Category Archives: Triathlon

How I work out…of a workout funk

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Fitness has always been a part of my life. Initially, yes, I had to force myself to find the enjoyment in it, but as I got into better shape it became a habit, which has now evolved into a full-blown lifestyle.

Most days, it’s not even a question; breaking a sweat is like scratching an itch. Hubby even jokes that I’m like a border collie and need to get out my extra energy with a good run.

Throw in a race with a training schedule, and I’m in my happy place with A) a game plan, B) a goal, and C) the satisfaction of being able to check something off the list each day.

But once in a while the pendulum slows, and it’s tough to maintain my usual momentum…whether it’s a case of the post-race let-downs, a schedule lull, workout burnout, life throwing a temporary curve ball — or  a combo of all of the above.

Like now, where I’m still processing my HITS Napa race and loosely training for my 50K at the end of the month, all while Hubby and I are preparing to mark some milestones and life changes together in the next few months.

Needless to say, the resolve with which I approached triathlon training has waned. So what to do when your usual outlet(s) for release become potential source(s) of stress?

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Yup, my new mantra came via mail recently from one of my best friends who wanted to give me a boost (thank you, Marisa!). And little did she know, it led to my return to the pool last week.

I knew I needed to get back on the proverbial horse after my race went poorly, but I’d been feeling cautious, tentative and — honestly — a bit deflated with regards to the water.

So for the first time in a little over a month, I took the plunge. My body wasn’t feeling it. My mind wasn’t into it. So I tricked both by taking a different approach.

Instead of a workout, I went “naked” (sans tech devices) to just try to enjoy splashing around for 1500 yards. Right away I could tell I’ve lost some fitness, but about 1000 yards in, I started to feel a glimmer of that mojo I’ve been missing.

No, I’m not signing up for that bucket-list half ironman anytime soon (I’ve got a lot of work to do first), but it did get me thinking about staying present, finding enjoyment in the process and celebrating incremental victories instead of focusing solely on the pursuit of a singular goal.

So, in the meantime? Just like the shirt says, I’m going to keep calm, put one stroke, pedal and foot in front of the other…and embrace the journey.

How do you bounce back from a tough race or work out of a workout funk?

What’s the deal with running?

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Runners….yeah, we ARE different, as the ads proudly state.

After exploring the quirks of swimming and cycling in honor of my recent triathlon training, I’m turning the mirror on myself and my swift-footed cohorts to examine some of the peculiarities of the third and final discipline, such as…

What’s the deal with the preoccupation with bodily functions?

Here’s a little running math for you: Whether it’s color and frequency of “number one” — or consistency and urgency (!) of “number two,” the telling of too much information goes up exponentially as either A) the number of runners or B) the length of any run increases.

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What’s the deal with the gross side effects?

I’ve seen plenty of pictures and run across the occasional telltale red dots on male runners’ shirts at longer endurance events, but it wasn’t until my 30K at Lake Chabot this past winter that I came face-to-face with the worst case of bloody nipples I’ve ever seen. My girlfriends and I had to hold back shudders as we watched a gentleman cross the finish line with red literally streaming all the way down to the hem of his shirt.

Another lovely unintended consequence of pounding the pavement? The dreaded black toenail — aka it’s-only-a-matter-of-time-’til-it-falls-off syndrome. I’ve been fortunate up until this point (knock wood), but it’s only a matter of time — or a combination of lengthy descents and ill-fitting shoes — until this happens to most of us.

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What’s the deal with snot rockets and spitting?

Not only does a good run get our competitive juices flowing, but it also gets our bodily fluids going, as well. I envy the runner who can launch perfectly-formed pockets of spittle or blow a spray of snot with sniper-like accuracy. Whenever I’ve attempted to do so, I end up with a face full of spit — or worse.

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What’s the deal with race-day rituals and superstitions?

Whether it’s a special pre-race dinner, a lucky piece of clothing, a favorite pair of shoes, a particular way to tie shoelaces — or, like me, putting the left shoe on first — running tends to bring out the quirks, rituals and obsessions in every one of us.

The oddest part? We can tell you what it is, but we often can’t tell you why we do it. Because even we don’t know why; we just know it works.

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What’s the deal with the fashion faux pas?

I’ll be the first to admit guilt here: Back in my high school track & field days, I was out there in my shorts, sneakers and (cringe) tall athletic socks, which were neither running nor compression socks, but rather the awkward mid-calf length cotton variety.

Other offenders here include shorts that are too short or too long (both bad for obvious reasons), blindingly bright colors (although great for night runs!), socks with barefoot shoes, obscene amounts of gear and other assorted fashion fails.

