As a general rule, I think most people are creatures of habit. I know that I am. I often run the same run route, drive the exact same way to work, eat the same meals for dinner most weeks and usually eat the same thing for lunch everyday.
Why?
Because it is easy ... and familiar. No surprises. Why try something new and risk disappointment when you have a good thing going, right?
The problem with this is that it can be too much of a good thing and we are reticent to try new things that may actually help us improve (in terms of training) or that we may actually like better!
One of the best things about being on Team Trakkers (besides the camraderie of my super cool teammates) is trying new products from our sponsors. I will tell you with 100% honesty that I was very nervous to try new products. I had been wearing the same brand of shoes for close to a decade. I was using nutrition that I liked. I wore the same goggles ... the list goes on and on.
I am happy to say that this experimentation has been great for me. I have discovered new products that I swear by that I would not have otherwise known about. Not everything new I try works for me - and that's ok too - sometimes I learn more when trying something that doesn't work than finding new things that do.
Be on the look out soon for an "Anne's Triathlon Favorite Things" post that I will use to share with you well, my favorite things. Unfortunately, unlike Oprah, I won't be giving away my list of items, but I do encourage you to think outside of your routine and perhaps try something new!
Showing posts with label Trakkers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trakkers. Show all posts
Friday, April 22, 2011
Saturday, October 2, 2010
IM Recovery, Inspiration & Team Trakkers 2011
Recovery
Rev3 Cedar Point was nearly 3 weeks ago … so, how am I feeling now?
Recovery, like after IMFL, has been fairly quick. I always expect to feel like I was hit by a ton of bricks, but I find that even the day after the race I am able to get around just fine – walking, taking stairs, but just a bit slower than usual and with less pep in my step.
True recovery though, takes longer. After stressing my body for 7+ months straight, I am being very cautious this go round to respect the recovery period to avoid injuries and give my body what it needs – rest and diversity in workouts (pilates anyone?). The superficial recovery may be complete but the deep rooted recovery takes a bit longer.
I have done two very short runs since Cedar Point, the first 1.5 weeks after the race and the second 2.5 weeks post race. The first run sucked, plain and simple. The second run was infinitely better, but I feel that I have an exponential way to go. I am going to try running again next week to gauge my recovery.
In the mean time, I am still riding my bike, trying to make it to the pool once a week and doing things I have never made time for, like pilates and Parisi speed school.
I love running and I really miss the simplicity of it, but what I learned last year was that my body needs a break from running and I can either do it now or get injured and then do it. My hamstrings and IT bands are still fairly tight, despite a phenomenal massage, which included stripping my IT bands (yowza!). Next week will be the first week post race I have not had to travel, so I am committing right now to spend time each day for the next week on my foam roller to work on my tight muscles.
Also starting next week I am aiming to start a maintenance program. I feel lost without a plan to follow, so I will aim for 6 to 7 hours a week of whatever I feel like doing for the week. A good mix of cardio and strength/flexibility training with a little S,B,R mixed in for good measure.
What do you do during the off season?
Finally, looking ahead to next season (with IM Texas looming on the calendar!), I want to share a bit of inspiration and the incredible opportunity to join Team Trakkers!
"At 29, she [Mirinda Carafrae] has yet to reach her pinnacle as a female endurance athlete, which usually comes in the mid 30s. The full depth of her talent, she believes, has yet to be explored ... Carfrae believes that she has plenty of time to catch and beat Wellington, who, at 33, is entering her prime" -- LAVA Magazine
As a 31 year old female athlete, it was nice to read that the best is yet to come. Maybe I will be able to break 12 hours one day...
Team Trakkers
We are a group of multisport athletes of every shape, size, and ability who love to train, race and have fun. The Green Machine is looking for a new athletes to join in 2011. If you are interested in being a part of this phenomenal group, then click here and fill out the application. Good luck!
If you have any questions about the team, leave them in the comments and I will be happy to respond.
