After spending almost six years in Washington, D.C., I saw firsthand the gains that bike commuting made in the community through effective bike advocacy and understanding individuals in leadership, with the addition of bike lanes, a popular bike share program and increased safety and awareness.

I’m looking forward to being a part of continued advocacy efforts with Women on Bikes SoCal and being engaged in my new community here in California in all things bikes.  :) See below for my first post and stay tuned for many more to come!  And, of course, send me any questions or topics you’d like to hear more about! I look forward to hearing from you. :)

Introduction to Athletic by Bike with Jennifer Tetrick

Before I give the full update on where the heck I’ve been, and what I’ve been up to these past months, I am going to plow right into my Wildflower Triathlon race report, where I biked and ran my way into a fourth place finish – my highest placing yet at this one-of-a-kind, epic race. :)

Wildflower is truly an experience. It’s one of those must-do races that’s nestled conveniently into the rolling hills near where I grew up near California’s central coast. I decided that I’m going to think of this as my “hometown” race… ;)

The unexpected.

My favorite fan at Wildflower: my dad!!! :)

Sometimes, the best laid plans go out the window when it comes to a race, and Wildflower was no exception. I was thrilled with the timing of Wildflower – a couple weeks after a strong purplepatch team camp, with plenty of time to absorb the training of the last month and be race-ready on the day. But a little full-contact swimming a few weeks prior, a hurt nose and a subsequent sinus infection, and I was left wondering on whether I was going to be able to breathe normally again, let alone race. (Sorry to anyone who had to put up with my loud breathing/errrr snoring).

Matt helped reassure me and guide me through the what I felt was a catastrophic setback. I went from swimming 7-9 times a week to 0. I rested. It was all I could do. On Thursday, two days before the race, we decided to go for it. I felt better than I had been feeling, Wildflower is near my hometown on the way home, and it’s just such a great race. I would be too sad to miss it.

I lined up on the start not sure what to expect, but knowing I was going to give it my all. I had put the work in over the last few months, and I was hoping that would show up once the gun went off.

Lakes don’t have sharks.

Even with an over week-long respite from swimming and as a non-swimmer, I felt ready for the swim on race day. I’d been putting in countless hours at Tower 26, and I had survived purplepatch training camp, where we swam out at Stinson beach, a spot known for its exquisite beauty – and sharky waters. In all honesty, we swam in a secluded (very safe) lagoon, but just the idea of sharks made me determined to not be the slowest swimmer in the group – or at least turn myself inside out trying to keep up. And swimming with teammates the likes of Meredith Kessler, Callum Millward, Emma-Kate Lidbury and Jesse Thomas, that was not easy (or likely)…

Luckily the only sharks in this water were of the human kind. Swim start mayhem captured by Aaron Hersh, Triathlete Magazine.

Race morning at Wildflower, after a thorough warm-up, I lined up, shivering, wishing for a wetsuit swim, but ready.  We started out the swim fast. A lot of contact – but seriously nothing compared to what I’ve experienced at Tower 26. Piece of cake. And then we rounded the first buoy. I could see the swimmers pulling away. “It’s ok…Stay in the chase pack…” I swam comfortably along, thinking maybe I should go faster, but then every time I pulled out of the draft, I realized the group was swimming about the speed I would be going solo. My error in this was being toward the back of what became a long line of swimmers. Rounding the turn buoy, I realized we were being gapped, and try as I might, I just couldn’t close it so settled onto Rachel Challis’ feet. (Thanks for the pull home, Rachel!)

I love hills.

Coming out of the water back from the main group, I knew I had some work to do on the bike. But again, all those miles at purplepatch team camp – although before my involuntary break – were ready to propel me into the mix. I saw Matt as I was coming out of transition. “Ride your bike, sis!” My goal for the race, if all else failed, was to race my bike. I knew the course, I knew what was ahead at Nasty Grade and that sneaky climb back into the campground.

I’m all aloooooooone… Photo of me fighting the negative thoughts and chasing my way into Fourth captured by Aaron Hersh, Triathlete Magazine.

I started working my way through the field, one by one. Patience. At times, that course can be kind of lonely, especially along the back, windy stretch. I caught myself daydreaming. Fighting the wind. Questioning myself. And just when I thought I was all alone, I saw some people off in the distance. The competitive drive got me back into gear. GO! Then, I saw my dad out on the course. Another energy burst. I did the math in my head trying to figure out what place I was in… Was I in 5th? 6th?

Hydrated.

I was also carefully managing my nutrition and hydration, using Osmo Nutrition Active Hydration and a mix of gels. Success! In the past, I’ve had tons of problems with ummm…(sorry for the TMI)… puking during the bike, even at the expense of unsuspecting race photographers :-/. And with temperatures rising quickly, I knew that would be especially devastating to my race today. For the first time in a long time, I started the run with a happy stomach and well-hydrated (even if my mouth felt utterly parched from the heat). And I was in fourth!

“Oooooh, an aid station…!” Photo by Aaron Hersh, Triathlete Magazine

I hate hills.