And don’t even get me started on our shoe collections… As my Twitter friend Peter Esko so eloquently put it: “The correct number of running shoes is n+1 where n is your current number of running shoes. #moreshoesmoremiles”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Any other running-related habits that you find humorous?

Race report: HITS Napa Valley Olympic Triathlon

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On Monday I gave a quick recap of how the race went this weekend. Today, I’m sharing the full report on my first Olympic-distance triathlon (1500-meter swim, 24.8-mile bike and 6.2-mile run) at HITS Napa Valley.

The Day Before the Race

On Saturday, Hubby and I drove up to Lake Berryessa in Napa for our pre-race packet pick-up. Half of me was excited because, physically, my fitness level was right where I wanted it to be for my initial attempt at this distance: I had taken it easy in the previous weekend’s half marathon, and my final shake-out swim (1500m) and bike (15 mi) in the days leading up to the race felt comfortable and almost effortless.

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The other half of me, however, was starting to get increasingly anxious. I had only gotten in one “real” open-water swim session, despite knowing that that leg would be the most difficult for me mentally. I kept thinking, though, that if I could just power through the swim, I’d be home free for the bike and the run.

But, as they say, “hope is not a strategy”…especially when, on Saturday afternoon, I felt an all-too-familiar tickle in my throat. I chugged water and took all kinds of Vitamin C, Elderberry and Echinacea in the hopes that it was just allergies, but it progressed over the course of the evening into a full-on sore throat and full-body tired feeling.

Not that I’m using my not feeling well as an excuse; I know plenty athletes at all levels who race — and win — through sickness. But, looking back, I do believe that it factored into my ability to attack the course when things got tough. More on that later.

Race Morning

Before we knew it, the 4:30 am alarm was jolting us awake in our hotel room (not that Hubby and I had much sleep that night; we were both up every few hours in anticipation of the big day). We dressed quickly, loaded our gear into the car and set off for the hour-plus drive to the race site.

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We arrived to Chaparral Cove about 6:15 am, and went straight over the the transition area to get set up. It was fairly hectic because everyone performing their respective pre-race rituals (think body-marking, port-o-pottie lines and lubing up with BodyGlide), but I’ve got to hand it to HITS — they streamlined the process extremely well.

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Not only did they organize us in alphabetical order within the transition area, but they also provided each athlete with a stool and bike space. Plus, having a bike holder on the ground was SO much better than the hanging kind, which is subject to getting knocked over by overzealous athletes (as I experienced in a previous sprint-distance race).

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The Swim

Once our transition areas were set, we met up with a friend, Tara, and eased into the water for a few minutes before the guns went off. We were expecting the temperature to be in the 50’s, so when we found out it was in the 60’s, it was a pleasant surprise!

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When it was time for the women’s heat to take to the water, I hung toward the back of the pack. After the gun went off, I counted five seconds, then eased my way in. I knew the first few minutes would be complete chaos until everyone found their groove.

Long story short, I never found mine. Mid-way between the shore and the first large buoy was a smaller one, so I gave myself permission to take it easy to that point, and then I’d get down to business. But by the time I reached it, though, I was still in the middle of a splashing pack and started to feel short of breath with my legs and arms getting increasingly heavy.

From there, I figured I’d alternate breaststroke and backstroke until the first big buoy. Or until I calmed down and got my breathing under control. But it only escalated from there. I started hyperventilating. A million thoughts were rushing through my head at once.

Do what you do in the pool. I can’t see anything! Focus on your breath. I just swallowed a mouthful of water! Focus on the next buoy. It’s so far, and I’m losing ground on the group! Why can’t I control my breathing? Relax! I can’t catch a breath. Should I pull over to the kayaker? No, you can’t stop; gotta keep moving forward. I just got kicked! Keep moving. I just inhaled more water! I don’t want to be here. I’m so far out! Just focus on the shore and get there.

Rather than stopping, I resorted to flipping over on my back and counting 15-20 backstrokes before flipping over on my stomach, sighting and doing 5-10 breaststrokes, then repeating the process. I was hoping the routine would help me calm down, but none of my mental tricks were able to override the physical fight-or-flight mode that my body was now locked into.

By the time I rounded the last buoy and headed to shore, things had progressively gotten worse and I started wheezing after swimming through a lovely pile of chunky vomit (ew). Because I hadn’t breathed at a normal rate or depth in 20+ minutes, every deep breath I tried to take would start a coughing fit, which only made matters worse.

