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Thank you both! Here’s to hoping that 2021 is better than 2020, and hoping that all of the small races make it. With all of the “virtual” t-shirts I’ve gotten this year, I could make a whole new virtual race t-shirt quilt!
Yes! I love all of this! I’m going to have to check out “Be with Champions” – I’ve actually been doing the same. I’ve loved the weekly podcasts from Triathlete Mag and also recently discovered “The REAL Triathlon Podcast” (I listen on Spotify). It’s mostly pros talking about their experience being pros. It can sometimes be really serious rather than uplifting, but I kind of enjoy that. I also read the book “Go Gwen, Go,” written by Gwen Jorgensen’s mom/sister about her tri journey – I would highly recommend it!
I’m so glad that you’ve found yourself loving the parts of tri/life that I think we all tend to take for granted when we’re not in a pandemic. I’ll definitely be ready to give some high fives soon enough 🙂
As of right now, my race is still on the schedule. I’m not incredibly optimistic, but I genuinely love training, so I’m sticking with the plan until I’m forced to adjust. I figure either way, I’m getting some good learning out of it.
I did a mock half about a month ago (I think?), and it’s the first DNF I’ve ever had! I definitely wasn’t keeping up with hydration the way that I needed to and ended up having some bizarre cramping in my abs that made it super hard to breath. Has anyone had this before? I’m used to calf or quad craps…not my abs seizing up.
Anyways, after that weekend, I got a new Nathan hydration pack, and I haven’t had any issues since. I figure this might be the way we’re racing for a bit, so it was worth the investment (it was $75 so really not bad). I love it. I also have started “training to the course” in terms of nutrition, and I’m now getting my body more used to those drinks mostly. For example, I’m on the Gatorade Endurance train now (although I swear you can TASTE the extra sodium – it’s gross if you don’t need it), and I’ve started bringing back the half Red Bull/half water bottles (a la Gwen Jorgensen). I’m not usually a RB person, but it’s comforting to know EXACTLY how my body will respond to it if it’s offered in a race.
Otherwise, I typically stick with what I know best: bananas, honey stinger chews and waffles, fig bars, pop tarts (long rides only), and liquid calories. OH – and these amazing bars that a cycling friend shared with me: <span>https://www.healthy-liv.com/breakfast-cookie-snack-bars/</span>
Does anyone else know any good food that you can make in a kitchen and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? I’m an ambassador for HS, so I get incredible discounts, but otherwise some of this stuff can get expensive! I used to make rice cakes in college, but these cookie bars take up less space in my pocket. Very open to any suggestions.
Thanks for putting this together, AJ! I’ve loved the past webinars and a piece of me is just excited to be talking with the group again and working on improving in this sport. I’m looking forward to it.
Thanks for posting these, AJ! I have a question – yesterday I was out riding, and a man came up behind me and sat on my wheel for a couple minutes. While I usually find this annoying during regular times (please, announce yourself if you’re going to do this), I found it a bit astounding that someone did this during a pandemic… Any idea on how I could address the issue if this happens again without sounding too harsh? I just gave him an odd look considering it’s his own health that he is threatening by doing this.
(Also hoping that this post goes through — I’ve been having some issues responding to posts in other question groups this week…)
I know in my last Ironman, I survived on uncrustables (those little sandwiches with well, no crust). The only downside is that peanut butter can be hard to swallow if your throat is dry. The upside, is that it will remind you to hydrate real quick! They were really easy to toss in my pocket/transition bags as well.
My last race was Louisville — 40 degrees and raining — and my next race will be Maryland — likely much warmer and in the sun. I’m definitely going to have to approach things a little differently this year as I will be sweating MUCH more. I tend to stay away from gus/gels on the bike and do whole foods for the sake of my stomach, so this clinic was helpful in starting my thinking about how I can manage carbs/sugar/caffeine/etc. and walk that line between feeling satisfied in my hunger and feeling too full before the run. Oh yeah, I was a bit hungry after my bike at Louisville.
I never knew about the clif bars either. I’m definitely going to have to turn the package over now before popping one into my back pocket. Last thing – when my hands were frozen at Louisville, I had a tough time opening packets and removing food. For anyone looking at a race that might also be chilly, I would recommend prepping food even at that level — prepping a pull tab or unwrapping before you’re out on the course!