Anyone who has raced Wildflower knows the brutality of the run course. The first 5 miles feel like they’re all uphill (And I’m pretty sure they mostly are). It’s hot. I’m thirsty. Am I there yet? When’s the next aid station? Where’s the naked people? These are the things that went through my head. Note that none of them have to do with actually being in a race…(though I never did see any of the nakedness that apparently Jesse experienced).

The first six miles of the run, if I’m honest, were spent in “survival mode.” The fact that I was in a race didn’t lock back in again until around mile 6.5 after Elizabeth Lyles scampered past me like I was out there for a little hike in the woods. It was time for a little internal pep talk, mostly the kind of stuff best kept to oneself ;)… Time to race!

From Suriving to Racing.

Realizing I was about half way into the run, with the “worst of it” behind me, combined with a reignited desire to race, I started picking up the pace, working to keep Elizabeth in my sights. Knowing that Tenille was just up ahead helped. I slowly reeled her in and waited for the right moment to pass decisively to reclaim fourth. I found that moment in the final down hill stretch, when I knew that I could pass and press on to the finish. :)

Fourth! 

Coming across the finish line felt amazing. I was proud to have finished: it’s a tough race! I was proud to have finished in fourth. And I was proud of the journey that had brought me to that point – bumpy and unpredictable as it may have been. And I felt very lucky to be there amongst such amazing athletes.  A huge congratulations to Jesse and Heather Jackson on repeat wins.

Tri California knows how to put on an event – and Wildflower is truly an epic experience. I couldn’t resist spending the next day at the race cheering on those who had cheered so loudly for me the day before and watching all the excitement from the sidelines. If ever there is a race that captures the “triathlon” spirit, it’s Wildflower. I’m so glad to have been able to be a part of it for the second year in a row, and I’m already looking forward to next year.

I never think of myself as tall, until I see pics like this….Such an honor sharing the podium with some stellar athletes.

Thankful.

I am so thankful for the ongoing support of some amazing sponsors, friends, family and the guidance of my coaches Matt Dixon and Gerry Rodrigues. Also, a very special thank you is due to everyone at Tri California for all the hard work in making this a truly wonderful experience for all involved.

Thanks to Triathlon Lab for all the support, encouragement (and the borrowed watch for the race!).

And I love my BlueSeventy PZ3TX swimskin that saves me some precious time on the swim. I am so thankful to be a part of such a great team who has supported me in my growth in the sport and as a swimmer. :)

I also have to give a shout out to 110% Play Harder who will be supporting me in my recovery from this and many races to come. I’m looking forward to it!

And, as always, thank you to Rudy Project for protecting my eyes in the heat and Endurance Shield for protecting my body (I’m all about sunscreen, worth every second in transition…).

I’m thankful more than ever for the ongoing guidance of my coach, Matt Dixon with purplepatch and Gerry Rodrigues with Tower 26.  With their support, I’m barreling into the season feeling ready and excited for what is to come.  Off season no more, pre-season wrapped up, and I’m looking forward to getting started. :)

Talking to my Granni on the phone yesterday, she says, “I can’t hear you; you’re cutting out!… Hello?!?” I’m like, “No, Granni, we’re on a land line; that’s just my voice…” (Only about every third word of that last sentence was audible).

So as I lay here, feeling myself literally expanding from all the Christmas treats and home cooking, I decide to take a serious look back. What did I do wrong? Could this have been prevented? How do we as athletes deal with sickness and recover as quickly as possible?

Two weeks ago, I was right where I wanted to be. I was in the middle of a solid training block, getting fit and in the swing of “pre-season”; off season was becoming a distant memory. And then this. Argh.

I tried ignoring it, pushing through workouts as if sickness was somehow that last few minutes of a tough interval. That didn’t work (obviously). It actually only made matters worse.

I then tried babying it, taking off workouts, giving my body rest, sleep, food, letting fitness fall by the wayside while I let my body heal itself. That actually only worked minimally. Or at least not as fast as I wanted it to. The cold was taking up residence in my chest. Not a welcome guest.

I tried wallowing. That only made me feel miserable, on top of feeling guilty for having eaten too much and not exercised at all.

I finally decided to go to the doctor and get medicine, stop worrying about sickness or anything else and just rest. And now, only now, after a solid two weeks out of commission, I’m starting to come around.

My lessons learned:

Know your body. There’s a big difference between being “strong” and pushing through and just being belligerent… Maybe three hours in the rain after a really intense training block wasn’t the smartest, nor several tough days after that when my body was desperately crying out for rest. Had I listened then, maybe I wouldn’t have gotten sick in the first place?

When you’re sick, rest. I know it sounds like common sense, but when there’s a plan to follow, it’s pretty tough to sit it out. And even tougher to avoid filling that down time with everything else on your to-do list. Rest means rest, not Christmas shopping, dealing with life stress, etc, etc…

When sickness lingers annoyingly, seek a professional. I’m never one to visit the doctor, but perhaps if I’d gone a bit sooner, I’d be writing this “aha” moment blog a week ago — and already be a week back into training… Hindsight is always 20/20. :(

Keep your coach in the loop. I’m pretty thankful to have the guidance of a coach like Matt Dixon in times like these and know that he’s there to help get me back on my feet, albeit slower than I would have liked.