By the time I finally hit shore, I wanted to burst out crying — partly out of sheer relief, partly out of disappointment in myself and partly out of terror at having to do it all over again. But I knew the longer I waited, the more I’d psych myself out, so I tried to shake it off as I got back in the water and started lap number two.

I tried again to hit the mental reset button, but it was no use. I had passed the point of no return, still wheezing, unable to take a full breath. I knew I had to make a call: Either spend the second lap fighting, or just give in and try to get it done as best I could to conserve some energy. I chose the latter, and breaststroked/backstroked it in while distracting myself by counting every single stroke.

After I rounded the final buoy, I came up alongside a man who was doing the breaststroke, as well. He must’ve seen me struggling because he smiled and said, “We’re in the home stretch. Almost there, and then we’re done with this!” I could have hugged him; it was just what I needed — knowing that someone else felt what I was feeling — to give me a final push to get to shore.

Once there, I tugged off the top of my wetsuit and made my way up the ramp. But I knew I was in trouble — not only was I still not able to catch a full breath, but I also felt dizzy and completely drained from the adrenaline-ridden adventure in the water.

Time: 55:47

The Bike

I took the first transition (5:48) to strip down, dry off, get dressed in my bike gear and try to recollect myself. It’s never fun getting in from the swim and seeing most of the bikes already gone, but you can either give up or reset your expectations for the day and focus on the finish. Again, I chose the latter, hoping I could make up some time during my stronger disciplines.

Although I was still struggling to catch a breath (every time I’d try to inhale more than halfway, I’d start a coughing fit), the bike leg went really well. I knew I was starting at the back of the pack, so I made a goal to try to pick off as many people as possible to keep myself motivated.

It was an out-and-back-course, and the first half went great; I passed a handful of people, was fueling according to plan (a personal victory to multitask on the bike!) and enjoying myself as I played cat-and-mouse with a fellow rider: I’d pass him on the hill climbs, and he’d breeze past me on the descents.

In fact, it became a bit of a joke after the first few times — I’d pass and tag him, then he’d return the favor. On and on it went, and I think that camaraderie actually helped both of us stay in the race toward the end. Those rolling hills sure got a lot tougher on the way back in, and by that time my stomach started to feel a little wonky.

Although it wasn’t my strongest ride (I was aiming for around 1:30), I was proud that I bounced back and put in a decent effort despite a rough start to the race.

Time: 1:46: 37

The Run

Getting off the bike and into my running gear in the second transition (5:53) proved a more difficult task than I had anticipated. What should have taken me about a minute turned into six because I was dizzy, nauseous and exhausted. Looking back, I think I used up all my adrenaline in the swim, and then finally relaxed on the bike, so when it came time for the run, I had no more “go.”

Even though I had consistently fueled during the bike, I could tell I was on fumes at that point. I was so disoriented, I had to ask a few people to point me toward the run exit out of transition, and when I saw that the first stretch was a hill, I knew the odds of me being able to run the entire 6.2 miles were slim.

Damn. Enter resetting of expectations…again.

Between (still) not being able to take a full breath, a now-upset stomach and cramping calves, I alternated walking up hills and jogging on flats and down hills. I’d literally go until something started going (lungs, stomach, calves), then walk, collect myself and do it again until something else went. Definitely not the way I had intended to spend the last leg of the race.

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The only thing left to do? Turn my frown upside down, turn my tears into cheers. That became my new mantra, and the more horrible I felt, the more I would clap, yell and try to rally all the runners around me as we took turns passing each other. Seeing them perk up, smile and quicken their step in response somehow kept me going. Well, that, and a few cups of Coke at the aid station!

After the final hill climb, I jogged past a women and told her how great she was doing before I slowed to a walk next to her. My stomach was not happy, my whole body ached and I was going to collect myself before jogging to the finish, but she picked up the pace and told me that I couldn’t stop now — we were so close. It was the push I needed  to get running again, around the last corner, down the hill and across the finish line.

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Time: 1:10:16

Doris and Hubby were there waiting for me with big smiles and open arms. I’ve never been so happy to cross a finish line; in fact, I think I was in disbelief for the first few minutes.

What followed was a flood of emotions: Joy at the finish, embarrassment at my swim performance, relief that it was over, disappointment in my time, happiness over the bike portion, anger about the less-than-stellar run and pride at putting it all aside to get the race done regardless.

Final time: 4:04:23

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What’s next?

Well, after my stomach settled, the first stop Hubby and I made was at Habit Burger to reward ourselves with a little post-race cheeseburger, fries and chocolate shake action.

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Next on the agenda? Getting well. After the full-body ache set in, I had a suspicion that I was running a temperature. I confirmed it Sunday afternoon, and it has since morphed into a bad cough and head cold, so I’ve spent a few days loading up on vitamins, juice and rest to try to kick this bug.

