jacqui gordon professional triathlete

Winning the mental game!!!

2012-01-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

Great training day today. 5.30 hours on the bike. 35 minute run and a short swim.

I decided todays long ride would be on the indoor trainer as it had been raining when I woke up and the street was wet and I could hear the winds were howling ! Temps were going to drop every hour making it feel like 30 and below.

The day started like this...

7 bottles of EFS..orange!

My ride went perfectly! I started out nice and comfortable. The beginning pace, hr/watts allowed me to watch a movie.. But after 1.30 hours I turned the TV off and started digging in a little deeper. One by one I ticked off the hours going through my assortment of bottles/bars and gels. My last hour and a half was my strongest and my fitness is really coming along well!!!

A quick stretch... almost became a nap.

I then bundled up for a run outdoors. By this stage it had got freezing and the wind was now blowing 30mph.
As I started running I was very aware of the cold and wind. But I was surprised to catch myself unconsciously thinking about how good I felt because the cold had numbed my sore legs and I was feeling no pain. I also was thinking how good it felt to turn out of the wind. I became aware of my positive attitude which really pumped me up. I started thinking about what a great training day this was and before I knew it I looked down at my watch and I was running 6.50's. Woohoo. One of the highlights was running past the high school and seeing the kids practicing high jump. Brought me back to high school and great memories on the track! The glory days!

I finished up the run strong and went straight to the fire place to warm up.

Days like these are the best! This week my long ride was not effortless like last week ...It was hard, and I dug deep. There is no hiding on the trainer...it's you and your effort. My mantra..right here..right now!!! I definitely at times went into auto pilot...the perfect place where you just ride...no thinking...just getting the work done!

Hope you all have a good training weekend!

Patience and Fitness!

2012-01-07T13:04:00.001-08:00

Earlier this week I read a tweet by ITU athlete Jarrod Shoemaker! "I love how people think there is some magic bullet to be good at triathlon. It's hard work. Freaking damn hard work day in and day out."

This is the truth and I have been putting the work in. Now it hasn't been crazy long hours yet but the key is its been consistent.

After my crash I was anxious to get back to training and a racing schedule because thats what I love to do.
Coach Jesse kept assuring me...give it 12 weeks of consistent training. It seems for every week I took off it would take another week to get back.

People often ask me if I us Ironman triathletes are addicted to exercise. I just love the feeling of being fit. Getting back after time off takes work. Fitness does comes back its just a matter of being patient. (Which I am not) In the last 2 months I have raced a 5km, a half IM and a 5 miler last week. In each I set small goals and I see progress!

This weekend with temperatures in the 50's/60's and the sun pumping out some essential Vit D, endorphins have been at a high. Yesterday's 105 miles on the bike ticked by so effortlessly. Don't get me wrong I had a hard 1hr15 minute interval at the end of the ride and the effort was hard, but my legs felt strong and I went on to run well off the bike and later had a good swim.
Today I headed out for a 13 mile run at the Manasquan reservoir. One of my favorite spots to run as it is a 5 mile trail with a beautiful view. It has up hills and downhills/wind and flats and it never gets old.

I am finally feeling my fitness return. Todays 13 miler ended like yesterdays 100 miler. With good form and stronger at the end than in the beginning. The fitter you get, the faster you can go with good form, and the longer you can hold it. I have still got a long way to go to work on my speed and endurance but I love the feeling this feeling of getting fit.
When training feels smooth and effortless!

Alot of people over the years have asked me how come I love to run so much...that I make it look so easy. I think alot of people never let themselves get to the point where they actually know what fitness feels like. They give up because it is hard. The last 12 weeks have been hard and at times frustrating as Coach Jesse gave me the reality check that I am always frustrated because I am always comparing every training session to my best times. But I think I am always looking for those training days that feel like this weekend.
Where my body feels strong, where I am not just getting through the miles but am able to push them.

So this is a reminder to me to enjoy the process of getting fit...It takes hard work but it is so worth it. I know the weeks are going to get more challenging and I have to keep pushing myself. There will be days that I feel like I can't get through the workout. But I know that that is just the process that will get me to the next level. Looking forward to it!

Closing the door on 2011!

2012-01-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

Where your pleasure is,there is your treasure.
Where there is treasure, there is your heart.
Where your heart is there is your happiness!!

Every year I do a photo video of my best memories from the year. But sadly when I went to do it the video site no longer works! So I began frantically looking for another way to post my best memories!
So Here goes..A year in photos! Wow I was super busy this year. I am so thankful to have the support of my family, my Coach, Rev 3 and all the great Sponsors of 2011.(TYR,First Endurance,Avia ,Recovery Pump, Kestrel) Without them this year would not have been possible. Also to Brielle Cyclery, Jimmy Smith, Dr Gerry Goldberger, and my training buddies! Its been a great year!

January
Train out in New Mexico with the Triathlon Squad

Feb

Travel to Rev 3's Costa Rica. An amazing family trip!~ Too many pictures to choose from!

March
Travel to Boston to meet up with new Coach Jesse Kroplelnicki from Qt2 Systems. Start new training program!

My Birthday race...10 miler win!

April
Race Galveston 70.3 National Championships

Training camp in Florida with QT2 SYSTEMS
Claremont National Training Center

May
St Croix 70.3 7th place

IM TEXAS National Championships...PR race for me. Went 9hr 27min. 8th place

June
Race Rev3 Quassy. Family joined me for some fun!

Girls dress up for NYC fun!

July
Race IM Lake Placid 5th place

August

Race Steelhead OH 6th place

Crashed training a week later :-(

Sept

Lots of PT and good family time!

October
Announced at a few races...good as kept me in the loop!

November

Start back a light training schedule!
5 km race...Felt great to be back racing! 1st place!

December

Travel to Thailand with Sydney to visit with my family and to race Asia Pacific Championships 70.3!

5 mile race to end off the year! 3rd place
Happy New Year! Looking forward to a great 2012!

Back from Thailand with a Phuket 70.3 Race Report

2011-12-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

I just got back from the most wonderful trip! I got to spend 2 1/2 weeks with my daughter in beautiful Thailand and the bonus was I also got to do my first race of the season.

I proposed the race to Coach Jesse a week or two into our training. He was very apprehensive but I assured him that I would not let the result effect me in way. I was going there merely to get a boost in my fitness, see my sister and to get the feeling of a race under my belt. There would only be good things that would come from this trip.

I had not seen my sister in 3 years and I miss her and her family so much so I just had to go! My sister has been traveling around Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia on a boat for the last year and a half. They were going to be in Phuket the same time as my race so I just had to go there to see them.

So Sydney and I packed our bags ready for an adventure...which it sure was!

It was a 16 hour flight to Hong Kong, a short over night stay and then a 3.5 hour flight to Phuket . Not to forget the 12 hour time difference! We had made it to the other side of the world, minus alot of sleep which always comes back to get you around day 4 or 5.

Noodles for breakfast..Whatt???

Sydney getting a jump start on schoolwork on the plane!

My sister and her 2 amazing boys were there to greet us and take us to our new home. Their 54 foot catamaran Micah would be our new hotel for a few weeks!

Sydney took straight to boat life, loving every minute of each new experience and I went off discovering the island on my bike.

One of the selling factors in going to Phuket was Thayanpura, a beautiful new sports facility that is nestled off a busy road and has one of the best 50 meter pools I have swam in , a brand new track and a organic resturant serving the most amazing food right on the property. They also have a mind centre, yoga retreat and a hostel and soon to be athlete hotel coming.

Every morning my sisters husband Brent ( who is a world champion open water lifeguard) and I would head to the pool and get my workouts done. I was so happy to have him to train with and I think he was happy to be getting back to a routine of swimming.

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon was to take place the week before the 70.3 so alot of my rides were done on the marked course. I was amazed and shocked at how many steep hills are in Phuket. The first day I rode the course I came back all nervous as I could not believe that I had to race such a tough course on 12 weeks post crashing on a downhill. These hills were no joke at a 21% grade...22% descents...SCARY! Probably the steepest I have ever rode my bike on! I could not believe I had signed up for this! Was I crazy???

Our days leading up to the Asia Pacific 70.3 Champs were full of all fun things.
Once we left the marina and started sailing around the island we were doing stunning ocean swimming!
The kids would get some home schooling in...then off to different beaches we would go. We would all pile in the rubber duck, bike included and we would go flying straight onto the beach..very impressive! I would then go off and get my bike or run done. Most of the time I had no idea where I was going but I loved it. Always new things to see and it gave me a way to really see the whole island.

As the race grew closer the reality was setting in that soon I was to do my first race in 4 months and I was not feeling very fit.
Phuket hosts a great week of triathlon starting with the Laguna Phuket on a Sunday, then an ocean mile swim on the race course, a kids race, plenty of talks and events at Thayanpura and ending in the Asia Pacific Champs and by the looks of it one crazy awards party!

I was so excited as my nephews decided they wanted to participate in the kids triathlon. What a well run fun event and I was so proud of them to just jump in to this event with no training and with such eagerness. I loved being there to support them and it was definitely a highlight of my trip!

Next up Brent got to do the ocean swim race...I was really proud of him too as he was not super fit but he stilled pulled out an impressive 7th place finish!

Lastly it was my turn. After the kids asking me a million times if I was going to win and me saying no...I just wanted to finish. My day had come.

This race was one of the most challenging course I have ever raced on...(very similar to St Croix actually)

The swim would be a 2 part swim...1st section would be in the crystal blue waters of Laguna beach, then a beach run over a hill and then into a very warm lagoon for the remaining 600m.
My sister and the fam came out on the rubber duck to see me start and took these cool shots!

Sydney waiting for it to get light for the start of the race!

I was happy with my effort on the swim coming out under 30 min...not bad for me after only a few weeks of real swimming. My surgeon had only given me the go ahead to do full pulling strokes 2-3 weeks prior. So with a big smile on my face I headed onto the bike.

Now I knew this was going to be challenging....no way around it! Coach Jesse had given me very doable watts to ride and I started out on plan. Although a few minutes into it Natasha Badman came flying by so fast that I really had to rethink my plan. But I decided to stick to the plan and just ride conservatively (pretty much IM pace!) One by one age grouper guys would fly by me as the first 20 km is flat and fast. Then you hit another crazy part of the course. A ramp up to a bridge that crosses over a highway. You have to dismount and run your bike up the zigzag ramp across the bridge and then mount again. You hit this part of the course 2x. Shortly after come the hills. Yes the first one I hit I passed a pro girl walking...I took turns out of my saddle/and in saddle riding up all of them. Unfortunately it was at this point that the rain started coming down. Monsoon rain and the roads became rivers where you could not see if there was a pothole under the water or not. I was clearly rethinking my race. I was slowly passing big guys walking along the road. I had said if it rained I was going to DNF as I was clearly still a little traumatized from my downhill crash. I basically just continueed on my ride making it a slow trainer ride. My watts fell to Zone R (recovery watts)

I prayed alot and once I hit the last section of hills and saw a few bodies lying on the ground all scraped up I was assured that I was making the right decision by going slow. All week I had seen triathletes that were bandaged up from taking the downhill turns to fast. There was a 12mph speed limit on the downhills for a reason.

One hill at a time and I made it to the end. At this point I knew I was out of top eight contention so I just decided to finish the run and try stick to the run plan Coach Jesse had given me. The course was thankfully flat but most of it was on a golf course, along trails and it had plenty of muddy sections. The sun at this point was trying to squeeze out so the humidity and heat was at am all time add adding to the challenge. I really enjoyed the 2 loop run and was so happy to see Sydney, and my sister Sharyn and her family cheering me on!

I was so HAPPY to be done as I ran through the finish line with the biggest smile on my face. I had conquered the hills and my fear of crashing again and I was so thrilled to have had the endurance after 8 weeks of training to get me through this tough course!

Sadly Sydney and I only had three more days post race to absorb it all and really relax!!!

Thailand and Phuket in particular is a friendly place with very few rules. People wizz around the island with whole families on their scooters. Babies and small children clutching on with no fear with no helmets. Sometimes they ride on the wrong side of the rode onto on coming traffic....The roads are lined with endless telephone wires and the smell of food cooking is everywhere. People turn there homes into outdoor shops/cafes selling grilled chicken, fried rice, curry, pancakes, fruits, smoothies or anything you can think of! The shanty like buildings are interspersed with brightly colored monuments and temples. Dragons and elephants are always in the paintings. Elephants are seen everywhere....on the beach, going for walks at restaurants. They are like celebrity's posing for photos everywhere. Sydney and I of course got to ride an elephant. Food is cheap and Thai massages go for about $10 everywhere. I got one on the beach that was amazing and one post race that was heavenly! The beaches are calm and I treasure our dinners on the beach under the moonlight. I overdosed on Thai green chicken curry and Sydney ate enough noodles and fried rice to last a year! Common sitings while biking around the island were packs of stray dogs scampering around. I was always afraid they would chase me but came to realize they just don't. Cattle could be crossing at any time, barefoot children wave as you ride by, every morning and evening you can hear prayer and loud music playing over loud speakers. Tourism is plentiful especially in the town of Patong. A busy red light district where lady boys are seen everywhere and bootlegging and rip off products line every store.

The kids lighting a lantern and making a wish! Priceless!

Sunset was my favorite time to be in Phuket on the beach with the occasional sundowner, watching the wish lanterns rising and fireworks go off!

I am so thankful to my sister and brother in law that made sure I got all my workouts in (well most of them ) and supported me everyway they could. I had the best time with Cody, Caden and Cally my sisters beautiful energetic sweet children. I love them dearly and loved seeing the bond Sydney formed with them!
I am so happy I made the decision to go race!

Patong!

Last sunset!

First Block of training!

2011-10-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that my first block of training back with Coach Jesse Kropelnicki of QT2 Systems is almost over.
I have made HUGE progress from where I was a month ago. This week I feel like I have made the jump from recovery to training. I have been testing the body and seeing how my injuries hold up.
I am still in Physical Therapy 3 x a week and working on a solid winter strengthening plan. I am still being treated for discomfort and weakness in my shoulder,scapula and tricep ,hip bursitis and knee chondromalacia.
So all is not perfect yet but I am 1000 times better than I was 10 weeks ago!

My big news for the week was that I got to see my Orthopedic surgeon Dr Gerry Goldberger and he took a good look at my new xrays of my clavicle. Then with a BIG smile on his face he said that my bone is 100% healed. It was hard for me to look past the big metal plate and screws but I could see how the fragments have joined together and the bone is becoming whiter. Once again I am so grateful to have had a friend and fellow triathlete to work on me and guide me through this process!

So moving on..I have been doing endless drill work in the pool getting my swimming stroke back and I am SO ready to start real swimming again. But I was told that I have to keep my volume down and my speed at 80% for two more weeks as my rotator cuffs and scapula are still weak.

My biking has been progressing every session and i am getting some power back. We have had some pretty decent weather in NJ so I have got a few good outdoor rides. Although this weekend I am bound to the trainer with the threats of a crazy rain/snow storm.

Running has developed from the Alter G to the grass..from the grass to the treadmill and I am now up to a one hour run on the road. Its developed from a shuffle to a jog to a run.

So all in all I am feeling very good.

I will be posting my schedule soon for my first few races. The first one is up in the air as I probably wont be ready...It is a very ambitious plan but Coach Jesse and I will decide in 2 weeks if I will be ready. It will be strictly a fun race intended just to get my feet wet again. My next race will be one I have always wanted to do...and I am very excited at the possibility of going there. The third one I have done before and I am so looking forward to going back there. The fourth one is one of my favorites and is a race that means a lot to me!!! So an exciting schedule planned! Lots of fun for 2012!

My focus continues to lower my body fat and build back muscle and make sure I am hydrating and fueling perfectly pre,during and post workouts.
Today for my four hour indoor trainer ride I drank 5 bottle 1000 calories of First Endurances EFS and 400 cals EFS Liquid shot. I also ate a bar which gave me an extra 200 cals for a total of 1600 cals. After I recovered with 2 large scoops of Ultragen, and an hour after that had a packed with antioxidant spinach and mandarin orange salad, a portobella mushroom burger sandwich and a bowl of squash....
After I sat in my Recovery boots for an hour. A perfect training session!

Happy Fall!

Quick Update!!!

2011-09-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Well I survived 6 weeks of no training and I am happy to say I am still smiling....

I had my follow up appointment with Dr Goldberger from Advanced Orthopedics in Freehold NJ this week! It was six weeks Sat since my crash!

The X Rays showed that my clavicle looks like it is healing well and soon I will be able to do some weight bearing on it but for now still loading up on lots of PT with tons of strengthening/ROM exercises!!! So for another 2 weeks I will do more of the same boring stuff....but I do see progress every day!!! I am doing really great with my recovery and am really happy with how things are going!

I have being going back more to Coach Jesse's QT2 Systems "Core Diet" which I really like! For more info on it go to www.corediet.com . Although I have been indulging in sweets( icecream/carrot cake/chocolate...whatever my heart desires!!!) pretty much everyday for 6 weeks I feel like I have managed not to put on too much weight as I am eating alot of good nutritious foods all day! Keeping my metabolism burning and healing my injuries at the same time! Although I have lost ALOT of muscle mass and have definitely put on some extra body fat! Not always a bad thing in the winter!

I make sure I am getting an ample supply of fruits and vegetables everday! These are healing foods with all the vitamins and antioxidants!

Sydney and I made an amazing granola filled with coconut,and walnuts, pumpkins seeds and cranberries. Delicious with milk , yogurt or alone!

It has been great to get back into the pool and my stroke is coming along nicely. Week 4 was strictly one arm swimming a few times a week but this last week I managed to work my way through a full range of motion. It was quite painful as my back is very weak and I have a bunch of scar tissue in my shoulder and scapula and tricep/biceps. But the feeling of swimming far out weighs the pain. Dr Goldberger told me to pull it back a touch and make sure I still keep with a modified stroke for the next 10 days. So no trying to push it.
Its been frustrating but my doctor assures me that I need to take the time to recover as the clavicle break was really a bad one and we need to ensure it heals 100%.

I have done a few easy rides on the trainer...Definitely time to pick it up a notch. My beautiful Kestrel has two big cracks in the top tube so this bike will become my permanent trainer bike! Dr G gave me the green light to go in my aero bars and ride a little longer. So time to get back to work! No riding on the road for a few more weeks though and I am ok with that!

I also was very excited to run on the Alter G on Thursday! Now this has definitely been my highlight for the week. The Alter G is an amazing piece of equipment developed by NASA and it enables you to run at a percentage of your body weight. The zero Gravity enables you to dial in exactly how much pounding you can handle. I am so excited to have found one of these at Overlook Hospital in Summit NJ. So twice a week I will be driving the hour to get a little no impact running in!

We recently headed to NYC and seeing I can't wear heels very well I was walking around in my sons sneakers prior to leaving the house...he snapped a picture of me as I looked like such a goofball!

Lastly I had a great weekend announcing at two local races. Saturday was the kids race and I just loved this event. I am always training or racing so it felt great to go and meet the kids and cheer them on! The kids were so excited and there energy was so good for me too. It really got me pumped up, announcing and being in that race atmosphere. Love it!!! Getting excited to train again!!!!!

"There's no elevator...you have to take the steps!!!"

2011-09-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well in two days it will be four weeks post crash and I figured it was time for an update on the great progress I have been making since my crash.

I am into a good routine of Physical Therapy 3 days a week, which seems to take ALL day and two days of modified cardio and PT exercises on my own. The weekends I have been taking completely off from working out and just enjoying the family time.

Love my beautiful kids!

I am so fortunate to have a great therapist close by who knows my body from working on me over the last 10 years.
Jimmy Smith from Crest PT has had the job of going step by step through each injury and the corresponding muscle groups to get them firing and back running in the way they should be. As I landed hard on my left side of my body, over the four weeks I think just about every muscle on that side has chosen a time to rebel against the process.
I am happy to report I have graduated from Week 1and 2's bed rest, week 2's walking slowly with a crutch, to week 3 where I have ditched the crutch and now finally the sling ...(unless I am in crowded situations like back to school night that without it I know 50 people would have hugged and patted me on my shoulder.)
So now, as my daughter likes to tell me I look "perfect" and am feeling alot more like myself!

I have learned from these set backs that us endurance athletes, just love to move. People keep telling me to relax and enjoy the break and recover. But I like to move around....I like to have goals..things to aim for. Recovering is my new goal...

Things you learn from an injury/surgery.

1.Your attitude and being POSITIVE goes a LONG WAY!!!
2.Narcotics REALLY mess you up...but thankfully they do help you through the pain!
3.Cutting apples with one hand is very dangerous. Almost lost a few fingers..
4. Tying laces with one hand...impossible. Bra's are equally a pain to put on...
5. Driving with one arm and one leg is not bad...just don't try drink your coffee or answer a call!
6.Opening a bottle with one hand....mmmm Very hard...need to hold it between knees...
7.If you do it enough you can write just as well with your right hand as your left...although Im a lefty with awful handwriting.
8.Sneezing with broken bones really hurts!
9.Shaving under your arm pit with a broken clavicle is a big pain!
10. SUV's are great until you have an injury then they are way to high off the ground.
11.There is so much junk on TV...I think I watched every silly reality show....Millionaire Matchmaker, Teen Parents,Hoarders,Kardashians.....thank goodness I was on narcotics while watching these. I would find myself laughing loudly then thinking how pathetic I was that I was so easily amused.
12.Friends are really great....People really go out of their way to help.
13. Your brain is very powerful...it can convince you that your body needs icecream everyday because it needs the calcium.
14. Things that might be good to try if your bones are broken..."Bone up"..a combo of Calcium 1000mg/magnesium500 mg, Vit D 1000IU. Symphytum officinale Biorin..., glutamine in large amounts.
15, If you have a scar...I am using Quantum Derma made of Olive oil,Aloe V, Beeswax, and Vit E.
16.For inflammation...Take your Omega's and eat lots of healthy fruits and veggies. I also am using Arnica!
17. Tying your hair in a pony impossible with one arm...but a side braid works perfectly!
18.Chocolate and a glass of wine...Allowed anytime!!!!
19.Cards, flowers,gifts, kind messages, dinners brought over by friends, all make you feel so good!
20.I repeat...Your attitude and being POSITIVE goes a LONG WAY!!!