Rest. Sleep is as important as nutrition in the life of an athlete. Life’s stress can sometimes make that aspect of “training” less effective than it should, but the lack of quality rest can be devastating in training.

So, it’s about eight o’clock, which means bedtime… Time to recover and hopefully continue to ease back to training tomorrow. Feeling thankful to have a purplepatch plan to get me back on my feet, although there doesn’t seem to be anything on the plan about getting my voice back. Hopefully I’ll find it in time to count down the New Year!

10. Hiking.

Walking around isn’t something that I do much of while spending so much of my time swimming, biking and running. Why take the stairs when you can take the elevator? Why use any energy at all when you should save it up for workouts? Oh yeah, us triathletes are tons of fun. (Cyclists aren’t much better, right Ali?).

9. Paddle Boarding.

I have YET to actually go paddle boarding. I’ve been tantalized by my friends and family with all sorts of amazing paddle boarding pictures in exotic locations (thanks, Alz, for NOT waiting for me! Grrrr). This year, I’m going to try again. It doesn’t help that it’s winter, and I hate being cold…

8. Grow my hair out.

Cutting my hair short was one of the best decisions for race season – so much lighter and easier to fit inside my swim cap, but come winter, I miss my long hair. Why is it taking so long to grow!? :(

7. Juice.

Yes, in L.A., “juice” is a verb. Eating fresh has always been a part of my routine, but I’m making more of an effort this off season to get my nutrients from fresh and natural sources, limiting processed stuff and maximizing those things that can be grown or caught…

Somehow my jeans learned to stand up on their own. Not sure what’s going on here exactly…

6. Find the perfect pair of jeans.

Yep. Nothing’s better than a perfect pair of jeans. Well, maybe some things, but right now, after I’m pretty fixated on finding the best possible jeans for my non swim/bike/run time.

5. Go on a road trip.

Yosemite? Mammoth? Big Bear? Somewhere on the other side of the 405? I’m not yet sure the destination, but I’m looking forward to the adventure. (Let’s be honest, this might just be Thanksgiving with the family — which is pretty awesome in and of itself).

4. Get Dirty.

This winter, I’m going to take some of my biking off road: cyclocross and mountain. Please don’t laugh at me if you happen to spot me in action.

3. Stretch and Strengthen.

I love doing yoga and core strength but hate doing them by myself. The perfect solution: finding buddies and a great class to join. I get wrapped up in my “workouts” (swim, bike, run) during the season, but I’m hoping that this time, by making it a regular routine, I’ll be able to keep it up…Since it feels like a made-to-be-broken New Year’s Resolution, I’m writing it down to (hopefully) keep me accountable this time.

2. Swim. Run. Swim. Bike. Swim. Run. Repeat.

In my off season, I plan to continue working with Gerry Rodrigues and Matt Dixon to maximize my potential as a triathlete – and a major priority of that will be swimming. Expect me to have wet hair whenever you see me for the next several months. (Someone recently asked if I had dyed my hair blonde. My response: Nope, it’s just actually dry today…)

1. A repeat priority: Hanging out with my sis.

Adventures with Alison Tetrick are never boring. Maybe somewhere tropical will be involved, maybe some wine, definitely some undisclosed conversation, but always fun.

Next Up: Hmmm…What to write about next… Any suggestions?  

Triathlon – and sport – is a way of life. Once “off season” starts, do we really morph into candy and chip-eating, sedentary couch potatoes, with four layers of fat and our most strenuous activities involving flipping the remote or padding to the kitchen in slippers for another bowl of ice cream? Hardly (at least not for any extended period of time).

While we may feel as if our skin is crawling from inactivity, what happens in winter is a far cry from what most would consider truly inactive or overweight. Sure, maybe we put on an extra layer – a “winter coat” as my friend Jenna Parker described it… But we’re still wearing the same pair of skinny jeans, and to an outsider, probably look just about as fit as we were when we were “on.”

Off season fun in Switzerland. Snowboarding!

That said, there are certain principles that are absolutely critical to an effective “off season.” We are not racing. We aren’t coordinating weekend travel to and from races. In theory, we have some more time, although most triathletes, in true “Type A” fashion, have so much going on in their lives that I don’t know how they fit workouts and racing in even under the best of circumstances. I guess there’s truth to the saying that if you want something done, give it to a busy person… Triathletes tend to know how to balance — and work hard.

So. What are these essential aspects of a productive “off season”? In my view the following are a few highlights:

Rest.

I know how vehemently opposed we triathletes are to rest: it feels lazy; we start feeling fat. But a period of recovery and a total break from the sport is imperative, both to restore one’s body and to refresh the mind.