Want to know a bit more about what you get for being a part of the team …
“In addition to the privilege of wearing the awesome green Trakkers kit, we are in process of bringing on some additional companies who are interested in the exposure that a grassroots team would bring. They are in the works, but it will consist of a variety of triathlon related products. Nutrition, clothing and shoes are a couple of the categories that we are close to filling. We will be holding a camp for the team this year and athletes on the team will have their lodging at camp paid for. Also included in team membership is free entry to all of the rev3 races next year.”
Speaking of Rev3 races ... All of the Rev3 races are open for registration for 2011 -- including Cedar Point, and at $425, it is a bargain compared to IM branded races, for arguably, a better experience. Check it out!
Rev3 Cedar Point was nearly 3 weeks ago … so, how am I feeling now?
Recovery, like after IMFL, has been fairly quick. I always expect to feel like I was hit by a ton of bricks, but I find that even the day after the race I am able to get around just fine – walking, taking stairs, but just a bit slower than usual and with less pep in my step.
True recovery though, takes longer. After stressing my body for 7+ months straight, I am being very cautious this go round to respect the recovery period to avoid injuries and give my body what it needs – rest and diversity in workouts (pilates anyone?). The superficial recovery may be complete but the deep rooted recovery takes a bit longer.
I have done two very short runs since Cedar Point, the first 1.5 weeks after the race and the second 2.5 weeks post race. The first run sucked, plain and simple. The second run was infinitely better, but I feel that I have an exponential way to go. I am going to try running again next week to gauge my recovery.
In the mean time, I am still riding my bike, trying to make it to the pool once a week and doing things I have never made time for, like pilates and Parisi speed school.
I love running and I really miss the simplicity of it, but what I learned last year was that my body needs a break from running and I can either do it now or get injured and then do it. My hamstrings and IT bands are still fairly tight, despite a phenomenal massage, which included stripping my IT bands (yowza!). Next week will be the first week post race I have not had to travel, so I am committing right now to spend time each day for the next week on my foam roller to work on my tight muscles.
Also starting next week I am aiming to start a maintenance program. I feel lost without a plan to follow, so I will aim for 6 to 7 hours a week of whatever I feel like doing for the week. A good mix of cardio and strength/flexibility training with a little S,B,R mixed in for good measure.
What do you do during the off season?
Finally, looking ahead to next season (with IM Texas looming on the calendar!), I want to share a bit of inspiration and the incredible opportunity to join Team Trakkers!
"At 29, she [Mirinda Carafrae] has yet to reach her pinnacle as a female endurance athlete, which usually comes in the mid 30s. The full depth of her talent, she believes, has yet to be explored ... Carfrae believes that she has plenty of time to catch and beat Wellington, who, at 33, is entering her prime" -- LAVA Magazine
As a 31 year old female athlete, it was nice to read that the best is yet to come. Maybe I will be able to break 12 hours one day...
Team Trakkers
We are a group of multisport athletes of every shape, size, and ability who love to train, race and have fun. The Green Machine is looking for a new athletes to join in 2011. If you are interested in being a part of this phenomenal group, then click here and fill out the application. Good luck!
If you have any questions about the team, leave them in the comments and I will be happy to respond.
Want to know a bit more about what you get for being a part of the team …
“In addition to the privilege of wearing the awesome green Trakkers kit, we are in process of bringing on some additional companies who are interested in the exposure that a grassroots team would bring. They are in the works, but it will consist of a variety of triathlon related products. Nutrition, clothing and shoes are a couple of the categories that we are close to filling. We will be holding a camp for the team this year and athletes on the team will have their lodging at camp paid for. Also included in team membership is free entry to all of the rev3 races next year.”
Speaking of Rev3 races ... All of the Rev3 races are open for registration for 2011 -- including Cedar Point, and at $425, it is a bargain compared to IM branded races, for arguably, a better experience. Check it out!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Let's Go Racing!
A short 8 hours from now I will be getting body marked and doing all my last minute race preparations -- checking tires, filling bottles, nervous pacing and the like -- I can't believe that race day is upon us!
We have really enjoyed our time in Ohio and especially family night at Cedar Point. I have lots of stories to share but those will have to wait for the post race report. Blogging from a blackberry is a wee bit challenging!
