Ironman Wisconsin: Race Report

There were a million and three things that could go wrong on race day, but somehow the stars aligned and the wind blew just right to create a better then best-possible-case-scenario day. I got some great advice a few days before the race. My friend, a fellow Ironman said “You’re not going to win, so you might as well just relax and enjoy it”. So, with no finish time in mind and my only goal of being able to call myself an Ironman, I made it to the starting line.

Ironman Wisconsin: The pre-race report

I avoided writing much before the race because I didn’t want to stir up any more anxious feelings. The less I thought about Ironman, the less I worried about it. I went through a period of big nerves a week away from the race. I usually get nervous a day or two before a big race so I was prepared to have the huge nerves through the beginning of the race. Surprisingly, when I got to Wisconsin my nerves seemed to settle.

Blurb I found on a message board the week before Ironman

Right now you’ve all entered the taper.  Perhaps you’ve been at this a few months, perhaps you’ve been at this a few years.  For some of you this is your first IM, for others, a long-overdue welcome back to a race that few can match.

Orange County Triathlon race review

This weekend I headed down to Newburgh, NY for the inaugural Orange County Triathlon. I had won free entry into the race this last winter which I definitely wanted to take advantage of. As a first year race it lacked a little in organization but made up for it with some great sponsors. Add to that a 1st place age group finish and I would say this was a great race to close out my regular season.

38 days and counting….

I hit the two months to go mark a few weeks ago and I almost instantly felt overwhelmed. I realized that Ironman was fast approaching and I still had lots of travel arrangements that I had to figure out. I decided to save myself the stress later on and get all these things figured out right away. I spent the last couple weeks getting flights and hotel accommodations in place as well as figuring out how to get my bike to and from Wisconsin. I find it funny that I’ve been more stressed about trip logistics than the actual race. Training wise I am feeling very well prepared and ready to take on Ironman.

Musselman race review

Musselman is always my favorite race of the year. It was my first triathlon ever and it was my first long distance triathlon so it holds a special place in my heart. The course is relatively easy and very scenic. The race is always well organized and there are tons of spectators cheering on race day.  Not to mention they have the best goody bags around.

Ride for Roswell Review

I participated in the Ride for Roswell on June 25^th. The ride took place in Buffalo and it benefited The Roswell Cancer Institute, which my Grandmother is currently a patient at. The ride was my first century ride, prior to the ride the most I had rode in one setting was just over 60 miles. I was more excited than I was nervous for the ride because I was looking forward to riding close to the Ironman distance and doing it with a bunch of company on a safe course.

Gearing up for my first Century Ride

This Saturday I'll be riding with some co-workers in the Ride for Roswell. I've been gering up for this event for a few months by slowly increasing my long rides to build up to the 100 mile distance. I've only ridden up to about 60 miles in one setting but I'm expecting the ride to go just fine.

Fly By Night Duathlon; Race Review

On May 25^th I participated in the fly by night duathlon. Last year was my first time participating in the race and I really enjoyed it. I had a lot to live up to since last year I placed 1^st in my division. This year I did it as part of a relay team; my dad did the running and I did the biking, below is a recap of how it went.

To Run Is To Live

To me, running is living, it’s just that simple. The benefits and joys I’ve experience in regards to running are endless. Our body is the best gift we will ever be given. If we take care of it and it will take care of us and running is the best way I’ve found to take care of my body.

Half way there...

I’ve reached the half way mark of my training. Here’s how it’s been going so far…

Tough Mudder race report

This past Saturday I traveled up to Vermont to run the Tough Mudder. My older sister had signed up with some girls on her rugby team and the week before one of the girls decided not to run so I had planned on taking her place. Long story short, I needed her I.D. to get her bib number and the I.D. didn’t make it up to Vermont. I usually wouldn’t condone “bandit running” i.e.- running without being registered but with the specific set of circumstances I didn’t feel too bad about it. So my first (and last) time bandit running was coincidentally also my first (and last) time doing any race in the Tough Mudder series.

2011 Race Schedule

Today I fell off my bike on my way to work and it's rained for three weeks straight. I guess you could say I'm a little gloomy. I've been meaning to update this for a while but I've been too stressed, tired, un-motivated, etc. I'll have a better post next week, I promise. For now here's my race schedule for the summer

Saturday 5/28:   Fly by Night Duathlon
Sunday  6/12:    Borg Warner Triathlon
Saturday 6/25:   Ride for Roswell (century ride)
Sunday 7/16:     Musselman sprint triahtlon
Saturday 8/13:   Warrior Dash
Sunday 8/21:     NYC Orange County Olympic Triathlon
Sunday 9/11:     Ironman Wisconsin

Women's Clinic Overview (i.e. men probably want to skip this one)

Women are no longer the minority in this sport but there still tends to be a lot more information/research/equipment that favors the men. This past Wednesday was the re-scheduled women’s issues in triathlon clinic. The panel of speakers consisted of five women. I spoke on the panel along with two other triathletes, one sport dietitian/triathlete, and one physical therapist. I went to this same clinic last year and between the two years of attending it I’ve learned a lot about issues that only pertain to females.

Taking days off

There are two types of days off in any athletes training. First are the planned rest and recovery days which happen regularly throughout the training process. There are also the un-planned days that need to be taken off when injury or sickness strike. Below are some of the reasons why I’ve become a big fan of incorporating both of these types of days off in my training plan.

St. Patty's Day 4-miler race reviews

March 5^th and March 12^th I ran St. Patrick’s Day 4-mile runs. The first was in Syracuse around the Irish neighborhoods and Tiperary Hill. The second was in Binghamton. Below is a quick recap of the races. Over the years I’ve become a big fan of these types of shorter distance social races. Races should end with beer... it just makes sense.

Womens Clinic this Sunday!

The Ithaca Triathlon Club Presents:

 Women’s Issues in Triathlon

Cupids Chase- race review

My dad and I ran our first race of the season on February 12. The race was called Cupids Chase, money raised went to support people with disabilities.  I ran my fastest 5k ever which was a great way to start the season, below is a recap of the race.

Current Rants and Raves

I’ve had a slightly stressful two weeks (this, perhaps, is an understatement). Between training (right now I'm on day 20 of 21 day period without a recovery day), extra projects at work and beginning the process of building a house it seems like I’ve barely had enough time to breathe. Listed below are things that have kept me happy and sane during this very busy time in my life.

1 week down, 33 to go; not too crazy yet.