a half marathon. So, what to do? Against my coach's wishes, I signed up for the Half. Silly girl.

Deuces Swim - 34:59
The swim went fine. They shortened the course to 0.92 rather than 1.2 due to the lake water level, and the Oly race swam the same course. I'm okay with that :) Keep in mind this time compares to my friend Robin Watson who swam a 21.52. Really. Let's just say I know I have lots of room for improvement!   I haven't been swimming since Siris, and you can tell.  I won’t ever be a Robin Watson, but sheesh I have some work to do.  My arms are sore, two days later.

Deuces Bike - 2:49:07
I love this bike course. I was able to get in four "long" training rides that were 50+ miles - two solo 50 mile rides, SG 70.3, and a 60 mile ride with a small group. But nothing at elevation and nothing truly "long" which I think should be 70+. Oh well, it's race day!  Managed the second fastest female bike split, but I didn't meet my goal of breaking 2:45. I got crushed on the last few miles of hills, but it was a fun day.

Interesting note on nutrition… I find that since I'm not training too much right now, my nutritional needs on the bike are lower. Must be a metabolic burn rate thing. I'll be talking to Brooke at Fuel to the Finish about this. Bike fuel: Heed in my Speedfill, one Honey Stinger Waffle, one Huma gel, one picky bar. No water refills.

Deuces Run - 2:42:48
Yep, you read that time right. My Deuces run should be 1:45-1:50. When I don't have a 4 month old :). I enjoyed the first part of the run... I took it slow with the idea that I wouldn’t get hurt. The trail portions of the run were fine, but the road parts after about 4 miles caused me too much back/pelvis pain, so I walked much of the second lap.  I had to fight the inclination to run through the pain so I could have a decent time, but the awareness of a long-term injury kept me walking.  It was interesting to walk in a race.  I have never walked big chunks like that, and I debated dropping out at the end of the first loop. But I decided it would be good for my head to FINISH despite the barriers, and to feel what it’s like to walk large chunks.  Many people do this regularly, and it was good to feel it for myself.  I have to admit that getting the “great job, you’re almost there” cheers from people made me want to shout obscenities like “don’t you know I have a small baby?” or “I don’t usually walk like this” or “shut up – I’m not really doing a great job.”  I bit my tongue and thanked them.  Tough day out there, but I know I did the right thing for my longer-term racing.

Me at Deuces.
I'm smiling because I've been walking!

Now What
I am supposed to race IMAZ this year, but I have to get my run in check before I can train. Nick says to stay at the 3 mile mark for runs until Siris is 6 mos or I don't feel any pain while running. We shall see how it all evolves.  In the meantime, I am hoping to get in more bike miles, do a little swimming, and keep running 3 miles around my neighborhood.

Onward and upward!

Siris arrives! Now what?!

I finally got back on the bike for a spin around the block when Siris was 2 weeks old. Not having ridden since June, it felt sooooo good! Thirty minutes was all I could do - my legs were weak and my cardio was off, but it felt so good! So I rode for 30-45 minutes every few days for a couple of weeks.  This was my "refresher" after not sleeping and being a full time newborn mom for a few weeks.  Those 30-45 minute rides made me a better caregiver during the first month... I know it! I always walked back into the house ready to serve my new little master!

Triathlon training has been my happy place since the first sprint tri in 2009. It has changed my life - given me balance and helped me have perspective and success across all aspects of my life. With the addition of Siris to our lives, I wasn't sure if my passion or desire for it would change, and I was a bit scared.  People have told me again and again that my sleep patterns will be ragged, I won't have time, and I will change all priorities when I have a child. But I like my life before... So this notion made me pretty nervous. I applied for the ONE Elite team again just to put a little pressure on myself... I thrive on healthy pressure!

Enter Siris. He is precious. And I am in love :)

But I am still the same person, I have realized. Whew!  I am still craving the bike. Still itching to run. Eager to try mountain biking again, especially since we moved one mile from a gorgeous trailhead. My mom has been in town for almost a month and it has been nice to be able to get out to the office for meetings, and to get out for a ride or a run.  And to get out for dinner with Tyson (sushi last night!!). We are bringing her with us to Oceanside this weekend for Tyson's 70.3 race. What a treat!

I am in base building mode now. I was able to build up and ride the 50 mile Tour de Cure this past weekend, and I ran 6 miles on Sunday. And, Tyson even got me out on a casual mountain bike ride late Monday night!  As I've progressed with my fitness over the last month, I've been thinking about plans for 2014.

I signed up for IMAZ 2014... Not knowing if it would be possible. I now have confidence I'll make it to that race. Will it be a Kona qualifying kind of day? I don't think so... But it will be solid day. Maybe even a PR day. But what happens between now and then?

I am signed up for Marquee in 3 weeks. I'm debating making it Leadman, simply because I feel that cycling will be the first strength I have back. Why not, right? I'm calling it a training day. I should have clearance to swim this week, so that will be a priority for me. I signed up to do St George 70.3 relay in May with Nick, my coach - I will do the bike leg.  Then Tempe International.  Deuces Half in June.  Mountain Man??

So this leads to the big question... What will a training schedule look like for me in 2014? I will have less time. I'm back to work.  Our nanny starts in a week, but she won't be her at 5:30 am. And I will want all the time I can get with sweet Siris. And time with Tyson!  Soooo.... How will this work?

I am taking this opportunity to start over. To take what I know to be true (and some things I have ignored) and to rebuild my training life. Here's my plan:

1-I need to incorporate strength training into my routine. This is something I have NEVER done. In my life. I'm a bit nervous, but excited and ready.  I took my first Foundations class at Power in Motion yesterday. Class #2 is today. I'm a little sore.

2-I need to review my nutrition and clean it up.  I am working with Brooke from Fuel to the Finish to review what I know and tweak as appropriate. One change I've already made is the move to natural training and racing nutrition. I look forward to learning from Brooke and fueling more efficiently for success.

3-I have always had limited time for training. With a full time career, 11 and 14 yr old kids, and a life outside of triathlon (huh?!), I have typically been limited to 10 hours of training per week, with 2-4 additional hours built in the couple of months before an Ironman.  This will continue and may get a bit tighter. Nick has me on quality, not quantity. After St George, I will be on a full plan with Durapulse again. I look forward to it!

Well... Here goes a new and exciting year!