tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88095198938827483452024-03-04T22:28:47.208-08:00Jen Hayes"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles."
- Audrey HepburnJen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-27830750311629202202015-03-31T09:37:00.000-07:002015-03-31T09:37:33.307-07:00Confession...I had an eating disorder<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
One of my fellow Zoot teammates posted a blog in February (which was Eating Disorder Awareness Month) about her battle with an eating disorder. She rocks. Her name is Ashley, and you can find her here…<a href="https://sandborntorun.wordpress.com/page/2/">https://sandborntorun.wordpress.com/page/2/</a></div>
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Reading through her story inspired me to share mine. Why you might ask? Why not? It’s part of me, it’s why I am the person I am today, and I’m certainly not ashamed of it. Ashley and I are not alone in our struggles, and we are both very fortunate to be on the “mend” from our own issues…as anyone who has dealt with these types of issues in the past knows it’s a continual healing process.</div>
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Deep breath, here I go…</div>
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Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been VERY open about my eating disorder once I accepted the fact that I had one (I’ll get to this later). I’ll talk to anyone about it. I just haven’t put it out there in this way yet. I’m the type of person who heals by talking about my struggles (I have not always been this way, see below). I respect that not everyone functions in that way. But I’m about to get real honest. Caution…this will be long and there will be pictures.</div>
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It started at a very young age for me. As a child, I realized that I got attention for doing well in school, being a really good tennis player, and how I looked. Being the Type A/perfectionist I’ve ALWAYS been (even as a child), I wanted to EXCEL in all 3. I made sure I kept excellent grades, worked my booty off at tennis, and equated skinny to looking good. When I was younger, skinny was “in”. This concept of being fit or strong wasn’t there yet, or at least not in the crowd I ran with. </div>
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It’s amazing the things I remember…being told I was so lucky to have a tiny waist, that boys would like my figure when I grew up…these types of comments were all before I was 10 years old. They were meant to be a compliment, but to me…all I could think of was I NEED to stay skinny. It started out very innocently for me, I didn’t starve myself, I just ate healthy and worked out or played tennis. Super simple. Eventually that changed. I remember the first time I had a conversation about an eating disorder, I was around 10 years old, and in DisneyWorld. Who talks about these things at that age in DISNEYWORLD?! I did, with my sister. This was obviously something that was prevalent in my life at a very young age.</div>
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I went on my first “diet” my sophomore year in high school. I had gained a few pounds from eating absolute JUNK food (nachos, McDonalds, effing garbage) and wanted to eat healthier. That was THE LAST time I’ve eaten at McDonalds, or really any fast food. 15 years old. That “diet” I went on 100% changed my eating habits for the rest of my life. This was genuinely for the better (fast food serves me NO purpose) but not until many years later when I didn't take it to an extreme.</div>
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Everything that happened prior to my junior year in high school was just leading to an explosion for me. I was always comfortably around 115lbs in high school. I decided I should lose 5lbs (just because), so I did it. I ate JUST enough so I was always a little hungry, and I actually started to enjoy the feeling of hunger (this is terrifying). I felt like I was getting skinner when I was hungry (so this was a good thing in my mind). </div>
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I was insanely active in high school, I would workout at home before school and have tennis practice after school, so I did have to eat enough for energy, but I was much skinnier those last two years. Looking at me, you would never think anything was wrong though, I still didn't look alarmingly thin. I also made the decision to stop playing tennis after my senior year in high school in lieu of a social life in college. I didn’t want to get involved in the demands of college sports. I can’t even believe I’m saying that now, look at my life ;)</div>
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Then I went away to college, and I LOST it. After 6 weeks of being away at college, I was below 100lbs. My parent’s were mortified when they saw me. I was literally staving myself. I drank pots of decaf coffee to keep my belly “full” without eating calories, it actually hurt sitting in chairs in class because I was so bony, and I used to get lightheaded and dizzy walking to class because I was so hungry. I was also working out 6 days a week for at least an hour a day. I was freezing ALL the time and slept in a room with a space heater…it must have been 100 degrees in there. I counted calories, would never eat more than 1200 calories a day, and a Luna bar with yogurt and maybe a piece of fruit was my “big dinner” for the day. Yikes.</div>
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Exhibit A - this was about 2 months after being away at college.</div>
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When I came home for Christmas break that year, I was about 88lbs. I was so self involved with my eating disorder, that I couldn’t see how hard it was on my family. Looking back, it breaks my heart knowing what I put them through. My mom told me while I was home that I had to gain weight or I couldn’t go back to EIU for my sophomore year, I would have to stay home. Once I went back after the holidays, my dad started driving down almost every weekend to bring me food my mom cooked for me so I would eat, and he works about a million hours a week, but he still made the 3 hour drive ALL THE TIME. I’m literally crying as I think back to this. But being the “good little girl” I thought I was at the time, I didn’t gain weight. So I came home for summer looking exactly the same. Next up, I was told I had to go to counseling to go back to EIU. I cried the entire first hour session, could barely get a word out, and did NOT want to be there. Eventually I actually started enjoying my twice a week sessions, and learned that I had control issues, buried my feelings (I obviously don’t do this anymore, duh), and didn’t get over my Aunt Kathy passing away when I was 8.<br />
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Still skinny.</div>
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^^ Those legs ain't pushing big watts ^^</div>
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I convinced my parents to let me go back to school even though I was still insanely underweight. It was shortly after I got back to school that I REALIZED I had a problem. I was sitting in a bar at beer breakfast on Homecoming Weekend (my god my life was different back then). It was probably 10am, I had several drinks in me, and finally saw how different I looked. I was going to Acapulco for Spring Break later that year, and I told my friends that I wanted to gain 10 pounds before that vacation. They were awesome. We all lived in the sorority house, and they secretly bought snacks that they knew I liked to leave in their rooms so I could eat them when we hung out (Planters Dry Roasted peanuts were my thang). Love those ladies <3 See, sororities aren’t always what you think ;) My mom sent me care packages almost every week with my favorite foods, and I slowly started to put on weight. This was NOT easy for me. It felt uncomfortable not being able to see my hip bones (no lie), it was weird seeing curves come back, but I tried to roll with it. Right before my junior year in college, I was right back to my normal 115lb weight range.</div>