Enjoying the down time!!

I think I have handled my crash really well and am so excited to be about 2-3 weeks away from starting a modified training program. I will be at 6-7 weeks post crash...

I met with the great Dr Gerry Goldberger yesterday. I am so impressed with Advanced Orthopedics in Freehold NJ. This is the most well run business I have ever been to. EVERYBODY is so nice and the process is always so organized. Dr Goldberger is a triathlete himself so he really understands the Type A personalities and the need for speedy recoveries.

I cant say enough nice things about him! Well yesterday he had to check on my knee that had been bothering me. There was alot of concern from PT that they may have been damage to my ACL/PCL but he assured me after a series of tests that were reconfirmed by one of his partners that my knee is solid and just needs time to heal from the direct hit! I was relieved as the thought of another surgery was really getting me nervous!
We took a look at my XRays of my hip and clavicle and both seem to be healing well! I cannot believe what an amazing job he did with my incision....It is so neat and thin that my massage therapists had to turn the lights on really bright to see it!!!
HAPPY!
Thanks Gerry!!!! You ARE the best!!!!

So as of this week I am up to biking on the stationary bike 30-60 minutes 3-4x a week. I am also water running 30 - 60 minutes 3-4 x a week. Today I tried a 30 min swim with one arm and kicking with fins. I was pleasantly surprised that the hips and knee felt ok...just the ankle bothered me. So as of next week I can start a modified swim stroke with a gentle pull through.
I still am very weak on my left arm and cannot lift it up on its own at all. I also do not have full ROM yet so
I have lots of work to do this week.

So a lot going on....I am really happy with the progress I have been making and as always thank you all for your thoughts, messages and prayers!

Been loving watching the kids shine!!!
Tanner testing for their second degree black belt and Sydney testing for her red/black belt.

Learning a thing or two about toughness from my son Tanner..running for a 75 yard touch down here. He's amazing on the football field!!!

Born with an Iron Chin...

2011-08-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

Iron Chin
The ability to absorb punches when you get hit with a big shot and stay standing.
To remain on your feet despite seeing black flashing lights, blurred, double or triple vision and feeling a buzz that goes all the way to your toes.
Some say you are either born with a good chin or not. Other says it's a mental toughness that when your brain tells you to go down to the canvas you will yourself to stay on your feet.

The last twelve days I feel like I have taken a beating. From my crash on August 20th...that knocked me out cold! Leaving me with a broken clavicle and blurry vision.
With that came the harsh reality of my sudden end to my season and not been able to race IM Canada and therefore missing Kona . So much disappointment came with it but I accepted it and am moving forward.

As I came out of the blur of morphine and percocet I realized I could not walk. Once again an uppercut to the belly! From independent to bound to my bed...each step acute pain. With huge amounts of swelling, bursitis of the knee and a swollen ankle I assumed that was the culprit. But after 9 days of no walking Dr Goldberger from Advanced Orthopedics suggested I get a MRI of the hip.

On day 9 we made a painful trip with a mandatory evacuatiion my house to higher grounds to escape the potential flooding from Hurricane Irene!
Things were looking up as our house survived unscathed....Very thankful about that!!! Because I had visions of trying to clean up a flooded house...

Today I got to have my follow up appointment with Dr Goldberger to see how my clavicle was healing and he dropped the bomb that I had indeed fractured my pelvis.
Thankfully its a non weight bearing fracture but there will be no pounding for a few months!

As if that wasn't enough I have a nice tear to the groin....so I have my work cut out for me!!

Now that I think I have no more surprises coming....I am ready to get my healing going full force!
Dr G pulled out his knife today to cut away my sutures. After he saw me whimpering he opted for the much gentler looking scissors. He did a beautiful job of my surgery...

The plate looks like its holding strong although a small fragment escaped but he assures me it will find it's way back to the mother bone!

Next up I hit PT where dear friend Jimmy Smith welcomed me with a lesson in anatomy and added some exercises to my routine of swinging my arm in small circles. a movement that is so small but very painful.

Lastly I stopped at Active Release Therapy where Dr Liz Perez gave me a much needed hug and worked on my aches and pains.

So here begins the recovery process but I have no doubt that I will be back stronger as you all keep telling me!!! I will get back into the ring as soon as I can...Can't wait for 2012!

One pot hole..one sweaty hand and so ended my season...

2011-08-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that my season is over....I have put so much energy, commitment and hard work into this year and deciding to try qualify for Hawaii.

After Steelhead I had picked friend Pedro Gomes up and we returned back to NJ where I would spend the next few days deciding what my next step in racing would be.
With being so close to qualifying for Kona all season...although I was iin the Top 30...it seemed like all the girls were going to make the push and race another IM to secure or try get the last remaining spots.
I knew if I did not race I would either be the last girl to qualify or I would just miss it.
So Coach Jesse Kropelnicki and I agreed that I would race IM Canada.
So I went back into a 30 hour training week. This was going to be one quick build and taper.
It was great having Pedro here and I got through the week and was on my last big ride. I had done a 6 hour ride the day before and decided to head up the coast for a 4 hour steady ride.
I was definitely running on empty when we hit the Atlantic Highlands Hills. We had done the hills and were almost about to head home. I turned a corner headed down a steep hill and hit a pothole...my hand slipped off the bar as it was so humid and I had not worn gloves. I was going fast and fishtailing. I tried so hard to stay up but I hit hard and blacked out! From this point I don't remember anything until I was in the ambulance.
Apparently I fell and kept rolling down the hill and landed in a nice ditch of water. My beautiful Kestrel cracked in a few places showed just how hard my body hit the ground.

I knew my shoulder/collarbone was broken ...I was in severe pain which the guys at the trauma ward never really care about because they have seen so much worse. In seconds my clothes were cut off and the morphine was flowing and my reality was setting in. I don't remember them doing a cat scan or x rays but soon they reported that I had broken my clavicle. By that point Hank and the kids were there and the position I was in was feeling way to familiar....I had been in a similar crash two years ago.

I immediately called friend and orthopedic surgeon extraordinaire Dr Goldberger from Advanced Orthopedics in Freehold who kindly came over to see me... I am so thankful to him for immediately putting me at ease. He looked at my x-rays and gave me the options. Surgery for me was going to be the best option.

We planned on surgery Mon which meant a two day wait. This gave me time to realize how the rest of my body was doing. I was very thankful to have no other breaks....
I had X-Rays done on my knee/hip and hand....not sure if they did my ankle but the whole left side of my body was a big swollen mess of abrasions.

I got to go home for a night before heading to Centra State hospital for surgery. Surgery was a blur of anasthesia and then the next week has been a blur of discomfort and pain!
It is very hard to go from athlete with 20-30 hour training weeks to being totally immobile dealing with the reality that my season is officially over. There is a deep sadness that comes when you cannot do what you love to do, but you have to remain positive and see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I am so thankful to all those who reached out to help....To Dr Goldberger who went above and beyond in his surgery, nurse and friend Liz Donahue who answered my endless questions, all the beautiful flowers, the dinner friends brought over. My husband and kids who have been at my beck and call and who have seen me through some very frustrating painful moments.

So happy to be off the Percocet and on the upswing!!

Also thanks to my Trakkers teammates for all yout good wishes and cards, and to all of you the reached out to me. Us athletes all know how devastating crashes can be....

Steelhead 70.3/Duathlon

2011-08-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

St Joseph is a quaint little shore town on the banks of Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan never ceases to amaze me. At 307 miles in length and 118 miles wide it looks and acts like an ocean.
My first few days there I enjoyed calm waters but that was all about to change race day!

The day before the race I made my way down to the pro meeting where we were informed that despite the deceiving blue skies a storm was headed our way and the once quiet waters of Lake Michigan were about to become narly 3-5 foot swells, a mosh pit of angry whitecaps and that our 70.3 was probably going to become a duathlon. We then went on to vote in what order we would like to start out TT race on the bike. The vote was unanimous that the highest numbers would go first. I knew immediately that this was not going to work in my favor as those registered last would start at the front and the fastest girls would all start last. I was going to be starting in the front and I would have no idea where anybody was in the race until the end. It was going to be a cat and mouse game and I was the mouse…

Race morning ...

We all sat around the start for what seemed like a long time…over 2 hours to be exact. There was a lot of friendly bantering going on and a fairly cheerful atmosphere. The wind was howling and the skies threatening to rain and I was happy they made the decision to cancel the swim. All of us pro's can swim in rough water if we have to...but the added anxiety of not being able to site and swallowing tons of water every tome you try raise your head to breathe is never fun!

So we just sat and waited....We were not allowed to take our bikes out so we would be starting the race cold with no warmup.

At 7.15 the guys lined up and started there 30 second take offs….I would be the second women to start. 3,2,1 and I was off…legs felt a lot better than I thought they would..actually better than after a swim. I was surprisingly warm despite being freezing for 2 hours waiting in the wind. My legs were cooperating and the watts Coach Jesse and I had spoken about were coming fairly easy….Always a good sign.
I was quickly passed by the third place girl and decided to pick up my watts and stay with her. I was now working a little harder than I would normally and was enjoying having someone to ride with. With the lead cyclists in front of us it was easy to believe that we were really in the lead group…sadly this was deceiving as the Heather Jacksons and Melissa Rollinson were working there way up through the 22 pro girls that were ahead of them.
By the half way mark I was feeling the harder effort especially two weeks post Ironman Lake Placid so I made the decision to ride on my own at the pace I knew I could handle on that day. Nobody was in sight either in front or behind me and that is the way the bike would stay for the next 90 minutes. When you are on your own you have to stay present and focused 100% otherwise the time slips by and you can easily lose valuable minutes. I think i did a good job at this yesterday and kept the focus and was happy that by the time I headed into T2 my power would be a little above where I needed to be. Therefore I was on track and with a 2.24 bike one of my fastest 70.3 splits and my highest power numbers I had pushed.

T2 was a long run and then I was happy to head out onto the run course feeling pretty good. The first mile is a long slight uphill and I reminded myself not to panic as my mile time was slow. Sadly I could n't seem to push my heart rate up where it needed to be either….I was worried I might have put out too much on the bike.
By mile 2 Heather and then Mellisa came flying by me. I could not believe that they had caught me so soon. I started doing the maths and panicking a little. I had lost ten minutes to them. I assumed all the rest of the girls were right behind them too. I tried to stay positive but the added stress just worked on my stomach and I then spent the next 2 miles battling the need to hit a portojohn with none in sight. That too puts further stress on me and my focus is no longer on running and pushing the pace but on a search for an emergency stop. I finally could not hold it in anymore and darted for some bushes. My timing was impeccable as all the guys started to run by me at that time which made me laugh and the go find a deeper section into the woods. Now I was losing some serious time….

Here is where I fall short in races….I definitely spend way to much time thinking instead of just focusing on the task at hand which is run faster. Jessica Jacobs had now made her way past me and I was feeling quite distraught. My only saving grace was then seeing a few girls that were still a couple miles behind me which pumped me up and with a stomach that was now feeling a little better I started to work on refocusing and pushing the last 6 miles. My miles were looking significantly better and by the last three miles I was really able to push hard and finish strong. I was happy to negative split the marathon and bike.
I definitely think the lack of speedwork since IMLP played a big part in me not being able to make the adjustment to push hard in the beginning. Racing is such a mindset and I will continue to work on staying present!!!

Coming in to the finish I was told I was 4th and had to wait for a drug test. I was pleasantly surprised to be 4th and happy to see them drug testing girls. Later I found out that two girls that started near the back were indeed 50 seconds ahead of me which moved me to 6th place. Ahhh my immediate thought was that was a $1000 dollar bathroom stop…Ouch that hurt!!!!

I really need to figure out my stomach issues one day….

So all in all I was really happy with the effort 3 weeks after IMLP. I had been feeling really fatigued a couple days before so it was nice to be able to race and have my times be right there with my best half Ironman paces so soon after Ironman.

Next up IM Canada!

Wow! What a hectic 2 weeks!

2011-08-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well I can't believe it is only 2 weeks since Ironman Lake Placid.
I was lucky enough not to feel too bad after the race, as I knew I was going to get right back into a training as I need another race or two under my belt this August. I got a day or two of rest, a few lighter days and then I went back to a full training schedule. Last week I had 26 hours of training, with a long ride and a couple 10-13 mile runs and some good strength work.

It's been an interesting week, as after some heavier training and little rest I started to feel a bit beat up. I was such a big baby a few days ago and was whining and a bit cranky!!! Sometimes I really just need to think less and just do the work!!

Life with kids does not stop if you are tired or training a lot.
The kids have their own busy schedules with drama, singing,piano,football, summer baseball,field hockey, soccer camps and of course fun beach days...Last week we had friends stay over, friends came to visit us from out of town, and we had a fun night in the city ...
I too had to my daughters 9th birthday party and a fun day at a water park.....so it's been a hectic two weeks.

So now this week I shall continue to train and then I head out to Michigan on Thursday for Steelhead 70.3.
Looks like there will be a large group of pro women racing so it should be a fun race!!!

Overcoming Adversity.....Ironman Lake Placid Race Report!

2011-07-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Ironman distance race is in my opinion is a mixture of your current fitness and your mental strength...

Going into this race I felt like I was more prepared than ever in both of these aspects. This allowed me to go into race week feeling confident and ready!

My build up into Lake Placid had gone really well and the weeks before I had played over different scenarios of things that might happen while racing that would throw me off and how to address them.

I was excited and genuinely so pumped to race and was really enjoying all the well wishes and support I was getting from all of you!!! There is no better feeling when you feel ready and in control and know you have the ability to perform well!

I love Lake Placid, I know every part of the course, and how I knew how I wanted to race it!

The night before the race I went to bed and like a few Ironman before, I had a 100% sleepless night. Unfortunately this you cannot control. I guess my nerves were kicking in... So I rolled out of bed at 3.20 am and started my usual am prerace routine.
My breakfast however was not going down well...I was feeling very nauseous .I continued to get ready but by the time I was about to leave I had thrown up twice. My husband reaction was one of quietness for fear of saying the wrong thing...Normally if you wake up not feeling good and having no sleep you can just get back into bed....I had to go RACE!!! Not only finish but really PERFORM!! MY self imposed pressure to do well was now playing on my mind!

So with out any nutrition in my stomach I headed out....I was now going through the motions and trying to stay positive. This was a situation that I had not rehearsed in my head...The worst case scenarios only are meant to happen while you are racing.
I tried to sip on my trusty EFS sports drink and eat a power bar but that was making me feel more queazy!

Once in transition I got all my gear ready. They had made the call for no wetsuits which I did not mind as the water was pretty warm (around 77 degree's) and I headed down to the beach with my TYR speed suit in hand! I was early and I sat on a bench just trying to regroup. Ironman is such a long day that I knew that this feeling of nausea HAD to pass!!! I reminded myself to just stay positive!!

This picture I have a very anxious look on my face which depicted exactly how I was feeling going into the water!

6.50 The swim start of an Ironman is always so daunting...(even after 19/20 Ironman). The pro's, would have a ten minute head start on the age groupers. I did a few quick warmups sprints in the water and calmly lined up on the front of the start line.

Here's a photo of the pro start!

Ten minutes later the age group start...a mass of 2500 people!

The start consisted of the usual getting hit a few times in the head but all in all it was quite manageable and I quickly found someone's feet to swim on. Just before the first turn around buoy I swam right into one of the giant buoys and my goggle quickly filled with water. I swam until I could no longer see a thing and then stopped to re-adjust them, thus losing the feet of the couple girls I was with.
Luckily I found the the feet of 2 pro guys that were on my feet. They pulled me back to the girls so I was happy about that. Coming into the beach I missed my 1st loop time as I was so focused on staying with the group! So I had no idea where I was time wise.

Running up the beach!

My heart rate is always the highest in the race right here!

On the second loop, I settled into a comfortable pace and stopped siteing as we were swimming right on the lane line and I was getting some nice bubbles and pull off of this guys feet.
But at the last turn around I looked up and noticed that we had been dropped from the girls ahead. I knew the pace felt too easy and I charged ahead. Just in time to start hitting and weaving through all the slowest age groupers.

I came out of the water in 1.01..a minute off my IMTX no wetsuit swim....but not to bothered by it...as the effort was significantly easier which would ultimately help my bike! The crowd cheering on the run to the change tents is always an amazing feeling...a blur of people yelling your name and me wandering who it was!!!

I blasted through the change tents and once on the bike quickly caught up quickly to two of the girls that were ahead of me on the swim. Once on the bike I settled in to the power and watts that I was ready to ride at . I pushed the downhills hard...but noticed early on into the ride that my stomach still was not feeling good. My nutrition was not going down well and my stomach was getting really bloated.

Here's where "Rookie Mistake" number 1 happened...I always tell people...don't try anything new race week" Well what did I do...I broke that rule. I was so excited to try my new Torhan's Aero Hydration System out that they had specially sent me for IMLP that I set it up the day before the race and did a quick check on the set up! I had filled the bottle up and had noticed the straw was way to long and had snipped it twice to the perfect height. Little did I know that due to the yellow gauze that I had placed in the bottle, that did not belong there,I failed to push the straw all the way to the bottom. Hence now that I was on my bike in the middle of an important race, with an upset stomach. I further was distressing it by sipping up huge mouthfuls of air and just not reaching my sports drink! Big problem!!! So I had to rely on my single bottle in the down tube and had to make sure I slowed down at all the aid stations and got a drink for fear of running low on fluid!

Despite the distractions,I kept pushing the pace...and was riding where I had to be heart rate wise..but my legs were not feeling super and I was definitely distracted by moments where I was using me throwing up as an excuse for the way my legs were feeling. All in all my power levels dropped slightly throughout the ride making me lose some valuable time. Coach Jesse definitely thinks the lack of fueling before my race played a huge part in the way my bike went down.
I love the Placid bike course...and I really enjoyed all the crowd support and enthusiasm going through town.

When I rolled into T2 with a 5.30 bike split I knew I was already 10-15 minutes off where I wanted to be in the race.
But I am always happy to get off my bike and to start the run...especially not having any mechanical issues!

I saw Coach Jesse on the run and he assured me to hang in there and that I would start to feel better! I started the run with that in mind. But by mile 2 I was already having stomach distress and lost time at the porto potty. I actually felt much better and continued on my way all focused again. My pace dropped and I was running well....and feeling good... but by the time I hit the 8/9 mile mark I had to stop again. I had to keep pushing to bring my pace back to where I wanted it to be. By mile 11 I was still on pace but was feeling the lack of energy.

On the second loop when I passed Coach Jesse and all the QT2 guys I was pushing knowing that I had to pick things up if I was going to catch any of the girls in front of me. With all the great support through town it's so much easier but as you leave town and are left alone with your thoughts I tried over and over to regroup and refocus. I managed to catch friend and pro Suzanne Zelazo who had had a great race but who was battling on the run which now put me in 5th spot.
At the turn around I tried to time how far behind I was to fourth. I was 8- 9 minutes and I knew that it was not gong to be easy unless she totally fell apart.

Unfortunately my pace had now slowed to 8 minute miles and then a few slow miles heading into town. I knew I was not going to catch 4th so I basically cruised the last two miles to the finish! BTW those last two miles are the LONGEST ever!!!!

The finish is always great running through the Olympic Speedskating Oval!

It was a challenging mental and physical day....but thats Ironman for you! They are never easy!!!!! I really enjoyed the crowds and wish I felt better.

So another 5th place finish at IMLP in a 10.07...still a minute PR on that course. So lots to be happy about!!
Congrats goes to Heather Wurtele who had one incredible day!!

Big thanks to my fam who were there to cheer me on and all the support out on the course!!!! Also to Coach Jesse Kropelnicki from QT2 Systems who got me ready to race and was there to answer my hundred questions!

This race earned me another 1200 points on the KPR, the new professional points system that decides who races the Hawaii World Championships this year. So I am back to my 30th spot. I was hoping my Lake Placid race might give me enough points to make the Top 25 cutoff at the end of the month but unfortunately I will now have to choose another race or two to gather more points if I have any chance of qualifying.
So no rest for me...back to work!!!

Thanks always goes out to my sponsors Rev3/Trakkers...First Endurance, Kestrel, TYR, Avia, Oakley and Torhans Aero Systems.

Xtri posts a nice interview today ...On the Podium with Jacqui Gordon

2011-07-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Nice article posted on Xtri.com this am...

ON THE PODIUM WITH JACQUI GORDON
by Mary Eggers

Photo Credit: Eric Wynn

Professional triathlete Jacqui Gordon is in an interesting spot as she heads into this week's Ironman Lake Placid. She's just outside the top thirty in the Kona Pro rankings (currently around #40) with an Ironman on tap and some outstanding performances under her belt. At age 38 and recently under the guidance of Jesse Kropelnicki of Qt2 Systems, it seems like 2011 is the year it's all coming together for this wife and mother of two.