If you want to follow me on race day, you can do the following:
1. Go to http://www.rev3tri.com/ and look for race day coverage. There should be a link for athlete tracking where you can enter my race number - 429 - and follow my splits through out the day.
2. I will be wearing a Trakkers device that should allow you to see where I am at any point on the bike or run course (I will not be wearing it during the swim).
Go to http://live.trakkersgps.com/events.aspx and click on "Watch Live". This will pull up a separate window with an icon (avatar) associated with my name. Once you select my name, click on “Go” at the bottom right corner of the page.
This will pull up the course map and my LIVE GPS coordinates. (Note this page is not active until race start.) You can utilize the zoom and pan functions on the left to follow my progression. You can also view the course using the different view buttons on the top right.
If you are tracking me from a smart phone, use the link below for the mobile Trakkers site:
http://live.trakkersgps.com/TrackEvent/Default.aspx?eventId=42
If for some reason my tracking device is not tracking, default to option 1 above.
Good night and thank you for all of your support!
p.s. I love you, Iron Sherpa and thank you for everything!
We have really enjoyed our time in Ohio and especially family night at Cedar Point. I have lots of stories to share but those will have to wait for the post race report. Blogging from a blackberry is a wee bit challenging!
If you want to follow me on race day, you can do the following:
1. Go to http://www.rev3tri.com/ and look for race day coverage. There should be a link for athlete tracking where you can enter my race number - 429 - and follow my splits through out the day.
2. I will be wearing a Trakkers device that should allow you to see where I am at any point on the bike or run course (I will not be wearing it during the swim).
Go to http://live.trakkersgps.com/events.aspx and click on "Watch Live". This will pull up a separate window with an icon (avatar) associated with my name. Once you select my name, click on “Go” at the bottom right corner of the page.
This will pull up the course map and my LIVE GPS coordinates. (Note this page is not active until race start.) You can utilize the zoom and pan functions on the left to follow my progression. You can also view the course using the different view buttons on the top right.
If you are tracking me from a smart phone, use the link below for the mobile Trakkers site:
http://live.trakkersgps.com/TrackEvent/Default.aspx?eventId=42
If for some reason my tracking device is not tracking, default to option 1 above.
Good night and thank you for all of your support!
p.s. I love you, Iron Sherpa and thank you for everything!
Monday, September 6, 2010
6 days to 140.6 and August Report
With less than 1 week until Cedar Point I am anxious ... but not about the race (yet).
I am anxious because I have never flown to a race with my bike and all of my training and racing crap. Packing is going to be a nightmare. I have not even thought about packing lists yet. Work has been super busy and I have been too focused on enjoying the taper to worry about things like packing. I am not one to obsess during the taper about things like weather (low 65, high 75, chance of rain, by the way) or to question if I have done enough or if I should I be doing more.
I know that I am ready to race and once we have arrived in Cedar Point, my bike is reassembled, I have gotten the lay of the land, and of course, hooked up with Team Trakkers, I know that I will settle into my groove. I am sure there will be nerves, but I think that has more to do with expectations.
Speaking of expectations, I haven't shared mine yet.
My answer is going to be lame, but my goal is to execute my race just like I have executed my training. If I do that, I know that I will have a great race.
This is what the month leading up to the race looked like, including 2 weeks of taper:
August in Numbers
Swim: 21,015 yards in 8:17
Bike: 697.36 miles in 38:21 -- biggest bike month ever!
Run: 92.75 miles in 15:15
Other: 0:15
Total Time: 62:08
For those of you racing or spectating in Cedar Point, make sure to say hello! Good luck to everyone, including those racing IMWI the same day. Happy and safe travels!
I am anxious because I have never flown to a race with my bike and all of my training and racing crap. Packing is going to be a nightmare. I have not even thought about packing lists yet. Work has been super busy and I have been too focused on enjoying the taper to worry about things like packing. I am not one to obsess during the taper about things like weather (low 65, high 75, chance of rain, by the way) or to question if I have done enough or if I should I be doing more.