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After depriving myself for SO long, I started to allow myself to eat things I wouldn’t before. This was a slippery slope, and I blew up my last 2 years in college. When I graduated from EIU, I weighed around 160lbs (yep, almost double my lowest weight). I was drinking way too much alcohol, eating pizza at 2am after long nights out, and would eat to the point of almost throwing up because I was so full. I knew I had to get ahold of myself, and was honestly relieved when I graduated from college because I was starting my full time job and the going out constantly would be coming to an end.<br />
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2 years after those pics above, about 50 pounds heavier, and black hair (yep, forgot to mention that).</div>
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It took me several years to “regulate” myself after college. I got back into a more regular and consistent exercise schedule, started eating better, went out less…but it really wasn’t until I found the sport of triathlon that I really began healing from my eating disorder. Getting back into sport was the game changer for me. Sport has always given me so much…self confidence, structure, motivation, passion, drive, and a continual pursuit for self improvement…I lost this when I gave up tennis. Triathlon, especially long course, has given all of that back to me and more. As an adult, I appreciate all of this so much more then I did as a teenager. </div>
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Where am I at today? Thankfully, on the OTHER side of this. I absolutely DO NOT regret going through my eating disorder, I do not wish it away, and I’m actually thankful that I had this experience and was able to get out of it. I now eat for fuel…I eat clean, whole foods. In fact, I eat a TON…more than most boys and I LOVE it. I treat my body with respect. My goals are clear, and it’s all about doing everything I can to meet those goals. Eating junk or starving myself is NOT going to help me meet those goals, so that’s out of the picture. I can honestly say that I LOVE my body. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. I’m so lucky it puts up with the demands of training and racing, and it’s served me well over the years in both.<br />
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I’m incredibly grateful to have stumbled across this sport when I did, it has 100% changed my perspective and saved me from a ton of physical and mental damage I used to put on myself.<br />
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This is me today. Loving my life, loving who I am, and loving my body.</div>
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Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-13437726256136175722015-02-20T17:19:00.000-08:002015-02-20T17:19:16.651-08:00Diaphragmatic Breathing Clinic @ Edge Athlete Lounge RecapA few weeks ago, I had the chance to talk with a group of athletes at <a href="http://www.edgeathletelounge.com/home">Edge Athlete Lounge</a> about Diaphragmatic Breathing. You might be wondering how this even came about?? Well, I met with one of the owners, Robyn LaLonde, to discuss a topic for me to come by and do an educational talk about. She said her members were interested in learning about diaphragmatic breathing and how it could make them better athletes...<br />
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Mind. Blown.<br />
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As a yogi turned endurance athlete, I'm well aware of the MANY benefits of true, deep belly breathing...not only for the general population, but especially athletes looking to their enhance their performance in ANY sport. Then to find a group of athletes actually interested in learning about this, I was pumped. This is NOT your average group of endurance athletes...loving on it.<br />
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Since everyone couldn't be there, here's a recap :)<br />
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In my opinion, diaphragmatic breathing is one of the little tweaks that athletes can make in their training and racing that will produce BIG gains in their sport. Don't get me wrong, this isn't an easy concept for most and requires practice. Once you get it down, it becomes second nature and you'll do it out of habit. Even when you're suffering through a tough interval, or at the end of a race. Trust me on this...I've been doing it for years.<br />
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You might ask...what is a diaphragm? I'm going to make it real simple, it basically separates your chest and abdomen, and it plays a major role in breathing.<br />
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See...this is a diaphragm.</div>
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Got it? Great. Next up...how to deep belly breathe (aka diaphragmatic breathing).<br />
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You really want to focus on breathing with your abdomen, not just your chest. As you inhale, you will start breathing into your abdomen. Your belly will expand in ALL directions (not just forward). Then allow the air to continue filling through your upper body and chest in all directions (slowly and naturally)...front, sides, and back. Once you've completed a full inhale, start your exhale in the same direction. Your belly will begin to contract back towards your spine, then slowly allow the air to naturally exit your body. Your chest will relax back into it's normal state.<br />
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There are 2 exercises I really enjoy practicing this technique with...<br />
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1. Laying down.<br />
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#truth</div>
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The absolute EASIEST way to feel yourself using proper diaphragmatic breathing is to lay down. Close your eyes, and place your hands on your abdomen. Begin your inhale, and feel your belly expand into your hands. I recommend having one hand to your side as well as the front of your body to make sure you are breathing in all directions. Then as your inhale moves through your upper body towards your chest and neck, allow your hands to follow your breath, walking them up towards your chest and neck. Your chest should be expanding just like your belly on the inhale. Once you begin your exhale, bring your hands back down to your belly to feel your belly contract back towards your spine. Again, as you continue to exhale and your breath begins to leave your body, slowly move your hands back up to your chest and neck.</div>
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2. Sitting up.</div>
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Repeat the same exercise sitting up as you did laying down. It's not as easy to feel sitting up, so move on to this once you've felt diaphragmatic breathing laying down.<br />
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A couple tips on diaphragmatic breathing...<br />
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<li>On your inhale, imagine yourself filling a tire with your belly. Expand in ALL directions.</li>
