Lifetime Dallas

They always say, 3rd times a charm, and you know what I think? This saying is usually right! This was my 3rd year racing the Lifetime Triathlon Dallas race. I have always hated this race, but for some odd reason, I have actually grown to love it through all my hate. Does that make sense? Why did I hate it? Well, its always cold, its hilly, and it mounts on a tremendous hill. 3 things I hate, but like I said I have grown to love. Why do I love the cold, the hills, and the tremendous mount all the sudden? Cold races are fast! I am small and hills are fast! And well, I still dont like that mount line....haha

So, 3 years ago I embarked on this journey. I came across the finish line in a 2:24! Last year I came back with revenge and did a 2:16. This year I feel like I knew the course and its every turn and it helped..2:13! Given such a challenging course, I was VERY pleased with my result.  I actually didnt do that great in any one discipline this year, but I felt like I personally had a great race. 

My swim was so-so. Right about on par with what I did last year, except I didnt have the wetsuit this time! I was also about mid pack and energy levels felt good.  My mount was definitely better (the first year I didnt make it and had to hop up the hill-ha!), and my bike split was about the same too (but a better bike in comparison to the rest of my year). My run was slower but they lengthened the course and the hills cant even be described, so I am mucho happy (and also quiet sore today). 

This was the first race all year I realized, I CAN compete (with the big girls), and I will and AM getting better, and ultimately I still love what I am doing. I have gone back and forth with this all year and this is exactly how I needed to end my season mentally. However, The biggest take away all weekend was that:  I was seriously having a blast. Pushing myself, battling with the other girls, running with old friends, cheering and I think I even smiled on the course. Its always about doing what you love. IF your not having fun, why are you doing it?

This year I have learned SO much as an athlete that I seriously cant wait to tackle 2014. You want me to share my secrets dont you?  Sorry! They arent really secrets at all. Triathlon is a personal sport and its all about finding out what works for you. Heres a few things I have learned.

1) Dont get so caught up in the times, the speeds, the volume. Show up on race and if you win, then it doesnt matter what your "average" was. 

2) Know when to rest. Easy days mean easy and hard days mean hard. If you are working with 2 coaches make sure to get them on par to prevent burnout. 

3) Sleep a ton, eat only healthy stuff, and drink as much as you can (yes I mean water, but beer is included :D )

4) Always remember to just have fun. Smile during a race, it will make things feel easier. 

5) Everyone has a bad day. A bad workout. Get over it and move on. 

6) You are not going to get faster by swimming slow. You must swim fast. The same goes with biking and running, but you have to know your boundaries. 

7)  Dont complain about how slow you swam. People just start swimming. Hire a coach and seek help if its that bad. Hint hint, I coach swim lessons ;P

8) Dont forget about strength training and stretching. If you are a long course athlete, you need to elongate those muscles to prevent injury. If you are a short course athlete, you need the strength to have explosive power. 

9) Take rest days and dont lie to your coach

10) LISTEN to your body. Just because you have a track session scheduled, if you wake up with a sore throat or a bum knee, you probably shouldnt do it.

My offseason is in full effect. ( I actually wasnt planning on ending my season just yet, but the body has spoken and its ready to rest--SEE I have learned to listen!!) Just because its "off season" doesnt mean I am not working out. I am doing workouts when I please, and doing what I want (which is generally running). Work on your weaknesses, but take the extra time to sleep in, drink, eat cookies, and rest. 

My offseason so far hehe

I cant thank all my sponsors enough for the huge help they were this year! Bay Area Schwinn  for travel Outrival racing/Coach Michelle Leblanc and Magnolia Masters/Coach Tim Floyd  for coaching Rudy Project and First Endurance for products Boundless Nutrition for race fees and delicious treats Third Coast Training for pre/post race massage Tru Tri Sports for my job and friendship Cobb Cycles for the best saddles around TYR for the fastest wetsuit and coolest swim apparel The Core Diet  for dialing in my race day nutrition and XSics Software for the biggest finanical help!!

Finally to my friends and family and anyone who has supported the dream, Thank you all!

Stay tuned for my next blog...A summary of my first Professional season!