I know that I am ready to race and once we have arrived in Cedar Point, my bike is reassembled, I have gotten the lay of the land, and of course, hooked up with Team Trakkers, I know that I will settle into my groove. I am sure there will be nerves, but I think that has more to do with expectations.
Speaking of expectations, I haven't shared mine yet.
My answer is going to be lame, but my goal is to execute my race just like I have executed my training. If I do that, I know that I will have a great race.
This is what the month leading up to the race looked like, including 2 weeks of taper:
August in Numbers
Swim: 21,015 yards in 8:17
Bike: 697.36 miles in 38:21 -- biggest bike month ever!
Run: 92.75 miles in 15:15
Other: 0:15
Total Time: 62:08
For those of you racing or spectating in Cedar Point, make sure to say hello! Good luck to everyone, including those racing IMWI the same day. Happy and safe travels!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Team Spirit
Triathlon is individual sport, as defined by USAT rules. That is why there is no drafting or outside assistance. We each must race our own race, but …
That doesn’t mean you have to be alone on the course or when racing. When I started racing I loved seeing all of the team kits, passing the team tents and hearing teammates encourage each other along the course, in fact I was a bit envious. My hubby does a great job being my personal cheerleader, but there is only one of him! That is one of the reasons that I got involved with Team Trakkers – the sense of team spirit and general fun associated with being on a team.
The Age Group team is made up of consistent podium finishers (not me!) and weekend warriors alike, and while we are spread out across the US, there is not a single day that my blackberry is not blowing up with great team emails! Plus, we are all coming together for the Rev3 races at Knoxville, Quassy and/or CedarPoint, so I am thrilled that I will have major team support for my A race this season.
If you are not a part of a team, I encourage you to check out your local tri scene – being in an active tri club can definitely create an even better training and racing atmosphere.
Along those lines, my super cool, fun AG team decided yesterday that we would challenge a couple of teams (Team Terrier and Dynamo Multipsort) racing Knoxville to a Team Challenge, similar to the Elite Challenge thrown down by Michael Lovato to the KSwiss/Trek Team. The Twitter and Facebook trash talk is hilarious, because let’s face it, there are lots of Type A's in triathlon!
Fan Trakkers on Facebook to follow along!
Check out these great photos created by my teammates (click on photo to enlarge):
Team Mascot, Winston
Trakkers Smack Talk
Don’t want to miss out on the fun? Remember you can save $10 by using code Trakkers102 when registering for any of the Rev3 events on Active.com .
Go Team!
That doesn’t mean you have to be alone on the course or when racing. When I started racing I loved seeing all of the team kits, passing the team tents and hearing teammates encourage each other along the course, in fact I was a bit envious. My hubby does a great job being my personal cheerleader, but there is only one of him! That is one of the reasons that I got involved with Team Trakkers – the sense of team spirit and general fun associated with being on a team.
The Age Group team is made up of consistent podium finishers (not me!) and weekend warriors alike, and while we are spread out across the US, there is not a single day that my blackberry is not blowing up with great team emails! Plus, we are all coming together for the Rev3 races at Knoxville, Quassy and/or CedarPoint, so I am thrilled that I will have major team support for my A race this season.
If you are not a part of a team, I encourage you to check out your local tri scene – being in an active tri club can definitely create an even better training and racing atmosphere.
Along those lines, my super cool, fun AG team decided yesterday that we would challenge a couple of teams (Team Terrier and Dynamo Multipsort) racing Knoxville to a Team Challenge, similar to the Elite Challenge thrown down by Michael Lovato to the KSwiss/Trek Team. The Twitter and Facebook trash talk is hilarious, because let’s face it, there are lots of Type A's in triathlon!
Fan Trakkers on Facebook to follow along!
Check out these great photos created by my teammates (click on photo to enlarge):
Team Mascot, Winston
Trakkers Smack Talk
Don’t want to miss out on the fun? Remember you can save $10 by using code Trakkers102 when registering for any of the Rev3 events on Active.com .Go Team!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Team Trakkers Kick Off
The Team Trakkers Elite Team came down to Austin, Texas for a training camp and for an official team kick off.
