Capturing our Horses in 2011

As I sit to write there is a song repeating itself over & over again. Not as dramatic as when Amazing Grace blessed my mind in Timberville, but Wild Horses by The Stones- has me writing on a whim, please bear with...

I can sit here, over my Xtra Sharp tea jolt and ponder a long time about it. I'm introspective like that- with a training regime that gives me lots of time to think about silliness. I woke up with a song and I know what it means: It's the triathletes of races past! They are telling me to get over it, to take action, to face the winter demons and get on the trainer!!
Just do it, woman! The hard-to-admit fact is that this last week I have not been much of a triathlete. I am having issues with the massive size of my quads right now, I have been home with Dylan on vacation for almost 3 weeks, which has completely drowned the Phelps inside of me; but now, with visions of running stallions and an ugly image of an old Mic Jagger, I am resetting and refueling... I love this sport and no matter how much I debate going back to the simple life of a runner - those wild, wild horses could not drag me away...

We have so many reasons to do the things we do. We all do, and I am very respectful of the reason's of others. It's part of my job, your WHY. I take other people WHY's with me every where I go, everyday. I think I have so many others WHY's that they are what is now stuck to my quads- the WHY don't my jeans go past my knees anymore question is being answered- by WHY's. With so many wonderful, heartfelt reasons to do what motivates us, I lost track of my own. I do know better, please forgive me, yet I got so caught up, I lost my own marbles...


So here is what we are going to do people. (Please play along with me...) We are ALL going to back up, get out the whiteboard, and set our goals for 2011. Then, only when the goals are clearly outlined and jumping off the page are we allowed to set our WHY. Yes, in my life of coaching & teaching, I tell people to do it backwards. Trust me on this one, you will NEVER achieve a goal if you don't know what it is BEFORE you know the reasons... because reasons are very susceptible to influence; goals are not. I am confusing you- because everything you have ever heard about goal setting just got put into your mental blender and became a green, lumpy mess? OK, here we go:

1- Have your goals. Write them out: what, in your heart, do you want to accomplish this season?
2- Write out the reasons for those goals. WHY? Why are these the objectives that matter to you. WHY will you shed blood, sweat & tears for that list? You need your reasons, because without knowing WHY each goal matters, you will lose your precious marbles too.
3- What is the minimum effort/ sacrifice/ work/ pace/ distance you will accept of yourself? Write that down. Wtf? I know, you have been taught to write what you WILL do to reach your goals, now I'm asking you to do the opposite. Here it is folks- most people can easily say "I'm going to go run 20km today." and then run 19km and still be content. BUT, if you make a decision with yourself that you will NOT run less than 20km, well you know what- you'll run it, because the mere thought of disappointing yourself is much worse that the attempt to satisfy yourself. Human beings will fight off pain much harder that they will fight for pleasure. THIS IS HUGE in goal reaching. If your business goal requires you to make $20,000 this month, don't write off a to-do list of how you will reach that. You will most probably crap out on yourself. Instead, be clear on what you will LEAST accept of yourself, i.e.- you will not sleep before you follow up with at least 5 customers daily. If you need to run a 3:56 km to reach your goal, than know now that you will not allow yourself to run slower than 3:50km. It's not being negative, it's being accountable in a way that moves you to action.
4- Everyday make a small list of the 'smaller' moves you must make to reach the bigger goals. My goal is the Rev3 Half Iron in June... well, that appears to give me plenty of time. So today, I set my Sunday goal to a minimum 90min run at not a second less than marathon pace, and at least 30minutes of yoga to start the week fresh & limber.

I urge you all to set up your 2011 the way you need it to go. Where do you need to be one year from now? Let's make things happen, let's take control of our wild horses and put them to work for us. Perhaps, in retrospect, they have been running wild long enough.
Happy Season, happy achieving, please train safe- the basement is a wild place sometimes!

My 17km Run To Give You This...

Every year on Christmas day, I give myself the gift of a long morning run. You might think this is a cheap gift, as it's something I do every weekend. (If you need an explanation- then shame on you as you obviously did not run this morning.)
In my 17km slow steady run I thought of my races in 2011, about how my new WiiFit is sure to improve my Hula Hooping skills, about how much apple pie I ate last night, about Dylan's wide eyes when he woke, and about all of you. What could I write? How could I choose my words wisely? I wanted to post something this Christmas, as I couldn't send each of you a card... but I had nothing worthy. And time wasted reading BS is time you can never get refunded.

So sometimes, in moments of question/ depression/ writers block/ hangover, we are best to use the words of others. I could stare into this computer screen with all the motivation in my heart, with all the high hopes of inspiring each one of you wonderful readers, and yet sometimes my words can be much like the NBC coverage of Kona- wasted potential.