<li>You don't want to force your breath, it should be natural. Feel like the air is suspended, not held.</li>
<li>Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.</li>
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This is all great...but how will this impact your athletic performance?</div>
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Running, training, and exerting hard efforts can cause muscle groups involved with your breathing to tighten. This will reduce air intake which results in less oxygen availability for working muscles which means the heart has to pump more of your subpar-oxygenated blood at a faster rate in order for you to maintain your "relaxed pace". Long story short, this can cause your 70-75% effort feel like 95%. Therefore, if you can master diaphragmatic breathing and incorporate it into your training and racing, you will be able to sustain faster and harder efforts for longer periods of time. It can also help you get through those tough, painful, and dark moments in training and racing.</div>
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Soooo...if you can manage your breath, there is NO DOUBT you will see significant performance gains. </div>
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Here are a few of my favorite ways to incorporate diaphragmatic breathing into my training and racing...</div>
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<li>When you're running - inhale with 4 strides, exhale with 4 strides. Do this at your own pace, it can be on 2 stride intervals, or whatever works best for your body. I highly recommend trying this on your zone 1-2 runs.</li>
<li>During your activity of choice - feel your breath through your belly with your hands every 5 minutes. Make sure your are breathing into your belly and your belly is expanding out on the inhale/contracting back towards your spine on the exhale.</li>
<li>Shake out your arms every 5 minutes, and relax your jaw. This will encourage more relaxed, deep breathing.</li>
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Find comfort being uncomfortable, let your breath be the guide.</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-86068321392886318202014-11-02T14:39:00.000-08:002014-11-02T14:39:00.467-08:00The Other Side of Racing...You guessed it (or maybe not)...coaching.<br />
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I've known for a long time that I want to coach triathlon, running, and strength. Why you might ask?? I could go on for hours about why, the list is LONG. I'm going to try and make this short and sweet...<br />
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I love the feeling of being fit and fast. I love setting goals for myself, working hard to meet those goals, and then trying to put everything together on race day to accomplish them. I love doing things that most people don't even dream of. I love dreaming. I love pushing myself beyond my set "limits", embracing the suck (thanks Coach Jen Harrison), and suffering. I love triathlon, it's that simple. All of these things make me feel alive and when I'm happiest. I've been blessed to work with THE most amazing coach for the past 4 years (see above, Jen Harrison) who has taught me all of this, and I want to do the same for others.<br />
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I was lucky enough to be given that opportunity this year with 2 new athletes. <br />
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Side note...for those of you who don't know, I went and received my USAT Level 1 Coaching Certification last October in Kona and have slowly been dreaming this coaching business into life. The pieces are starting to come together, and I'm loving it! My coaching business is called FIT Coaching, and little by little it's becoming exactly what I had hoped for...<br />
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Thanks for the logo Mattie P!!</div>
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Ok, I'm back. So these 2 athletes...I was stoked when they approached me about coaching. Stupid excited. They were both very new to racing, and had both registered for the Chicago Marathon. And NO, they didn't know each other...just a coincidence ;) Both had never run a marathon, and one of my athletes had never done a triathlon (or a century ride) but wanted to do both (including a 70.3). They were two totally different athletes as well...one was a masters male with past injuries and the other a younger female with young kids. We started working together early spring with plenty of time to get ready for the Chicago Marathon and their other "B" priority races. </div>
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It was so much fun to live through their training and racing all spring and summer. First triathlon, first century ride, and MANY firsts with distances for their long runs. Every weekend was another "win" making it to 18, then 20...you get the point. I loved talking through their long run/race day nutrition, gear choices, race plans, and of course the VERY few mini-meltdowns. It totally took me back to my first few years of racing. Loved every single minute of it.</div>
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Before I knew it the Chicago Marathon was here. I felt like a mom all weekend. Talking with both athletes, making sure they were eating enough, staying off their feet...total nag. On race day, I couldn't stop tracking them. Sending texts I knew they wouldn't get until later, and SO excited to see them both finish with GREAT races. Then came the post race recaps and phone calls I received. Made me cry to hear how well their days went, how great they felt to accomplish this goal, and how thankful they were to work with me. I'm crying even as I write this. This was it, this is exactly why I want to coach (see above). Having the opportunity to have a positive effect on their lives, it's so gratifying.</div>
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Ashley post Chicago Marathon - could she be any cuter?! OH! And why does she do this?? To set a good example for her kids. Adorable. And yes, I had her permission to post this ;)</div>
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Then came this...</div>
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Ashley finishing her first half at IM 70.3 Austin with her husband.</div>
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The email I received following this race was so touching. Hearing how excited she was, how emotional it was for her to finish...it really doesn't get any better than this. For the athlete or coach.</div>
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So what's next for FIT Coaching?? I'm getting all of the pieces in place...Facebook, Twitter, and hopefully a website soon. Oh, and more athletes. Duh ;)</div>
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Very much looking forward to many, many more experiences like I had this summer with two incredible athletes. </div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-25339182036264560772014-09-15T18:11:00.004-07:002014-09-15T18:11:57.807-07:00My 2014 Goals...It sure has been awhile since I've had a minute to update my blog. I have really good intentions to write race recaps, talk about training...ya know, all that fun stuff. The problem is, racing and training kind of get in the way of me having time to blog. Ha! Sooo, instead of going back and trying to recap all the races I've done this summer, I want to talk about the goals Coach Jen and I set for myself going into the 2014 season (and how I performed!). Since my season is OVA (for the most part, minus some cx this fall/winter), let's get to it.<br />
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After a chat with Coach Jen in November (yes, November) last year, I had 3 very clear goals in mind...<br />