As for long-term plans, well, I’m mulling over where to go from here.

My hope was to do a half Ironman in the fall after completing this race, but it’s pretty clear I’ve got to go back to the drawing board and work through this open-water mental block before taking on a longer distance. Whether that means lessons, coaching, duathlons and shorter distances — or a combination of all of those — in the meantime, I’m going to try to figure out.

Is it the end for me and triathlon? No, not at all. With my love of running and my new-found passion for cycling, I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface when it comes to multisport events. And not only did I enjoy training immensely, but I also made some major strides on the bike, so I’m most proud of that small, personal victory from this experience.

Most of all, though, I’d never want to walk away from anything with a bad taste in my mouth. So even if I’ve got to start from scratch in the pool and build up to a successful (aka anxiety-free) sprint race, I think it’d be a very rewarding process from start to finish.

And you know what else? Just like I told myself during the swim to keep from throwing in the towel: You just gotta keep moving forward.

How do you bounce back from a tough race?

HITS Napa Valley Olympic Triathlon: On heart & courage

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Well…what can I say? Sometimes it just isn’t your day.

Or, as I told a friend, “Sometimes you kill the race, and sometimes it kills you.”

Official finish time: 4:04:23.

Let’s play a little game that Hubby and I enjoy after a hard day: High/Low…

Low? That time. Ouch. It’s a full 34+ minutes than my worst-case scenario guesstimate. Granted, a sore throat and low-grade fever came into play (I suspected during the race, and confirmed after) — but no excuses: There were a few other factors than played into how the race ultimately went downhill down. I’ll dive into those in the full recap (coming Wednesday).

High? First was the fact that I finished. There were a few moments where either my mind or my body were begging me to bail, but I ‘sucked it up, buttercup’ and got it done, which I’m proud of. Second was the people. I had an inspiring experience with a different person throughout each of the legs, and that was just the push I needed to keep going when the going got tough. More on that Wednesday, too…

But in the meantime, congrats to a few of my family and friends who completely rocked it out there: Hubby for nabbing a new PR (he’s on a roll after last weekend’s half marathon!), Tara for completing her first Olympic distance on her road to a half Ironman and Jessica for crushing the course on her way to the Wildflower half.

And last — but certainly not least — I want to send a huge thank-you out to Doris (pictured with me above), not only for being an inspiration in all things triathlon, but also for embodying all things ‘heart and courage.” At the start, she gave me some final words of wisdom to help ease my open-water anxiety…and she hung out for more than an hour after she finished (sub-three hours, no less!) to watch me cross the finish.

Now THAT, friends, is why I do these events. You can still feel like a winner — surrounded by kind, generous and wonderful people — even when the numerical results beg to differ.

Stay tuned for the full race report on Wednesday. And thank you for all the words of encouragement and congratulations…you guys are the best!!

Fave Fix: My must-have run gear for triathlon training

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If you’ve read my posts on favorite picks for the swim and bike legs of triathlon training, you know that today’s topic is one that’s near and dear to my heart: the run portion!

While the gear may seem like a no-brainer (just shoes, right?) compared to the other disciplines, this is the one I tend to geek out over…so expect a few more bells and whistles.

Again, I’ve broken it down into ‘essentials’ and ‘extras’ according to what’s been working well for me; I like to think of training days as dress rehearsals for races, so I can work out most of the kinks beforehand.

Run Essentials:

– Shoes: I haven’t found a shoe yet that can top the trusty Asics Gel Kayano. Although I throw other brands into the mix on occasion, I keep coming back to this brand and style. Lesson learned: If you’ve got a good thing going, stick with it!

– Shirt: I sweat. A lot. Like wring-your-clothes-out-after-a-run kinda stuff. So I like shirts like this Nike Dri-FIT Knit Short Sleeve that are light and moisture-wicking. Because there’s nothing worse than the chafage that happens from clingy, wet run clothing.

– Shorts: Another longtime favorite is the Lululemon Groovy Run Short. No, I don’t have the controversial ‘thigh gap’ that this particular brand celebrates…but for some reason the length and fit just work for my body type, so I use ’em anyway.

– Sports Bra: Ladies, if you’re like me and have a bad habit of carrying too much crap in your hands when running (gels, phone, keys, etc.), the Coeur Sports Checkmate Sports Bra might be up your alley. It’s cute, yeah, but it’s also got a handy between-the-boobs pocket where you stash small items.