So I decided to share my favorite poem. If you believe yourself not poetic, read it anyways pls... I've used Kipling's words many times in my life, and I believe they might prove useful for you too.

You are all uber-smart people, so I need not explain it's relevance. I hope it inspires you all to keep reaching your goals and to keep tri-ing. Cheers to your massive success in 2011!
Train safe,



If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream–and not make dreams your master,
If you can think–and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings–nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And–which is more–you’ll be a Man, my son!


–Rudyard Kipling

Spring Has Sprung Early

This past week has been a week of awakening. I feel somewhat like a phoenix, a post-Moovember, slower, fair weather phoenix- but a rising one none the less. I've had a week of ah-ha moments that have given my mind and body a much needed kick in the ass.
I'm taking flight on new wings, empowered by confidence, moved into an upward motion by the many wonderful people that have come to surround me.

Like a phoenix flying through the tight knit tunnel-type crowds you see in TDF and those famous European races.....people are cheering and pushing and leading and sharing and life is about to get better than better was before.

What made this week so very different from any prior? I asked for help. Plain & simple, "I'm stuck, can you help?" And what I got where so many heartfelt yeses.... it's absolutely amazing! Like the Good Book reads, when 2 or 3 come together for a common goal nothing is impossible!
The finish line is in clear view... it's a tad far, and it's going to take hard work, persistence, a champion attitude and a lot of will; but I'm taking leaps and strides, my lungs are full of fresh air, my mind & muscles are rock solid strong.

Here's the very thing I discovered- owning a business, helping others, building a leadership, training for a race, being an ambassador of good health & fitness, being a mommy and a friend- it's all the same. What applies in one area of my life applies in the others as well.... we don't get anywhere great on our own. We don't achieve greatness all by our lonesome- we all need a solid inner circle. We give out many high 5's on the way to the finish line, many yahoos and sloppy tears- so we must never do so with the all consuming perception that we are alone. We must consciously take with us to every swim, every bike, every run- the philosophy of others, the encouraging words of our hero's and mentors... because that is how greatness is achieved.

Thank you, all of you, for being a worthy hero to me. You are generous and HUGE in your contribution to my season: my business season and my triathlon season. What a successful season it is going to be!!!

Challenge Roth is set for 2012.... hope to see you all in the tunnel of arms and cheers that line my yellow brick journey there!!!

Learn Something New, Today!

Ok, so as we all read this there is a picture of a blue Immunocal box on the right side of the screen, and I know it's probably become like ugly furniture- you know it's there, but you fail to see it after all this time. However, today and in a few blogs to follow, I will remind you to notice what is written on top of that pic, the line about recovery, because today starts a little segment I'm calling "Learn Something New!" I might be an uber-geek, I might be a self-sponsored, shameless athlete whose business supports her racing; but my ultimate mission is to encourage you in your season, to inspire & perhaps help you to tri. So, now, by reading this blog, you too can get faster & you too can participate in your A race in peak condition- first, though, you need some schooling.

Why? Because this weekend I spend 2 hrs with a team of triathletes, and 3 of them were smart enough to ask questions. I don't mean that like the rest are not smart people; I mean that sometimes we simply do not know that we do not know.
And what is it that most triathletes do not know? That the ROI of training is completely lost if we do not recover efficiently. Now, if you train 5 hrs a week, and you race 3 sprint distance tri's in your season, well, then recovery is not your problem- race strong! But, if you are at all serious in this wonderful world called endurance sport, and you are wondering how you will ever get better when you are already giving so much, then perhaps your recovery is where you are failing.
Like a monthly spending budget that doesn't take into account the 2 daily XTra Tall db shot coffees at Starbucks- at some point, you will overdraw from your bank.

The disastrous result is not just serious lack of reserves; in a multisport lifestyle, there are serious health & injury dues that will need to be paid. We believe over training is simply a result of being a badass who trains hard a lot of the time. Well that's not right, not at all, so lucky you I am here to help you learn some of the science of endurance training so you will be able to make recovery a part of your training program. Because in your everyday business and on race day, the best person is the person whose physical & mental self are 110% willing & ready.

After years of helping others be fit, of teaching nutrition and proper weight management, I have taken on the science of the immune system. Learning these details has changed my life, both my everyday existance and my training... how? Because there is a very big difference between thinking you are healthy, and really being healthy. That took me years of university, of seminars, of trail & error and asking questions. But I'm a nice person who loves her sport and her readers.. so here, very short yet sweet, eazy to understand, is Part I of Your Science Fix:
Why The Immune System = Recovery.