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1. Focus on 70.3 and get a big PR.<br />
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2. Podium at a tri. Not just in my age group, but overall. <br />
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3. Qualify for IM 70.3 World Championships.<br />
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I felt good about my first goal. I had PR'd last year at Muncie with a 5:18, and knew with all the work I put into my bike this year I could make up a significant amount of time. I gave myself several chances this summer, I wound up racing FOUR 70.3s! That wasn't necessarily the plan, but just sort of how my season evolved (more on that later). After racing the tough IM Syracuse course, I was back at Muncie. Even though I was just "off" all day, I managed to pull out a 10 minute PR...5:08!!<br />
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SO happy, despite feeling flat for most of the day.</div>
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After Muncie, I decided to sign up for Steelhead a few weeks later (again, more on this in a bit). I was pumped to race Steelhead, I love this course and it was the first 70.3 I did back in 2010. Everything I didn't have on the Muncie course, I had at Steelhead. I felt great all day and took another minute off my time from Muncie...5:07 :) On a more challenging course, in my opinion. Crazy cool to see how far I've come in 4 years, I finished in 5:45 back then. Love progress!<br />
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Goal #1 - check!<br />
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Ok, goal #2 - I've come VERY close to making the Overall podium at races. I've been in 4th place TOO many times...I wanted on the podium. I knew this would take incredibly hard efforts, suffering, and going to some ugly places...but I'm learning to LOVE and crave this feeling. Was I able to make it happen??<br />
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After my niece made my bike bottle the night before the Sisters Lakes Olympic Tri...</div>
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It happened! Ahhh! Overall Female Winner. I need her to come to every race with me :)</div>
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Then, it happened again. Not technically an Overall podium finish, but it was my first podium at an Ironman event. 4th place 30-34 at Steelhead. #stupidhappy #imadethesamebottleasmyniece</div>
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And then it happened AGAIN, at a race I didn't even know existed until 2 weeks before. Overall Female Winner at the Great Illini Challenge Half Iron Distance + my first payday (and a couple trophies)! I couldn't have asked for (or dreamt of) a better way to end my season. AND, to answer your question...same bike bottle that little Miss Cara helped me make. That girl is my lucky charm :)</div>
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Could she be any cuter?!</div>
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I took care of goal #2. <br />
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Goal #3, this one scared me...but I wanted it SOOOO bad. So, so bad. Crazy bad. I knew this was going to be a tough one, I knew it was going to take a big effort, and I knew the stars would have to align for me to have the opportunity to make it happen. I chose to race Syracuse in June to get in an early season 70.3 AND it offered I think 75 slots (more than the local HIMs). I had a solid race at Syracuse and stayed for the rolldown ceremony...missed it by 4 places. No big deal. I was super happy with my race and had a great vacation with my mom :) I knew I had Muncie in a few short weeks to try again, and Steelhead was a last resort. As I mentioned above, I didn't feel good at Muncie. I still had a good race, PR'd, and of course stayed for the rolldown ceremony. No joke, I missed it by 1 place. Just over a minute. I dusted myself off, didn't get upset at all, but kept it for fuel. I took this as another good sign of progress and was proud of myself for getting THAT CLOSE to qualifying for Worlds.<br />
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When Coach Jen and I were discussing this last year, Steelhead was the last resort to qualify for Mont Tremblant. Trouble with that plan is Steelhead qualifies you for Worlds the following year, not this year. I knew this shortly before I went into racing Muncie, it was my last shot to make it to MT. Did I cry? Nope. Did I feel sorry for myself? Not a chance. What did I decide to do? Be a big girl and race Steelhead, OH, and PR :)<br />
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I did just that. I felt stupid good, it was the race I wanted to have all summer. I was dialed in, focused, and knew when I crossed the finish line I did myself real good. I really didn't know what that meant, but I found out real quick. My girl Kim sent me a text congratulating me on taking 4th in my age group. AHHH!!!! Insanely happy, there is no way I can describe how good it felt to finally have all the hard work come together for that result. My first Ironman event podium, PR, and believe it or not, my 70.3 Worlds slot!<br />
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This one meant a lot to me.</div>
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While I didn't qualify for 2014 70.3 Worlds in Mont Tremblant, I DID qualify for 2015 70.3 Worlds. In my mind, goal met. As much as I would love to race 2015 Worlds in Austria, I didn't fit in with my plan for next year. Timing of it didn't line up with one of my "A" races that my heart has been set on for quite some time. So I passed (I pray I have this chance again). You must think I'm crazy, right?! I sure did. I sat and thought about this for a long time at the awards ceremony. I had to go with my gut and follow my heart (and of course, had a real quick chat with Coach Jen), and it's staying here racing Ironman Wisconsin. <br />
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This season has been exactly what I wanted it to be, it took me out of my comfort zone. I'm learning how to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and really enjoying it. I had so much fun traveling with some of the most important people in my life. Especially my mom, she's up to go anywhere with me...I'm so lucky we have this time with each other. To top it all off, I was able to accomplish the 3 big goals I had in mind all year...even my BIG, scary one. It's been an amazing year, and one that I'm so happy I was able to share with my support crew and THE best coach, Jen Harrison :)<br />
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For now, time to rest up and get ready for a busy 2015...IM Texas, IM 70.3 Muncie, and IM Wisconsin - CAN'T WAIT!!<br />
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Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-66888884682777434332014-06-20T18:46:00.001-07:002014-06-20T18:52:59.735-07:00Duathlon World Championship Race Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don’t even know where to begin with this post. I apologize in advance for how long it may be…</div>
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When I found out last year that Duathlon Worlds would be in Spain, I was all about it. Had to be there. I’ve always wanted to go to Europe, especially Spain, so this seemed like the right way to do it. I also have THE best mom who agreed to travel and sherpa for me. Perfect. After months and months of planning, training, talking about Spain…it was here. I still cannot believe I had this opportunity.</div>