As difficult as it may be, we can view this time off as an opportunity to do other things like catching up on movies, hiking, surfing and playing team sports. Swimming, biking and running can still be on the agenda – but only in a non-structured sense; perhaps go running with a non-triathlete friend or family member. Stop to watch the sunset or take pictures. Having a change of pace and scenery is rejuvenating, and our non-triathlete friends and family (yes, I have some of those) will appreciate our reemergence into non-lycra society.

Train.

Working on my “weakest link” is how I’ll spend 50% of my winter training. Photo: Paul Phillips, Competitive Image

Once the break period is complete, it’s time to get back to work. The first thing most of us want to do is enjoy our “favorite” sport. For me, I’d grab my bike or go on a run if left to my own devices. However, what we need to do in the off season is train our weaknesses.

Is swimming your weakest link? Is running? Off season is when we need to spend a disproportionate amount of time training that weakness.  According to my swim coach, Gerry Rodrigues, if swim is the Achilles Heel, we need to devote 50% of our total off season training training time to swimming. Last winter that meant an unfathomable number of hours in the pool, but it was worth it. I went into the 2012 season a transformed swimmer – still having a long ways to go, but I am exponentially faster than in 2011.**

Balance can be restored amongst the other sports as you get closer to the season; your body won’t forget how to run (or bike, or swim, depending your “weakness”).

Refine.

During off season, we have the luxury of time before having to be “race ready.” Now is the perfect opportunity to refine, taking the painstaking time to work on technique, hone in on a workable nutrition strategy and get in tune with our bodies.

Having better technique in each of the three sports will improve efficiency and speed and can reduce chance of injury. As an endurance athlete, I know how important it feels to “get in the miles,” coming to the pool and hammering out 5,000 meters, regardless. While getting in base miles is a critical part of “off season” – and honestly, some of what I like the most – it is equally valuable to include quality and work on technique.

Some have witnessed my propensity to throw up during races (sorry, guys!); one of my off season activities will include working with a nutritionist to discover what it is that I’m ingesting (or not ingesting) on race day that is causing this to happen. Hopefully, the result will be less embarrassing race day pictures (and faster times – obviously).

Strengthen.

Magali, Keats and I after Wildflower Triathlon. :)

Strength training is a key element of “off season” training, which can extend into the season itself. Improving strength and stability will help with injury prevention, in addition to increasing speed, efficiency and power in races. Solid abs and faster times? Yes, please.

Strength training and core exercises are something that can also be extended into the season. However, introducing new strength training regimens while also racing is difficult and can have a detrimental affect on performance.

[More information on specific strength training via purplepatch Fitness].

Prepare.

As with anything, setting goals and establishing benchmarks is important. What better time to set objectives, plan and be thoroughly prepared for the season than during “off season”?

By using some of the down time to strategize races, logistics and finances, in addition to analyzing the previous season – what went wrong, what went right, we can enter the upcoming season prepared and ready to meet and exceed goals.

Planning isn’t always my forte, as I thoroughly enjoy spontaneity and adventure, but having a coach to help guide me has helped tremendously. And as I look towards next season, I am excited about things to come, partnerships I am developing and about continuing to grow as an athlete from what I’ve learned and experienced thus far. Especially after having ended the season in injury recovery, I’m all the more anxious to get going.

But first: I have some resting to do. Maybe I’ll go on a hike tomorrow.

*After much consideration and playing with the semantics of it, I decided there’s really no way around sounding like a total tri geek on this one. Yeah, I wear compression. Sometimes I try to hide it under skinny jeans. I don’t wear socks when I race, I “fuel” post workout, and I go to bed at 9 to be ready for swim at 5 something.  Might as well own it. I’m a tri geek. Sometimes. Shhhhh….. 

**As a rough example, I swam 6 minutes faster in Austin 70.3 than I had in a previous year and cut off an average 4-5 minutes from my 70.3 swim in a year’s time. 

UWC Bahamas Triathlon

Just a week ago, I had no idea what UWC was. I also only remembered the Bahamas from a Disney cruise I did a lifetime ago. On my way back from Nassau after racing the 2nd annual UWC Bahamas Triathlon, I have a whole new appreciation for the island, its residents and a truly phenomenal charity supporting its youth.

I cannot think of a better way to close out the 2012 triathlon season than in the Bahamas, and, to top it off, helping to promote an organization – United World Colleges- that helps pave the way for an exceptional, diverse group of young people to get outstanding educational and international experiences that open new opportunities and invest in the future.

The birds-eye view of the island…

Yep. A race in an idyllic setting that aims to do good: pretty perfect, in my book. :) As far as results: another 5th place; bringing up the rear of the “Top 5″ finishers seems to be a trend (Austin, Boulder Peak), one that I’d like to subtract a few numbers from next year…

When I asked my coach, Matt Dixon, about doing the Bahamas race, he told me I could only race if it was “just for fun.” Two thousand twelve has been a whirlwind of a season after spending a very tough winter swimming more miles than I ran, racing all over the country, facing injury, and so much more; it is time to have a bit of a rest before I get back to work and do what it takes to have the most successful 2013 season possible. I simultaneously welcome and dread a very tough winter of training.

