Archive for March, 2017

Over the winter, my training took a set-back, partially due to a nagging calf and partially due to an overly busy schedule. I was not able to get in the training I wanted compared to previous years. Some of you might have months like this – or even years. Your mindset during these periods will be crucial to your comeback.

Tons of great results to report on from races this weekend including Smithfield Sprint, Tour de Pochahontas, RIR Crit, NSCA Nationals, and a variety of running races.

Pain. That feeling of extreme discomfort as everything in your body begs you to stop. The heart pounding, lungs gasping, muscles screaming feeling of running on the edge – on the threshold of implosion. A rare experience of both hate and love all mixed with a refusal to give into the pain…fighting, clinging to hang on. Addicting.

There are two elements that interact to produce results in any race: race fitness and race smarts. Without either one, true race potential will never be achieved. I have been on both sides of the race smarts equation though overall, I believe this is one of my advantages as a racer simply because I recognize that racing smart is oftentimes more important than fitness.

The Shamrock Half Marathon and 8k are always a great test for your winter training building on the Frostbite 15k. As a team, we will be supporting the Cameron K Gallagher Foundation this year racing in the memory of Cameron. Cameron passed away shortly after crossing the finish line at this race 3 years ago but since has reached hundreds of thousands of people for the cause of childhood depression through her foundation. Think of her on race day.

This past weekend, our junior team faced super tough swim conditions at the Clermont Draft Legal Challenge. Big waves and cross currents made the water feel like a washing machine that resulted in several elite athletes being pulled from the swim. What do you do when faced with tough conditions on race day?