Gordon is no stranger to the professional scene, having turned professional in 2005, hitting multiple top five 70.3 and Ironman performances. Athletics however have always been part of her life. "In 1999 I wanted to do something epic for my birthday. So I talked my husband into driving to a local ski resort to race in a ski/mountain bike/trail run event. It was my first multi sport event. I led the whole way and won! The next week I found out I was 7 weeks pregnant with my son Tanner. So things were put on hold for a few years!"

So far this season Gordon has PR'd by 33 minutes over the 140.6 distance with her 8th place finish at Ironman Texas with a 9:27.20, among many other accomplishments. While one coult rattle off stats and PR's all day long, what is most captivating about Gordon is the passion she possesses for multisport.

What would you say is your "driving force?"

I have always had the desire to be the best triathlete I felt I could be. From my very first race I knew I had potential and I still feel like I have untapped potential..That's what keeps me coming back for more. As long as I am getting faster and feel like I can balance training/racing with my family life I will keep competing professionally and working hard to fulfill the goals I set for myself each year

Who has been your biggest source of inspiration as you have evolved through the sport?

Natasha Badmann was always my biggest inspiration. She always remained so composed and professional and raced with such passion. Now I get great inspiration from all the pro girls that I race against. Women's triathlon is just at a new level right now. The great results being produced at every race is inspiring! I look around at race start and see a lot of good friends who all share similar goals and passion for the sport like I do.

You have been competing professionally through the changes to the qualification process for Kona. What are your thoughts on the new qualification process?

It will be a very interesting year. Already the changes are apparent with the early season races being packed with girls all trying to nail down big points. The pressure is on at every single race to perform instead of focusing on one big Ironman race. Everyone wants to be at the big show in Kona this year! I personally wish that WTC would have kept things more even and given the girls the same amount of qualifying slots as the men. There are enough talented girls that all deserve to have a fair chance to race in Hawaii!

You changed coaches this season, a hard subject for many athletes to talk about. Is that akward for you to talk about?

Not awkward at all. I am so grateful to have had 4 good years with a great coach. Coach Paulo Sousa from PS Triathlon got me to many top 5 IM and 70.3 finishes. It is always a tough decision to switch coaches but I decided that I needed a change …a new approach. I am so thankful to him for his never ending support he gave me. He taught me about myself,triathlon and mental toughness. Constantly challenging me and keeping me coming back for more and more. He transitioned me from top age grouper to racing and competing well as a professional and I really enjoyed his constant drive for me to be better.

You have rearranged your race schedule a bit to include some of the Rev 3 events as you are part of Team Trakkers. As you have so much experience in the M dot world, how do you compare the Rev 3 series?

I am all about Rev 3 and what they are doing in triathlon. I think we all need to support them as they are offering a great race series that is focused around families and triathlon. Not only are their races first class, the race venues are well chosen to keep friends and family happy too which is so important. You want your family to come and see you race and have their own good memories about their trips. My kids have really enjoyed the amusement park venues and their race in Costa Rica was amazing. I am so happy to be a part of the Rev 3 family.

You race a lot, what's your secret to staying fresh for each event? Do you ever train through races?

I have had years where I have raced 3 or 4 Ironman in a year and other years where I only race 2 Ironman. Bottom line is that I love to race, so I like to take advantage of when I am feeling fit and healthy and race as much as I can. I have had races in the past that I definitely have trained through. I pick my top 2 races for the season and then I arrange my schedule around those.

What is your big focus for 2011?

I will continue my support for the Rev 3 race series. My race schedule has included Rev 3 Costa Rica, Texas 70.3, St Croix 70.3 and then IM Texas, Quassy and then IMLP. That's a full schedule right there!

I shall be working with Coach Jesse on fixing my weaknesses and really trying to improve on my Ironman run.

You have two children and it seems like the majority of your triathlon career has been after their birth. What's your secret to balancing being a mother and a professional athlete? What do you hope to teach them as you compete?

My children have only ever known me as mom and athlete. My life is very busy, just the way I like it! I am very lucky as I have a supportive husband who works from home so together we manage to keep everything going. I want my children to excel as athletes and we keep them very involved in all sports. I always remind them that if you want to be good at something….not only good but the best you can be…you need to put the work in. I have taught them to face your fears. To dream about your goals and to love what you do or find something else to pursue

We will be cheering you on at Ironman Lake Placid!

Enjoying the calmer side of Lake Placid before Ironman!

2011-06-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have spent an amazing 12 days in Lake Placid training. I am here three days longer than I would have liked as my car was acting up and ended up being towed to Burlington Vermont on Saturday. I had hopes of it returning on Monday. Now it's Tuesday and I believe it won't be here until tomorrow. So after some heavy training I have some easier days which I would much rather have had at home but am spending them touring the town of lake Placid.
Of all places to be stuck this is not a bad place to be...
I decided to make a little photo collection of a few of my favorite places that I have frequented while here!

The Chapel on Mirror Lake...Whenever I see this church I know I am almost done with my swim!

My swimming pool for two weeks...those are some big lane lines!

High Peaks Cyclery for all your last minute bike repairs and needs!

Gordo's Mexican Food! Quick and easy! With some delicious sweet potatoes!

Sunshine Bagels has been around for a while...they have newer owners but their wraps and bagels are really good for a quick lunch!

For those with a sweet tooth they have some unbelievable cup cakes here. One mini mocha baby cup cake was my treat!

Ashley's Cafe for a delicious breakfast and a whey smoothie!

The wall of inspiration!

Training Days up in Lake Placid!

2011-06-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

I arrived at beautiful Lake Placid Friday afternoon! After hitting at least six thunderstorms which extended my drive by an hour or so... I was happy to take the turn for Lake Placid and see beautiful blue skies trying to peak through the clouds!

My favorite part of this drive is part of the Lake Placid Ironman course. It is part of the six km descent from the town to Keene. The view down by the water is always different. Today's drive was breathtaking and I had to stop for a few pics!

Once into Lake Placid the first thing I had to do was go for a quick spin around town. The sun was setting and I got some beautiful shots of Mirror Lake!

Black and White

Loved the colors reflecting off the water...Breathtaking really!

Sat morning I had arranged to meet friend, pro and uber cyclist Tara Norton and new pro Suzanne from Canada for a loop of the course.
I was amazed at their power as they had ridden a hard 2 loops the day before. It was great to have company and I was tempted to go do the climb up Whiteface mountain with them but I knew I had a hard second loop to do. It was awesome to see so many friendly cyclists and old friends out on the course and all the Fireman Camp support out there offering nutrition aid. Thanks Ted!

My day was solid...and besides some sore quads as I am really not used to mountains, I finished the bike strong and transitioned onto an awesome one hour run. My legs felt good so for that I am always grateful! The day ended with a mello swim. The water was a lot warmer than I expected and one loop of the course was just perfect to end the day.
Well what was more perfect was a great well needed dinner after way too many sports drinks and gels. I met Brian Hughes and his friend Dave from Fast Splits in Boston for an amazing dinner at a quaint restaurant called Cafe Rustica. I highly recommend it! The food was delicious! They were gearing up for an epic mountain bike race up Whiteface Mountain...a Leadville Qualifier and they both qualified! Impressive!!! STUDS!!!!

My day is never complete without some Recovery Pump action and so that is how my first day ended!

Day 2

This was going to be a big run focus day. Two loops of the Ironman course, a 2 hour bike and some strength work!
The run here is so pretty. Yes... there are steep hills, but only really two of them...all the rest is rolling and enjoyable! My first loop I did not take fluids and it was pretty warm out there. I thank Renee from the Sandy Hookers for sparing a little of hers out on the course for me before I was about to keel over!

The river running along the run course is spectacular....these photo's don't do it any justice!

My second loop was faster than my first so I was super happy with my efforts and all in all I had the perfect training day!!
I am getting so fired up to race this course again!

Dinner was at my favorite sushi joint opposite High Peaks Cyclery ...sorry don't remember the name! But trust me it is REALLY good!!!! Of course I over ordered...The Avocado Boat is unreal!!!! Just what I needed after many hours of training!

So today is a mello day after two big training days...I'm off to go do a double loop of the swim....which I believe is set up a little long right now. Someone GPS'd it and it is 1.6 miles ....I did not know Mirror Lake was even that long....so therefore I guess i am swimming 3.2 miles today!!!! :-)

Happy Training Days!!!!

Quassy Revolution 3

2011-06-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

Well Quassy has come and gone and I have to say...I LOVE this event!

The Quassy Swim Course

Trying to decide which of TYR suit to wear! The water was 69 degree's and crisp and clean!

The Quassy waterpark!

I knew the week before and traveling up to Quassy that this race was all about me going up to give a good effort after racing IMTX two weeks ago. After Texas my calves were taking their time recovering and I was very concerned as Quassy is not a course you can cruise through. Both the bike and the run are VERY hilly! Coach Jesse and I went through many times the best way to handle this race. The conclusion... with the stellar field and how I was feeling that it was best for me to not risk any injury.

It was so great to be at this event though. The Rev3 family is exactly that...a big family experience and this is apparent from the time you arrive. The music is going, the announcers are joking around and having fun and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly!It was great to see Charlie and Krista, Carole, Michael and the rest of the Rev 3 crew working hard and getting things organized and running smoothly!

David ,our homestay taking us on an easy spin of some of the bike course!

Stunning bike course with lots of hills!

I got to meet one of our sponsors Doug from Recovery pump who basically has changed my recovery program for the better.
If you have not heard of the pumps or tried them at any of the expos..definitely check it out www.recoverypump.com They are amazing and I really believe after 5 times of using them my calves turned the corner and I am now, a week later feeling great!
Hangin at the Recovery Pump tent with Bre and Nic from Canada!

I was fortunate enough to meet a fabulous family ...The Carbones...David,Jill and their son Bryant who put me up for a few days in their lovely home. I had not stayed in a homestay in a while and I forgot what a treat it is to experience the race prep and day through their eyes. I thank you so much Carbone family for taking such good care of us athletes and making our Quassy experience so comfortable!

Pedro Gomes and Damian Hill...my housemates!

My family arrived the day before the race and I once again really appreciated the Quassy set up and amusement park with them...I even got to to go on a few rides. They participated in the Kids Adventure race for the second year!! Once again they loved it! This fun race for them really makes them feel like they are a part of all the action!
Kids Adventure Race

Once again I thank Rev 3 for throwing such an amazing event again!

New Website!

2011-05-31T10:12:00.001-07:00

Look who has a NEW website!!! Thanks to super stud athlete and web designer Pedro Gomes for putting together the perfect website for me!!! I love it!!!

www.jacqui-gordon.com
Enjoy!

IM TEXAS Race Report! As Texans would say, I'm riding a gravy train with biscuit wheels!!!

2011-05-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

I could not asked for anything more from Ironman Texas! It was to be a breakthrough race for me!
With a women's start list including Morrison, Corbin,Goos, Deckers, Lawn,Jacobs,Griesbauer, Stewart all Ironman Champions… and others like Williamson and Ficker and Loeffler and the list goes on.... The inaugural Ironman Texas boasted one of the strongest fields outside of Hawaiii. Intimidating yes, but I was not going to let it phase me. This was going to be my Kona if anything...my chance to compete among the best and see how I ranked up.

The result a personal best 9hr27min finish 8th place in a Championship race! The day turned out with a 1 hour flat swim 3 minutes faster than my previous non wetsuit swim. A 5 hour flat bike split...8 min PR on a harder course and a 3.22 marathon, a 7 min PR on the run in 90 degree heat and high humidity!

So how can I be nothing but thrilled with my result!!!! It was not a perfect race but breakthroughs like this give you a sneak peak into success! It brings you one step closer to your dream!

Here I am at the finish with a BIG smile on my face!

So here is my recap!
As I arrived in Texas and rolled through race week I felt excited but very calm all week. My roommate Maggie Freeman and I both were very busy all week doing I'm not sure what. Apparently from her eyes I was training alot and from my eyes she was getting some much needed R&R from her hardcore police officer job as a sergeant in Manalapan NJ!

All week I was just pumped and ready to roll!!! I arrived Monday and would have been happy to race Tuesday and got things over with. But the week was used to relax and to get a little used to the heat as New Jersey has not had one hot day all year!

Here I am getting ready for a training ride!

This was going to be my 17 or 18th Ironman (I've lost track!). So you would think I would have this down to a science by now! But however many I do, I still get caught up in the magnitude of the upcoming event and the craziness of the day! Even when the locals would ask, " Now how far y'all going!" No matter how many times I say the 2.4 mile swim,112 mile bike and the 26 mile run...I still battle to comprehend the distance! There is no way around it....If you have not put the training in you are going to suffer....and even if you are as fit as you can be..you probably still going to suffer sooner or later.

This was going to be my first Ironman race with new Coach Jesse Kroplenicki. I have been happy with how my season has been progressing. I have not been choosing the easier races with the smaller fields. I have gone for all tough races with very competitive fields. Texas 70.3 was the National Pro race for the 70.3 distance and a star studded field, a 7th place finish in St Croix with another great group of girls and now IMTX our Ironman Professional National Championships! I love the pressure...the harder the better!

Earlier in the season we had debated me going to Utah. A race I really wanted to do...as I love tough races but the more I thought about it the more I wanted to be a part of this race! It was big, it was going to be hot and it had lots of points for the new KPR system for qualifying for Kona!

Jesse had devised a plan that I was very comfortable with and I was excited to execute it as I had my last two races. Of course that night all I could do was think about my race plan and I found myself , as Texans would say,"Sweating like a turkey before Thanksgiving!" I absolutely had the worst nights sleep and I rolled out of bed with that tired leg/body feeling.

I followed the usual prerace routine...
We headed out to transition super earlier as we did not want to deal with the parking mess. I was happy to find my Kestrel had not blown away and was dry, as they had been predicting rain for days yet there was none! After loading my nutrition which consisted of 3 bottles of First Endurance EFS onto the bike and my liquid shots I headed down to the swim start which was a mile away.
I truly was excited...never nervous to race! The key I believe is I felt so well prepared! Coach Jesse had taken all the guess work out of it. Give me a plan I will do my best to stick to it! I put the training in, my body was healthy, there was no need to be nervous I just was ready to go!

The swim start seemed to take forever! I waited to the last ten minutes to jump in the water and do a quick warmup. I scouted out the best possible position and once the gun went off my sprinting speed was good. I had no problem finding the girls I was hoping to hang with. The pace was very comfortable and the swim for the first time actually blew by. As we turned into the canal I thought I would see if I could pick up the pace a bit for the last 800m. I actually loved the swim course...there seemed to be a current that pushed us down the last canal. I passed around Desiree Ficker and Linsey Corbin probably pushing way to hard as I felt like I was doing an 800 TT, but the crowd surrounding the canal was just pumping me up! I loved it! As we came to the end I remember thinking I wish I had paid more attention in the pro meeting because I could swear they told us to go around a buoy. I felt like all the lights were on me and I must not mess up. Luckily as I got close to the end I saw the buoy they were talking about and headed around it. The adrenaline through T1 was amazing and before I knew it we were on our bikes heading out!

The air was thick and muggy as we headed out onto the one looped bike course! Linsey had flown out of transition and even Desiree I tried to stay with for a bit but I knew that it was a bit above where I needed to be riding on the bike. My legs were not feeling super. I was a little concerned that I pushed too hard on the end of the swim. But I was very patient. Actually for 50 miles my legs were not responding...but I waited....I knew they would come around! I have been in that place many a time in training...where all of a sudden they kick in. I was not going to worry about it. My legs did not need to feel fantastic, I just needed to stick to my plan and ride steady! Coach Jesse was out on the course and I wanted to tell him how my legs were feeling, but I opted not to. Instead I smiled and stayed positive! I actually was riding really relaxed as I was riding totally solo except for 1 or 2 age group guys that came flying by and at around mile 50 Tyler Stewart came by behind another pro guy and I attempted to keep them in sight. For about 5 miles I probably pushed a little harder than I should..I really enjoyed the course of flat and rollers,, wind and cool rain at times..
The miles really ticked by fast and around mile 70 my legs finally kicked in. I was riding with ease into a little headwind and working out that I could get a bike PR if I continued at the pace I was going. I have always wanted to break 5 hours but I did not want to risk anything by over exerting myself near the end. So I just let it be and knew it was going to be close....ended up missing it by 22 seconds!

It looks like I am grimacing here, but I was actually smiling as I am always happy to get off the bike without any mechanical issues!

I had no idea where I was positioned on the bike, so it is always good to come into transition and see a big empty rack!

Once again the crowd support coming into the Woodlands was amazing. So many Texans came out to support the event and people that were sitting in traffic were cheering instead of yelling and screaming!

Running out of T2 was probably the most exciting and stressful thing. I wish I had a picture of that. Jesse had me carrying all this food, liquid shots,Cliff blocks and I was holding my garmin and trying to switch it from bike to run while sprinting with my heart at a gazillion beats. I am not sure what happened but somehow I locked the Garmin and now I could not see a thing...the screen was locked and I was for the first time in the race having a little freak out! It's hard to stick to a plan when your device is not workin. I yelled out to Jesse and he yelled back for me to slow down and remember to pace. I still think I managed a smile and ran out onto the first loop trying to stay calm. So now I am running, trying to stay in control all the time trying to figure out how to unlock the garmin. It took me 4 miles to get the right combination of buttons and even though I had already devised a back up plan which was basically run on feel I was quite panicked. It turns out those first 4 miles without knowing what I was running was actually the fastest. 7.15 pace. Once I got the Garmin working I relaxed and settled into a more comfortable pace.

My second issue in the marathon was that my heart rate was coming in way to high....so I kept having to slow the pace down further and further. I was so torn as I wanted to run faster yet I knew I had to run steady. What I did not realize is that I had grabbed a gel and it had pushed under my heart rate monitor so it was not reading correctly. What it did make me do was run with in myself and besides an upset stomach later in the day.... I was feeling great out there. The course setup was perfect! Running through the waterway area was probably next to Hawaii one of the most fun runs I have been on. People lined the paths and it was 2 miles of much needed energy and I thrived on it!
It was getting very hot! As Texans would say, "So hot that the hens were laying hard boiled eggs!..lol" It was easy to get caught up with the crowd and not hydrate properly but I made a point of stopping a few times and grabbing 2-3 cups of sport drink and dumping water all over my head! My Avia Bolts were getting soaked but are so light they don't get weighed down at all!

I was getting alot of updates that the girls were slowing down up ahead so I just kept pushing each step and finally passed Dede and Joanna Lawn. I dropped my pace down to 7 minute miles the last few miles trying to catch Desiree but she saw me coming and picked up the pace as well.

It was such a great feeling taking that turn and heading into the finish chute. I was hoping for a PR on this course but I had no idea what my swim or run time was so when I turned the corner and saw 9hr27min on the clock I was ecstatic!. Wohhoooo I could not believe it! My previous fastest time was a 9.46 in IMSA so this was to be a 19 minute personal record!

Coach Jesse was there at the end and I am so glad he got to share in my happiness! It has been a long road to trying to make a breakthrough in Ironman and here it was! Three months earlier Coach Jesse had said with conviction, I have no doubt you will PR in IMTX and he was right! I believed him!

This was not my perfect race as I have room to improve my swim,bike and run....but it takes me one step closer to my goals!

Thanks to all the support and good wishes I received this week. My family and friends,My Trakkers/Rev 3 Teammates, the QT2 System family, Coach Jesse and my sponsors at First Endurance and Kestrel!

There are many things I attribute to my success at IMTX. The lead up into this race has been a strict nutrition program. My First Endurance products are key! Multivitamin, Optygen, EFS and Ultragen! 4 key products that ensure I have the best quality workouts and recovery! The Core Diet, Coach Jesse's Nutrition program that ensures I am getting good quality food to aid my recovery! My speedy Kestrel that helped me set an 8 min PR on the bike! A coach that believes in me and trusts my commitment to the sport and lastly the never ending support from my sponsors and family!

Looking forward to the rest of the season!

St Croix Race Report and Adventures!!!

2011-05-03T08:31:00.001-07:00

Beautiful St Croix!

Well I have many hours of sitting around an airport today so what better time than to write my race report while the race is fresh in my mind.

I raced St Croix back in 2005 the last year I raced as an amateur. I was thrilled then to win the amateur race and it started what was going to be a very successful year for me and ultimately the year that made my decision to turn and race professionally.

When either I or Coach Jesse, suggested doing this race I was excited at the prospect of returning and conquering the Beast yet again.

I was thrilled to arrive in St Croix, Thursday morning with my Kestrel 4000 in one piece, on a flawless trip….Well besides the fact that Continental upon landing in St Thomas flew so close to the water that I almost fainted… and the ride over on the small seaplane on Seaborne Airlines was so shaky due to the wind that I felt quite nauseas..but you quickly put those things right out of your mind once you have landed safely. Remember if booking this trip next year to try fly from San Juan on AA but do not book through Cape Air as no bikes are allowed!

My next surprise came at the location of my hotel that I had just booked a week ahead of time. The hotel was right at transition. I had not rented a car and this location really allowed me to spend the most of the two days before the race really just chilling and catching up on emails etc. and staring at the beautiful blue St Croix water.

Race DAY!
Nutrition Sponsor First Endurance
3am Wake up….probably a little too early given my location but got up to have a small breakfast. Consisting of a banana, 1 bottle of EFS and 1 bottle of Whey Protein.
Now I could have gone back to sleep but I was worried I might sleep right through the second alarm. So I just got organized and then reorganized even though I was already 100 % ready to race the night before. So basically I stared at my stuff and watched time tick slowly by….

