It seems like just yesterday I was spending all of my time focusing on the Boston Marathon, and then all of a sudden Ironman Boulder 70.3 and Boulder Sunset Triathlons are in the books. After Boston I took a while to bounce back with a slow return of high energy. I tried to focus on swimming and biking without losing my running fitness which was at an all time high in April. I did miss out on significant heat training with decreased running time and enjoyed a sufferfest on both triathlon race run legs on 80+ degree days.
Last year got off to a slow start in competition due to the wonderful reason that Jess and I were married in June and my focus was on enjoying that period of my life. However, we are now back to competing more often and allowing time for more consistent training. Improve fitness has allowed for 3 race weekends in a row (so far) with an 11th overall amateur at Ironman Boulder 70.3, 4th overall at Sailin' Shoes 10K, and 5th overall at Boulder Sunset Triathlon. This weekend we are racing the HuHot Half on the 4th with a fortunate early start so we can finish the half marathon with plenty of time to celebrate America's Independence.
My triathlon season is starting to get into full swing after this point as my focus is on Age Group National Championships in Milwaukee in early August and a variety of races leading up to the year's end cap of Ironman Austin 70.3 in November. I have been fortunate to be a member of a great swim program in Colorado Springs by Pikes Peak Athletics where my swim fitness continues to improve even if my times remain painful to see. However, the fitness has allowed me to put in top end bike and run splits where I have been able to claw back into races and finish well. I've been lucky to continue to have great support from family and friends as well as new support from The Runner's Tea and some pending brands who do so much good for the individual athlete and the competitive athletics community. That said, I am completely on the Matcha Green Tea bandwagon and The Runner's Tea is easy on the stomach which makes it my go to before running above coffee. We have enjoyed researching and picking some current diet trends as we make our own "Lara Bars", as well as Kale Chips, and Beet Juice. We aren't as young as we used to be and could use all the diet help to our performance that we can muster. I'm doing my best to get Jess to share her recipes!
We hope to come back with some good news this weekend after our race here in Colorado Springs and the following weekend at Boulder Peak which is the Rocky Mountain Triathlon Regional Championship.
Have a great week and good luck in your racing endeavors! See you out there!