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Traveling to Europe ain’t easy people, but SO worth it. After 3 planes (most of which were delayed), running through a few airports to make connecting flights, a 7 hour time change, shuttle to the hotel, and surprisingly no fights…we made it! </div>
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And we're still smiling ;)</div>
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The next few days were filled with lots of shopping (my mom’s favorite, I was trying to be a good daughter), sightseeing, riding my bike on the streets of Europe, cured meats, scrambled eggs, and learning how to function in Spain. In case you were wondering, it’s COMPLETELY different there…duh. Everything is LATE, real late…very different from how this girl usually functions. And of course, a TON of Team USA stuff. Some of my favorite parts of the trip revolved around these events…the run course preview, riding the bike course with the ENTIRE team (there were 250+ athletes), the post race party, etc. All so much fun, and I met some really great people. As an athlete, Team USA really takes care of you. We had bike mechanics who put my bike together in no time (and boxed it back up), massage therapists, a chiropractor, a few doctors…I took advantage of everything. </div>
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A video from the Team USA bike course preview...stupid, crazy fun. </div>
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All of a sudden it was Saturday, almost time to race! I wasn’t feeling amazing, but not terrible either. When I decided to do this race, I knew it would take me out of my comfort zone…and that it did. The 7 hour time change, different foods, change in time I did everything had an effect on me, but I was doing everything I could to manage it and get ready for Sunday. </div>
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Bike check in started at 8:30pm Saturday night (not normal, right?!), and we waited in line for about an hour and a half to get into transition. I was finally back to the hotel just before 11pm to get to sleep, yikes! </div>
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Waiting, and waiting, and waiting.</div>
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Again, this was roughly 9pm...notice how light it is?? The sun doesn't go down until after 10pm. I don't comprehend.</div>
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I had to be up at 5am to get back into transition to set up my gear, go back to the hotel and nap, then get back down to the start by 11:30am for my 12:25pm start (see, it’s all late!). Luckily, I was able to sleep for about an hour and a half, it was THE best thing I could have done for myself. I was refreshed and ready to get moving. </div>
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LOVE this basket idea.</div>
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It was gorgeous on race day. Starting so late meant we were racing at the hottest time of the day…hells yeah!! It was sunny and high 70’s, low 80’s…couldn’t ask for better weather. The course was crazy awesome…like nothing I’ve ever seen in the US...</div>
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Run #1 - 10k, 4 loop course. We started on a track, and the girls took OFF! I knew this would happen, and was ready for it…Nationals and Worlds start FAST. The run course was SO much fun…16 turns per loop (yes, that means x 4 for the first run), a super steep climb at the start of each loop which continued on for half of each loop, cobblestone streets, and TONS of spectators lining the entire course. It was a HARD and technical run…I loved it. I felt good, strong, and was working hard…I was so happy to get on my bike and be done with holding that pace.</div>
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Adore this kit :)</div>
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Bike - 38k, 2 loop course. Funny, we were originally told the course would be flat. They lied. We climbed up a mountain, then descended, then climbed back up the mountain, and descended. It was so steep at times, even when we rode our brakes going downhill, we were going 30+ mph. If there is any key takeaway from my race, this is it. I need to get comfortable going downhill, and going downhill fast. Athletes were FLYING by me while I was clinging on for dear life. I lost so much time because of this, but truth be told, I was just happy I didn't fall off my bike and come home broken. Besides that, I felt strong on the climbs, had an aero pad crack halfway through the bike (meant no aero for the second loop), and tried to take in the views every once in awhile. I don't get to ride on mountains like this everyday ;)</div>
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See, my mom was a real good sherpa :)</div>
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Run #2 - 5k, 2 loop course. It was the same course which meant 16 more turns (x 2) and 2 more steep, unforgiving climbs. My legs were cooked after the bike course (climbing at steep grades, then descending without pedaling don't do great things for leg turnover) but managed to get them back and negative split the last 5k. The crowd support was great, spectators from every country would cheer us on...totally helped keep my spirits up. With about a quarter mile to the finish, Tim Yount was handing out American flags to each US athlete to carry across the finish...so freakin' cool. </div>
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Overall, I finished 15th in my age group, 2nd American. Really proud of that. </div>
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Honestly, I wasn't worried so much about how I placed or what my times were. This was all about the experience. Getting out of my comfort zone, racing internationally for the first time, my first World Championship event, learning how to adapt to a different environment, and do something that really scared me. I did all that, so grateful for the experience. </div>
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Doing these types of things...the ones that really scare you and take you out of your comfort zone...this is how we grow. As athletes, and as people. It's important to me to keep challenging myself in this way. I'm so lucky that I have and make the CHOICE to live my life this way...and that I get to share these experiences with the most important people in my life. Looking forward to more of it.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Heavenly.</span></div>
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Team USA Pic!</div>
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Post race party clothing swap :)</div>
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Post Race Party.</div>
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Spectating the Elite race.</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-27029698480167235432014-05-29T08:12:00.001-07:002014-05-29T08:12:54.084-07:00Galena Race Recap<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
a.k.a - a lesson in pre-race stress management...</div>
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After what felt like THE longest winter ever, playing sherpa for my man at Ironman Los Cabos, and feeling dialed in with my training for the past several months…I was DYING to race! I race a little bit in the winter, mostly indoor cycling time trials, but Galena is pretty much the start of my race season. I race the duathlon there every year (try one - trust me on this…they rock), and Galena was perfect timing to get in some race prep for Duathlon Worlds. I should also mention I’m currently traveling to Spain for Worlds…just felt like you should know. ;)</div>
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Anyway, back to Galena…</div>