Thought I would go check my bike in at 4.30 as it was something to do, only to be told bike check in was at 5. So back to the room and more waiting!~!

Finally 5am came and I tried to stretch what really just takes 5 minutes in transition into an hour. At 6 it was time to make the swim to a small island for a beach start.
This was my first hiccup of the day. I had my EFS Liquid Shot and my water which I was meant to take right before the scheduled 6.33 start. I was debating whether to take it 40 minutes early but instead opted to tuck it in my suit and hoped they would have water on the island.

Once on the island I found some water but reached in for the shot flask and it was gone. I guess when I jumped off the Pier it got pushed out so now I was without coffee or any quick energy for the am and just relying on pure adrenaline to get me going!!!
The adrenaline was definitely there at 3 but by 6.33 and waiting on that beach for 25 minutes all the girls were all sitting and ready to go back to sleep…well I was anyway!

6.33 Race Start
Swim TYR!

I had watched my fellow team mate Richie Cunningham and his high knee speed and quick entry into the water. So I decided to try replicate his style. As the horn blasted I sprinted into the water and find myself in open water ahead of everyone…the only problem is somebody did not like me being in the front probably because I did not belong there. So when we got to the turn they decided to grab my ankle and yank it backwards. Wander who the culprit was????
I just laughed to myself! Coach Jesse and I had been working on my turnover and I was excited to seeing it pay off but I felt like I was holding up the faster girls so I almost felt obliged to move over so they could swim by and I could try jump on their feet. Sadly I was now having my feet hit on every stroke which was really affecting my kick which I needed as it was a non wetsuit swim. So I pulled aside once again and decided to swim on their feet instead. Now I was a lot happier and was letting all the hard swimming and my speedy TYR Torque speed suit go to work.
I decided that I would rely on the girls in front of me to sight all the way out into the chop so I would not drink as much water as in the practice swim. I felt so much better in the water than a few weeks ago in Galveston.
When we made the right turn to start swimming towards the seawall that's when things got terribly confusing. First I spotted a pro guy swimming in the wrong direction …I could not fathom why???
Then about five minutes later we were swimming way to close to the age groupers which I could not understand either. Lastly we had a boat following us telling us to go another direction. We all stopped and had a little conversation with them and then continued on our way. Which happened to be a 90 degree left turn from the direction we were going. Just when I thought my swims could not get any more entertaining this one I think topped it. But above all that, I was determined that I would just stay on someones feet until I got to land!!! The result a slow 32 minute swim that was probably 1.6 miles long!!!
Mission accomplished!!!

Bike Kestrel!!

So the two girls I came out with were Angela Naeth who had got second in Texas Galveston 70.3 3 weeks ago and Leslie Patterson who I had googled and new she was going to be strong on the bike. They both blasted out of transition and within a few miles I could no longer see them.
Due to the lack of consuming my EFS liquid shot…. I decided it would be best to get right on some nutrition. So I started working on fueling. I had opted for 3 bottles of EFS which with the heat and humidity I knew would not last long. My goals was to get through at least 1 maybe two by the Beast so my bike might feel a little lighter going up!
I had not managed to see the course so it was fun remembering parts of it from my previous race experience. I knew the Beast was at mile 21 and I anxiously awaited it's arrival.

The Beast as I remembered was to be the second challenge of the day! Your mind starts to mess with you…questioning whether you will make it up. I had put a 12/27 cassette on so I knew that would help me. But as I approached the tail of the Beast with it's fiery flames and switched to my smallest cog I was shocked that with no gear left it was already hard at 14% grade. I started to sweat it out…wandering, hoping, praying I would make it up….wishing I got a practice round first. Coach Jesse had suggested I would be able to stay seated and spin my legs yet I was out of my seat grinding away. My hands were sweating and I was really nervous that one was going to slip right off the bars and I was going to go flying!!! Then my worst fear would be having to walk up or have to attempt to mount on a hill.

Halfway up you reach the 24% grade…a narly section where everyone stands just waiting for the beast to claim it's first victim. I was not going to be it! Actually it was around halfway up that I realized that my mind creates a pretty good movie and I was really making this Beast out to be a lot more ferocious than it was. I settled in…regrouped…sat down and began spinning my way up the never-ending hill where I survived but didn't slay the Beast!!!!
From there I knew there were more challenges to come!!!
Most new comers to St Croix assume once the Beast is over its smooth sailing. This is far from the case. You not only have headwinds to deal with but never ending climbs. When you are used to riding the flattest of flattest roads in preparation for IMTX these hills start to get old quick. One thing I was prepared for was the wind! From mile 25 -45 was nothing but pure headwind!!!! Followed by 2 -4 steep hills in the last 10 miles!

From mile 25-45 three small groups of five guys went by. I had just done a 10 mile section by myself and what was me laughing at the winds was now angry screams. I was getting testy and when the marshalls's went by me I signelled them to please break up the drafting as it was getting annoying. They acknowledged my concern and sped up like I had sent them on a exciting mission. But then what did they do...drove aside these guys just
letting them continue their rotations..one guy pulls then recover switching every few minutes. Me being irritable now and seeing that these guys were nervously slowing down waiting for the bike to leave decided to pick up my watts a tad and catch up to the group to kindly request an answer to why no red cards were being handed out.
Now I know I am not racing these guys but at that point in my race I could not fathom why a group of very capable guys could not do their own work like I was doing. Why could they not break the party up….Funny enough I don't believe the marshall were even carrying penalty cards never mind knowing what they were!
When I asked the marshals what was going on up there they just smiled!
Not the reaction I was looking for 3 and a half hours into a hard race.

So sadly I returned to my race plan and continued on my efforts of enjoying the beautiful scenery St Croix has to offer all the while being hit left right and center by the never-ending climbs.

Finally 5 bottles of fluid later I finally raced into town….feeling ready to get my run on!

AVIA!!!! RUN 13.1 miles Unofficial Time 134 7.10 pace

With my speedy Avia Bolt's on I tore out of T2 with a plan to run nice and steady and finish strong!
It was very humid and the challenging bike course were definitely making my legs a little heavy. But after a solid mile of uphill running I started to settle in and feel pretty good. I passed a friend or two along the way and it was great to be out there. The guys were coming past running fast downhill and it was motivating seeing there efforts. When I made a left into the hilly Buccaneer property the heat was weighing down on me and I was feeling a little sick to the stomach. Once again I distracted myself with the beautiful ocean views and smiled always happy to be racing and doing what I love. A lot of the terrain in here is grass and trails and a windy golf course tar trail that takes you on loops up and down the golf course including a very steep hill that you have to do twice being a 2 loop course. Most of the guys I saw on the second loop were walking up….I tried to put myself into my hill repeat mode and charged this hill trying to keep my heart rate mildly under control.

I actually kind of like this run course as it has so much variety. Uphill downhills heat wind grass and people to cheer you on.

On my second loop the constant caffeine/sugar feed of gels /gatorade and pepsi actually gave me a kick and enabled me to finish strong…and happy!!!!

I finished in seventh place behind some great girls. Congrats to Cat Morrison,Miranda Carfrae ,Angela Naeth,Leslie Patterson, Kate Major and Amy Marsh who all raced so strong! Big congrats also goes to Rev 3/Trakkers Teammate Richie Cunningham for his
3rd place finish! Thanks to Coach Jesse Owner of QT2 Systems for getting me through a big training block and ready to race!

I encourage everyone to come and have there own crazy experience of this race. A small island race that probably has changed much in the last ten years that will reward you of great memories and stories to tell for years to come!!! This race has Heat Humidity Hills and Headwind!!!!! Be Prepared!!!!

Next up Ironman Texas in 3 weeks!

QT2 Systems Clermont Camp

2011-04-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

Just flying home after a four day camp in Clermont Fl with QT2 Systems. I met a great group of athletes of all levels all working towards the same goals…getting faster!!

Molly Zahr,Mary Eggers, Michelle Solomon and myself!

Camp consisted of long swims at the National Training Center….including a killer 6000m LCM swim of descending 400's and never ending 50's. I too got to experience the dreaded vertical kicks where I was convinced that everyone had fins on as I was almost drowning.
The NTC pool is one of my favorite pools in the world!!!

I got some amazing rides in utilizing the many great bike paths Clermont has to offer, lake views and some long quiet farm roads.

Our long 6 hour ride was the most eventful ride I think I have ever had. I felt like I was on a safari with sightings of many giant snakes,some over 3 feet long. Giant size turtles,a meerkat, squirrels and alligators…one that I got so close to that Coach Jesse was afraid it might come and bite me as I took a photo.

Lastly I got 40 miles of running in four days….those were challenging runs that included hills, big winds, and a few sessions finishing off on the NTC track! I even had the pleasure of having my coach run 1.30 with me all the while reminding to eat, critiquing my form, and really giving me some good motivation!

QT2 Systems not only organized so many great training days, they fed us breakfast,lunch and dinner. We had video run analysis and many informative talks. This included Coach Jesse's Core Diet program.
I am so excited and happy to be a part of this group!
This was a first class camp and not only was it fun but it was a great training week!
I really look forward to their next camp in Vermont later in the year. Hope I can make it!

For all the new friends I made I wish you all a great season! Michele Solomon, my roommate and one of the key organizers of the camp and she was so mello and such a pleasure and put up with me tossing and turning at night with a never ending cold.

I loved having Caitlin and Tim Snow, Pat Wheeler and Jesse to push and inspire me. Brian from Fast Splits, gave us never-ending bike support to the group and made sure we all did not dehydrate out there on those long rides. Big thanks also to Courtney Wheeler for her amazing massage work!
Thanks Guys!

IM Texas 70.3 Pro National Championships in Galveston Texas

2011-04-15T19:30:00.001-07:00

Galveston Charm!

Well the second race of the season has come and gone.

I have had a lot of changes happen since my race in Costa Rica in February.
As some of you might know by now…my biggest change came in the form of a new coach.
After 4 years under the guidance of Coach Paulo Sousa who got me to multiple Top 5 finishes in both Ironman and 70.3 and who taught me a lot about racing and training….I decided it was time for a change.
Sometimes I believe it is good to change things up and get a fresh outlook on your training. So with a lot of thought, as it was a very difficult decision I decided to look for a new coach.

After a lot of research and chatting to a few unbelievably nice and knowledgable and respected coaches I decided to go with Jesse Kropelnicki of QT2 Systems based out of Boston.

Jesse, and his coaching plan was everything I wanted in a complete package.
QT2 Systems offers a detailed and structured program. In my hectic life of training and running around with two kids this is what I needed.

So after Costa Rica we devised a plan for the year…which involved many changes.
Those I will save for another blog so I can get down to my race report.

Texas 70.3 was going to be my first race to test out how my new plan was going.
It was a conservative and very doable race plan with the hopes that I would finish with a positive outlook on where we are headed and how training is coming along.

The result was everything I was looking for! POSITIVE!!!

OK Finally now down to the race…

Galveston Texas a carefree windy beachside community and tourist destination.

Galveston Texas a carefree windy beachside community and tourist destination.
Trying to stay off my feet while waiting for bike mechanics to do some last minute things to bike. Thanks Bike Barn Texas for all your help!

Race morning started at 4am with a hotel wake up call that never happened. Thankfully I had set a backup alarm on my phone as the call finally came at 4.45????
By that time I had already had my pre race breakfast of not much.
1 bottle of EFS
1 bottle of Ultragen
1 banana

By 5 I was heading down to transition.
The pre race start went very smoothly.
Marking,wheels pumped,helmut checked, bathroom, transition set up, 3 bottles of EFS set up and ready to go.

By 6.35 I started the 10 minute walk down to the pier where we would start. All the time hoping that my new TYR wetsuit would fit.
Now I would usually have tried my wetsuit out in the two days prior open water swim. But we were not allowed to swim in the lake and my attempt at trying it on at the Moody Gardens pool after a swim workout failed as I was alone,wet, and could not zip it up by myself.

Dockside at 6.55 I chatted with Teammate Hillary,Kelly, Tyler and Desiree. This was a big field of very talented girls racing. When you look around and see a dozen Ironman or Half Ironman Champions you know it's going to be a tough race!

The guys race started at 7am and then we were allowed to jump in the water and do a 2 minute warm up…which pretty much meant swimming over to the start.
As I jumped in the water and started swimming I could feel I had not pulled my new TYR Hurricane wetsuit up high enough and it felt like it was choking me in my neck. These wetsuits are made to fit so snug and I spent my last minutes just trying to get comfortable.
As soon as the gun went I sprinted staying nicely with the group. First buoy I was with the group…second buoy…still there but now on the back, third buoy on the back but with the stragglers. 4th buoy trailing the last girl who then stopped to adjust her goggles. So now I was off the back and feeling every bit of the tightness of my wetsuit. It was pulling on my neck and restricting my arms. The girl who had stopped….blasted by me and caught up to the pack and I was left alone at the first turn around buoy.

We turned and the water got so choppy. I was fighting it alone. Making the third turn we headed straight into the waves and the current was strong. My tendency when swimming on my own is to settle into ironman pace .Just then two girls came swimming by. I was pleasantly surprised and it gave me renewed energy and focus. I jumped on their feet and pretty much stayed there to the last turn around buoy where they decided to go super of fcourse and I decided to swim once again on my own but stay closer to the buoys. We pretty much ended coming out the water together.

I was happy as I would have some girls to push me. Sadly I heard them yell out Tyler Stewart and Karen Theurig two of the strongest cyclists in the sport. Tyler has biked 4.45 in an IM and Karen was an Olympic Cyclist. So it took about twenty minutes before both disappeared.
Then it was me and my awesome Kestrel...…alone. This gave me a chance to settle down into the race plan that Jesse and I had spoken about.
I tried to ignore the 20 mph plus wind that was blowing like crazy. I had decided to race with my disc on and I had been on the fence about the decision. It turned out to be a good decision as although I was getting blown around a little this was a steady head/cross wind and not big gusts. When the wind started to grow old I then took my focus on getting my EFS drinks down and drinking my liquid shots at the right times. Due to the lack of speed work in the days prior it took me so long to get in race mode and my legs finally seemed to come around at mile 15. I then started to settle in and was happy every 5 miles or so to see a girl in the distance and to make up a lot of ground and pass them and then look for someone else.

I felt very strong the last ten miles on the bike and came into T2 feeling good. The run was a 4 loop windy and windy concrete run around Moody Gardens. Coach Jesse had given me a race pace and a heart rate plan to stick too and this is what I did.The result was as the run progressed I started to feel stronger. It is always encouraging to be passing girls later in the race. So I finished the race with my fastest miles and a big smile on my face.

Even though this race left me in 14th place. It was a very solid day out there for me. It was a star studded field. Every girl in front of me had earned her spot there. I feel this was a good start to the season under a new training and racing plan!

After the race I had a large bottle of Ultragen ready and a quick massage so I could hurry up the recovery process as I knew I was in for a big training week. The day after the race I left Galveston Texas and headed to Woodlands to check out the Ironman Texas course and then flew straight to Orlando to a QT2 Systems camp in Clermont FL. It's been a fun busy hard training week!

Next up St Croix!

Thank you!

2011-03-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

Eric Wynn Photography

Thank you all for the birthday wishes. Facebook/Twitter is great and it was so nice to hear from friends from all over the world, that took the time to say a quick hi and wish me. It really made me feel special!
It too was great being home to celebrate with my family!

My daughter wrote me a card that touched my heart and made me cry.
For those of you that did not see it on FB...It went like this

Love is possible...it is!
Mom,
My angel!
"Buttiful,nice,great,talented,Ironman,helping,winning champ,comfy,sleepy(lol) and my perfect angel!
You are the best person in the entire world!"
Love Sydney!

I'll be honest I don't like getting older...I'm not happy about it at all....but I did have a fun rewarding birthday.

Winning a race always feels good...and making a decision to dedicate my race to Sally, to the people of Japan and to my good friend Basil who passed away from cancer last year was a good reminder to make it all count!!! Too push beyond...to hurt because we get to live another day, run another day and they don't!

Remember why you train....Why you race...Do what you love...Have passion!!! Celebrate with friends and family!
Make each day count..each workout count and each hug meaningful....because life is too short!

Racing... makes me feel alive...pushing myself,my boundries,pushing out of my comfort,challenging my mental and physical self...competing..I have always loved it! Training, being outdoors,with nature,feeling my heart beat and sharing it with like minded athletes and friends is my passion.

Watching my children compete is now equally as wonderful!
Sydney came home after my race and wanted to go running. Tanner rode his bike next to her while she ran a mile sprinting like her mom to the finish....she definitely has the running bug!

So life is good and I cherish every moment!

St Paddy's 10 mile race report

2011-03-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I raced the Freehold St Paddy's Day 10 miler. Every year I want to do this race but every year I have been in New Mexico training. So finally I got to add it to my schedule as I knew I was going to be around.
This was my first 10 mile race that I have run in probably 5 years so I was really excited to test out my fitness.
I have not done any speed work since last year so this was going to be a real test for me and I was quite nervous.

It was a brisk 38 degrees at race start with a cool breeze but I warmed up pretty quickly. I treated this race as I would a triathlon race and went in nice and rested, so I felt amazing at the start. I ran very comfortably and held back the first mile.
From then on I pushed hard and pretty much ran alone through mile 5. Mile 5 and 6 was a long climb but winter hill work paid off and I did not feel to bad. At mile seven I saw a girl about 400 yards behind me. I said to the guy next to me. It's my Birthday and I am going to win this race so I am going to have to push really hard now.
That is exactly what I did and managed to descend the last mile for a 6.09 mile...with a stop to hug my kids :-)

It was so much fun and it was great to see all my running friends. The atmosphere was great and it felt so good to actually race a running race. Big congrads to all those who raced...Tom One Shot for a nice PR and John P for impressing me with his running speed!

The Overall Result
First Women 6th Overall with a time of 1.02.39 Pace 6.17
Summary Pace per mile
1 00:06:17
2 00:06:08
3 00:06:26 Pulled back as I was worried I went to hard.
4 00:06:19
5 00:06:17 Climb
6 00:06:30 Long climb
7 00:06:15
8 00:06:20 Rolling hills
9 00:06:23 rolling hills
10 00:06:09

It was a great way for me to celebrate my birthday but what was even more special was that I was raced for others too.
I chose to support the fundraising for Japan. www.runforjapan.com
The other was to honor Sally Meyerhoff who was a very talented marathoner and budding triathlon star who was recently hit and killed while riding her bike.
This was such a tragic event and I wanted to do something in her honor. Sally liked to wear pink socks so I wore some pink socks for her.
So while I raced I said a prayer for Sally and told her I was racing for her because I could.
It always feels good to race for something other than yourself

Thank you to BoB Both from the Jersey Shore Running Club for the awesome photos!

Next up Texas 70.3!!!

People always ask what I eat and how I get my calories in!

2011-03-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

Here is this weeks shopping list for me and my family

Big on Fruit in my house as my kids don't love all the veggies!
Blueberries
Apples
Mangoes
Papaya
Kiwi
Tangerines
Raspberries
Strawberries
Melon
Banana's
Mixed frozen fruit for smoothies(big in my house) I like to add whey protein.

Veggies
onion
portobello mushrooms
avocado's
sweet potato's
potato's
celery
peppers
baby fresh spinach
corn
carrots
broccoli
baby tomato's
fresh basil
cilantro
lemons

Chicken breasts
Whole chicken
Chicken broth

Vegetable broth
Sea bass
Shrimp
Maple Ham
Canned tuna

Raisins
walnuts
pine seeds
Olive oil
natural peanut butter
agave syrup
honey
balsamic vinegar

Feta cheese
Gruyere cheese
Fresh Mozzarella

Spagetti
Quinoa
Whole wheat penne
Whole wheat bagels
Wheat Tortilla's

Skim milk
almond milk
coconut milk
fag'e yogurt
green tea
OJ
coconut water

SNACKS
chocolate ginger
peanut butter pretzels
vegetable chips
stacy's chips
guacamole popcorn chips
Nilla wafers

More Costa Rica photos to come...

2011-03-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

Rev 3 Race/Nutrition Report Costa Rica

2011-02-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Rev 3 ROCKS!!!!

After 8 days of a lot of vacation and a little training.... race morning finally rolled around.
I got a 4am wake up call. Room service arrived. Cereal, OJ,banana's, toast and jelly.
All I really felt like was my First Endurance Ultragen smoothie....at that time of the morning. But I sat on the verandah eating a slice of toast ,jelly and a banana, I decided that I needed caffeine so I made a cup of coffee too.
I filled a bottle of Ultragen which I would sip on until race start. I decided to race with 2 bottles of EFS although for an Olympic one was more than enough.

5am
The race start was mello and all the pro girls were chatty. I got my Kestrel ready to roll in transition. I then checked and rechecked my gear...Always a good idea first race of the season. After a little warmup run where I almost twisted my ankle in the dark I decided I would just chill at the room until 6am and then I strolled down to the beach.

The energy was good down there and after a warmup swim, a quick sip on EFS liquid shot, we were doing the count down to the swim start.
6.15
I knew my swim was not going to be super as I don't have that short course speed and secondly I had not been in the pool doing any speed in ten days. So I just put my head down and tried to swim as hard as I could. Team mate Amanda Lovato and I kept each other company and we headed onto the bike ready to hammer and catch the girls in front of us.
The bike was a challenging fun course with a 200m gravel section and then straight into a long steep climb. I made the rookie mistake of not shifting into my easiest gear, and not wanting to take my hands of the bars so I just grinded my legs to the top. This was not what I had practiced and I had to laugh at myself because there was a second where I thought I may not make it.
I had seen age groupers walking in the days leading up to the race but with all eyes on my I sucked it up!
Once on the flat I quickly got into a comfortable speed. I kept reminding myself that comfortable was not where I should be...and pushed harder and harder. Descending the ride and catching and passing two girls, with two more in my sight.