Actually, in the world of endurance training and stress, it plays a major role in metabolic regulation and therefore also in our available energy. What does that mean? A healthy immune system is responsible for making sure the muscular system gets repaired by our inflammatory and internal healing processes, that the heart and lungs respond to training as they should, and it prevents us from lacking the energy we need after training to fight off virus and bacteria.
As a triathlete, you must know that common over training symptoms are warning to an immunodeficiency: longer need for recovery, increased fatigue, sores & herpes, restless sleep patterns, an unusual appetite, aches & pains without reason, lingering injuries, mood yo-yo & depression, the common cold that won't go away.
It is not in our bodies best interest to be in pain. Training should hurt, in the moment, not 4 hours later. And certainly we all know that the common intake levels of caffine, sugar and advil are the opposite of healthy, not to mention give us very short term results.
Be aware of your body, program your recovery just as your do your training... the season has yet to start, poor planning now could easily prevent you from arriving in peak shape.

Recover, then Train Safe!

Jules G.... U are NOT an IM...

NOT an IM. Not at all. And I don't mean IM as in Ironman... no, I'll never be that so you must stop holding your breath. Challenge(woman) in Roth is planned, but that's another blog for another day.

To my point of NOT being an IM: The pool. Good gosh can those Master swimmers IM. They absolutely love it, and I think they are starting to enjoy the site of skinny, wimpy me dying after each set. It's not that I am not enjoying these new challenges, I actually do like doing the butterfly, and believe or not I am quite fast in my breast stroke. They are both great pectoral stretches that I am rather fond of, plus, really, let's be honest- is the butterfly not the sexiest thing one can do alone in the pool? But, after 12X125m IM yesterday(50m butterfly) I admit, once again, I was forced back to a lifeless caterpillar. All my fast legs won't save me this time. It's war with these Masters - I'm reducing my runs to 3 X wk, just to save 1 training session for the pool. I'll lead lane 5 if it kills me!

A triathlete on a mission. Thank the modern day Gregorian calendar that Rev3 Quassy is still many months away, because the Endurance Nation would be quick to point out this is not 'specification' at all.
I've got time. I can do this.... because to make IMPOSSIBLE into POSSIBLE, you must kill the IM.

MOOve over MOOvemember!!

I woke up yesterday to find a restored energy within my own brain. It’s not that I’ve been a total slug lately, but MOOvember is such a long month of sacrifice… as many friends do their part for prostate cancer, I couldn't grow a 'stache if I tried... so it's perfect timing that MOOvember is always the month I slow down, reflect on seasons past, do less, plan for the season ahead, and try to gain a few fatty lbs.

(This MOOvemeber- that was all so much easier than I remember it being!! Just this morning, I found my bum!)

When I woke up yesterday it was still dark, but I had fallen asleep reading the newest medical journal notes (ubergeek alert!) and the light from my bedside table was reflecting off my Timberman finisher’s medal across my room. I felt 15 again… somehow, the excitement of what I’ve accomplished, where I am now and what’s to come got all tangled together…. I woke up completely drunk off possibility!
The upcoming season (which started today!) is certainly going to be much different from last. It’s like me to switch it up, I get bored when life becomes too routine. I’m going to hold strong to my self belief, because this year I am out on my own. A self sponsored, self-coached wanna-be faster triathlete – hoping to add 3 HIM medals to her wall of fame, crossing 1 more off the Bucket List. The new business has given me the ability to work from home, to travel when I want, to be more involved in Dylan’s school, to get my little foundation off the ground and actually start making a difference in this tri-world. Hence, the toughest decision was made, and I’ll no longer be racing in my red & black… I’m teamless this season. I’m not at all hopeless, I’m just being my own person, with the freedom to fight the battles that matter most to me.

One can’t stand on the sidelines forever, at one point F being the cheerleader, get out there & fight…

So what do I need to change for 2011? Now that MOOvemeber is almost over I’ve certainly had more than enough days to pull out the training journal of seasons past, find my mistakes so I can attempt to correct them. Here is my long plan put rather shortly & free of detail (This is not Dave Scott type stuff, certainly my training plans are not good enough to be secret…):

SWIM: My swim is good for someone who just 1 year ago learned to swim. But it still sucks. 35 minutes in Timber was a lot of fun, but really, not a pace I want to ‘maintain’. I need to hurt in the water. I need to be pushed beyond the threshold. To do that, I joined the toughest Masters Swim Club within driving distance. They are nice people. They smiled and welcomed me into lane 5, then proceed to kick my triathlete butt with a series of painful and vomit inducing IM’s. That was Wednesday. I still can’t do a proper shoulder press. YAHOO! Out of my comfort zone, Ouch already!

