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)!!!
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)!!!
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