I felt good about my bike and headed onto the run carrying a liquid shot flask with me. For the first two miles I sipped on the shot and water.

The run headed out straight onto the beach....a beautiful section overlooking the ocean where I had taken stunning pics the day before. I reminded myself to focus and push hard. I had not seen the whole run course and did not realise that most of the course when it was not on the beach was up a long hill and then up a steep hill....a nice little surprise! I was happy for the hill work thar I had done in training.

With one loop to go I passed two more girls and ran hard towards the finish. My kids were there waiting for me and asked if they could run with me.
I grabbed their hands and ran for the finish, placing 7th in the women's pro field!

What more could we ask for than ice baths and fresh coconut water at the finish line! What a way to end a fantastic race experience!

As always the first thing I did when I got back to my room was have my Ultragen smoothie to help with my recovery. It worked with no sore legs the next day!!!

It was a brutally hot day, getting up to 104 degree's and later I went back to the race to cheer on the guys doing the half.

We ended our day by relaxing at the pool then heading out on a sunset ATV ride.
A great way to finish off our trip!

Big thanks to all the guys from Rev 3 who worked so hard to put on a great few days of racing and to my team mates for racing so well!
Everyone needs to put this race on their calendar as a great winter escape!

My Costa Rica Revolution 3 trip Part 1

2011-02-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

KESTREL GOES TO COSTA RICA!!!!

Loved the riding out there...so many big hills to climb!!!

I cannot believe the inaugural Revolution 3 Triathlon race was a week ago already. My family and I are still having flashbacks of all the good times. Like missing the sun,the pool,the sounds of the ocean, the massages on the beach and the fresh air to name a few!
Costa Rica was a dream trip and Rev 3 race was exciting and challenging! Both first class and the result one happy family! Which ultimately makes me very happy! Racing can be tough on the family so when they get to go and reap the benefits in beautiful destinations...all the better!!!

I have to say I was truly proud to be a part of the Revolution which focuses on bringing outstanding and fun experiences to all who are racing and the supporting families.
It was decided over Christmas that we would make this our big family trip and it never disappointed! Costa Rica was the perfect place for a get away and the most beautiful place for a race.
There is nothing better for us athletes that work so hard at our sport to beable to race in beautiful surroundings. You can feed off the elements and it makes all those hard cold weather training so worth it. Being able to share the experience
with your family makes it all the better. I have been to a lot of solo races without them and it is always nice to have their support.
It brings a different dynamic to my race. It puts things in perspective because at the end of the race no matter how it goes I still have my children there with big open hearts and smiles, so proud and ready to run with me over the finish line…so excited for me and happy!

Costa Rica is one fantastic place. Everyone kept saying "Pura Vida" to me before I left and I was not prepared for how free and what a great escape this would be. In a time that we all really needed it.
I had come back from a solid ten days of training in New Mexico and had picked up a bad cold that kept my training very inconsistent. We have had a brutal winter and the whole family was ready for a warm weather escape.
It felt great to get off the plane and quickly change into shorts and Tshirts….Love it!

I immediately fell in love with Costa Rica. The pretty beaches,palm tree's, the simple life that everyone leads. There was no cell service which meant a break from the constant calls and internet time was cut back a lot!
.

Our days were spent pool side,at the beach, zip lining through tree tops and riding horses on the beach. Many experiences and memories to last a life time.

We went out a week before the race and I ventured out onto the Costa Rican roads with no cell service . I have to say I was a little apprehensive for about five minutes but then I fell in love with biking there. I got some phenomenal climbing in with hills that reminded me a lot of the beast in St Croix. My family escorted via kayaks on a few open water ocean swims where I treasured swimming with an array of colorful fish within inches of me.

Running too was so therapeutic. When you run solo it allows for a lot of introspection and running on beaches in beautiful places evokes such a feeling of nostalgia to why I love to run and the freedom it gives you. The things you can see and discover, the sunrises you see, the quietness of the world waking up,birds chirping, nature at it's best. The best therapy you can have. With no watch on I would just run on feel, breaking out into intervals of pure highness on life!

Ok so I have got a bit off track what I really want to talk about is the Rev 3 race!

Five days before the race we made the trip to Playa Conchal to the race site. Nobody knew about the triathlon yet and I had to explain that before they knew it there would be hundreds of people wearing skimpy clothes ,drinking energy drinks and riding bikes taking over the area.They did not seem to convinced. but checking into the race hotel on Thursday the atmosphere was changing. The Costa Rican guys all wanted to touch and lift up my Kestrel. It stood at the entrance of the hotel carefully guarded all day.
I went down to the beach for a open water swim and met a few nice guys and we did a beautiful ocean swim. The race hotel was absolutely perfect...all inclusive and they gave me a room within steps from the race start. I was ecstatic!

The few days before the race people were rolling in. It was so much fun to go down to the race expo and see how excited the locals were getting for the race.

A Slowtwitch Article on the Rev3 Series and the man behind it...Charlie!

2011-02-03T08:59:00.001-08:00

The Rev3 Triathlon series

Written by: Timothy Carlson
Date: Mon Dec 20 2010

Right about the time when the U.S. and world financial markets were imploding and much of the world was riding out an economic storm, the business of triathlon series not the obvious route to riches. In 2008 and 2009 some well established series such as the Lifetime Fitness / Race to the Toyota Cup were reining in their groundbreaking large professional prize purses, and established mega-tri entities like the World Triathlon Corporation and the ITU purses were not increasing their payouts.

But a 30-year-old government contractor and amateur triathlete and adventure racer from northern Virginia decided to go against the conservative tide. In September of 2008, Charlie Patten and his newly formed Revolution3 group announced an ambitious half Ironman event to be held June 7, 2009 on a challenging, hilly course located at the Quassy amusement park in Middlebury, Connecticut.

The plan was to offer professional prize money that bettered the WTC’s Ironman 70.3 World Championship $90,000 pro purse by $10,000. In addition, Rev3 was also offering $20,000 in cash and prizes to the age group field.

The plan was to offer professional prize money that bettered the WTC’s Ironman 70.3 World Championship $90,000 pro purse by $10,000. In addition, Rev3 was also offering $20,000 in cash and prizes to the age group field.

Adding to the odds against its success was the challenge of choosing to start the race from scratch with a new venue with the hopes of drawing a world class field. After its start as a standalone, televised, big money event in Minneapolis—located on a longstanding traditional course—Lifetime Fitness eventually expanded to a series including established races in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York which already had large, revenue-generating age group fields. By contrast, the ambitious Tri 101 series which promised big pro purses for its three-quarters of an Ironman-distance events went belly up after two new races held in small new locations and canceled its final two scheduled events in 2007.

As extensive promotion, a big purse and some luck would have it, the first Rev3 race in Middlebury Connecticut drew four world champion women who provided an exciting duel won by Mirinda Carfrae. While the men’s field only had one world champion, Paul Amey, established star Matt Reed prevailed in a tight, 3-man finish.

While exciting high profile elite races may prime the pump for a new event, the long term success requires large age group fields. On that account, the inaugural Rev3 at Quassy had an acceptable-for-a-debut total of 550 finishers both because of and despite the race’s rep as one of the toughest half Ironman layouts in the world.

With more investment capital than the ill-fated Tri 101, a better pro field, greater age group numbers and better control over venues with the support of the Quassy amusement park where the race was held, Rev3 advanced to an expanded second season in 2010. The series started with a $50,000 purse -- $7,000 each to the winners – for an Olympic distance race in Knoxville, Tennessee. The second year at Quassy featured an increased $150,000 prize purse -- $20,000 for the winners -- for Rev3’s premier half Ironman distance event. And the 2010 Rev3 season culminated with a $100,000 purse -- $16,000 for the winners – for a full Ironman distance event centered at the Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. To up the interest, Rev3 took a page from the 2007 Lifetime Fitness Series by posting a $125,000 bonus for any triathlete who could win all three events. That was in addition to a $15,000 prize for the men’s and women’s overall series winners.

The total prize purses in the three-race Rev3 series added up to $420,000 – almost precisely the amount offered by the downsized prize money offered by the Lifetime Fitness six-race series.

Primed by increasing prize money and the lure of the $125,000 bonus, the second year Rev3 fields were high quality and yielded several great duels. After winning Round One in Knoxville, Matt Reed and Julie Dibens went all out trying to preserve their chances at the $125,000 series slam bonus, but by the end of the day in Quassy, two world-class thoroughbreds -- two-time Ironman World Champion and 2006 IM 70.3 world titlist Craig Alexander and Mirinda Carfrae – prevailed for the $20,000 wins.

Beyond the excitement of their 2010 races, Rev3 entries increased by a reassuring margin that buoyed long term hopes for survival and profits. Knoxville debuted with 366 Olympic distance finishers and 179 who completed the half for a one day total of 545 – equal to the 2009 Quassy debut. Helped by positive reviews for the first year race, Quassy drew 383 finishers for its Olympic race and 681 for the half distance event for a total of 1,064 finishers from an estimated 1,300 starters – doubling the 2009 totals. Cedar Point drew 339 to the full and 594 to the half for a total of 993 finishers.

He may be an enthusiastic age group athlete, but Rev3 CEO Charlie Patten is a businessman first. So he required bottom line indicators like the attendance jumps to afford the patience needed to bet that Rev3 is on the road to the black.

“We have a parent company that backs us and they understand that start ups take time to show profits,” he said. “Right now, we are looking at a 4-5 year plan for a return on the initial investment.”

The relative success of year 2 has inspired Rev3 to add races in Portland, Oregon ($50,000 prize purse), Anderson, South Carolina ($50,000 prize purse) and a combination Olympic distance triathlon ($30,000 prize purse) in Costa Rica, making Revolution 3 technically an international series.

Patten won’t reveal all the details of this private company, but is willing to give a few hints. “For more reasons then one, I would rather not get too deep into who the investors are behind Rev3. I am in investor in Rev3 as well as one corporate entity. Also, I would rather not get into what the investment is to date. I will go as far to say that it is a heavy front loaded investment. Our expenditures were very large for year one, a little less for year two, and we will follow that pattern for year three. It is our plan to hit the end of the runway and to have the wheels on the airplane up by year 5! That said, there are some things we are working on that may or may not help us reach the end of the runway by the start of year five.”

The moment that sparked Patten to dream up Rev3 came when he was waiting in line to sign up for Ironman Lake Placid after finishing the 2008 race in 12 hours 15 minutes. “The thought came into my mind while I was waiting in line,” said Patten. “The supply of quality races must be very low if athletes are dishing over $500 one year in advance. And people were securing their accommodations for the following year while they were checking out of their hotel on Monday after the race. What sealed the deal for me was the fact that a lot of those athletes were complaining about having to commit so far in advance.”

While Patten was also a fan of the many things that WTC does well, he shared the frustration many feel about the effort it takes to get into Ironman races and saw an opening. “We learned a ton about race production from Ironman and we try our hardest to replicate the things they do well,” he says. “That said, we also felt that a certain customer focus was lacking. When we decided to put on major triathlons, we made it our mission to truly try our hardest to put the customers first and understand our clients’ needs.”

One of those needs was to avoid the WTC’s hard line on refunds. “For example, if you serve in the military and end up with a deployment that you weren’t expecting, you better believe that at Rev3 we are refunding your money,” he said. “Get pregnant? ‘Congratulations, here’s your money back and we hope to see you in the future!’ Death in the family? ‘We are sorry for your loss; here is your money back.’” Obviously, we use discretion, but the point is that we care about the athlete.”

In launching his series, Patten also tried to think out of the box with technology and race coverage. Instead of paying out big money for broadcast television of Rev3’s debut 2009 event, he initiated live streaming internet race coverage with live video more like the ITU live internet coverage than the WTC’s no live video but extensive print and stats Ironman coverage. For the first event at Quassy they not only had live coverage on a Jumbotron screen at the start finish line, they also offered spectators access to computers in the transition area equipped with that Trakkers, a GPS technology that tracks athletes and offered real-time information such as location, speed, heart rate, elevation and current pace of the athletes.

After the first two seasons, Patten’s thinking on the technology front is evolving. “We started off the series with a big bang and a large focus on new technologies,” he said. “We found quickly that, while people appreciated the effort, they were ok with doing things in a more traditional way.”

For the past two years, he says, “all of our races had live Internet coverage. That goes along with our approach of using technology as a differentiator in the marketplace. We will scale that back a bit in the coming year so we can focus on a TV production. We will have live coverage of some sort, but we have yet to figure out what that means. We will in fact have a highlight reel available by the evening at each one of our races next year. We have pulled together a great team for our video productions. We will be using Upstage Video for a large piece of the production and have teamed up with Greg McFadden to help with producing and directing the live show.”

Live internet coverage done well, says Patten, “is awesome, but it doesn't bring in the same numbers of eyes that a TV production would bring in. From a sponsor’s perspective, especially one that is not in the triathlon industry, TV is more valuable to them. We were getting anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 of viewers for our Internet coverage. But TV may bring us in the millions and we are looking into a production or multiple TV productions for 2011.”
Patten is willing to take risks and favors thinking outside the box, so does he come break the mold of the current race director and CEO. When he started Revolution3, he was not yet 30—younger than many of the marquee pros and far younger than the average race directors and impresarios that rule the business of triathlon.

“Truth of the matter is, I am getting old. I went over the hill in 2009 when I had my 30th birthday.”

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and spent his childhood moving around the country from army base to army base. He graduated from high school in 1998, spent his summer mowing greens at a golf course and shipped out for Army National Guard boot camp in September of that same year. “The day my father retired, he swore me into the Army National Guard,” recalled Patten. “Seeing as I am not that smart and lack an inner drive to produce a quality report on economics, I bypassed the whole college thing. I spent 7 years in the Army National Guard and have been in the world of government contracting ever since.”

He started in triathlons in 2007 and finished IM Lake Placid in 2008. “I signed up for Lake Placid again this coming July,” he said, “but the 40 extra pounds I put on since starting Rev3 is making that look more daunting! Guess it's time to start training again.”

Exciting things happening!

2011-02-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

Well as you all know this winter has been filled with non stop SNOW!!!!!! This has made training TOUGH!
Lots of treadmill running and no biking outdoors in months. Thankfully i just got back from a training camp in las Cruces New Mexico where I got some much needed biking in!

I cannot believe we are in the second month of 2011 already!!! Where is the time going?
I have been wanting to update my blog for a while...but with Facebook and Twitter,camps and kids time just flies!!!!

Today I am feeling a little under the weather as everyone over the course of camp got sick...I stayed healthy until the last two days of camp and I have managed to bring it back to New Jersey. So I shall use this day off to take the time to relax for a bit and catch up on all the exciting things happening in Team Trakkers!

Firstly I am so happy and privileged to be part of this Team for the second year! As far as I am concerned this is the Team to be on...we are fortunate to be a part of the greatest new series to hit triathlon...The Rev 3 Triathlon series!

The REVOLUTION3 Triathlon is changing the way triathlons are run! They recognized the need for a first class race experience while keeping things fun for everyone! With the growth of triathlon the need to change the way athletes and their loved ones view and participate in triathlons of all distances is so important.
My family can vouch for this. I have been racing for eight years and them coming to races started to get old...the early starts and then waiting around with nothing to do, in undesirable locations was resulting in me taking alot more trips without them. But with the start of Rev 3 all this has changed. It has become a more interactive, enjoyable experience for them by providing fun activities for my children and my husband during the race. Revolution 3 is all about change! Change for the age grouper, change for the professional athlete, and change for the spectators.
With races like Quassy and Cedar Point and now Costa Rica...these are now memories that we can all share together!

So thus I am happy and excited to report that in ten days we shall all head out to Costa Rica for a fabulous family vacation and an opportunity for me to race against some of the best athletes in a stunning destination. What more can a mom who loves being a competitive athlete ask for!!!!

Now back to Trakkers. The team has some amazing sponsors for 2011.
Firstly we shall continue to ride our wonderful speedy Kestrel bikes. I am looking forward to trying the new 4000 out. I have heard so many good reviews on it.

Secondly we have 2 new sponsors....Avia and TYR!!! Exciting!
I have been admiring the Avia's cool skull looking merchandise and running shoes for a few years now and am glad I get to try them first hand! www.avia.com
Over the years I have had several TYR belongings but this is my first year to be sponsored by them. Along with a new fast looking Hurricane westsuits we have been given, are there amazing line of TYR travel luggage. This is the sweetest looking set that will accompany me on many racing trips this year! Who knew TYR had a luggage line. Check it out on the TYR website.

We are back with First Endurance again. By far the most complete and amazing nutrition product line on the market! Just look at all the Elite teams that are using there products. A sign of how they are recognized as one of the leaders of nutrition is Endurance Sport! EFS/Ultragen/Multi V and Optygen HP got me through this last ten days of intense training out in Las Cruces.

My latest discovery is 1 scoop of Cappuccino Ultragen mixed with warm milk before bed...ahh sets me up for a great nights sleep!

Well more to update on my recent training trip to Las Cruces....but that's all I have time for for now!

Best Photos of 2010....

2011-01-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

I like to make a photo slide at the end of the year to reflect on all the good times! What a busy full great year! Awesome...so much fun! Great memories from racing...family vacations and good friends! Love it!

It's been a great 2010!

2010-12-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

I always like to thank the wonderful sponsors and friends in my life who make my training and racing possible.
Firstly to my husband and family who allow me to explore my passion to the fullest. Thank you for being proud and believing in me.

Secondly to Coach Paulo who has been coaching me now for the last 4 years and keeps me healthy and ready to race...

Thirdly a big thank you goes to Trakkers. Being a part of this team really made my 2010 special. I was proud to be on a team of great athletes...including Amanda and Michael Lovato, Dede Griesbauer, Richie Cunningham,Brian FlesIchman, Mary Beth Ellis and Carole Sharpless.

Not forgetting the wonderful athletes on the age group team that became new friends.

With Trakkers came the introduction to a new race series The Revolution 3. A race series that proved that it is here to stay. Rev 3 puts on first class races with a strong feeling of family and caring behind them. The venues were fun and the new friends I met along the way were amazing! From Knoxville to Connecticut to Cedar Point Ohio it was a great race series!!! I managed to secure a third place in the series which was icing on the cake!!

I was also introduced to new and wonderful sponsors.
Firstly my nutrition sponsor. First Endurance!!!!
This has been the best complete nutrition support system I have used in ten years. They offer a complete range of products that left me feeling confident that I was receiving the right combinations of vitamins/minerals and electrolytes for training. It was great having a recovery product that I felt confident about that would refuel my exhausted muscles and would get me ready to train hard the next day! I raced alot this year and always felt great about my nutrition. I strongly urge any of you who have nutrition training/racing questions to go on their site as they have endless answers to probably every nutrition question you may have.

Secondly big thanks to Kestrel for a sweet new ride and Saucony for their great support throughout the year. Triswim kept my skin smooth and chlorine free!

Brielle Cyclery has been with me for the last ten years and I thank them for their endless support and warmth. Clarence the best mechanic in the world always has time for me and it is MUCH appreciated!
A big thanks goes out to Freddie from Oakley who has been a supporter of mine and providing me with the coolest of shades for the last 5 years!!!!!!! I love my Oakley's!
Also to Suunto watches for their second year of support and whose watches are clearly outstanding!

So I look ahead to 2011 and another great year of racing! Lots of good things in store!

Time to get back to training!!!!

2010-12-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

I have enjoyed three weeks of chilling time and I am happy to report I am back to a training schedule. Now different coaches have different philosophies on how much time to take off. Some athlete's just take a week and get back to training. I usually get 3 - 4 weeks to do other fun things with the family and to give the mind and body a break from the structured routine of training. When I first got into Ironman I would take a week and get right back to a schedule, but found it became a very long winter and sometimes I felt I really missed out on a well needed break. Also there are a lot of sacrifices that have to be made throughout the year to compete at your best level. In my break I like to spend as much time as possible doing fun things with friends and family and really finding the balance in my life again.

After Ironman Florida I was feeling particularly run down due to racing sick and instead of pushing onwards to go race a very difficult 70.3 in Phuket, Thailand. Coach Paulo thought it best to take a break. This was a good idea!!!

Me being me I quickly found other things to fill my time. Out came the mountain bike....which I love!!!!! The woods are so calm and the rides are always fun and challenging. Mountain biking for me is LIFE at it's best. I love to ride fast and hear my heart beat, finding new trails and exploring old ones. I like to work on the climbs or try some jumps I am afraid of. I like when the trails diverge and I have to pick one that I don't know where it might take me. I face my fears on difficult sections. I go back to them again and again trying to conquer them.
So as you can tell I got some good rides in!
I too got a little swimming, easy and in our indoor pool which means short swims followed by long hot tubs and steams. The pool I train in has no luxuries!
Lastly I really discovered Yoga. A friend of mine suggested I try it and that I may love it. I have and I spent three weeks going to yoga everyday....!!!! Pure bliss. There is nothing like walking into a Hot Vinyasa Flow class when it is cold and rainy outside!!!! I really needed to get some flexibility back too and all the stretching felt great!

I too got to enjoy time with my family going into NYC and spending time at the beach,hiking,sleeping in and just having no where to rush too!