Run Extras:

– Compression: Whether or not they’re performance-enhancing is debatable, but I love the feel of CEP Progressive+ Calf Sleeves. Like a hug for lower legs, they dampen some of the effects of high-mileage pounding.

– Race Belt: I used the safety-pin method for years before buying a Fuel Belt Race Number Belt. Sure, it’s for easy-on-easy-off of the race number, but I also use it to remind myself to put my chip on my shoe (long story short, I forgot once – never again!). And in longer races, I use a larger Nike waistpack like this one for carrying a few essentials, such as cell, gel, keys and cash.

– Race Socks: Step one: Spray feet with anti-chafing TriSlide. Step two: Pull on a nice thick pair of Drymax Maximum Protection Running Socks to keep feet happy and blister-free. ‘Nuff said.

– Nutrition: Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of things on the run because I am usually managing some kind of GI issue, but right now I use a combination of Salted Caramel Gu Energy Gel for a quick burst of energy, PocketFuel for sustained energy and Gin Gins Candies from The Ginger People to settle my stomach. When it comes to drinking, I pre-load with Osmo Nutrition and use it mid-run with some Nuun and Ignite Naturals thrown in for good measure. Because I tend to have a tender tummy, I like to rotate products to keep from developing an aversion to any one taste.

– Hydration: My major find most recently? The Ultimate Direction Jenny Women’s Ultra Vesta hydration pack. It’s a lifesaver on long training runs, and a must-have for the trails as I prep for my first ultramarathon in May. Made specifically for women — from the comfy cut to the light weight — you can cram so much in this thing, yet still run comfortably for hours.

– Accessories: Sometimes it takes tunes to get into the zone, so I use my Jaybird Bluebuds bluetooth headphones to run without having to worry about getting tangled in a cord, and many times I’ll run without sunglasses but still want to keep the sun out of my eyes, so I’ll throw on the light-as-air Nike Feather Light Visor for some shade.

– Recovery: Once viewed as a necessary evil, I now look forward to some quality time with The GRID foam roller from Trigger Point Performance Therapy and my M80 roller to roll out the kinks. And another great find? Vim & Vigr Compression Socks for travel to and from races — not only do they come in adorable patterns and designs, but they also help keep legs fresh beforehand and bounce back more quickly after.

– Watch: Notice anything missing here? I used to have Nike+ Sport Watch GPS, which I used religiously…until it died (RIP, old friend). So now I’m searching — and saving up! — for a more swim/bike/run-friendly model. Any suggestions?

Next up…Hubby and I are hitting Napa for the HITS Olympic-distance triathlon tomorrow. Stay tuned to social media for updates, and I’ll be doing a quick recap and full race report next week. Wish us luck!

Fave Fix: My must-have cycle gear for triathlon training

CycleGear

Last week I talked about my favorite swim gear for triathlon training, and now it’s time to move on to the second leg: Cycling!

It’s arguably the most expensive discipline, but that does NOT mean you have to empty your bank account in order to be competitive.

Again, I’ve broken it down into ‘essentials’ and ‘extras’ according to what I personally use, but you can stay as conservative or get as crazy as you’d like!

Cycle Essentials: 

– Bike: Duh. But while the whole ‘two wheels’ part is non-negotiable, the price you pay can vary greatly. I did my first few sprint-distance races on an older Cannondale commuter bike I bought off of Craigslist, for example, before moving up to my current Giant Avail Composite 3 (aka “Winnie”).

– Pedals: I also biked my sprint tris in running shoes (shhh!), but figured it was about time to get serious — and get clipped in — for longer distances. Enter the easy-in, easy-out Shimano Click’r pedals, which are technically more for mountain biking than road, but they still count. It’s all about baby steps!

– Shoes: Since I invested in my bike this season, I decided not to go all out on the footwear. Sure, a fancy carbon-fiber sole is stiffer and gives better transfer of power, but my standard Shimano cycling shoes do the trick just fine for now.

– Helmet: Eventually, I’d also like to upgrade my helmet to make sure my noggin’s better protected from concussions, but right now I have a basic Giro helmet that’s worked well for the past few years.

Cycle Extras: 

– Tools: While technically not essential to the actual riding part, having some tools to to a quick tire change will definitely help get you back up and running in the event of a flat. I have a spare tube, tire levers, bike-specific multi-tool wrench, CO2 cartridges and an inflator or pump. You can cobble this all together or buy the whole kit ‘n’ kaboodle here.

– Kit: The more I ride, the more I appreciate a really good race kit. Case in point: Coeur Sports’ tri tank and tri shorts, which have a women’s-specific fit, plus other extras like anti-friction seams, antimicrobial fabric, seam-free chamois, plenty of pockets and more…all in super-flattering, fun designs.

