White Sands Rabbit Chase

At every race there is a rabbit that everyone chases.  Sometimes the rabbit changes, other times one rabbit dominates from start to finish.  Today at White Sands Triathlon, there were a few rabbits.  When I found out the swim was cancelled for rough waters, I couldn’t decide if I was happy (because the swimming is my least favorite) or if I was sad because I knew there were a few really good runners about to pull the line…  Many of the participants from the Freedom Sports Clinic (I put on the transition segment – flying mounts & dismounts wweeeeeee!!!) were at the race getting ready, so I stopped and chatted some to ease pre-race tension.  As the start approached I tried to separate myself from the transition area because I get so nervous, I start making my other friends nervous too...Chloe!  HA!  I was ready – but was I going to execute or make excuses to hold back yet again.  Marshal started us off all at once.  The first 1.5 miles went by fast, but not fast enough for me.  In the first ¼ mile I tripped and Hadley asked if I was okay.  Hadley is a FAST runner in the area I knew I needed to try to keep with on the run.  My legs felt heavy and slowly, the rabbits pulled away.   My left calf started tightening as it has been – then starting to go numb.  It was only 1.5 miles – why so quick?  I kept telling myself it would go away when I got on the bike – I just need to get this leg over with as soon as possible.  My mouth got completely dry – this has never happened!  I like to refer to this as “constipated mouth.”  Unfortunately, I fell back to 4^th female in the first 1.5 mile.  I could see the top 3 rabbits rounding the corners as we re-entered transition. 

 I knew I had to put on a lot of distance on the 16 mile bike leg or they’d catch me in the 2^nd run.  I didn’t see 2 of the rabbits as I exited transition, but I did manage to see one leave on the bike, Hadley.  I fumbled around with my bike as I left but tried not to let it bother me like I had last week when the Velcro on my new shoes pulled completely out of the loop.  (I decided to go back to my old bike shoes after several frustrating issues with Velcro and numb toes in my newer ones.)  I couldn’t see Hadley on the bike when I started.  I still didn’t know if the other rabbits got out ahead already or if anyone else snuck by when I wasn’t looking.  I knew the best chance to catch Hadley and possibly the other 2 rabbits was to hammer it with the tail wind we had on the way out.  I immediately felt better on the bike and had a chance to hydrate.  I managed to catch Hadley by the turn around and she yelled words of encouragement – I love great sportsmanship among competitors!  As I was heading back, I didn’t see the other rabbits.  I actually saw a guy that I thought was a girl, so I started hammering harder on the bike – were the other’s ahead of me still and was this new “girl” catching me?  Finishing the bike, a few spectators yelled I was the first female.  Great!  But by how much?  The other rabbits were GREAT runners! 

I headed out of transition feeling pretty good, but could hear the water sloshing around in my stomach.  Listening to the sloshing was entertainment for the first ½ mile – those who know me know I have a strong stomach…  I’ll leave it at that.  The tailwind felt great!  I past a few guys early in the run and was then alone…  Alone with thoughts that the original rabbits might catch up but that I can’t give up.  As I approached the turnaround, my legs felt heavy again.  Knowing the entire way back would be into a heavy headwind, I was discouraged.  I kept repeating to myself that everyone has this headwind…we all are slowing our pace…I CAN hold them off…  but then my legs would tell me otherwise and the process repeated itself until I saw the La Vela sign!  It’s amazing what we can do in the last stretch to the finish.  I wonder if rabbits are like that too – when they are being chased and about to reach a safe-haven. 

My husband was waiting for me just before the finish!  It was good to be back!  What took just 1 hour and 20 minutes felt like an eternity!  While some rabbits can move up to 45 mph, they cannot hold it for long.  Luckily, I held my pace just long enough today!  Great race Freedom Sports!

Full Time Triathlete

Imagine....Its 730 on Monday night and I am just returning home to finish my day with a short brick workout.  My mind is racing…what should I have for dinner that won’t bloat me for my race on Sunday?  What time should I wake up to drive to school tomorrow considering it’s a two hour commute with an hour time change?  Will I get to train tomorrow?  Oh no, I haven’t finished my reading for laboratory prep!  Do I stay up late to finish tonight then suffer through tomorrow exhausted?  I have a few hard tasks to complete and send to my colleagues up at the Pentagon for work, plus a symposium to plan for in Dallas next month and I’m still missing some instructors!  How will I find the time?  Ahhhhh…

                It’s tough fitting it all in – triathlon, work, and school.  Just add kids and my schedule is complete!  Something or some things must give.  But if it’s something you really want, you’ll find a way to make it happen.  Having a supportive family helps too! 

First off, set clear goals and objectives to meet those goals.  When setting them, do not automatically rule something out because you think it is unattainable.  For example, I didn’t initially think earning my PhD would be possible while training for triathlon and working a full time job.  I drew out a schedule of the courses and lab time I would need to devote to the doctoral program and determined how much time was left for everything else.  I drafted a paper outlining the pros and cons of earning an advanced degree related to my job while working on a flexible schedule in hopes of obtaining support from my employer.  I planned to reduce my triathlon schedule from Fulls and Halfs to Sprints and Olympics.  Soon after, a few sponsorship opportunities arose requiring me to increase my triathlon competitions.  Now I train with less duration, but greater intensity to leave time for school which actually opens opportunities to promote my sponsors, meet others in my career field that I can collaborate with on tasks, and train with when out of town for work. 

Second, draw out a schedule on a large annual wall calendar to see how much time you have available to put into each goal.  Build a little extra time into your plan to allow for unexpected delays.  After about five drafts, I finally worked out a schedule where I could fit work, school, and triathlon in without losing too much sleep.  I asked friends to look over the schedules for ideas.  I was scared.  I still worry and wonder, “Can I do all this?”  I have become a master multi-tasker!  For example, I often study and review documents for school and work while riding my indoor bike trainer.  I also re-listen to molecular biology lectures on my long drives.  I did have to sacrifice some of my hobbies and socializing, but I know it is only temporary.  In the long run, the hard-work now will pay off. 

Finally, test out your schedule before you commit.  Gradually building into a tough schedule helps it feel less cumbersome.  Do not procrastinate.  With such a busy schedule, your to do list will pile up quick!  Revisit your goals when you feel discouraged and set smaller objectives to feel accomplishment early and frequent.  The accomplishments can reinvigorate your motivation.  Know that your schedule will test your limits, and know that you can do it if you work hard.  I like to set automated reminders in my calendar and auto-bill pay so all I have to do is check my charges.  Set out clothes for the week ahead to help give you a few extra minutes sleep during the week since everything is already together.  Every little bit helps!

Life is like a long distance triathlon.  Most of us question what we are capable of until we try.  If we never try because we are scared, we will never get anywhere.  We rely on our friends and family for support.  We eat lunch on the go so we can train during our lunch break.  We work while we train.  We multi-task, often sweating on our work.  We could live out of our vehicles based on all the food and clothes we carry around.  We accomplish more in one week then than most of the population does in a month… and we keep asking for more!  We are role models when we think no one is watching, so make sure to stay positive.