The time off always goes so quickly but I am always thrilled to get back to my training schedule.
I am planning my year and setting new goials. Lots of exciting things in the works!!!!
I will be updating soon.
First I will need to give out some big thanks to my sponsors and then secondly I need to put together my traditional good bye to 2010 photo collage....then plans for 2011!!!!!

Ironman Florida Race Report...

2010-11-09T16:22:00.001-08:00

I arrived in Florida with a bit of a cold. This was the first thing that had gone wrong in my Ironman build but I figured when it arrived I had 10 days for it to clear. I was looking forward to leaving the cold of New Jersey and heading down to some warmer weather to dry out my sinuses and get me healthy. I had no doubt in my mind that race day I would be 100% ready!

Well as some of you know the days leading up to Ironman were cold and rainy and I spent most of my time resting.
Not a bad thing. The day before race day I was finally feeling better and I was really hungry. I felt like I was eating so much food and by nighttime my tummy was feeling a little upset. I shrugged it off and got a decent nights sleep.

Morning came quickly and I got up at 4.30 to eat. My stomach was still feeling full and I was not very hungry and ate a very small bowl of oatmeal and a few scoops of apple sauce.
Scottie, James and I headed down to the start at 5.30. We did not want to spend too much time waiting in the 30 degree weather so instead it ended up being a bit of a rushed morning. Before I knew it we had 20 minutes to start and I was still out of wetsuit looking for a bathroom. With 10 minutes to go I finally begged someone to let me go to the front of the line, got my wetsuit on, dropped off my morning bag and got onto the beach with minutes to spare.
I got a 2 minute warmup swim and then lined up for the day.

The swim was pretty uneventful. I stayed with a small group pulling the first loop coming in around 29 minutes. The run on the beach was quite tiring and I decided to sit in for the second half. The pace seemed so slow so I eventually just swam off on my own and zig zagged around the age groupers.
I ran in around 1.01, a minute slower than the last time I swam this course. It was ok though as the water was a little rougher.

Running into T1 the volunteers were awesome. So many clothes dropped out of my bag and it was so hard to put them all on with my wet body. First was a long sleeved shirt. I just could not get than on...so I opted for just a bike jersey and arm warmers...knee warmers and thick Saucony compression socks. I too had toe caps on my shoes so I figured I would be reasonably warm. Once on the bike the camera guys were filming me and that kept my focus on catching up to Tamara in front of me and not on the cold. By mile 7 I had passed her and had my sights on a girl in front of her. We were riding into a head wind and I was feeling strong and pushing comfortably hard. A few guys came by in a tight group. I was amazed how blatant the drafting was. I stayed 100m back until I was dropped. Another pro girl then came by in a pack and I once again thought I should go with them. It was significantly easier in the pack but instead I went to the back and stayed too far off the back that I lost the draft and biked on my own. My stomach was starting at this point around mile 35/40 to really feel very bloated and crampy. When I got to the turnaround I saw a bunch of the guys that had been riding in packs that had received drafting penalties and I was happy I did not go with them because I had failed to put my race belt on and I was worried if they pulled me over I would get DQ'd.

The next section of road was super bumpy and back into a headwind. My stomach was feeling so upset by this time that I was holding back throwing up. A mile of bumps and I started vommiting uncontrollably. I pulled off the road and lent over with my stomach in pain.
I continued on pushing into the wind trying to keep my watts up. Every time I thought I was starting to feel better, it kept coming back. I could not consume any fluids. The cramps were strong and I started looking for a short cut back. I knew we had an out and back and I was thinking I would just ride straight back. Instead I headed out on the loop once again throwing up halfway through. I was so dissapointed as I was so ready for this race and I could not believe I was feeling so bad. I tried to just drink a few sips of water and basically just cruised home pushing 140 watts to the finish. I was riding so much slower with a big tailwind than with the wind in my face and I just wanted to cry! My friend Danielle and many others rode by and asked me what was wrong...

Once in T2 I sat down on a chair bent over while the girls yelled can we help, can we help? They were basically putting my shoes on and pushing me out the door. So I figured let me stop at the bathroom where I can have a private moment to contemplate what I really should do.
I stood in there hating the thought of a DNF. But my body was so completely drained. But in the end I decided to head out and push for a bit and see what happened. My stomach was so sore but I ran hard and surprisingly my legs felt so much better than what they did when I first got out on the run at the Rev3 full distance 6 weeks ago.
I stopped again at mile 3 to use the porto...as I had gone from throwing up to a complete upset tummy. I tried to drink lots at the water stops and even stopped at the paramedics at around mile 6. I gave them my symptoms and they suggested I should stop. I told them that I would run the out and back and then see them at mile 9. They insisted I stop at every aid station and hydrate well and to check in with them. So off I went and I was surprised at mile 7 to see that I was running pretty well.
But the reality was that I was really dehydrated and depleted and I could feel my heart rate rising. So I just ran comfortably and stopped and drank at every station and stopped every few miles at the bathroom. My lower stomach was still so crampy and it was really a struggle the whole way. At the turn around I was prepared to just go back out and try my best to just keep trying to pass people and get to the finish.

The crowds cheers kept me going and seeing my buddy James out front was so inspiring. Scottie D too was having a great race and I was so happy for them.
So I jogged into the finish and was proud of myself for my perseverance. I came across in 10.09 a few minutes faster than my Rev 3 full distance.

So while I was terribly disappointed I understood that what I accomplished was good!

Back in medical I continued to throw up after a nice cup of soup and I stayed there for a few hours recovering with some well needed IV fluid.

After a lazy day spent trying to recover Sunday I had fun celebrating with so many friends at the awards and Spinnakers the next night. I am truly happy and fortunate to beable to do what I love!

Thank you to coach Paulo who always gets me ready to race. I hope one day I will beable to put together the race that we both know I am capable of!
Thanks to to Trakkers for all their support this year and Kestrel, Saucony and First Endurance, the best Nutriton ever!

Me, James Cunnama (Ironman FL Champ), Scott D, Arland M

Ironman Florida Taper time!

2010-10-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

It does not feel like too long ago that I was tapering for Rev 3 Full....and now six weeks later I am tapering again.
I am loving my decision to race another Ironman.
IM Coeur d 'Alene was disappointing as a back issue lead me to DNF at mile 16.
So Rev 3 Full was a well needed back on track race for me.
Now I am definitely looking for the race where it all comes together, where all the hard work I have done this year pays off!
To have the perfect race you need to be healthy, have got good uninterrupted training in and your head has to be in the right place.
This year I have raced quite alot and have loved being on the start line. When you are forced to take time off sometimes you come back with more passion and desire than ever.
I knew this year was going to be tough but my intentions were to race myself into shape. I enjoy the energy and excitement of racing and this year sure has had alot of that. Racing on the Trakkers team and doing the Rev 3 series was truly a nice addition to my racing calender.

These six weeks have gone very well and I am happy to say I feel more ready for this race than any other this year.
So with great anticipation I shall wait patiently for race day. I look forward to whatever the day brings me. I shall have fun,work hard, and enjoy each moment...and at the end of the day I will come out knowing I gave it everything I had.

Rev 3 Race Report!

2010-09-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well I have had a week to think about my race and it was all very fresh in my mind this morning when I decided to ride for the first time since racing.

Coach Paulo has given me some time to enjoy my folks who are still out visiting me. So with trips to NYC, and Atlantic City, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia,soccer games and football games....tours to the Statue of Liberty,kayaking,swimming,biking and other fun things this ....this has hardly been a recovery week.....but it has been filled with lots of fun and little training!

REV 3 race week started with a 10 hr drive to Ohio. We arrived in Sandusky Thursday morning. Things were pretty quiet but it was cool driving into the Cedarpoint Amusement Park and seeing where our race venue was going to be. What an amazing park...I have never seen so many large roller coasters.

Race week went so smooth and there was such a good vibe around the park. That is one thing about the Rev 3 races that I love. They have a warm feeling like you are among family. Seeing all my Trakker's peeps around, and the whole Rev 3 team was amazing! A lot of my friends were racing too which also made it fun!

All week I felt great and I really enjoyed the taper after having a big week of training. I was feeling very good about racing and had come to peace with the idea that I was going to race with low running miles.

Race morning arrived and we all gathered on the beach waiting for the sun to rise. It was a stunning morning and we were all happy as the water had finally calmed down due to a wind direction change. The water had been pretty crazy all week, like a washing machine.

My dad and I

One minute to go...

Us pro women all lined up anxiously awaiting the start. We were trying to figure out the course as the sun was coming up.
Soon the gun went off and we ran and dolphin dived for a long time. Shortly after we all started swimming, one of the pro girls was yelling help....it was confusing and a few of us stopped to check if she was ok. I then proceeded to swim hard to catch a few of the other girls who had not heard the screams. The next strange thing that happened was I was working so hard to catch my friend Lauren when I noticed that the kayakers told her not to go around the red buoy. Turns out when I reached the red buoy they told me that we had swam about 200 meters too far, to the second loop red buoy......AHHHHHH! I could not believe it. So once again I put my head down and swam as hard as I could to make up time. I felt good about my swim as I managed to catch a few girls in the second loop. My eventful swim was not over. At the second turn around I had caught up to one of the pro girls. I was just about to pass her when I got kicked so hard in the nose. I heard a crack and I thought my nose was broken. My nose was swollen and my teeth even hurt. I back stroked and breast stroked and contemplated the situation. But I had had this same thing happen on my very first Ironman in Lake Placid and I went on to finish the race. So with or without the broken nose, I once again swam as hard as I could to the shore.

I was totally dissapointed with the 1.09 swim........but put things into perspective as I knew I felt really great the whole swim and I felt totally fine as I ran out of the water.

Once on my Kestrel I reassessed my nose. It hurt like hell and it gave me an intense headache but thanks to Advil it definitely helped the pain. I had driven the bike course two nights before and I loved the course. It was pretty flat with beautiful apple farms and quaint little towns. This kind of course I love. Rev 3 had marked it very clearly and it was an out,two loops of roughly 35 miles, then a back section. This gives you riding both into the wind and with wind at your back. I knew the last 35 miles were going to be in our face so I did not want to push too hard too early.
I was feeling so good and I was very confident about my nutrition plan. Robert from First Endurance and I, had sat down a few days earlier to go over the perfect plan for me. I followed the plan to a tee....water first half hour, then 2 bottles EFS mixed with EFS liquid shot. At the 50 mile mark I had finished my nutrition just as planned and waited patiently for my replacement bottles at special needs. Losing a minute or two can save you later in the day by sticking to your nutrition plan.
The next 40 miles ticked by and I finished my next 2 EFS bottles pretty quickly. I think the heavy wind was making me extra thirsty. I started with my last bottle of water and EFS liquid shot and then sipped on Cera Sport for the remaining 20 miles. The last hour was pretty brutal wind wise and without any company on the ride I was really feeling it. I kept refocusing but my speed/power definitely slipped the last hour. Bike time 5hr 18 min.

I was thrilled to see the amusement rides in the distance and received a nice welcome back into transition by my folks. I then ran out feeling pretty good and ready to get the last section of this race over. I am always relieved and happy to start the run.
The first few miles went well and then I turned into the wind. It was like I was biking again....a big effort. My pace slowed and pretty much stayed even for the rest of the marathon. The course was flat and fast in sections with the wind at your back...but unfortunately my pace just stayed steady. I needed to finish and get the work done so I used all the energy from the great volunteers and competitors and pushed ahead. I ran to the finish ending up in 7th place in a time of 10hr 12 min.

I was truly happy to finish this race. This distance is so mentally tough and so many obstacles can get thrown your way...but you have to persevere and always challenge yourself...and push your limits. My achilles held up and I am so thankful for that!

Huge congrads go out to James Cunnama who won his first big IM distance race....and fellow PS athleteand friend, Lauren Harrison who had a huge PR race. My Trakkers teammates out on the course also were very inspiring. Lastly the Rev 3 team did such a great job out there cheering and working hard all day and into the wee hours of the night. A big thanks goes out to Charlie, Heather and Todd, Krista, and Carole and the whole Rev 3 Team! You guys are amazing!!!!!

After a few hours of rest a bunch of us headed down to the finish line to cheer the last competitors in. This is always a good way to laugh,cheer, cry and feel good about the whole day.

I was happy to learn the next day that I got 3rd Overall in the Rev 3 series. Pretty awesome! I am thrilled that I chose to race in all the Rev 3 races as each one was better than the first! This race series is here to stay and is well worth putting into your 2011 schedule!

Reflecting on Timberman 70.3

2010-09-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

I have been slack about updating as life has been crazy. So before I update on Rev3 Iron distance race I wanted to fill in the time between my last post which was August 8th. (One month ten days ago. )

With a calf strain very much present I managed the week after I last posted to start building up my run mileage. My longest run going into Timberman 70.3 August 22nd was a 6 miler. Of course this for me was not a confidence booster knowing the stellar field of girls that always show up for this race. I knew despite the low miles that my fitness was good as I was preparing for Rev 3 Iron distance race and had been getting some good biking and running in.

In good spirits I headed out with Sydney to New Hampshire, picking up my parents at JFK, who were traveling from South Africa to visit with me for 6 weeks. What better than a trip to New Hampshire, some sight seeing, and a race on top of it.

My families presence kept things nice and relaxed and fun and I felt no pressure.
Race day came....and I raced with what I had that day. On the swim and bike I pushed hard but felt the big weeks of Ironman training in my legs. On the run I surprised myself with how good I felt and ran hard for a 1.31 split on some good hills. So I came away with a little boost of confidence that despite my low miles of running I still could run the distance.

With Rev 3 3 weeks away this was an important race for me.

We then all jumped in the car and headed back via Boston then New Haven for a little more sight seeing.

Where did a month go???

2010-08-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

I was in the pool last week when the sweetest yoga instructor told me he really enjoyed reading my blog. You see he's a first year triathlete and he said he found it helped him to know that even the pro's have tough days. A sense of guilt overcame me as I have been putting my blog on the back burner. A few days later my friend Judy reminded me of the fact that she reads my blog and is missing the updates. So I knew I had to take some action and let everyone know what's been going on with me.

You see when training and racing is going well it is motivating and inspiring but after IM CdA I went through a few weeks of feeling a little down. It's hard when you invest so much time into something and the result is not good.
I was hoping to get right back into training and had my eye set on IM Lake Placid. But Coach Paulo did not like that idea and he normally has a good sense of what's good for me and what's not. So I spent a week getting massage/ART and acupuncture to try get rid of the low back pain and after 2 weeks I got back into a hard training schedule with a 2 week build. The plan was for me to race Steelhead 70.3. Training was tough as the heat was intense. I think we had 90 plus degree's for a month straight in NJ.

While in my second week of training my body started to break down and I was getting some really sore achilles/calves. Now these muscles are ones that you really have to take care of as you need them for everything. But I chose to ignore the ever increasing pain until one day I went for a run, I got 3 miles out and then I had to walk home. My achilles just refused to be co- operate anymore.

TEN THINGS THAT CAN LEAD TO ACHILLES/CALF STRAIN ( ESPECIALLY if you are me) Now one or two of these may not cause any problems but try failing at all ten....TROUBLE!

1. Try avoid doing any fast running for 2 weeks after an Ironman. I did a 3 mile race with no warmup....I may have been fine if I did not do the next nine things!

2. Avoid heels as much as possible... 2 weeks post IM I went out and danced with heels on....yes occasionally I love to wear them. They always look SO good but hurt so bad! They really shorten the calf muscles...especially when you are dehydrated.

3. Try avoid wearing no shoes. The day after heel wearing I walked around all morning with no shoes on. NEVER a good idea as it now lengthens the muscle.

4. Don't run super fast intervals on a 100 degree day. Someone next to me was on a bike giving me splits which was making me push very hard....and of course that was while my achilles were already irritated.

5. Stretch, (controversial) but not too much....

6.Try avoid running too many days on the road.

7. Do not ignore the pain!

8. Do ice regularly!

9. Wear compression socks if you need to, but don't think because you can hardly walk they will help you get through a 1hr.30 run.

10. Listen to your body!!!!

All that resulted in me having to take 16 days off of running. Yep that is a long time when you are watching your races come and go...

Well I am happy to say while I am not officially out of the RED zone I am on my way to recovering. I am back jogging/running and hope to be at full speed soon. I am doing all the right stuff in order not to get injured again.
Sometimes we really take your body for granted and push them way too hard. I think endurance athletes get so used to a certain amount of discomfort...it's important to pay attention at all times to your aches and pains.

What I have come to realize over the years is that my training has highs and lows and if I can time the highs together with racing...good things happen! But things happen, obstacles arise that stand in your way. You need to be patient and deal with what's thrown at you. There are ALWAYS more races! What is important is your health and happiness!

So be smart, train hard but keep it REAl!

IM Coeur d Alene Race Report

2010-07-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well a DNF was a result that I have always prided myself in NOT having. I remember a friend of mine saying to me a long time ago when I decided to turn pro that he hoped I would not start DNFing my races because I could get into another race soon. I assured him I wouldn't and continued that pattern of racing with all I had until the end, for 14 Ironman, and many other races.

So why did I make that decision on Sunday. It was a tough decision...and new ground for me.

From my awful delayed travel to Idaho, five nights of poor sleep in the nights prior,to every part of the race day...things did not go as planned which left me in a position where I felt my focus had been lost! The idea of me running a slow 10 miles to finish the race in 10th or 11th place did not mean enough to me. Especially seeing I felt I was comprimising my health as a back/neck issue that has been bugging me this season, since my crash last year ,was acting up on the bike and by the time I hit mile 13-15of the run my back was in a deep spasm. I could shuffle along and finish but when you have raced and know what it feels like to feel good it became clear that I did not feel the need to push my body through the pain just for a slow finish. My first Ironman I ever did was a 11 hour flat while totally falling apart on the run. Thus when faced with the thought of a slow painful Ironman finish I decided to save my body. Staying healthy is so important for the longevity of this sport.

I sat in transition with fellow athlete Desiree who herself had made the decision to pull out due to feeling sick/dizzy. We both felt awful about our decisions. It was a tough decision for me and I even got some ART done before I handed my chip in. Half an hour had chipped away and I decided to call it a day.

Here is my race day recap!

3.30 Wake Up
Breakfast Gluten Free bagel with peanut butter and a bottle of Ultragen
4.45 Rolled down to transition.
Sipped on a bottle of EFS while getting wheels pumped, and Kestrel bike set up.
6.20 Pro Start
Water was quite choppy heading out and I swam with a small group , Lauren Harrison (7th Place) and Haley Cooper(4th Place) and a few guy pro's.
6.53 We came across the second loop mat and I thought oh sh###t we are going to get beat up by the mass start of age groupers waiting on the beach.
6.55 Slam dunk....the pack came swimming right over us. The mass start is getting very dangerous and you all need to give each other some respect and space. it is not OK to hit ,kick,dunk people in the face just because it's a race. At the turn around I heard a women yelling in panic..this is not what IM should be about!
7.25 Swim exit

7.28 Bike Exit. While on my bike the plan was to drink 5 bottles of EFS with 3 scoops and 1 bottle of EFS for a total of 1900 cals. Rookie Mistake, my stomach did not handle the concentrate well after drinking a huge amount of the lake and I opted for 2 bottles of water to dilute the drinks. Result was too little calories on the bike....

9.45(estimate) Came around the half way point and was feeling OK but my stomach was bothering me and my legs were not feeling strong. I was not riding like I usually ride...it was an effort to keep my watts I wanted to hold. Although I had rode the course two days before by car I was surprised that the course was as hilly as it was and I think the hills followed by a headwind did not help. There were some slow climbs that on the second loop alot of age groupers were walking up. My back and neck was really tightening up which resulted in me riding up and out of my aerobars alot.

1am start run. Running around 7 min pace and feeling ok. Ran with a bottle of EFS liquid shot. Stomach really wasn't doing to good so I stopped at the porto potty around mile 3. Felt a little better so kept going but with the pace starting to slow.
I got to see the intensity of my competitiors up ahead. Linsey Corbin, Desiree,Kelly were all having great races and looking very strong. It motivated me and I tried to push. Andy Potts ran by me on his way to a win....that motivated me too...and I pushed hard staying right behind him for a mile. I saw him suffering and stop and it made me realise that we all suffer even on a good day. So I pushed...but my back was tightening up and my form was not good. Stomach bothered me again and I made porto potty stop number two. This was probably dehydrating me and not helping with my back issue. As I approached the crowds into the second loop I did not feel motivated any longer. I had stepped out of the competition and was very distracted. I bent over and tried to stretch my back and I my back went into a tight cramp. I saw Hillary Biscay up ahead and I thought let me just catch up to her and run with her and finish this thing. I only had 11 miles to go. But my back wanted no part of that decision so I stepped into transition and got some ART with the thought that I could still go out again.
Once inside T2 I made the decision to call it a day!
I was 9hours into it.

Even though the decision hurt and the disappointment was huge I feel it was a good one. For me it is no longer just about finishing an Ironman but about doing the best I can and placing well.

After handing my chip in I was extremely tired and fell asleep in transition. My body was exhausted mentally and physically. While I lay there in my disappointment, I watched the age groupers who were just coming in off the bike and heading out to run. I can't imagine what it's like to be out there for 15,16,17 hours. I applaud all of you who became Ironman that day, or who battled through mentally or physically and finished the race. Ironman is never to be taken lightly and always to be respected!