– Accessories: This is mostly based on personal preference — and how fancy you want to get — but I have two favorites here: Tifosi eyewear and Ibex arm warmers to keep the sun (and bugs) out of your eyes and to take the edge off when it’s chilly out, respectively.

– Nutrition: I’m still practicing that whole multitasking (eating and drinking while riding) thing on the bike, but what’s been working well during brick workouts is Osmo Active Hydration and Bonk Breaker Energy Bars, so I’m planning on sticking with the same during Sunday’s race, as well.

What are your must-have items for cycling? 

HITS Napa Olympic Triathlon: Week 7 training & Rock ‘n’ Roll SF Half Marathon recap

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We’re in the home stretch!

Last week was the final full week of training before Hubby and I tackle the HITS Napa Valley Olympic triathlon this Sunday, April 13. It was also jam-packed with fun — namely the LUNA Chix Summit and the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Francisco Half Marathon.

Here’s how the week shook out, plus a recap of the race.

Week 7 Olympic Distance Training Plan – planned & (actual): 

  • Swim 60 min. (40-min. pool swim with speed work)
  • Bike 90 min. / Run 25 min. off the bike (55-min. spin class/25-min. run on treadmill)
  • Swim 60 min. (30-min. run)
  • Track workout (track workout with LUNA Chix team, 2.5 miles total)
  • Rest day (30-min. walk)
  • Long bike, 35-50 miles (20-mile bike ride to Sausalito)
  • Long run, 9-12 miles (13.1-mile RnRSF Half)

Adam Shane, owner of the Barry’s Bootcamp San Francisco (coming this May!) asked me to help pace him on Sunday since the Rock ‘n’ Roll race would be his first half marathon. It was a point-to-point race, so our crew Uber’ed over in a few different cars and met back up at the Beach Chalet near the race start.

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It was crowded, but well-organized. Hubby made his way to our assigned corral (two) because he wanted to try to get a PR in his second half marathon, but since I had decided to run this one for fun, I hung back with our group and we made our way into corral four.

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Before we knew it, the gun went off and the corrals were being released one by one. We knew ahead of time that it was a hilly course, so no one was super shocked when, almost immediately, we started winding our way up the streets.

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We took it easy, though, and kept a conversational 9:30-10:00 minute mile pace as we enjoyed in the great views (the weather couldn’t have been better — clear and mild with a light breeze) and made our way over toward the Golden Gate Bridge.

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I was especially pumped to  run into one of my favorite workout buddies, Pavement Runner. We took the obligatory selfie and chatted for a few minutes as we jogged along with his group. They were a roving party, playing music, taking pictures and starting impromptu dance parties!

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I knew my job was to get Adam to the finish, though, so I caught back up with the Barry’s crew and checked in to see how he was feeling. Luckily, he was getting a major second wind around mile seven, so he decided to push the pace and go for it for the last six miles.

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As you can see, we had a picture-perfect day on the bridge, but it was pretty crowded, so we ended up losing each other in the mix. I figured I’d either catch up with him further along or he’d continue to push for a strong finish, so I put my headphones on and just ran by feel at a comfortable pace.

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By the time mile 10 rolled around, the flat portion was over, and it was back to the hills…and they were no joke. Yeah, I’m in decent shape from triathlon training, but I’m learning that it can mean something quite different than being in peak half-marathon-racing shape. My legs and lungs started revolting on the back-to-back inclines.

So now it was just a mental battle — my body was capable, but my mind was second-guessing my fitness level. So I knew it was time to reach into the bag of mental tricks and set a goal on which to focus for the remainder of the race.

I hadn’t been tracking my time closely, but after spotting the clock at mile 11, I had a feeling I could pull off a sub two-hour finish if I maintained my pace and gave a kick at the end. I refocused (and spotted Adam about 100 yards ahead!) before bringing it in for the final push downhill to the finish. Final time 1:59:44.

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The best part? Reuniting with everyone at the finish and hearing their race recaps. Adam rocked a sub two-hour finish in his first half, Hubby nabbed a new PR, Vivi ran a strong race, the November Project was out in full force, and Brian (aka Pavement Runner) also stopped by to say hello.

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And coming in a close second as the best part of the day might have been the post-race stop Hubby and I made at Philz Coffee…seriously, the Dancing Water roast is nothing short of amazing.

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Stay tuned for week eight…and RACE DAY!

