The teacher becomes the student

Sugarland Triathlon - June 2014

While chatting with friends after the triathlon yesterday, I was asked, "What have you changed that has made you more successful this season?"

After thinking about it, I decided it was a specific workout that changed my perspective about my ability as an athlete. I always felt limited in my run pace, able to hang with the fast chicks for the swim/bike then I would lose it on the run.

I did a workout with one of my athletes, Steve, that included a 40 mile bike ride followed by a 3 mile run. Although I started the run saying that we were going to run "my" pace, Steve just started running his pace. When I mentioned that we were going faster than "my" pace, Steve said "let's see how long you can hang...get uncomfortable coach!" It was a common phrase that I use when training clients; that to make change, you have to get uncomfortable. Part of my success on that run was the motivation Steve gave me, the other part was pure pride that I wasn't going to quit. That day we ran 3 miles at an 8:30 average pace per mile, faster than I had ever run any distance.

Since that day, I have not been able to replicate that speed in a single training session. My race pace has improved. I haven't changed my regular training sessions, but I have changed my perspective. I know that I'm capable of faster speeds. I know that it means I have to be uncomfortable. I know that what was once considered uncomfortable, has changed.

So my message to those that can't seem to overcome the challenge is to get uncomfortable. If it doesn't work, re-evaluate if you were "really" uncomfortable.

Back on track

Racing:

I completed the Texas 70.3 in April in Galveston. The weather was less than ideal but I felt great. I surpassed my goal of a 6-hour finish and completed the triathlon in 5:53. I felt good on the swim and strong on the bike, the run was my weakest leg. I raced without my watch, only had the overall time because of operator error, againL

That's right, I chicked a BUNCH of guys on the bike course!

I raced the Kemah olympic triathlon later in April. This was my second attempt at this race, last year it was altered to a swim/run. My goal was a top 10 finish and a sub 9:00/mile run. I completed the race in 2:42 with a 7^th place finish and a 9:02/mile run. The swim felt great, I was surprised at the slower pace because I felt like I swam straight and faster. The bike was hard with a major headwind on the way out and an extremely fast tailwind back to transition. The run was just HOT and I felt a blister/rub on the back of my heel forming after mile 4.

Average bike pace, 20.3mph!!!

A couple weeks later, I raced the CB&I sprint triathlon. I did not have any major goals for this race. It is notoriously stacked with fast athletes. The swim was wetsuit legal but no strippers to help you out of the water. I raced very straight and came out of the water in 2^nd place and feeling awesome.  The bike was shortened to 10 miles, I rocked it! The run was good but I knew I was passed by at least one woman in my age group. I finished in 3^rd place! The best part was having so many friends race/spectate.

Spectators: Robin and Laura. Athletes: Virginia, Corrine, Trisha, and Amanda

Athletes in transition: Corrine, Brendan, Trisha, Virginia, and Amanda

Healthy Choices:

Hang on for the ride! Just another week on the roller coaster. I stayed on the eating plan for 6 days but found it too restrictive. I had lost 6 pounds during the week and felt great except I really wanted a “cheat.” I have learned that whether the restriction is placed on me by someone or myself, I will rebel! I went off the wagon and more than necessary to the tune of 7 pounds. Luckily, I was able to get back to healthy eating over the weekend.

I’m back to making better food choices, drinking lots of water, exercising about an hour/day, and allowing myself a treat too. I have lost about 2 pounds this week, a much healthier rate. I feel much better when I drink water rather than diet soda or even crystal light. I had a hard time getting back to swim/bike/run so I took some classes at the gym, Body Jam, Grit Plyo, and Cardio/Strength/Interval. I enjoyed Grit and will definitely go back…when it’s free on Wednesdays. The CSI class was an hour of tabata intervals that kicked my butt, but in a good way. I had DOMS for more than 4 days but I see that as an identified weakness in my current training plan. I also started a new 30-day challenge with my triathlon training group, Guns/Buns/Abs. 

Sometimes I do 2 sets, once with my training group and once w/ Jason at night.

Work:

I asked for a promotion at the YMCA and instead was offered an opportunity to get my Certified Personal Trainer license. I am about 3 weeks into my studying and feeling good. I registered with NASM and have the textbook and online presentations to help prepare me for the exam. I have learned that it’s not as easy as it used to be, so I have been reading the chapters, watching the videos, doing the chapter review tests, and taking notes. Much of the information is familiar but the vocabulary is hard to regurgitate. My goal is to take the exam before the end of summer vacation.