My Ironman Triathlon Experience

 My Ironman Experience

So as many of you may know last month I competed in an Ironman 70.3 triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run) or in my case Ironman 69.1 (the swim portion was canceled). It was one of the most amazing and grueling experiences of my life. Crossing the finish line consisted of months of hard work and sacrifice. It hit me in the final seconds as I sprinted across the finish line and burst into tears of disbelief and astonishment that I had actually finished.

I know it may seem as if I am just some naturally athletic person and competing is second nature but that is not the case. I was once really overweight and running down the street was very difficult. So finishing something of this magnitude really blew my mind.

On race morning I was oddly calm. One thing I believe helped in my calmness was the fact that I had biked the coarse already so I was mentally prepared for the challenge. The race officials had already announced that the swim would be canceled because of tremendous rain fall. Additionally, it eased my nerves that my transition area was already set up from the night before so I didn't have to worry about forgetting anything. Taking the bus up to the starting line my anxiety started to kick in. Watching the hundreds of athletes pump their tires and looking up at the mountains I knew I was in for a hell of an experience. I made friends with the lady next to me who had finished several full ironman's and her confidence was comforting. Since the swim was canceled it was a time trial start so we went in the order of our race numbers. I hated this because I was no. 2003 so I was almost the last to start which meant the race would be a little lonely.

My plan was to take it easy on the bike not to push it (which I normally do in training) and for the run I was going to walk through the water stops (that were each mile).

The Bike

I started out on the bike a little paranoid. During this season I had gotten several flats. The road was very slick because it had rained and when I started to hear funny noises I was sure I had gotten a flat. I stopped (Continue Reading)

TRAINING TUESDAYS: NIKKI PERSCHY

Nikki Perschy

Triathlete

Age: 32

Occupation: Meter Services/Met-Ed

East Stroudsburg, PA

What event(s) are you currently training for and what does that include?

Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mtns. 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 run

Aardvark Aamble 5 mile road race

What are your personal goals for this year?

To complete my first Half Ironman

What does your weekly workout out look like?

Mon: I usually swim at least for 60 mins, Tues: I do a transition bike ride for 75 mins then a 30 min run. Wed:Open water swim for 30-60mins Thurs: 60-75 min track workout Fri: possible day off or light run. Sat. Long bike ride (anywhere from 3-5 hours) then followed by a transition run of 30-1 1/2 hours. Sun: usually a long run anywhere from 40 mins to 2 hours.

What do you think is the hardest part about training and doing an endurance event?

Finding the time and making the commitment

What benefits/rewards do you get from competing?

Staying in shape and feeling good about myself.

What advice would you give someone looking to compete?

Start out slow, and if you miss a workout, don't stress and just move on to the next day.  

TRAINING TUESDAYS: 6 STEPS TO BECOMING A RUNNER

 

This Training Tuesday I thought I would share some information about running. A majority of the emails that I receive about fitness always seem to be centered around running. Most people usually give it a good try for a few months, then give up in frustration when things are not going smoothly. To be honest initially I was not a fan of running, I hated it. For those of you who have tried you know exactly what I am talking about. From the cramping, thirst, chest pain, shin splints, breathing issues, sports bras and the plethora of other things we face when we run; it is easy to just give up. So here are a few tips to make your transition to running easier:

Get the right sneakers. This is a big one. Not, having the right sneakers will shorten your run life. I am sorry to say the right sneakers for you to run in are usually are not found at footlocker or any of the other famous sneaker stores. If you are experiencing foot, shin and knee problems when you run chances are the right sneaker is the first remedy. The best place to get the right sneakers is a store that specializes in running. Usually this process involves bringing your old sneakers so they can look at the run pattern. From there, they will look at how you walk, they will watch you run on a treadmill and they will ask you several questions about the manner in which your run. It may be a little more expensive but you will thank me later!

Eat at the right time. This process can be a little trial and error at first but there are generally a few rules to stick to. You shouldn't eat a heavy meal right before you run, it is run suicide. Instead, wait 2 to 3 hours for your meal to digest. Additionally, you need to eat something. If you run in the morning have something light like a protein bar (stay away from heavy sugar this usually will make you want to go to the bathroom during the run). If you run in the evening make sure you have a snack about 90 minutes before your run, something like a rice cake, protein bar or half of peanut butter sandwich. Stay away from fiber, diary and sugar those tend to produce cramps.

Start slow and build. It would be nice if we could start our first day back running (after not being active for 3 months or more) and bang out 10 miles. It doesn't exactly work like that. You must build slowly. Instead of looking at the miles in the beginning focus on the time. Start running for 20 minutes and then keep adding on 10 minutes each week. Before you know it you will be up to 10 miles or more and be very comfortable.

