Finish Line Fantasies : Recap and Recovery

My what a season it has been! It's hard to believe my 2015 season is already in the books; I've learned a ton about racing pro and specifically 70.3, made some mistakes, had some successes, made a lot of new friends, and (most importantly) had a blast!

My season closer at 70.3 Austin didn't go exactly as planned. Nothing catastrophic happened but it was fairly mediocre. The road conditions were terrifying, it was windy as heck, my glute still hurt, my travel was super messed up, and it was a bit chilly for my liking. That said, none of these are valid excuses as everyone rides the same course on the same day, travel mishaps weren't catastrophic, and the glute was no worse than it's been since May; when it's all said and done, it just wasn't my day and there were some talented ladies out there who rose to the challenge better than I did.

Swim Exit

Chilly Ride

Finishing the Season!

That said, I'm far from distraught over the day or the season. Last year ended on a stretcher with doctors telling me I may never get my swim stroke back, forcing me to take 9 weeks off of running and 12 out of the water. Somehow, I managed to balance and survive training/racing with running my own business and balancing not one but four jobs (five if you include this triathlon thing). Of course, there were times of discouragement but I was able to persevere and jump back into racing. In my first race, 70.3 Texas, I finished second to last but took lessons from my mistakes and eventually earned my first pro podiums. There is still so much for me to learn but I'm confident that things are just starting and I will continue to learn and grow both mentally and physically as an athlete.

There are so many people to thank for getting my through this season. Of course, Coach Mace of MP Multisport has been in my corner from day one and I'd be a blubbering wreck without his guidance. Las Vegas Masters made it worth getting out of bed at 4:30 to get wet. My parents as well as my cousin Jacqueline and friend Megan dried my tears when it all felt like too much. My homestays Dean, Stephen, the Gerdemanns, and Layne as well as my hosts Rebecca and Brianna let me race relaxed and rested. The folks at Ironman Corporation and BBSC Triathlon put on some incredible events and took good care of their athletes. Definitely a giant thank you to my sponsors Blueseventy for getting me in the best gear around, Hammer Nutrition for making fueling easy, Riplaces for being the greatest cheerleaders out there (and for the best laces ever), Pro Cyclery for their unparalleled service, support, and generosity, ProMotorsports of Fond du Lac for always being willing to help in any way I need, Las Vegas Multisport for the support and media, It's Your ChoiceTraining for getting me tested and supporting my endeavors, and Anthem Fitness for opening your hearts and doors to my cross training needs. Above all, thank you to everyone who followed my races, offered encouragement, and cheered me on from both near and far!

Bookended my season by running into my Homestay Dean from 70.3 Texas (who crashed on the bike and still rocked his race)

Thanks!!!

<3 MP Multisport

The last few weeks have been an excellent time to rest, reflect, and even have a moderate social life! It's been great to knock a few things off of my ever-nagging to do list and sleep the recommended duration at night. After a bit of a breather, I'm feeling (almost) ready to jump back into training and am pretty excited for base training season (my favorite time of the year); there are some big changes coming in my life that I hope will make next year even better but more on that later. For now, it's time for coffee and wine!