But, first things first: what happened in the Bahamas this weekend?

Well, a race. (Obviously).

I went into the weekend after (prematurely) starting “off season.” I wasn’t planning to race, as the Bahamas Triathlon was initially scheduled the same weekend as Ironman 70.3 Austin. After injury, I needed the points and decided to race Austin.

My bike likes the Bahamas…

Hurricane Sandy swept in, and the Bahamas race was postponed a week, allowing for a last minute, spontaneous decision to race. Thursday involved some last minute training that harkened back to my college years, cramming for a test or writing essays at the last minute. Oh yeah, this is what it feels like to feel the burn in my legs.(Amazing how quickly one can forget!) And by Friday, I was in the Bahamas getting ready to race.

“Just for fun” is not entirely possible for a person as competitive as most of us triathletes are once the gun goes off.

So, though it was an exquisite location, second-to-none hospitality, I could tell that all of the women were acutely aware of a race on Sunday. That’s not to say we didn’t thoroughly enjoy the white sand beaches (we just added a swim workout to the beach visit). Mix in some diving around the coral reefs, and it’s a pretty ideal “racecation.”

We may have worn bikinis, but cap and goggles on – we got a workout in here. I’m not complaining…

Sunday’s race began a bit hectic, as the “Fall Back” time change caused me to miscalculate my alarm, given that despite being on “airplane only” mode with “automatic time change” turned off, my phone STILL decided to fall back on its own, leaving me to sleep a blissful, unaware extra hour of sleep. Luckily, I had planned more than enough time, and was soon off to the race start, with plenty of time.

The Bahamian spirit was festive, the start time a bit later (8:30), and all of us found ourselves torn between chatting and feeling typical pre-race anxiety.

Swim start! Photo credit: Paul Phillips, Competitive Image

I asked a kind gentleman walking by to borrow his bike pump, which was propped casually over his shoulder. He immediately obliged, expressing interest in my bike, saying the Shiv was something he often sees in catalogues but never thought he’d see up close and in person.  It was fun showing him my ride, like a fancy race car, revving up and getting ready to race (and deliver me from what was looking to be a very difficult swim — a week off doesn’t bode well for a non-swimmer like me).

Photo: Paul Phillips, Competitive Image

A beach start. Two loops. If anything, Tower 26swim training had prepared me for just this. Stepping up to Olympic distance speed, though, is always pretty tough, especially on the swim. (My “off” season will involve a lot of swimming. :).

The gun went off, and I wound up swimming solo, coming out of the water behind the main pack. As I swam, I found myself for one of the first times during a race singing songs in my head, looking at fish, rocks and random things on the sea floor and working to keep my head in the game, or in the swim. Something about “Call Me Maybe” that sticks in the head. Way. Too. Much. Hmmm Gangam Style. Noooo. Focus, Jen! The water was so clear that you could see everything along the white sand underneath. Why didn’t I think to make a path of bright rocks or something to the buoy for myself to avoid having to sight? 

Then, on to the bike; time to have some fun! Four short loops, and a chance to catch one of my competitors ahead of me. I cheered her along as I passed; yeeeow!!! I didn’t manage to catch anyone else on the bike and then off to the run for a two-lap scenic course while cheering on age groupers out on their bikes. It was hotter than I expected, but then again, I’m not sure why I would have expected anything less: this was the Bahamas after all.

Photo: Paul Phillips, Competitive Image

I had washed my Garmin in the washing machine before leaving and felt quite lost without it, having no idea what my speed was throughout the run. A long course athlete’s problem, as pacing is especially important over longer durations. I really did regret not having it with me, though.

I worked to catch the next runner ahead of me: Anna Cleaver, but she remained just out of reach.  (Nice job, Anna!) :) Overall, I was pleased with my finish: 5th place, and a lot of fun in the process. A purplepatch-dictated mission accomplished.

And now, I enter my official “off season” rested, mentally prepared and ready for the work ahead. It’s been a tough journey. But definitely a fun one. I look forward to it (and hope to find some good soundtracks to keep me going).

Relaxing after the race… :) Photo: Paul Phillips, Competitive Image

Thank you’s and Shout Outs

To Barbara Ann, race organizer, my gracious host, and all around inspiring person: THANK YOU! I know I speak for all of us who participated in the event in expressing absolute gratitude for all you did to make this a phenomenal weekend. Barbara Ann, you’re a rare individual indeed to take on a Hurricane, rescheduling the event instead of canceling, and still managing to organize a phenomenal race/experience – and this while getting ready for Kona. Impressive doesn’t begin to describe it.

And after learning more about UWC, I have to thank this outstanding organization as well for helping to shape an individual like BA, and also provide new opportunities for Bahamian youth. It is my hope that as this event grows, it will inspire others to support this organization as much as it has me.

To Mark Holowesko and family: thank you for your generosity and support of this event! It was fantastic to see so many of the Holowesko family out racing (quite impressively, I might add), supporting sport and an active lifestyle, both in the community and beyond.