 Wear the right clothing. For me this is the biggest annoyance while running. Whether it is a sports bar that doesn't hold, shorts that keep riding up or a shirt that doesn't wick away your sweat clothing issues can be a big deterrent to running. I am not saying go out an buy a whole new wardrobe, but find your problem area and get the proper garment to fit you. I tend to wear clothes that fit you close (not too tight) work best. While out of shape areas will flap in the wind under baggy clothes, a more fitted attire will help to keep things in place.

Properly hydrate the day before. I can not say this enough! Most people believe that only drinking while you run is important. While it is important to drink during, it is much more important to drink before. I tend to drink 16 more ounces then normal the day before a run. Keep a thermos with you and keep filling it up throughout the day. It is crucial you get plenty of water before running you will feel a HUGE difference when you are properly hydrated.

Get the proper rest. Feeling well resting will give you the extra kick at the end. Usually if you run tired you feel restless and want to quit. Having enough sleep will allow you do your best and run better. This is especially important when you start getting into longer runs.

Are there any additional tips you have to becoming a runner? Do you have any questions about running that we didn't address? Leave a comment! 

TRAINING TUESDAYS: MEET MELANIE SCHRANZ

 (Melanie is currently on the Anchor house 500 mile bike ride this week)

 Melanie Schranz

Occupation

Project Manager

Titusville, NJ

Twitter: @melanielschranz

www.facebook.com\melanieschranz

What event(s) are you currently training for and what does that include?

I am currently training for the Anchor House Ride for Runaways. This is a 500 mile cycling event, over seven days. The average mileage per day is 75. Its over moderately difficult terrain. The Anchor House is a charity in Trenton, NJ that provides services to youth who are unable to stay with their families, because of abuse or crisis situations. The Anchor House works to reunite youth with their families or assist in exploring adoption and foster situations.

I am also training for an Olympic distance triathlon at the end of July, and numerous 5k's, 10k's and half marathons thrown in there to keep things exciting.

What are your personal fitness goals for this year?

In the past I would be able to rattle off a long list of goals. However, this is a year of rebuilding. Last year, at this exact time I was at peak fitness. I was really happy with my fitness level, how I was riding and running. Then, my cycling partner was involved in a serious accident. He had multiple trauma that kept him out of action for almost nine months. It was startling because neither of us had ever taken that long off from fitness and activities. We were "brought to our knees" by this accident and the follow up care that was needed. As a gesture of solidarity to him during his recovery, I opted to hold off on running and riding until he was ready to come back.

Therefore, this year is a year of rebuilding. I lament the fitness that I lost, and all this comes full circle when I see how slow I am now at running and riding. I used to do yoga several times a week , now I can see my flexibility really took a hit. It's funny how long it takes to build things up, but it takes very little time to lose it all. Now that I am back on the bike (which was especially hard for my cycle partner after the accident), I am focusing on getting my pace per mile to drop. I will get there, but this time off taught me never to take my fitness for granted!

What do you think is the most difficult part about training and doing an endurance event?

Staying focused. We are not a society that is used to waiting. We want and can get things now. Endurance events teach me patience. I have to think in advance about my goals, then I have to map out my training, and then go for it! I've trained for many marathons and long distance cycling events, and you cannot start a month before the event to train. You must gradually build up endurance. That takes time. It takes focus. It takes discipline. Things our current society isn’t used to doing.

What benefits/rewards do you get from competing?

Confidence! There is nothing like finishing an event, a training ride, a long run and feeling like there isn‘t anything I cant do. I think sports has the ability to build confidence.

What advice would you give someone looking to compete?

Say to yourself “You can do it!” My 72 year old mom finished her first 5k a few years ago. She said my running pursuits inspired her and she wanted to be part of the fun. So she signed up the whole family, from her 5 year old grandson, to my 70 year old dad and all ages of family members in between. We all competed in the 5k (I did the half marathon). I just remember thinking as she crossed the finish line, "she didn't over think this, she decided she wanted to do it, and she did it". I was extremely proud of my mom. Recently, my 89 year old neighbor started walking around the block and now goes four times around (it's a very big block) and decided to sign up for a 5 mile race. When I hear someone say, "I can't do a 5k etc.” I think you can do it! As athletes, we should never forget how much what we do inspires others. We may not think we are very fast, talented or even worthy of being called an Athlete but what we do inspires others. That is the best reward I get from competing.

If you are an endurance athlete I would love to hear from you! Please email three photos and the answers to these questions. Along with your name, age, occupation and city to paparoxi.com@gmail.com! Happy training