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Life really tried to mess with me the week leading in to Galena. These problems are not major life problems in any way, this I realize, but I wasn’t sure whether or not I would have a bike to ride, or if I would be borrowing Mattie P’s bike. Either way, I wasn’t going to be racing on a bike I had ridden but 30 minutes prior to race day. Hm, don’t love, but at least I had options. You might be wondering, where’s my bike? OH, right! In a box, traveling to Spain…duh. </div>
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I found out a week before Galena that my bike would have to be making it’s way over to Spain literally the day BEFORE Galena. Seriously. You might say, Jen, why would you plan 2 races that close to each other and assume you could use your bike for both? You see, I had a plan. After many, many months of drooling over the new Trek Project One Speed Concept 9 Series (I’ve literally had a picture of it on my phone since Kona), I ordered one. </div>
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Where my love affair with this bike all started.</div>
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Yep, major big girl bike…and it was supposed to be done mid April (see my plan would have worked). Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. It was actually delivered the Tuesday afternoon before Galena, in a box and ready to be built. Relieved and stressed at the same time.</div>
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Luckily, the guys at Element totally took care of me and had it built right away so I could get fit. Wednesday was Retul fit day with my man (I’m the luckiest) where we realized that I needed a smaller part for my bike so it would actually fit me. We ordered it for Thursday and crossed our fingers that it would be delivered on time. Believe it or not, the part arrived, and I went in to finish up my fit with Ed. Done, right? Nope. There was another series of issues with transferring my Quarq, finding a crank I could use, blah, blah. That was it, complete meltdown…poor Ed, he totally handled it and fixed the problem. I FINALLY picked up my bike at 7:30pm Thursday night. It wasn’t 100% done…I would be riding on a compact for the first time and had no power…but I didn’t care, I had my bike.</div>
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Just waiting for her Quarq Elsa :)</div>
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Geez, enough about all that…how did the race go?</div>
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Friday was an easy travel day up to Galena. I DID get to take out my new (almost complete) bike in the morning, she was worth ALL the trouble. #lovemybike After a rough night of sleep on Friday, I woke up ready to race. It was chilly, below 40 degrees at that time, didn’t even care, alls I wanted to do was race. After setting up in transition I headed up to the Duathlon start to warm up, have my traditional GU Chocolate Outrage 15 minutes prior to race start, and get to the front of the start line. I was talking with a young girl next to me before the gun went off, she told me she was 14 years old…I knew she was going to be my girl to chase. I also realized she was less than half my age, when did this happen?</div>
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Run #1 - It’s an out and back 2 mile run. For the most part you run down a ginormous hill for a mile, then run right back up it. I want to throw up on this run every year coming back up the hill, I also wonder why I sign up for the Duathlon at that same point every single year. I went out hard and tried to keep the girl in sight, and I was right, girl took OFF. I came into transition dying to get on my bike. I also knew I had taken a good amount of time off my first run from last year. Time this year 13:55, last year 15:31. #hellsyeah</div>
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T1 - Since it was so cold (and I’m a baby), I decided to put on gloves and a cycling jacket. I didn’t make the best decision on what order to do this, I took forever. However, I did make the right decision to have a quick GU Salted Caramel BEFORE I put on my gloves…genius. This year 2:01 this year, 1:47 last year. Eek.</div>
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Bike - I admit, I was worried about the bike course. While I love my new bike, I’m absolutely not comfortable on it yet, especially on a hilly course. About halfway through the bike I was feeling better and more confident with the ride, but then the wind changed. Instead of the headwind I was feeling, we were getting a lot of crosswinds. I should mention that when I bought my bike I decided to go all in and get a pair of Zipp 404/808s, this was also my first time riding the new wheels. The deeper wheel set was a much different feel with the crosswinds, and threw me off a bit. I kept it positive and tried to keep control of my bike. The bike course wasn’t the same as last year, but I was still wanted to beat my time. I didn’t quite make it, but all things considered I was happy. This year 1:04:12, last year 1:02:48.</div>
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T2 - Another slow one taking off so many clothes, but at least I made some time back. This year 2:08, last year 2:24. What was I doing last year?? </div>
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Run #2 - The second run course wasn’t the same as last year either, but had a nice hill coming out of transition. Other than that, just a couple rollers…my favorite type of run :) I tore off out of transition (or at least that’s how I picture it) and just suffered hard during the run. I was able to negative split each mile, and wanted to vomit the entire time. Perfect. Again, I took a nice chunk of time off my run split from last year. This year 31:21, last year 34:59.</div>
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Overall - I took about 4 minutes off my time from last year and won my age group. Just thrilled with my results. What am I even more excited about? This race definitely pointed out some strengths and gains over last year, as well as key areas for improvement. I have a clear idea of what I need to work on from both a physical and mental standpoint. My bike and transitions will be a big focus moving forward, I need to dial those in if I want to achieve the big goals I’ve set for myself this year. My ability to manage stress, things out of my control, and just “roll with life” is another lesson learned. I’ve got control issues, REAL bad, time to start working on that. Stress leading in to a race, or just life in general, will serve me no good.</div>
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On a positive note - I’m SO proud of the improvement in my run AND how hard I pushed myself during both. I have learned to truly enjoy the art of suffering thanks to Coach Jen, it’s what I look forward to most when I race. Not the finish, not the times…it’s that feeling of just working hard, focusing solely on my race, and applying all of the hard work I put in every single day into the event. </div>
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This was also the first time Ed and I raced together…SUPER cute ;) He beasted out a 2nd place finish in his age group, so proud! Not a bad way for us to start :)</div>
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Next up is Duathlon Worlds…a race that is completely taking me out of my comfort zone. Scared, nervous, and crazy excited! </div>