Living a mere 2.5 hours away, I had to make the trip to see the crew and meet the sponsors, if only for a 2 hour Happy Hour! I took Friday afternoon off of work and the family and I headed to Austin. Doug and the boys spent the evening at a car show and I spent it getting to know my Elite teammates and my Saucony and First Endurance sponsors!
I have to say, it was pretty freakin' incredible to be hanging out with some of the very best in our sport. Everyone was so nice too and it was a total honor for me to be introduced as one of their teammates!
Me and Pro Carole Sharpless aka "Mama Bear" to the Trakkers Team
After a great team kick-off party (pizza and beer!), the family and I headed out to our favorite Mexican food haunt before driving back to Houston. We made it home around 12:30 AM, which ensured that I was able to get my long ride in Saturday morning, despite the crappy weather.
There are great photos and two great write ups so far on Ironman.com -- check them out here and here (it was a pleasure to meet the photographer and writer, Jay as well)!
You can see my green shirt in the last photo (under the Jack and Adams tent with my hand on my face, on the right side of the photo :) ) on the first article.
I am also really excited about the team challenges, it will make the races that much more exciting to watch. Not sure what I am talking about? Check it out in this story.
Excerpt:
Michael Lovato: Team Trakkers is calling Trek-KSwiss to a race. We bet $5k our team beats yours at in Knoxville May 9. Be there, or we win!
Trek/KSwiss Tri Team response? Said team co-manager Nick Howe on his handle, TrekSpeed: Anywhere, Any time. Any day. We gladly accept.
Julie Dibens: Can’t sleep! Woke myself up laughing cos I dreamt I saw Michael Lovato crying like a baby at the side of the road in Knoxville! Bring it ML.
Lovato: Hey Julie, those were tears of joy you saw. I always get emotional after a crushing victory.
Lovato: Hey Julie we hope u get your mojo back soon, we don't want Trek-KSwiss to race without their strongest athlete.
Dibens: Michael you are trying to kill me with kindness! I like your style… but I won’t fall for it!
I am totally inspired for my workouts this coming week!
Living a mere 2.5 hours away, I had to make the trip to see the crew and meet the sponsors, if only for a 2 hour Happy Hour! I took Friday afternoon off of work and the family and I headed to Austin. Doug and the boys spent the evening at a car show and I spent it getting to know my Elite teammates and my Saucony and First Endurance sponsors!
I have to say, it was pretty freakin' incredible to be hanging out with some of the very best in our sport. Everyone was so nice too and it was a total honor for me to be introduced as one of their teammates!
Me and Pro Carole Sharpless aka "Mama Bear" to the Trakkers Team
After a great team kick-off party (pizza and beer!), the family and I headed out to our favorite Mexican food haunt before driving back to Houston. We made it home around 12:30 AM, which ensured that I was able to get my long ride in Saturday morning, despite the crappy weather.
There are great photos and two great write ups so far on Ironman.com -- check them out here and here (it was a pleasure to meet the photographer and writer, Jay as well)!
You can see my green shirt in the last photo (under the Jack and Adams tent with my hand on my face, on the right side of the photo :) ) on the first article.
I am also really excited about the team challenges, it will make the races that much more exciting to watch. Not sure what I am talking about? Check it out in this story.
Excerpt:
Michael Lovato: Team Trakkers is calling Trek-KSwiss to a race. We bet $5k our team beats yours at in Knoxville May 9. Be there, or we win!
Trek/KSwiss Tri Team response? Said team co-manager Nick Howe on his handle, TrekSpeed: Anywhere, Any time. Any day. We gladly accept.
Julie Dibens: Can’t sleep! Woke myself up laughing cos I dreamt I saw Michael Lovato crying like a baby at the side of the road in Knoxville! Bring it ML.
Lovato: Hey Julie, those were tears of joy you saw. I always get emotional after a crushing victory.
Lovato: Hey Julie we hope u get your mojo back soon, we don't want Trek-KSwiss to race without their strongest athlete.
Dibens: Michael you are trying to kill me with kindness! I like your style… but I won’t fall for it!
I am totally inspired for my workouts this coming week!
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