Congrads again to my friends Linsey Corbin who raced her heart out and was so deserving of this win! Kelly Williamson who got 3rd place and her first kona spot. Also too Lauren Harrison ,PS Triathlete and friend who finished 7th with a new PR. Also team mate Michael Lovato for his 3rd place finish.

Coeur 'd Alene is a beautiful town and the volunteers out on the course were amazing. The race was so well run and I would recommend it to everyone. Even the lake was tolerable at 60 degree's. I really enjoyed my time spent in Post Falls with good friends and I thank John Fell and his wonderful family for all their support,understanding and hospitality. Keep up the great training/racing John!

Quassy Race Report

2010-06-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I would like to thank Heather, Todd and Charlie for putting on an another amazing race! I am really enjoying this series and think the details they are paying to the races/athletes/and families are exceptional!
Here the kids got 2nd place in the Kids Adventure Race!

Race day for me was kind of an" out of body experience." It is tough mentally to do a race when you are not rested or tapered.
I am preparing for Ironman Coeur d Alene in 2 weeks and due to my racing/training schedule I really had to accept that some races I could focus on and some would just be hard training days. Coach Paulo reminded me that this race was not to be my focus and that I should just race with what I had. Now sometimes you can surprise yourself with how you feel. Last year I won Tinman up in Lake Placid after a very heavy training week. But that race was way more low key and there were not 4 World Champions there!

Race morning however after two noisy nights in a hotel room and little sleep I felt more fatigued than anything. My warmup run was on heavy legs and I tried my best to ignore them. Watching the stellar field of girls all warming up didn't help either, but I too put my game face on and tried to ignore what my body was telling me.

Sydney with breakfast on hand giving me a last hug before entering the water!
My race morning nutrition had consisted of a gluten free bagel with almond butter at 4am and a bottle of Ultragen that I sipped on and the a small bottle of EFS right before the swim.

Swim start
I got off to a good quick start( all 30 seconds of it) before the faster swimmers started pulling away. My arms did not want to turn over so I just settled into what I could do... my own pace. I didn't feel awful, my endurance felt good, but I was definitely in the Ironman swim pace....

Onto the bike, I hoped that my body would start to kick in but instead I felt rather flat. I missed the first turn 5 minutes into the ride which was annoying and my fault for not making driving the course a priority. The cop directing bikers decided to take a nap in his car and the turn said run turn so I kept going only to hear the cop honking a minute later...major bummer...enough time wasted for me to have a girl pass me and for me to totally lose sight of Amanda and Natasha. The hills were relentless and I noticed that I was riding at least 10 heart beats lower than usual. It was however a fun pretty course but I battled to keep my focus. Your mind set is so important in racing. My second wrong turn was following two bikers down a road that apparently was the wrong one. The person directing bikers had got on his bike to go chase the biker who had gone the wrong way...thus there was nobody at that spot. With such a windy course with some big fast descents it was imperative to know the course.

Seeing Julie and Kelly heading to their second mile while I was still heading in on the bike was a reminder that I needed to give the run everything I had to try make up for my swim/bike. The run course was great and challenging. I raced in the new Saucony Kinvara's and were amazed how good they felt on the hills. They are the lightest race flat I have raced in by far but the most comfortable! I pushed hard the first few miles and then tried to push hard up the big hill climbs.

My legs felt pretty solid and I ran pretty strong the whole way until the last two miles. My heart rate was abnormally high all race and was hitting 173 on the last hill climb and I was ready for this race to be over. It was so great to see my fam out on the course and it kept things real.

Coming into the finish line the Hank was there with the kids and they were ready to run with me. They have not run across a finish line since my first IM in Lake Placid probably 5/6 years ago. So it was great to see their excitement and have them there. They are the greatest two kids a mom could ask for!

Post Race kids meeting team mate Amanda

So all in all a great race! It was great to see all the Trakkers girls and guys out there working hard and having fun! This is a must do race for everyone and I will definitely go back next year ready to race!!

Training Nutrition

2010-06-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

I believe your body tells you what you need in order to keep it strong. Now sometimes you are too busy to listen to your body and you keep going on all cylinders...eating without any thought of what you are putting in to your body. I have been known to do this. Either I eat to little or I snack to much on kids junk food. If you let this go on for too long you can really weaken your immune system.
But today Coach Paulo gave me an easier day with just a swim after racing a hard Quassy Half Ironman yesterday.( Race Report to come soon!) This gave me time to head to one of my favorite little health food stores, Deans in Neptune.

Well this is what my body was craving...

I like to juice but haven't in a while...so I decided it was time to pull out the juicer for the summer! A great drink for your immune system is apples,lemons,radish,ginger and carrots or if you feel run down and a cold coming on a mixture of oranges,lemon, garlic and ginger or even better if you can handle it a shot of flax oil,garlic,ginger,and cayenne pepper....potent but worth every drop!

I must have been craving coconut as I got coconut water,,,which is very good for you and filled with electrolytes. I also got coconut milk, a good source of fat.I love to make a Thai chicken curry with it over rice. On the good fat note I also found some divine curried cashews, guacomole, hummus, almond butter and salmon salad...and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies of course....now to just not eat it all in one go!

Coconut,cranberry, mixed greens, and a mixed fruit juice...all great antioxidants!

Oh I should not forget all the great gluten free foods I got like rice cakes, potato's,sweet potato's,brown rice,oats and some great gluten free bars and fruit/nut bread!

My weekly diet would not be complete without my First Endurance products that have got me through 3 half Ironman and no GI issues. My training EFS drink fulled with Electrolytes. Ultragen, my recovery staple, and my Optygen HP and my MultiV to ensure I am getting the neccessary vitamins in!

Yay to healthy food....although Sydney wasn't sure whether to give the veggies a thumbs up or down. When I told her we could juice again she decided to "Rock on!"
So make each mouthful count....and enjoy your food!

Florida 70.3 Race Report and a new attitude!

2010-05-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well I am home after a quick two and a half days in Orlando.
I am happy with my result from the Florida 70.3. I managed to finish 5th Pro in a time of 4hrs29min and a new Half Ironman PR. ( well besides Florida 70.3 Worlds but that doesn't count and we all know why).....My splits were Swim 31 Bike 2.24 Run 1.29.
Now I don't mean to be overly enthusiastic by my result as 1-4 would have been even better. But a solid performance and a pay day(especially with the new 8% rule) is always a reason for excitement!

Leanda Cave, Amanda Stevens, Migali Tisseyre,Ayesha Rollinson and me!

So to recap my day....

My day started at 3.30am, as this race starts literally as the sun peeks up over the water.With a 6.20am start means an early breakfast if you want to play by the 3 hour to digest your food rule! Also I was staying just outside of Disney property and needed to give myself plenty of time to get to the rather difficult but pretty race site at Fort Wilderness!

Breakfast for this race was a gluten free bagel with jam, vitamins(Optygen HP and Multivitamin) and a small bottle of EFS.

The morning went smooth and I had enough time to lay out my gear, make a few bathroom stops and do a little run as they were not giving us any swim warm up.(not good for me)

At 6.23 sharp the women's pro field gun went off and I high kneed into the water followed by some dolphin dives. This enabled me to stay with the lead pack for 20 seconds longer than I would have normally as running was involved.
I settled in to a nice pace that was obviously a little too comfortable looking at the time. My swim went relatively fast and I was happy as the water was warm and calm and the buoys were well set up well and easy to see! I knew I was pulling at least one girl as she constantly touched my feet which was kind of a reminder to me to keep pushing hard. I felt good on the swim and actually caught one of the girls that was swimming on her own ahead of me....I guess all the 5000 meter swims are paying are off....just not in the speed department.

T1 is always fast and a little hectic but I was pleased to see about ten bikes still in the transition area.

But most of those girls were right behind me and it was a sprint to see who could get out of transition fastest. So race on and I did a good job getting out onto my bike. I went out with Tamara, Heather Jackson, and a few others. The lead pack of Leanda Cave,Nina Kraft,Sara McLarty, Amanda Stevens and Migali Tisseyre were already a few minutes ahead. So I knew I had to do my best to stay with the girls around me. After biking alone in New Orleans and in Tennessee I really wanted to feel like I was in the race. So I chose to push harder than I normally would early in the race.
A few miles into the race Tamara passed me. I know she is a solid biker so I decided to let her get no further than 400 meters ahead of me. My plan was to always have someone in sight. A few miles later Heather Jackson passed me. I know she got the fastest bike split in New Orleans and I knew if I could keep her in sight for a while I would be gearing up for a good bike. I went into this race with goals and a new attitude...something I did not have my last two races. I had specific times I wanted to do...they weren't set in stone as I know you have to adapt according to what the day throws you ...heat, wind etc but I made myself a plan and it gave me something to focus on.

I felt great on the Kestrel and was thrilled to have my power back. I think the fit that Coach Paulo did in Tennessee really helped me get comfortable and I felt the best I have all year!
Throughout the race I was happy to see that the drafting officials kept our pro girls (well the ones that I could see at various times) racing very clean for a flat course. That made me HAPPY and at one point I thanked them for it! This was my fastest bike split in a few years and I did feel like my legs were fatiguing near the end. I rode my own race though and had to eventually let some of the girls out of my site as they were pushing a little out of my comfort zone. I also made sure to stick to my nutrition plan of 3 bottles of EFS and that seemed to work perfectly.
I was thrilled when I came into T2 and saw my 2hr24min bike split. I was also a little nervous as I was not sure how my legs were going to feel. Well there was no time to think about it as I had some girls to go try catch. Another thing I really liked about this course was the ability to see your competition over and over as it is a three loop course. This is very motivating especially when you see the girls up ahead starting to fall apart. For this race I decided to race with a heart rate monitor so I knew how hard I was pushing. I knew it was going to be hot and I had to pace myself early on. So I kept my heart rate steady and ran controlled. This course has about 8 miles of uneven grass running that gets very hot...95 degree hot! When you are tired and getting dehydrated it can be very tough! But I kept my mind so positive this race...I reminded myself about how much I love racing in the heat and how forgiving the grass felt. I was passing girls and that felt good. When Ayesha passed me around mile 7 I tried to keep her close. I dug deeper and managed to bring my miles back down to 6.40/6.45 pace. I could see the speedy Kim Loeffler working hard to catch me...she was running fast and making up time and I knew I had to give it my all! With one mile to go I was told I was in 5th place 40 seconds behind 4th. I pushed as hard as I could making up 10 seconds but just not enough to catch 4th.
I was thrilled to be 5th on a day like this with such great competition.

Last Thursday I was very undecided about racing. My knee had been bothering me for weeks and my chiropractor was strongly suggesting that I take it easy. I was thinking that I may just stay at home or do a small local race. My friend agreed with me that it was a far way to go when I wasn't feeling 100%. Instead just when I was about to not go it became very clear to me that I really wanted to race! I actually had forgotten why I race... the challenge,the excitement, the energy and...the competition. I could take the easy way out or I could go and test myself,race hard and do the best I can.
My son Tanner was going to be in his own competition while I was racing His first Tae Kwondo full contact sparring competition. I explained to him my decision to go...that the better the competition the better you feel when you do well.

I thought of my son often while I raced. I raced for him....I raced hard as I felt the need to make the most of my day...I did not want to feel like I had anything left over. He was doing the same. He took a challenge...he faced the big boys and he got beat up ....but he hung in there and proved that he had heart and that he deserved to be there. He won his round against a boy 2 years older and a foot taller than him who kicked him in the head and stomach repeatedly. Tanner was tough and I was racing to show him that you have to be tough to do well. I am so proud of him and the athlete he is becoming and I was proud of myself on Sunday and the athlete I work hard to be!

So all in all a good positive weekend and some good lessons learned. Next up Quassy Rev3 race in a few weeks!

The Good,Bad and the Ugly of my race in Knoxville!

2010-05-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

REVOLUTION 3 RACING!

Well as I expected Knoxville was going to be that tough Oly challenge that I like to throw at myself at least once a year. Short course racing is very intimidating for me especially knowing my swim is not my strongest event. Looking at the stellar women's pro field prior to the race start I knew that this was going to be a hard day for me and I was going into this race to support and represent the Trakkers Team at the First Rev 3 race of the year. What Rev 3 is doing is incredible and I wanted to be a part of it! It's an exciting new race series and it is first class. Next event I shall definitely bring the family as they had so much set up for the kids to do prerace and during the event itself. The race was well organized,clearly marked, and a nice scenic challenging course. The details that Rev 3 showed from the flowers for moms,to the boxed lunches and big slides set up for kids are superior to any other race I have done and a real nice touch!

Well to the race...all went smooth race morning. I had a great night sleep....rather unusual for me...and awoke at 2 in the morning to realise I had not even set my alarm. I was relieved to see it that I still had a few hours sleep and set 2 alarms and fell right back to sleep. I awoke at 5am to eat my new breakfast prerace routine of gluten free oatmeal, apple sauce and half a bottle of Ultragen which I sipped right up until race start.

My Kestrel all ready to go...

My name in lights...No 66

I headed out at 6am only to find out that it was in the 40's and freezing. We had found out at the pro meeting that it was going to be another non wetsuit swim which I was dreading. Being the eternal optimist I took my wetsuit down to race start anyway hoping that they would take the cold air temperature into consideration but they didn't.

So sadly we all headed down to the waters edge. I decided after shaking uncontrollably in New Orleans prior to race start that I was not going to do a warm up in the water as it looked to cold. I was not alone and a bunch of us waited on the deck until a few minutes before race start. The swim was pretty uneventful. The group split into two right from the start....I as expected ended up pulling the second group to the finish only to have everyone sprint by me at the swim exit. This was a very fast T1 and I realise I definitely have to remember that T1 and T2 is actually part of the race and not a time to catch my breath.

By the time I got onto my bike the 4 girls that had come out of the water behind me had taken off. I too also noticed that Olympic distance means pushing hard right from the start of the bike not just easing into a nice steady pace. Right from the start of the bike I was freezing. Now being in this position a few times before I am definitely learning that this cold racing and I just don't work together very well. As much as I tried to think warm thoughts my mind was not prepared for this scenario and it refused to co-operate. It wanted no part of this race and the result was extreme shaking, numb hands and feet, and loss of power. I was too distracted to even notice how hilly the bike course was. To those few age group guys that may have heard me moaning out loud I apologise as I forgot I was racing at times as I contemplated which sunny spot I was going to stop and sit and wait for a ride at. I decided it was going to be best that I just rode my bike back into town. In all my races I have ever done I am yet to DNF and I pride myself in that and yet the thoughts going through my head were exactly that. Entering T2 I was still thinking about stopping but then I saw Coach Paulo yelling at me to hurry up and I figured I had to try suck it up. So T2 was a blur I ran out yelling to Paulo that I could not feel my feet....of course he told me to run faster....and that's how it went. I ran as fast as my body would let me while running on stumps and by mile 3 when my feet thawed out I realised I had something rather large in the toe of my shoe. Ended up that it was a whole gel pack that I am very happy didn't explode in their but did make for some squashed toes. By mile 4 I realized I was going to make the finish of another race...even if not a perfect one! I was happy to run through the Rev 3 finish shoot in 11th place...sadly once again just out of the money!

All in all a great experience. Bonus of the day was that Team Trakkers pulled out a big win in the Trakkers versus K-Swiss Challenge!

Thanks to Fred my home stay for these great pictures....

This is a classic finish between second and third place....Terenzo and Lieto

I thank my wonderful home stay Fred and Ali for all their hospitality. They are two great people who opened up their beautiful home to me and Dede and they made my stay in Knoxville that much better! I look forward to seeing you both again and good luck with your racing Fred and your new baby!

First Endurance

2010-05-04T09:29:00.001-07:00

I am the luckiest girl to be sponsored by First Endurance. This is nutrition products at their best. I am so impressed by all the information you can get from their site and the research that goes into their products and finding the best solutions for us athletes. It is unbelievable. There is a wealth of knowledge on the First Endurance site and I encourage you all to go and look as" knowledge is power". All the time we spend swimming, biking and running only to let a race slide because of poor nutrition is such a waste. A few simple changes can make all the difference in your training and racing.
Go to www.firstendurance.com and see what they have to offer. They talk about gluten free diets,race day nutrition,electrolytes,sodium....and much more!!!!!

Gearing up for Rev3 racing!

2010-05-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend I will head to Knoxville to the much anticipated inaugerel Rev 3 Olympic race.
I am looking forward to this race for many reasons.
1. I get to re-unite with the Trakkers Team and am looking forward to meeting Charlie.
2. I get to meet all the cool age grouper Team that have sent me nice messages.
3. I get to see Heather G, Tom O, Eric B and my buddies Scottie and Brian will be there.
4. I get to race out of my comfort zone...Olympic races always scare me as they are SOOO short and fast unlike Ironman....but I am always up for a challange.
5.I get to visit a new town and meet a new homestay.
6.I get to see how Rev 3 puts on a race...looking forward to the excitement of race day!

I was hoping to drive down with my family but we decided to save the family trip for Rev 3 Conneticut where the drive is much more managable. Rev 3 is really looking to keep the families busy with big screen movies at night, cool adventure racing for them the day before the big race and computers set up so families can track their athletes race day.
It's going to be awesome!

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-23T18:27:00.001-07:00

My daughter suggested picking up trash at the bay beach for Earth Day...

...Lucky us found a rainbow doing it...

Kestrel Fit Number 3 Brielle Cyclery

2010-04-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

Clarence from Brielle Cyclery worked with me yesterday to dial in the Kestrel fit. I am loving the feel of the new bike and think I am pretty close to nailing the best position for me right now! My neck still bothers me from my bike crash but hopefully I will beable to get even more aero as time goes by.
The new fit seems to be everything that Zane from Jack and Adams Retul Fit had recommended prior to racing New Orleans. It's amazing how small changes can make a huge difference in your power and comfort level.

Some pics from New Orleans

2010-04-22T19:55:00.001-07:00

My pre race ride along the Mississippi! The wind was howling off the water!

Racing in the "Big Easy"

2010-04-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

New Orleans from Rooftop!

After 11 days on the road. I am HAPPY to be home back to my loving family and warm comfortable bed!

New Orleans is such a unique town with so much history ,and I thought it was a really fun place to have a race. The fact that Bill Burke got the race finish to end running into the French Quarter was amazing and is up there with one of the coolest race finishes. Spectators lining this area were really pumped up (or drunk) and cheered loudly. It was really a nice way to end the race.

But let me go back to the start.
The Nola race experience reminded me alot of Eagleman. If anyone reading this has done Eagleman you know choppy water, windy bike and flat hot run and this was everything that that race has! The good news is I happen to love the Eagleman course!

The day started for me at 4am after a very restless sleepless night....nerves had really kicked in and I dragged myself out of bed wishing I had a few more hours to actually sleep. Nevertheless I reminded myself that the most important sleep is two nights before the race and put it out of my mind. I got breakfast in and left the hotel early to give myself plenty of time to get down to the race site as I was staying a good 20 minute away. Despite it being my first race in 9 months I felt very calm and prepared race morning. I got a warmup in and then headed down to the water. A big disappointment was the announcement that the pro field would not be allowed to race with a wetsuit on. Even though swimming is not my strongest event this does not bother me terribly, but the cool air and cold water really bothers me. Warming up in the water was impossible and I almost would have been better waiting on the shore and not warming up at all. That 10-15 minutes waiting for the anthem and the guys to go off put me into an incredibly stiff state with uncontrollable shaking. Alot of the girls were shivering and I really don't think this is a fair rule at all.
But nevertheless despite all my complaining to myself the race was to go on and the gun went off on and we headed into the water. I got a good start dolphin diving and managing not to hyperventilate in the process. The wind was really making a mess of the lake and we were swimming into a big chop. Once we turned the first buoy was when I realised it was going to be a long swim. There were waves of 1-2 feet which made sighting quite difficult and I watched a small group of girls ahead of me head for the wrong buoy. I made the choice to stick to my own line and break the water by myself. But unfortunately I was left in no mans land with nobody around and the big spacing between buoys and the sun and the waves pushing me to the shore made it very difficult.
Well after what seemed like an hour I eventually left the battlefield and was happy to exit the swim. I was so ready to get on my new Kestrel and start the race.

On the road I quickly realized that it was not going to be the easiest bike. The new bike position was not feeling great and my legs were not happy right from the start. I could not get my power going and the wind was not helping. The first hour and half would pretty much be into a head wind. I had hoped to pass a few girls on the bike but I only passed one. So I settled into a steady effort ride reminding myself to stay in the race and to keep pushing.In efforts to keep drafting to a minimum the age groupers were kept well behind us and this made for a very fair pleasant race for the pro's on a flat course :-) At the turn around I was thrilled to have a nice tailwind which made for a very fast ride back home.

After a very rusty and quite comical T2 I was happy to be running . My husband was out there on the first mile and I mentioned to him that I was racing for time as I hadn't seen anyone for so long. Nevertheless I pushed hard on the run. My legs came around quick and I was feeling pretty good. At one point around 6 miles I got to see that I was making some ground up on the girls ahead of me. So I dug deep and was happy to finish with a 2 minute run PR.

I always like to take some positives away from races. Racing keeps you sharp and I needed to get things rollin to see where my fitness was and to shake off the cobwebs! I had no expectations for this race so the PR run on a hot humid day was a bonus!

Having Hank,John Fell, Lauren Harrison who placed 5th(AWESOME RACE ),Linsey Corbin(2nd Place),and Trakkers teammate Dede, and other friends at the finish line was great and the energy downtown in the Quarter was amazing!

Glad I made the decision to race in NOLA and I would definitely like to go back there again next year!