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Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-26324761661240773502014-04-01T21:59:00.002-07:002014-04-01T21:59:57.127-07:00Ironman Los Cabos “Race Report” - Sherpa Style<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I’ve been on all sides of Ironman…spectator, volunteer, 2 time athlete/finisher, and now 3 time girlfriend/Sherpa. Over the past 6 months I’ve been at 4 different Ironman events ALL over the world. I’m beyond lucky, I love that this is my life…love doesn’t even come close to describe what I’m trying to say. Each Ironman is a different experience, different venue, and plays a different role in my life…but it always has the same effect on me. It fuels me, inspires me to keep being a better athlete, and always motivates me to sign up for another Ironman. To answer your question…NO, I have not signed up for another one yet, but plans are being made for 2015 ;)</div>
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Truth…I love playing ANY of these roles. More often than not, I’m the athlete…but I don’t always have to be, nor do I think it should always be that way. It truly takes an army to get someone to an Ironman, and I think at some point all Ironman athletes should experience not only being a spectator, but also a volunteer and Sherpa. It really gives you an appreciation for what others do for YOU when it’s your turn to play athlete. The more I see the other side of Ironman, the more thankful I am to have support from my family, my man, and friends. Especially from those that don’t DO Ironman events…you know they are just supporting your dream because they really care about you, event though they don’t understand WHY in the world you would put yourself through it.</div>
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Being a Sherpa/partner/family member doesn’t just start race weekend, it starts the day you even think of signing up for the event. A lot of thought, planning, and conversations happen around just registering. Then comes a year of training, money spent, early weekend nights, even earlier weekend mornings, social life compromises, travel (to other races), tears (or maybe that’s just me??), then more conversations about Ironman…I mean, this list could go on and on. Let’s just be honest and say it’s life changing. If you ask me, it’s for the better and the life I CHOOSE. So when I had the chance to Sherpa for my man in Los Cabos, I was in :) #dontgottaaskmetwice</div>
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The weeks leading in to Los Cabos were typical…lots of food from a slow cooker (don’t judge me, I’m training too), really early weekend nights (yep, someone may have passed out on me before 8pm a few times…not naming any names), encouraging text messages during trainer rides from different homes (so cute), “dates” that included 5am weekday runs together literally in the freezing cold, and a ton of excitement about our “vacation” to Ironman Los Cabos. Wouldn’t have it any other way.</div>
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After what seemed like forever, we were in Mexico. The nice thing about being a Sherpa in Mexico is just that…I wasn’t racing and I was in Mexico. Alls this girl had to do was some open water swims in the ocean and run in 80 degree weather in San Jose del Cabo…life could be worse. Oh, and make sure my man was all set to race on Sunday. Duh. I got this.</div>
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A nice change of pace from running in Chiberia.</div>
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The days leading in to the race were super easy, fun, and relaxed. We did everything we needed to do so he was ready on Sunday, and enjoyed the rest of the time eating, relaxing, eating more, and getting some sun in Mexico. All of a sudden it was 4:30am Sunday morning, and we were up…well I was (another plus of not racing…”sleeping in” by race morning standards), he was up well before that eating, drinking coffee, you know the drill. We quickly got on to the shuttle, him to T1, then to the beach start with plenty of time to spare. After he took off, I watched the swim start, then went up above the swim area and did my own little strength workout…</div>
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What else was I going to do for the next hour or so?? I like to multitask ;)</div>
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I went down by the swim exit around 8am to get a good spot and keep an eye out for Ed. If I needed any type of reminder or validation for why I was there (I didn’t, but just sayin’), I got it the minute I saw him exit the water. Let’s start out by saying swimming is his weakness, by far, and he has been working really hard at building his fitness and technique for months. He took 8 minutes, yes 8 minutes off his swim time from IM AZ just a few months ago, crazy awesome. Seeing the excitement on his face when he ran up to me screaming that he swam a 1:19, gave me a quick kiss, then went on to T1 was it, that’s exactly why I’m here. I want to be a part of him achieving his goals (not just on race day, but also continually supporting him during the daily grind of training), I want to be there to share in that excitement…I wouldn’t want to miss it for the world. Why you might ask? When you really care about your athlete, when you’re fully invested in them having a great day, when you see them reaching their goals…it’s as though you are as well. The feeling is almost as good as if it were your own race, at least for me it is.</div>
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After that it was back to the shuttle, roughly a 75 minute ride back to the hotel (it was 3 miles away), and time to see Ed as much as possible. Anyone who has spectated an Ironman knows this is no easy feat, especially alone in Mexico with no way to get around but my own 2 feet. Luckily the bike and run course were 3 loops, so I had a plan to park it at a few places, take pics, walk to the hotel and upload those pics to FB (the only place with WiFi), then go back out to see him…and repeat…and repeat. It’s exhausting spectating an Ironman, in a much different way than actually doing an Ironman (obviously), but it’s logistically hard. I managed to see him 6 times on the bike course, and then another 5 on the run course = success. I got to see some really high points…feeling great, having fun, and a huge bike split (and another huge PR over last year #beast). I also was there for the dark moments we all have in Ironman…truth is I’m glad I was there for it. We had a minute together, he worked it out, and finished with yet again, another PR for his run split on this course from last year. So proud of my mans.</div>
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Point is, I loved every minute of being a part of this race…the before, during and after. It isn’t exactly the same experience as when you’re the athlete, but it comes a close second. Next up, a new Ironman experience…we’re going to race one together. #cantwait</div>
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Some awesome pics from the swim. Mountains next to the beach make me happy.</div>
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Our last night out in Mexico to celebrate :)</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-49232554187222995482014-03-27T17:57:00.000-07:002014-03-27T17:57:12.507-07:00Why I choose this lifestyle…<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Do you ever have people ask why you do Ironman, triathlons, or just train in general? Even better…how about the funny looks you get when someone asks what you’re doing over the weekend? Then there’s the 4am wake ups during the week to train before work…and then workouts after work. Oh, and you PAID how much to put yourself through this? The registration fee doesn’t even scratch the surface…don’t forget coaching fees, other races, travel, equipment, nutrition, AND the absurdly large grocery bills (not going to lie, love eating like a teenage boy…it’s my favorite). </div>