A big thanks also to Hincapie Sportswear for  their support of the race and dedication to raising the bar for apparel in cycling – and triathlon. And this right after wrapping up the Hincapie Gran Fondo just a week before.

I also am incredibly thankful for Matt Dixon and Gerry Rodrigues for being a part of my journey that’s transformed me as a triathlete. There’s still quite a ways to go, but I’m glad to have you on board!

Thanks also to Dr. Bresler, who has helped bring my foot from a swollen, cankle-esque mess to competition again. Patience, listening to my body, and gentle healing is doing the trick.

I am always thankful and proud for the support of Specialized: my bike that seems to always be an instant conversation starter (whether I like it or not) and flies when it’s “go time.” :)

And, as always, thank you to BlueSeventy, Rudy Project, Endurance Shield and Garmin for your continued, amazing support.

Paul Phillips:  Thank you for capturing the moment with all these pics and letting me share them here! :)

Up next: an end of the year wrap-up and some good things to look forward to.

The plan was simple: Go for it! And I surprised myself: I felt GREAT…Well, until I didn’t. A solid (albeit solo) swim, second fastest bike (I even got airborne a few times), and for the first 2 laps, a fantastic, Oh my gosh, I’m really running! kind of run, working my way to 2nd place, which quickly unraveled to final lap of Ugh…Are we there yet?” and a 5th place finish. Still, reflecting on the weekend, I’m happy with the result, satisfied that I went for it, and have a revived hunger for the things to come.

So, how did the weekend go down?

Austin has to be one of my favorite places to race and to visit, featuring Texas-style hospitality, friendly people, a unique artistic vibe, rolling terrain and the natural energy of a fitness-friendly city. And for this trip, I had the added bonus of a travel buddy, which is always awesome.

Benefits include outsmarting the sneaky airlines by packing two bikes together (half off bike box fees!), getting help carrying said cumbersome bike box and having someone to chat and explore the city with. Thanks Mauro Cavanha!

Brrrrr…Austin was cold!

We arrived on Friday, greeted by whipping winds and bone-chilling air that felt more like DC than TX, and certainly nothing like Southern California. We hovered together like penguins waiting for our shuttle, and I quickly realized I didn’t bring enough warm clothes for the weekend.

Riding outside looked more hazardous both to my health and safety than anything else, so we went to Jack & Adams bike shop to borrow a trainer and pick up some necessities: gloves, ear warmers, toe warmers, socks, etc… Thanks, guys!!!

We topped off our first day in Austin with a run around the Town Lake (so amazing) that concluded with inadvertently watching the bats escape into the night sky – very eerie and fitting for a Halloween weekend.

Who knew bats could be such a crowd pleaser. Light sabers, crowds, vendors, kids, candy… We happened on the bat scene at the end of our run.

We need one of these in LA!

Saturday came and went before we knew it. My West coast body slept in too long to finish workouts before the race briefing, resulting in a shortened, hectic day of bike shop visiting, workouts, race briefing, getting food, etc… It took everything in me to stay relaxed, focused and ready for the task at hand. The best part of the day? Swimming in a 200 meter freshwater “pool” at Barton Springs.

Moving on to Race Day

The frigid air made it hard to do much on race morning; everything took longer than expected as I dragged my feet through my normal pre-race routine, delaying being outside in the cold as long as possible.

After finally getting to the race site, we were so late that there was hardly time to worry about the cold. Get the bike in transition, put on wetsuit, don’t freeze off my toes…Go Go Go! The announcer’s countdown to getting out of transition amped up the crowd and my own anxiety, feeling very much like a “first race of the season”…

Mauro had the foresight to check his and my bike and found not only a thorn in my tire but a wad of seaweed embedded my front wheel hub. Thanks for saving my race, Mauro!

My only warmup was doing a short run and some arm bands, as it was too dark and cold for much more. And I had that last minute “I have to go to the bathroom” thing and actually had to go.

The Swim Start. Photo credit: Mario Cantu

And then, we were off. I was frustrated that I lost the main pack right away in the choppy water, getting stuck behind some slower swimmers. I then spent the rest of the swim fighting my way back up to a splintered group, having to work the entire 1.2 miles by myself. Bummer. Exiting the water, I knew that I had a good, not great swim, but still was in a solid position.

I fumbled with arm warmers, gloves, and even socks, until finally accepting that unless I wanted to spend another several minutes in transition, I needed to simply toughen up and deal with being uncomfortable. After all, I’d ridden without a wetsuit in Boise. I could go without arm warmers in Austin.

I eased into the bike leg, waiting for the numbness in my legs to subside and gradually picking up my pace and effort to pass those ahead of me, one by one. I must say that for as much as I love Austin and its rolling hills (especially on the bike), I absolutely detest that chip seal pavement. The bumpy, patched-up road gave me all the more motivation to have the fastest bike time possible, not just to catch people ahead of me but to save my girl parts! I found myself crying out in pain into the empty roads as I rode along. (Even still, I must admit, this course at Ironman 70.3 Austin is among my favorites).