BIKE: My bike doesn’t suck for lack of motivation. I love riding my bike and volunteer myself to +10hrs a week on it. That’s my problem. My bike rides become very similar to marathon training. I have so much fun out there, I start looking at the scenery, singing songs in my head. Smiling and laughing all the way through a 5 hr ride. Not what serious riders do, certainly not representing the Rules of the Euro Cyclist at all. I look too fit & my kit matches & my bike is white & spotless- I must put myself under more strenuous regulations this season. I’m also upgrading to a more serious, faster all carbon model this spring, with some deep rim carbon wheels… I’d better start getting fast, or I’ll be a stereotype by June.

Run: There’s not much I can say about my run. I ran all of Timber, I didn’t stop didn’t crawl didn’t walk. I negative split a rather not too impressive half marathon. I used to be a serious runner. A fast, always injured, always in pain with something torn runner. So leading into my first HIM this June, I am 110% focused on not being injured. I am recovering like a pro: Sleeping, drinking my Immunocal Platinum (this is not promotion, this is MY blog. Yes I rep the company- because the stuff works, just try it!) I take my Omega’s & get my sleep & eat gluten-free & am signed up to do my Bikram yoga all winter. I will continue to chase that 1:34 half for another year.

Life & Work:In 2010 I got 3 people running. Somehow, the little blog & the little life got 3 newbie’s out running. I hope to repeat again in 2011. I have right now the ability & the tools to help those who are sick, those who are very old, those who are young & should be fresh like me: I have made my life about helping others, and I have made sure this blog follows that same path. The big blue head is coming around, although the details and ‘legalities’ still have to be sorted, it will be used to buy an underprivileged little girl a bike, so she too may tri this season. The proceeds will come out of all sales associated to triathlon: let a few, hopefully many, help give back. If you trust me, and you want to take your recovery to the next level, know that you will gain faster times, a much healthier body, and you will have played a part. With a good plan and some active execution- we can all make a difference!!
Live your PB, & Train safe!!

Follow Me! Follow Me!

Lately I asked all my friends, and their friends, and anyone who has even just 1 friend, to follow this blog. I must thank those who took the time to click the blue follow box on the right of the screen- it’s neither my ego nor my belief that my writing holds any importance. It’s my way of simply making a point.

In the many tragic, and many beautiful things revolving around this sport- the brilliance of it will always be obvious in how anybody, with some determination, some spare time, & a dream- can make impossible into possible. Humans are freaks, with incredible mental & physical abilities. Chrissie just went 8:36 in AZ today- we can all achieve our best when we want, how we want. We can all be bigger & better than we ever imagined. This sport reminds us all, daily, that we all have that choice. I’ve made beautiful friends through this sport; I’ve been inspired to achieve greatness and also been kicked out on my ass. I’ve been happier than happy, and been so disappointed in myself I've made myself cry. I’ve lined up with fast woman, slow woman, skinny mini & big old strong women. I’ve been passed by a man with 1 leg, I’ve been humbled by a 6yr old with not one to stand on.

I came onto this blog site, made it my own, and created a little space on the www that feels like home to me. I’ve asked you all to follow, to perhaps enjoy, perhaps be a tidbit inspired…. Because there are many, too MANY, who still don’t quite understand the beauty of this sport. That it really brings people of all abilities and walks of life together. Triathlon is young, yet still we have come a long way from the original 15 men who lined up for the first Ironman in 1978. Our races, of all distances, sell out way to early in advance. We have corporate America supporting us; our most recent World Champ will be the newest face on the famous Wheaties box. We have our own bike, our own wheels, our own wars and our own race in the Olympics. The sport of triathlon is not rich in history, but it’s rich in community, it’s rich in opinions, and its filthy rich if you’re the WTC.

So, you must be wondering, if this sport is so fantastic, so bloody brilliant and so mainstream- why is one mom / wanna-be faster triathlete all of a sudden on a mission to get strangers following her blog??

Because, if anyone else has noticed, over the past year a very famous website has featured several pro / AGer blogs. They are informative, sometimes funny, void of emotion but none the less entertaining to read. THEY ARE ALL WRITTEN BY RUNNERS! When one of the biggest media & event names in our sport cannot, with it’s endless budget and very long list of contacts, show enough love to our sport to find 1 blogger…. Well, I’m on a mission to prove not that triathlon has history (Molina!) or that they are good people (Crowie!) or that they have something intelligent to say (Chrissie!) or that they are funny (IM TALK) no no no, I’m simply trying to prove that we can, as well as any ol’ runner- write.

Happy readings, & to my followers now & those to come- THANK YOU. You each inspire me every day, to be more of the Super Star Dylan already believes me to be! I heart you all!

Live your PB! Train safe, the basement can be a wild place!