Some Things Never Change

Hey! Final post of the series and for 2019! 

I love the phrase “If it isnt’t broke, don’t fix it”. So, this post will be dedicated to the things I have been doing since day 1.

Avoiding the Trainer and Treadmill

Frost and icicles from my breath

For me, running in place is torture. I have always been anti-treadmill and doubt that will ever change. I will run in sub-zero temperatures to avoid it. The only time I compromise is icy conditions or if safe routes are difficult to find while traveling. The same goes for the trainer, but I tend to stay inside after a recent snowfall or ANY chance of ice. I simply prefer “actual” road miles when I train. I love the outdoors and training allows me to be outside all the time.

Nutrition

Disposable bottle with Gatorade 

One thing I I take pride in is being flexible with using on course nutrition. In an Ironman I start the bike with a disposable bottle. Since my first full, I have used this approach to avoid refilling or carrying more than 1 at a time. Having 1 bottle reduces weight and improves aerodynamics. This works well because I am never more than 15 miles away from fluids. I have always used what is offered on the course for this reason.

I also start the bike with a chocolate chip cliff bar. Although an odd choice, I use it because I always have them in the house. I have yet to experience GI issues on long rides, and I have performed well racing so far. If it isn’t broke…

Need to Improve Cycling

After 3 years in triathlon, cycling still has the most room for improvement. While I still work to improve my run, the largest time impact will come from a faster bike split. Running has been my bread and butter from high school cross county, and a marathon was my first endurance race that got me into Ironman. I never enjoy working on the things I am bad at, so cycling has felt like a thorn in my side since the beginning. I am always open to feedback to improve my bike split and will continue putting the most time towards cycling.  

Key Takeaways:

Try new things but don't force it! A cliff bar is very solid fuel, but it works for me so I stick with it. I have tried all liquid or more gels, but I either bonk or upset my stomach. 

If it works for you, stick with it. I personally perform better and am more motivated training outside. 

Training is a never ending process. There is always room for improvement and ways to drop time. For me, cycling will be the 1 thing I know I can spend more time on.