Coming into transition, I saw Tenille Hoogland just ahead of me and realized for the first time that I had biked my way up to third! As headed out on the run course, I felt for the first time in a long time like I was actually running…racing! It made me smile. I kept my pace comfortable, not hasty, and set my sights up the road. The volunteers along the course, with their crazy costumes and dancing, had me laughing; their energy and fun intoxicating. I loved it.

No one claims that triathlon is a pretty sport. Maybe next time I should focus on getting the drink IN my mouth instead of just ON it. Thanks, Mario, for catching such a …umm… lovely pic of me. 

Keeping a consistent pace, I edged into second place in the first lap, knowing that there were some fast-moving runners behind me and that I would have to hold pace for all three laps in order to finish in the top three. I didn’t focus on the “what if’s” – I just ran. And it felt great. I remember thinking part way through the run of my coach Matt Dixon’s reassuring words that I was going to do better than I expected at this race. He was right. The training he had given me to prepare for Austin – despite not being able to run more than 45 minutes – had left me as prepared as I could possibly be for this moment.

As I made the turn into the third lap, I knew I was in trouble, however. Maybe it was inevitable, maybe I was too aggressive those first two laps, but the extended time off from injury had taken its toll, and I found myself fading quickly. Tunnel vision set in, darkness blocking out my peripheral vision and all those dancing volunteers. It was all I could do to finish. Crossing the line, I was scolded for not running straight across it in a more media-friendly way. But I could barely think of anything except just getting there without falling over. Points for finishing in fifth place, no points for style. (I am going to work on that).

A big congratulations to Rachel McBride for a very impressive race out there, staying out of reach the entire race. Also, to my Specialized teammate, Tenille, congratulations on a fantastic comeback to the season!

Enjoying the sites at the Oasis. Fun!

All in all, I am very happy with the majority of this race and am encouraged as I look ahead to next season. I’ve come a long way. To put it in perspective, I swam almost 6 minutes faster, biked 7 minutes faster and ran a full 10 minutes faster than the last time I did this race in much more favorable conditions.

Next up: Racing in the Bahamas and an end-of-the-year recap!

Thank you’s and Shout Outs

First, I have to say a big thank you to my coach, Matt Dixon, whose support and plan has helped me navigate the very unfortunate aspect of being an athlete: injury. I found myself frustrated and wavering several times, and it was the plan and specific goals that helped get me to the start line in Austin.

I also wouldn’t be at this point without consistent training with Tower 26’s Gerry Rodrigues. I was ready for that choppy water and open water swim and am looking forward to cutting down even more time with a tough winter ahead.

Thanks to Specialized for all the support and a bike that truly flies! (Seriously. I caught air – and had the second fastest bike time). And my favorite part, particularly on TX roads: the fuelselage, that makes sure that I have hydration, even on bumpy roads when bottles tend to eject.

Huge thanks to BlueSeventy for a fast, WARM Helix wetsuit that served as much importance in my pre-race warming up as in the race itself. I wear the suit 2-3 times a week, and absolutely love it.

I also have to give a shout out to 110% Play Harder Rachel Stanley for the cheers along the course and some very fitting post-race, end-of-the-season celebrating to remember. Thanks for your hospitality and support!

And, as always, thank you to Rudy Project, Garmin, Endurance Shield (yes, even in the cold, I had my sunblock in T2 ready for me) and my amazing friends and family who have supported and are continuing to support me along the way. Thanks for all the cheers! :)

As I recover from my injury at Hy-Vee Triathlon, recalculating is exactly what I’m doing. I am plotting out the rest of the year’s races and adventures in a manner that will—I hope—maximize the progress I’ve made this year and leave me in the best possible place at the end of the season, looking forward to the next.

My hurt ankle left me off my feet and in rehab mode for a solid four weeks, meaning some significant changes in my season’s journey—no Vegas, no LA Tri, no Dallas Open. If triathlon is a choose-your-own-adventure book, I felt like I kept ending up at the same place: on the couch, foot elevated and iced, recovering. It’s a frustrating place to be, but athletes know this is part of the athletic experience: an unfortunate part, but a part nonetheless.

Have I simply slacked off these last four weeks, however? Definitely not. In this recovery time, I’ve worked hard on my swim at Tower 26 (especially pull), I’ve participated in the Women’s National Bike Summit, I’ve done quite a bit of outside-of-triathlon consulting work, and I now feel rested and ready as I get back to training. The cloud of physical injury has mental rejuvenation as its silver lining.

It’s at times like this that I am most thankful for having a coach like Matt Dixon of purplepatch Fitness to help me recalculate instead of throwing the GPS out of the car in frustration. Setbacks are a part of life and sport, and while hard to swallow sometimes, they can, if viewed through the right lens, be used as opportunity. I’m really looking forward to the last few races of the year and continuing this journey. Next up: Austin 70.3, unless anyone knows of any good mid-October races I can add to the calendar.

And a by-product of all that time I’ve had to think: I promise one heck of a Halloween costume this year (if I actually dress up).

