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Munice HIM 2017

I started with EN in November 2016.  I didn't really know what I was getting into or if being part of this team would be beneficial.  What was truly helpful were the training plans, HUGH amount of resources and Coach Patrick!!!  I was stretched more than ever which has made me stronger and more confident.  So a resounding YES to my question of whether or not this team would be beneficial.  Going into Munice I was feeling calmer than any other 70.3 I have done (only two before).  This I attribute to following the training plan, doing the race simulation practice and scouring the vast amount of resources available. 

So, the Swim:  This has always been my weakest discipline.  I was afraid of the water due to two incidents in my childhood where I almost drown.  A friend had challenged me to do a Triathlon 5 years ago and I agreed.  What I didn't realize at that hot second was that swimming was part of the total package.  I don't back down from a challenge so I hired a swim coach started to learn to swim  I was plagued with panic attacks (and still am) and the only stroke I could reliably do was the side stroke.  So for the first 2 years the side stroke got me through and I made lots of visits to the support boats for time to catch my breath and to calm down.  HOWEVER my goal was to learn freestyle and to feel confident in the water.  I remember looking at Coach Rich's swim workouts and bursting into tears.  I admit I could not do all the workouts as written but I was a dog with a bone and did what I could.  My goal is to try to get closer to following those workouts.        None of the past was in my mind looking out at the water before the swim.  I knew I could do the distance and it was time to Trust My Training.  I positioned myself near the front.  I've learned that if I stay in the back it is hard to pass people who are slower than me and that the next wave (usually men) will swim over me.  HORN BLAST and off.....I was very happy with my swim:) There was congestion throughout so I got the usual kick and slap in the side, head, arms, etc.  I didn't let that bother me (a new experience for me).  Finally I was done.  YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

The Transition went well and the words "slow and smooth" were in my head.

The Bike:  A wonderful course.  I tried to keep my heartrate at the Zone 2-mid Zone 3 but after mile 22 I stayed in high Zone 3.  My mind and body were having a real battle.  I reviewed the 4 keys in my head and the importance of backing off.  I finally came to a compromise, I would not go into Zone 4.  I was really happy with my hydration and nutrition while on the bike.  Now the real test.......

The Run:  I followed the plan of starting at a slower pace and drinking the course provided fuel at each aid station.  I was surprised by the number of rolling hills on the course but kept the words "flatten the hill' in my mind which helped.  At mile 6 the inside, above both knees cramped...CRAP!!!!  This definitely slowed me down.  I started thinking of the things I had done wrong but had to stop that approach.  I refocused and stayed in the here and now.  I ran on the flat and downhill sections and walked the hills.  I continued with the nutrition/hydration plan.  It wasn't pretty but finally I heard my name announced as I crossed the finish line :):):):):)

I came in third in my age group. 

There is a lot for me to think about and I am looking forward to consulting with the coaches and my CoreDiet nutritionist.  I feel really fortunate to be a part of this team and looking forward to the upcoming year (maybe I'll even be a little smarter)!!!

Comments

  • What an amazing triathlon journey, especially with the swim.  Congratulations on your race and 3rd AG!  Keep following the EN training over the winter with the Out Season Plan and you'll be a smarter and stronger triathlete.
  • @Linda Marx - I am behind on reading and collecting race reports, so sorry for the delay in responding to this report, but wow, just wow. Congratulations on tackling the swim fear. I too started out the same way and am now doing Ironmans. This team truly is great and I am not just saying that because i work for them. I can not wait to see how you grow as an athlete in the coming years. Look out world, Linda is in the house.
  • Thank you Brenda for your kind words. I needed a boost today. I'm in the "why am I doing this" phase. Thus feeling a tad down.   I completed in Nationals yesterday at the Olympic distance. My God those women are incredible!! A very humbling and soul searching experience. It was a B race for me and I gave it my all.  I was 36 out of 67. I didn't know what to expect however I thought I would do a little better. Time to shake off my ego and reflect on what I learned. 
  • Wow, congrats on the 3rd place AG finish and qualifying for nationals @Linda Marx ! Great work!
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