A blast from the past at the LUNA Chix Summit

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Back in February, I posted an interview with my high-school-teammate-turned-pro-triathlete Terra Castro who, after a successful 16-year career, has since retired and returned to her running roots, now competing as a LUNA Sponsored Athlete and coaching full-time.

She’s always been such a powerful influence with a positive message, that I have no doubt her business, “Be Bold Crew,” which specializes in coaching teenagers using mentorship and accountability, will make a meaningful impact.

But between learning to balance coaching with training for her first open marathon in fall 2014, Castro also takes time to work with Team LUNA Chix, whose mission is to bring women together who are interested in learning new sports, staying active and inspiring others to do the same.

She invited me to this weekend’s summit in Berkeley, Calif. to see firsthand how the local teams train, compete and support each other, while fundraising for LUNA’s non-profit partner, the Breast Cancer Fund.

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I stopped by for yesterday afternoon’s sessions — first up on agenda was a run clinic in which Castro coached captains on how to lead track workouts for their respective teams. We divided into groups and broke the session into segments with each group in charge of a specific aspect of the workout.

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Admittedly, I felt a little nervous walking in as a non-official team member, but that didn’t last for long; the ladies welcomed me with big smiles, kind words and open arms.

I even got some great swim pointers from Julie (from the Boston triathlon team) as we warmed up on the track, and Melanie (from the Austin run team) and I pushed each other during the 800 and 400 repeats. Thanks, guys!

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After a quick cool-down and recap, we made our way back to the shuttle — but not before exiting the track through an “encouragement tunnel” of cheers.

Castro summed up the team’s vibe perfectly: “Remember no matter what level of athlete you are to encourage and uplift others. True victory and joy can be found there.”

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Next up were breakout sessions to work on sport-specific skills, and I chose bike maintenance. Yep, if you remember my flat tire change adventure on my first long ride, you know that this is an area in which I could definitely pick up a few pointers.

Enter Dusty LaBarr, bike mechanic for the Luna Pro Team, who took us through everything from bike cleaning to tire changing , as well as safety precautions and other helpful pointers. While I may not look forward to my next flat, at least I’ll be much better prepared for it now!

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The theme of the weekend? Tell your story. As Castro said, “In sharing you story you can empower, encourage and ignite others to walk boldly within their own story.”

In that vein, we listened to all kinds of amazing, encouraging, inspiring and emotional stories during dinner — from Jeanne Rizzo (president and CEO of the Beast Cancer Fund) to the LUNA Chix Pro Team panel, along with several LUNA sponsored athletes and local team leaders.

It’s quite apparent that this group is a force to be reckoned with — not only are they competitive athletes who do well, but they’re also compassionate teammates who go above and beyond to do good, whether it’s supporting one another, encouraging female athletes of all levels, lending a hand in the community or working to raise awareness and funds to support the Breast Cancer Fund.

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The best part, though? Reconnecting with a dear friend.

Terra and I have our own story — we ran track & field and cross country together in Michigan many moons ago — and it was such a treat to get together again.

Needless to say, we had a lot of catching up to do…and I’m excited that we were able to start another chapter together after all these years!

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For more information about Team Luna Chix — or to get involved in your local team — check out their site here.

Fave Fix: My must-have swim gear for triathlon training

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With the HITS Napa Triathlon coming up in less than two weeks, it’s time to start thinking about race-day prep. Spoiler alert: It’s a little more complicated than my usual running events, which require little more than shoes, shorts and a good sports bra.

So in anticipation of the big day, I wanted to share a few of my favorite gadgets and pieces of gear that I’ve been relying on throughout training. I’ve broken them down into two categories — ‘essentials,’ or the bare minimum needed to get in the pool, and ‘extras,’ which make workouts in the water a lot more enjoyable.

Swim Essentials:

– Cap: The  best 10 bucks I’ve spent toward swim gear was my Speedo silicone cap, which is much gentler on hair than the traditional latex versions

– Suit: As I mentioned before, it took me some time to find a suit that felt comfortable and had a flattering enough fit. Enter the Athleta Dive In Medley Tankini, which stays put lap after lap (and is also currently on clearance!)