In the week since Hy-Vee Triathlon, I’ve had a lot of recovery time, which I sometimes think is harder than doing a brutal interval set on the bike during a six-hour training day. What am I to do to pass the time and ward off that awful skin-crawling feeling of the sedentary state and accompanying non-productivity? Write, for one; work, for another; cheer on Grampy racing Master’s Nationals Cycling Championships from afar; maybe try to play guitar (I don’t have a piano); pay bills; plot how to pay my bills; and let’s see…

R.I.C.E. + fluffy down blanket and cute cat. Not mine, but he came over to comfort me nonetheless. I’m not complaining. :)

As I started thinking about it, I decided that maybe it would help to make a list of things that are working, at least for me, as I go through this swollen, sausage foot challenge:

Five Important “Recovery Tips” that I’m trying to remember to actually practice, even when I don’t feel like it (maybe writing it out will help motivate me):

1. R.I.C.E. – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This formula, while sounding simple enough, is actually a lot harder in practice than it sounds. Sitting with one’s foot in an ice bucket = painful; rest = boring; and elevation/compression = immobilizing and frustrating for someone used to being so active. BUT it really does work. My suggestions:

• Find a good movie to watch or book to read while R.I.C.E.ing.
• Have a fluffy down blanket to wrap up in (at least the rest of you can be comfy).
• Do it.

:)

2. Endurance Shield. I don’t know why it took me until day four of my recovery to remember I had this amazing product (Endurance Shield Relief + Repair) that would help relieve some of the pain of the injury itself, but once I did, I had a happier foot. Shameless plug? Maybe. But it’s really working, feels good and added bonus: moisturizing ;).

3. Drink lots of water – obviously. Staying properly hydrated is also easier said than done when it’s so simple to forget that even when you’re just sitting around (and not thirsty), you need that H2O for recovery!

4. Eat right – your body is fighting to restore itself. Though I’m not pushing my athletic limits, I need to do my body a favor and a) not starve myself out of guilt for not working out and b) not fill my body with junk that doesn’t have the nutrients it needs to restore its hurt and healing self. Some suggestions I’ve found helpful from a combination of googling, Mom’s wisdom, my doctor’s advice and other tips and tricks I’ve been hearing:

• Eat fresh, eliminating as much processed food as possible. This includes lots of fruits and veggies–especially the darkly-colored and nutrient-filled ones and clean, simple ingredients that you could find growing or living in nature.
• Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods including wild salmon and walnuts (omega-3’s!), broccoli, onions and garlic, pineapple and papaya, spinach, and spices like turmeric and ginger. I’m not complaining (and love cooking, which works out well).
• Reduce consumption of foods made with wheat flour and sugar, especially bread and most packaged snack foods, choosing instead whole grains like brown rice (while I’m NOT gluten-free, I do think there is something in processed wheat product that can make me feel…puffy.
• Check out a cool resource I found in Dr. Andrew Weil’s website for some useful information about the mechanics of the inflammation process and more inflammation-fighting diet tips.

5. Get a massage. This is often painful, not always fun but certainly beneficial for keeping everything limber and in full on recovery mode.

OK, so that’s the boring (but good) stuff. Some other things I’ve been doing to pass the time:

1. Making some new playlists. Yes, I’ve been listening to the same one for well over a year now. Probably time for an update. Maybe I’ll share it, if I feel like being mocked for my eclectic taste in music (besides heavy metal, nothing is off limits — Johnny Cash + Tiesto with a little Adele thrown in? Maybe…).

2. Reading some good books. Last one was The Alchemist…

3. Finding a new TV series to watch. I still need to finish the last episode of “The League”. Kind of excited about that.

4. Writing, both for work and for play. :)

Apparently this outfit was deemed a little….”weird.” Facing the dilemma of deciding between a cuter shoe with more exposure of the “Oh My Gosh What Is That Thing!” cankle or a “weird” shoe that leaves people staring (especially in LA) for your fashion faux pas. Hmmm…

5. Working – and no, I don’t mean for my triathlon job, but rather my work for a renewable energy company here in Santa Monica. If I can’t produce some watts on the bike, might as well work to bring some watts of clean renewable energy online to support my TV/movie-watching/computer-using needs… :)

6. Swimming – focusing on the things that CAN be worked on is important, both for physical and mental/emotional health.

I realize that in the broader scheme of things, my injury is pretty minuscule and will heal quickly. That reality is comforting and makes me feel a great deal of empathy for those suffering from more serious issues. No matter how minor, injuries have a way of making one feel powerless and, for me at least, lazy. Never am I more acutely aware of how much I want to ride my bike and run than when I can’t.

When something is taken away from you, that’s when you appreciate it the most – a fact that’s true in sport and in life. It helps to focus on the good stuff and not let valuable energy be drained by focusing on those things out of one’s control. This is my opportunity to work on some of my swim weaknesses, do more office work and have more energy to do stuff like go out on a date on a random weeknight. :) Who knows. Everything happens for a reason, and we can only hope that it’s a really good one. ;)