This is what my husband got me to eat post race.....what"s up with this...we're in New Orleans and I just raced a half Ironman. He said he was trying to keep it healthy!

Post race on Bourbon Street!

Lots to blog about!!!!!

2010-04-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

Trakkers Camp 2010 Austin Texas

My time in Austin ended today as I have resettled in New Orleans...but I have many thoughts I want to share on the week there.

Firstly, the launch of Trakkers was very successful and I am so excited to be part of this dynamic team. It was so good to spend time with this great group and really get to know each other better.
Camp was a whirlwind of photo shoots, product education, bike fits, meet and greets and lots of fun and good laughs.
Jack and Adams Bike Shop based in Austin was our home base for camp and they graciously helped us every step of the way from putting my new bike together, to fitting me twice including dialing me in for New Orleans with the Retul 3-dimensional motion capture technology. Zane from J&A's has given me a setup that I shall work towards, after New Orleans that will make me super aero and much more efficient. The Retul fit was quite fascinating and definitely worth while!

I am excited to have Kestrel as my bike sponsor this year.I am riding the Kestrel Airfoil and I think it's a beautiful bike. With only a handful of rides on it, none longer than 2 hours I shall be interested and really look forward to seeing how it feels over the 56 mile distance on Sunday in New Orleans.

Krista Baker from Trakkers was there at the launch with a handful of Trakkers GPS devices (other known by me as her little chicks!) She gave us some good insight on how they are going to work while racing and eventually in training. Loved ones will be able to get live gps on race day to know exactly where you are and how you are racing. The group bike ride we did was a test run for them and it went off without a glitch. Later it was so cool as you could see exactly where and how fast we were going every minute. This will make spectating for my husband and kids so much easier, especially in the longer races.
Love these girls! Krista, Carole and myself!

Richie,Amanda and I heading out for the group ride!

We were so fortunate to have some amazing photographers with us all week. Jay Prasuhn originally from Triathlete magazine now at the new Lava Magazine) and Elizabeth Kreutz well known Lance Armstrong photographer..) took some fantastic pictures of the team while biking, running and having fun! It's impressive watching these guys in action and they were awesome!

We also got the chance to meet Carrie from Saucony, our clothing and sneaker sponsor. The new products that they had to show us are cutting edge and I am so looking forward to their arrival. The girls of course looked stylish all week as Saucony makes a huge assortment of training and casual athletic wear. I have my favorites!

We were fortunate enough to have Robert, the scientist behind First Endurance, our nutrition sponsor. Not only a great guy but one that was happy and eager to answer all our questions for four days. He knows his stuff and I am so thrilled to have them as my weapon for success this year! Nutrition has often ailed me in Ironman and I will be working closely with Robert to figure this out. Their product range covers all your needs, from daily vitamins,training drinks and bars to recovery drinks. Their new product Optygen HP is the one that I am most looking forward to trying.

With all this excitement going on I can't forget all the special people I got to meet this week.
Two in particular...I had the greatest homestay Vicki.....everyone in Austin knows Vicki as the giving wonderful athletic superstar she is and her cute doggie Izzy who has made me want a dog really badly!

Another giving homestay who helped me immensly was Scott. He also races and took me on a bike ride that covered every hill in Austin, He went out of his way to take make sure I was fed,had transport, a place to swim and a great mechanic too.. You both made my stay extra special and I thank you!!!!

So all in all I was quite sad to leave this beautiful city. Austin has an amazing vibe. People really relish in the outdoors and healthy living. I will especially miss the run around town lake and the Whole Foods. Austin Whole foods is....food shopping heaven!!!!!!

Amanda, Michael, Carole, Dede, Richie, Brian, Mary Beth....this shall be a great year for us!

Trakkers Pro Team Launch in Austin

2010-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Come join Trakkers Pro Team and Jack & Adam’s Bicycles for a weekend of Triathlon fun. Team Trakkers is kicking off their year with multiple happenings at Jack & Adam’s on Fri., Sat., and Sun., April 9th, 10th, and 11th. Come join us for a happy hour, swim, bike, run, or just stop by the mini expo and try to win some free stuff. Other guests will include Rev 3 Events, High Five Events, Trakkers GPS, Saucony, First Endurance, and many more. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss the fun. Below is a schedule of events for the entire weekend.
Friday April 9
8:30 AM Group Swim at Barton Springs – Knock the dust off your wetsuit and come take a swim with some of the best in the sport. (Meet at Barton Springs, bring cash for entry!)
6:00-8:00PM, Happy hour for ALL to attend – Come meet the Trakkers Pro Team, drink beer, eat catered food, kick back and listen to some live music! (Meet at J & A’s.)
Pro Team includes Michael Lovato, Amanda Lovato, Richie Cunningham, Dede Griesbauer, Brian Fleischmann, Mary Beth Ellis, Jacqui Gordon, and Carole Sharpless.
Saturday April 10
8:30 AM Group ride from J & A’s – 30 Mile Hilly Loop, presented by First Endurance ANYONE welcome – Free First Endurance product provided pre- and post-ride.
First Endurance nutrition talk immediately following the ride: learn the ins and outs of fueling and recovery. Breakfast tacos & coffee compliments of First Endurance.
12:00 PM- 4:00 PM – Trakkers Pro Team & Jack & Adam’s Season Kick-Off
Catered food from Whole Foods – fruit, sandwiches, and more, compliments of Team Trakkers and J & A’s.
Trakkers device test run and demo set to view at J & A’s.
High Five Events, Rev 3 Events, Trakkers, Saucony, First Endurance, and more will be on site with product samples and displays.
Lots of Free stuff to be given away!
4:30 PM Group Run from J & A’s – Take a jog around Town Lake. 4 and 7 mile loops available. – Pros split off for photos on Auditorium Shores
Sunday April 11
8:00AM Optional Capitol 10,000 event.
8:00AM -12:00PM Pro athletes receive Retul Bike Fits with Zane Castro
12:00: Trakkers product talk and wrap-up.

I got what I came for.....hard work, focus and mountains!

2010-03-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

After a restless few hours of sleep, a 3.30am wake up alarm and a 50 minute drive to El Paso. I managed to arrive at my gate with 5 minutes to spare and I am now on my second flight and halfway home! I am SO excited to see the family.
Camp ended for me yesterday....with a great last day of training. A classic 4 .20 ride to Hatch.....nothing but open roads for endless miles, panoramic views of horses,pecan trees,chile farms and stunning mountains and big skies! Nothing but focus....and getting the work done! The ride finished with a short run, and the training day ended with a fun but hard swim at NMSU pool! Camp was wrapped up by a great eating frenzy of chips,guacamole,ceviche and burritos in Old Mesilla followed by a surprise ice cream stop for Lindsey at Dairy Queen finally!

I shall miss Las Cruces and the NMSU pool....that 50 MPH wind that almost blew me off my bike a few times and the sand storm that almost swept me off my feet! It was fun and inspiring to train with the posse and Coach Paulo....well what can I say about him...he's the glue....keeping it all together...! As I said before another great beneficial camp! Thanks Paulo, Danny,Lindsey,Jonnyo,Lauren,Tracey,Darryl, Michael and Jeremy for your good energy and laughs this week!

So as I return to NJ, I hope the bad weather is now gone and I can build on this block of training to gear up for my first race!

Next up is a Team Camp in Austin with Trakkers....should be fun!

Missing the family...3 days until I am back home!

2010-03-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Looking through all the great pictures I have tonight of my wonderful family...and am thinking about how lucky I am to have a husband who is so supportive of my dreams and who is such an amazing father.

Missing my cool dude! Tanner you are wise beyond your years. I love you so much and am so proud of you! You are truly amazing...and I could not ask for a better son.

Miss my bundle of energy and love. Sydney you make me laugh every day. Your creativity and beautiful mind and endless love is a treasure! I miss our bedtime stories!

See you all soon!

My love/hate relationship with swimming!

2010-03-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

Today's pool time was extremely hard for me.(and the rest of the gang too) It was my 6th day of hard/long swimming in a row and my arms did not want to turn over. Actually they hurt with every stroke. After a long warm up I was hoping they would stretch out like they often do...but no they just seemed even more fatigued. Then came those dreaded words 40 x100's. Good news was only every 5th one was fast. Bad news every 100 seemed like the fast effort....which made the fast effort throw up worthy.
I appreciated Coach Paulo yelling at me, but there seemed to be nothing I could do to get my arms moving. So I just swam and swam and counted them down and then it was over....another workout done! Thanks Lauren for the motivation today!

After swim we rolled out for an easy bike that turned into the battle of the 25mph winds and uphill climbs. But thanks to good humor and an eventual tail wind we got through it.
Resting up now for a long "fun " run.. .should be anything but fun...but I look forward to it!
I shall miss having Lauren and Tracy ( The Rocket) to run with as they both have to get back to work. You gals are the best! It's been fun!

BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP... SOME PHOTOS FROM TODAY'S RIDE!

2010-03-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

CROSSING OVER THE RIO GRANDE RIVER BY MESILLA STATE PARK

ME...RIDING SOLO TODAY

I SAW THIS BEAUTIFUL TREE!

A GREAT VIEW OF LAS CRUCES FROM PICACHO MOUNTAIN
Picacho Mountain is a mountain summit in Dona Ana County.

Eat..Run...coffee...eat,,Bike..eat.. nap..coffee..Swim...Eat!

2010-03-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Day 5 for me of my Las Cruces training and I am setting into a nice comatose of training. My legs are constantly fatigued and you learn to live with it and be happy! Luckily we are all in the same boat here. The energy at camp is great and I love the girls that are part of the PS posse.

It is so nice to train with girls and guys that are all working towards the same goal...being their best!
Our first official day of training camp was a big energy day as we did a 4 hour that turned almost into a 5 hour ride. The winds were howling and it made for some fun big efforts. The loop we did was a ride included riding up the transmountain gap. It is so great to be on the road again and was really fun to climb and made me think of our training camp in Arizona and climbing Mount Lemmon and how amazing that mountain is.
It was an memorable first official day of camp ride and yes, how could I forget that it was my birthday so we had to have a great dinner at Lorenzo's too!

JEREMY,LINDSEY AND LAUREN
TRACY AND JONNYO
ME AND PAULO

Today got my fifth day of swimming in a row. Paulo's pool workouts have been amazing and the long course pool is such a treat. Never mind getting to do it outside in the beautiful sun is amazing.
I have been taking some great pictures on the road so I will be posting those as often I am to tired to think.

2010-03-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Heading out for a two hour ride.

Another beautiful day in Las cruces!

Paulo and the rest of the gang get in tomorrow. Big training up ahead! Need to get some good sleep tonight!

I am done for the day and am chillin and stretching ....

...and thinking of my two cute kids....who will be ready this blog. I love and miss you two!

Peeps are rollin in...

2010-03-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Lindsey got in last night and we had a nice 40 minute run this morning around NMSU grounds and then headed to the pool for a quality swim. They had my yesterdays workout so I had to do a 9x 400's on my own...but it was fun having them next to me and watching them swim. I tried to get a few pics of them swimming but they didn't come out to well.

After lunch at Milagro's and a short nap we are now heading out for a two hour bike. The winds are blowing so it shall be interesting but a welcome change from the trainer. I shall try get a few pics of the dust and tumbleweeds that blow around here. Hopefully we won't get blown off our bikes.

Falling in love all over again!

2010-03-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today out on the roads of Las Cruces, New Mexico I fell in love with biking again.
Since my crash in September of last year I have had a bitter relationship with biking. A little nervous at times with cars pulling out in front of me, definitely cautious, but I haven't even had much road time. Riding on the road has felt forced and unsafe with ice, heaps of snows making it tough for cars to see you and the roads took such a beating leaving huge potholes everywhere. Winter has been long and majority of rides have been on my trainer. These rides have not been torture as they have not been crazy long like a few people I know that are training for Ironman, but they have been a bit of a struggle.

Bottom line is I love the outdoors, I love to feel the sun on my back, the wind and have the open roads where you find that sweet spot where you are riding effortlessly, just you and your bike... free!
Well today I felt that and was so happy.The wind was at my back, I was in the aero bars, pushing comfortably, enjoying the beautiful scenery. I love the mountains and the dry air was such a good change from all the rain and snow.

My pool swim was equally as enjoyable today at the NMSU pool. It was great to see Danny looking fit and strong and I look forward to swimming outdoors for the next 10 days. The pool was set up long course and the water was perfectly warm and it felt so good to have the sun on my back.

Tonight Linsey and Lauren come into town and tomorrow Paulo and Tracy arrive. It shall be an awesome training camp and a well needed good quality stretch of training.

Well off to go run...more up dates soon!

Saucony Rocks!

2010-03-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

What a great day yesterday...Sun was out and I got a great swim in with my friend Maggie. After a few days of little or no training due to a wisdom tooth being pulled out I felt tapered and my times reflected it in the pool. Which just means I was able to cut a few seconds off my times and I actually felt stronger in the pool than usual.

The weather has been beautiful and I got to ride in shorts yesterday. What a difference it makes to have less layers on and the sun shining! I met my friend Patti for a ride. Patti is amazing. She is the toughest women I know and she is 55. I have never seen her get dropped on a ride ever....she just knows how to dig deep and work hard. Yesterday the two of us worked hard. Some of my best rides are when I have someone sitting on my wheel just there pushing me from behind. Patti has been riding with me for years and I appreciate her feedback. She let's me know if my riding isn't smooth and is always quick to tell me if I am riding strong...which only makes me work harder. Yesterday I pushed hard into the wind for what seemed like most of the ride and she was there after each interval to tell me how fast I was going. It really helped so thank you P. By far my best ride of the year!

I got back to find I had got a nice delivery from Saucony with all sorts of fun workout clothes. Love them....thanks Saucony!!!!
I tried to get Sydney my daughter to take a picture of me with them but that didn't work out to well. I am happy to have new training clothes for camp next week....packing will be so easy now!!! Awesome! Also got a new pair of Progrid Triumph 7's. Can't wait to try them out on my run today!

Inner Drive

2010-02-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

What keeps us going...pushing hard...day in day out. A will to win...to be the best!

Training here in NJ has been so difficult this year. Thank goodness Coach Paulo has made my training tolerable to accommodate this brutal winter we have been having. Being a mom with a family you cannot always just pick up and go so I have to make the best of the circumstances. Our boards and trails have been taken away due to heavy snow.....so a lot of my running has been done on the hard roads or on the treadmill. I went for 2 months with only 1 or 2 road rides out doors due to icy roads and freezing temps.
I have tried not to stress out too much about this as I did not plan any early season Ironman this year. Instead I will train even harder when the weather is good so I will be 100 percent ready!

Today was a three hour ride which I chose to do outside in super cold weather. Thank goodness the puddles were just that puddles and no black ice. I did not see a single soul on the the road so for three hours I tried my best to stay motivated and to do the intervals. It was not my strongest riding but I felt good to have got it done and mentally it made me stronger. The whole time I was riding yesterday on my trainer I was wishing I was on the road. Today the whole time I was riding outside I was wishing I was inside on my trainer watching the Olympics, warm and motivated. But both days I was thankful to be able to be healthy and riding on my bike.

So for 2 more weeks I ride in the cold and then hopefully I will be rewarded with some warmer weather in Las Cruces New Mexico where we have a training camp. I cannot wait to have the posse to train with. It's always hard work but fun knowing you are all working hard together , pushing each other!

First race is coming up so need to get faster!

Trakkers launches new Elite team on Xtri

2010-02-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Trakkers Announces Elite and Age Group Teams
2/9/2010

Boulder, CO— TRAKKERS, The world’s first real-time GPS racing device, announces the inception of its Elite and Age Group Triathlon Team for the 2010 season.

“It is with great pleasure that I present the brand new Trakkers Triathlon Team,” says Trakkers head honcho, Charlie Patten. “In order to enhance the way family and friends track their athletes on race day, we created the Trakkers GPS devices. And in order to better promote the product we have created, we are now establishing a top-notch team of individuals racing in the Trakkers colors.”

To coincide with the highly anticipated spring release of the Trakkers athlete-tracking device, a group of world-class professionals has been assembled. The 2010 pro roster is as follows:

Richie Cunningham: 2x 70.3 Champion; 3x Top-Five at 70.3 World Championships

Dede Griesbsauer: 2x Ironman Champion; 3x Top-Ten Ironman World Champs

Mary Beth Ellis: 2009 Escape from Alcatraz Champion; 2x 2nd place at 70.3 World Champs

Amanda Lovato: 2010 Pucón 70.3 Champion; Multiple Half Ironman Champion

Michael Lovato: 2x Ironman Champion; 3x Top-Ten Kona; 3x National Champion

Brian Fleischmann: 1st World Team Champs; 2x 2nd place at USAT National Champs

Jacqui Gordon: Multiple Ironman and 70.3 Top-Ten finisher

Carole Sharpless: 2006 IM Florida 2nd place; 2007, broken back; 2010, comeback year.

To complement the Elite Team, a squad of 36 Age Group athletes is also on board for 2010. Headlining the amateurs is Kathleen Calkins, the top AG athlete at the 2009 Hawaii Ironman World Championships. Additionally, the Trakkers Team is broadly represented in the tri ranks, from the pointy end of the races proudly to the back of the pack.

Partnering with this unique and cutting edge Team, are three triathlon industry powerhouses: Saucony shoes and apparel, First Endurance nutrition, and Kestrel bicycles.

Robert Kunz from First Endurance stated: “This is a perfect partnership for us, not only because of the high caliber of athletes, but also because of the management and philosophy of the team.”

Carrie Bartlett of Saucony added: “This partnership allows Saucony the opportunity to connect with more triathletes and build the Saucony brand within the sport. We are excited to be the official footwear and apparel of the team in 2010.”

Steven Harad of Kestrel commented, “I look forward to a successful season; to have the entire team riding Kestrels and providing feedback will help us continue to grow.”

Keep up with the progress of the pro squad by tuning into www.twitter.com/TrakkersElite, and checking www.trakkersgps.com for regular BLOG updates.

Today, I am thankful...

2010-02-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Well, that last post got me thinking of what I am thankful for.
Today I was most thankful for a slightly easier week of training. It's been a hard few weeks , of which I have been really enjoying. But I was happy to see things back off a bit this week so I can catch my breathe and renew my energy. I am especially thrilled to be feeling like I am getting back to shape. I am grateful to be healthy ,fit and getting stronger. I am especially happy that my neck only bothers me on occasions from my crash and not all day, everyday!
I am so thankful to see how everyone from the triathlon and running clubs, the school and local businesses in the community are coming together and supporting the Soles4Soles charity. I think I am up to about 500 shoes with 2 weeks to go. I am happy I made the decision to do this as I have enjoyed seeing my daughter show a real interest in helping. She really wanted to go drop off the shoes in Haiti herself and was disappointed when I told her that we were going to send them to Nashville and that Soles4Soles would get them to Haiti.
I am thankful everyday to be able to do what I love....swim,bike,run,be outdoors...even if it's snowing every 2 days in New Jersey.
I am especially happy that the things that make me happy in life are within reach always. I find the simple pleasure and always have in being able to see the beauty of things around me everyday. In these rough winter days when we are stuck on our trainers....because it's cold or freezing...it's easy to get cranky. But I know that hard work is hard work no matter where it is and it WILL pay off...
Well I am very thankful to be on a new team this year....The Trakkers Elite Team and I look forward to representing them.
I am thankful as always to Coach Paulo who seems to say "no" alot...but I know is right most of the time.
Lastly I am so thankful to have great friends and a wonderful family that are always so supportive of me!

Thanks Sharon for the good message of the day!

2010-02-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

One day the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on a farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden, and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard, and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on, and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are."
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have. Appreciate every single thing you have!

SUCCESS

2010-01-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

My children's principal emailed me today about helping with my shoedrive. He had this on his email. I liked it and thought I would share!

Success...To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent
people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest
critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a
healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know
even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to
have succeeded! ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shoe drive for Haiti Week 1

2010-01-28T15:39:00.000-08:00

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I decided sometime last week, after watching the devastation in Haiti that I had to do my part to help. Last year when I raced in South Africa I had wanted to bring running shoes over to help the poor. The expense of shipping the shoes myself was just crazy and it was too big a project for me to handle. This year I saw that Soles4Souls had launched a Haiti relief effort where they commited sending 100 000 pairs of shoes to the victims of the earthquake. I felt compelled to do something as I know how many running shoes I have sitting in my garage that could definitely be of good use to another, and how many athletes I know in a similar situation.I also feel that offering your time to a good cause is a good lesson for parents to teach their children and after all the craziness of the holidays and the excess of gifts ,I want my children to acknowledge and understand the importance of helping those in need.

So last week at the annual Jersey Shore Triathlon Club party Kathy kindly let me announce my shoedrive.
I am happy to report that it has been a succesful week thanks to the help and support of alot of people. Miles Ahead and Brielle were my first two shoe drop off locations which makes perfect sense as I happen to love the owners and knew they would be on board helping. During the week I have made my rounds to all the places I like to go with most businesses being more than happy to help. So
Rejuice -A- nation, Green Planet(Point Pleasant), Devlin Gymnastics, The Atlantic Club and their swim team are in. I also stopped by Inlet Outlet Surf Shop in Manasquan and they were awesome! Art's Dr Liz put a box up in her office and Alicia from Smith Barney kindly printed up an email and has dropped off a bunch of shoes. Doug rice just called today to let me know that Jersey Shore Runner has about 100 pairs for me. So all is going great!!!! Keep them coming guys! AWESOME! The shoe drive will end at the Triathlon Sports Symposium on Feb 20th.