– Goggles: Another training non-negotiable; be prepared to try a number of brands, sizes and styles to find the best fit for your head size and face shape. I’m partial to the Speedo Women’s Vanquisher Mirrored Goggle, which has a low-profile, inner-eye fit

– Watch: I’d argue that the Sportcount Lap Counter & Timer (LCT) is also an essential item. If you’re anything like me, you might still be able to get your swim on without it…but you’ll totally lose count of your laps mid-workout

Swim Extras:

– Wetsuit: Since the water temperature ranges from about 54-59° in Lake Berryessa this time of year, a wetsuit is recommended. I got a great deal on the Xterra Vortex Fullsuit Wetsuit, and so far it’s worked well on my (limited) open-water swims

– Accessories: In the pool, I’ll switch things up every now and then by using a kickboard to work on kick technique or a pull buoy to focus on my upper body. On my wish list, though? A pair of swim paddles, which help improve your stroke without putting extra stress on shoulders

– Personal Care: I’ve written before about my affinity for the TriSwim line of products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion), which I love for reversing the effects of chlorine on skin and hair. But I also love Foggies anti-fog cleaning wipes for keeping goggles clean, and my trusty pair of Old Navy flip flops for protecting feet in locker rooms and on pool decks

– Open-Water: You can never have enough large towels after an open-water swim — not only for drying off, but also as a changing curtain or car seat protector. Another great tip? Take a cue from surfers, and fill an empty laundry detergent jug with water for rinsing sand, dirt and other grime off feet post-swim

What are your must-have items for swimming? 

What’s the deal with cycling?

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In a recent post, I channeled Jerry Seinfeld and talked about some of the fun idiosyncrasies of swimmers in the style of his popular “What’s the deal with…?” routine. Well, now it’s time to turn to cyclists, the second discipline in the triathlon trifecta.

So without further ado, here are a few questions I’d like to pose to my fellow riders now that I’ve immersed myself in the cycling culture during training. For instance…

What’s the deal with aerodynamics? 

Ok, I know what it is and why it’s generally important. But spending thousands of dollars in an obsessive quest to shave off mere milliseconds? Sure, I get why the pros and age-group podium contenders do it, but let me be clear — I’m talking about us middle-of-the-pack racers here.

I’m competitive and I want to improve as much as the next person, but there’s a point where it starts to get a little silly. After all, as I overheard recently at a bike store, “The least aerodynamic part of the bike is the rider, and there’s only so much you can do with that.”

What’s the deal with “bike love?”

I never quite understood affection toward an inanimate object…that is, until I met Winnie.

My trusty Cannondale commuter got me through several sprint-distance triathlons just fine, but once I set my sights on longer races, I knew that an upgrade would be inevitable. What I didn’t expect was that my feeling toward biking would turn from ‘meh’ to maniacal as a result.

Quite simply, it was love at first sight. Not only is she beautiful, but every new adventure we tackle together has also been full of pure joy and exhilaration. Our relationship has been moving along quickly, but I’m hoping (with more time together) we can go even faster because I’ve got a good feeling about this one…

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What’s the deal with clipping in?

Just like aerodynamics, I understand the reasoning behind it, but still think it’s a funny concept. Especially the fact that falling over in slow-motion while clipped in is a rite of passage for many athletes.

What’s the deal with helmets?

Nope, I’m not talking about those oddly-shaped aero ones (although that could be a whole other blog post); I’m talkin’ about the fact that while bicycle helmets do a good job of keeping our skulls intact in a major crash, they do almost zilch to prevent concussions and other significant brain injuries.

Wait — what?!

Yep, I didn’t know that either…until a friend of a friend at a bike store mentioned it during our conversation about cycling gear. This article in Bicycling Magazine is a must-read on the topic; it goes into detail about bike helmets and the current state of the industry with respect to research on concussion and brain injury.

The article’s author puts it perfectly: “The choices cyclists make with their money matter. You can pretend to protect your brain, or you can spend more money and get closer to actually doing it.”

What’s the deal with the etiquette (or lackthereof)?

Finally, from feelings of intimidation when walking into bike stores to feelings of indignation upon being yelled at by cyclists while running and trying to share the road, I found it tough, initially, to develop the warm-and-fuzzies toward a culture that felt, well, kind of cold compared to running.

Luckily, however, my stubborn streak kicked in…along with a healthy dose of curiosity and a determination to succeed. So, sure, I’ve still got days where I suffer from major imposter syndrome (a “runner in cyclist’s clothing,” as I call myself), but it’s usually overridden by those feelings of euphoria mid-ride.

And for every person who went whizzing by without so much as a, “You ok?” while my girlfriends and I were on the side of the road trying to troubleshoot our first tire change, there have been others who warmly welcome newbies with open arms. Case(s) in point: my Coeur teammates, who patiently took me on my first long ride (clipped in, no less) — not to mention Gethyn, my “bike matchmaker” from Hank & Frank Bicycles, who helped me navigate the first-real-bike-purchase process.

Thank goodness for them — otherwise, there’s a good chance I might have been trying to compete in next month’s triathlon on my old mountain bike!

Any other cycling eccentricities that make you go ‘huh?’