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Let’s be honest, it CANNOT be explained…you either get it, or you don’t.</div>
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I’m reminded quite often why I love this life. This usually comes in ways you might expect…the sense of accomplishment after crushing a tough training session, meeting and exceeding goals I set for myself in both training and racing, placing in my age group…the list could go on and on. But every once in awhile something happens in my life, and I realize just how much of a deeper meaning this lifestyle has for me.</div>
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Not but a few days after my most recent blog about choosing to keep a positive outlook on life, 5 days to be exact, I didn’t get the best news. Not going into details about it here, but one of THE most important people in my life was diagnosed with cancer. I found out about it on a Friday while I was at work…totally wasn’t expecting it. After the initial shock, I cried…to my employees, the horror ;). Thankfully they rock. I pulled it together and got through the day. I thought (and cried) a lot that night, talked with this person, and we made the choice to keep it positive. Nothing good would come of us crying, worrying, thinking the worst, or living in fear. Cancer isn’t a death sentence, but a negative outlook on life is in my opinion…</div>
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What did I do the next day? I got up before the sun came out Saturday morning to drive an hour away to do Jen Harrison’s Hill Workout in the freezing cold, duh. My mind was still spinning as I was making my way out to meet up with the team, but after 8 brutal hill repeats, and a hard mile, I was feeling better. Having that time to think, burn off some anxiety, and simply work HARD was just the therapy I needed. Sunday morning wasn’t too different, a long indoor trainer ride. I found myself working harder than normal, I was able to channel all of my thoughts and energy into the ride, and again felt much better after.</div>
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For me, this lifestyle isn’t always about race day and race finishes…the daily training it just as important. It’s my therapy. My training sessions are of course, ultimately all about getting fitter, faster, ready to race and achieve my goals from both a physical and mental standpoint…but there is SO much more to it than that. It’s my time alone, to think, reboot, and shut up that negative voice in my head. When I train I feel powerful, confident, and able to choose my outlook on life. Having a positive outlet to channel my energy into everyday is huge, and how I get through times in life like these. Training is in no way escaping my reality, but addressing it head on. I would be kind of scary if I didn’t train ;) #truth #notashamedtosayit</div>
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We’re going to get through this, I know it. I hope to look back on this in a few months and be thankful to have had this experience, with the cancer gone and a lot of lessons learned. Those lessons have already started, hands down top 2…</div>
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1. I want to make the time I have with my loved ones count. Be present, grateful, and in the moment.</div>
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2. I had no idea a few years ago how much Ironman and triathlon (racing and training) would change my life - in every aspect. 100% for the better.</div>
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So grateful for my life :)</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-74547311517616095932014-02-23T16:00:00.000-08:002014-02-23T16:00:22.307-08:00The Law of AttractionFor those of you who are not familiar with the law of attraction, allow me to explain. It's actually quite simple…like attracts like, focusing on positive or negative thoughts will result in the same outcome... you get the point. This is something I firmly believe in. When I say that, I don't mean if you are positive and happy all the time life will be perfect (I checked - that's not reality). It takes effort every day, some days more effort than others. We all have our moments, days, weeks…just don't stay there long, it isn't fun ;) #beentheredonethat<br />
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I'm always looking for inspiration, literally everywhere I go. This week I found 3 really cool quotes that I have to share…<br />
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This was written on a chalkboard at my acupuncturist's office. Why shouldn't everyone expect to have amazing things happen in their life? What's even more important, are you able to accept the things you want? Do you even know what you want? These "miracles" don't have to be big, life altering things...but they can be. :)</div>
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By the way, go see my girl Kyla Boles…she's bomb. </div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanacupuncturechicago.com/">http://www.urbanacupuncturechicago.com</a></div>
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I LOVE this! Let's be real…we don't have control over everything that happens in our lives. We do however, have control over our attitude and how we react to life events. Some are much easier to handle than others. Don't sweat the small stuff and do what you love as much as you can, with the people who mean the most to you.</div>
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Rockstar. Unbelievably true. This is the mental toughness of our sport. Putting limitations on yourself or others will never allow you to reach your fullest potential. I should put this on my bathroom mirror.</div>
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And last but not least, a quote I found about a month ago. It means more to me now than it did even back then…</div>
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I cannot even put into words how important this is to me. Having an amazing crew of loved ones that not only support me, but help plan and work towards my goals means everything. I might be the luckiest girl in the world. For real.</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-58252686561267297632014-02-02T13:37:00.000-08:002014-02-02T13:37:43.409-08:00"Hard Work, Dedication"Love me some Dolvett Quince. If you don't watch the Biggest Loser you will have NO idea what I'm talking about it. Google him, thank me later.<div>
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If you live in the Midwest, specifically Chicago, you know we are dealing with a beast of a winter. It's no joke. I can honestly say I ran more on the treadmill in January than I have in the past few years combined. We are all dealing with it (the weather isn't different for anyone else here), but it's HOW you deal with it that will determine the fitness you develop in the winter. Complaining, missing workouts, making excuses…this will do nothing for you. Finding a way to embrace winter, get creative with your workouts, and staying dialed in are what it's all about.</div>
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Not easy, right? Here's how I'm doing it…</div>
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Tri Smart Coaching puts on a really fun event every year called Swim-A-Poolooza. I pick to swim 100x75 which is roughly a 4.26 mile indoor swim. I know what you're thinking…sounds like the worst pool workout EVER. Not going to lie, it's tough. It's physically and mentally exhausting, but I get to do it with a group of my friends so it isn't as bad. Problem is, this year I had a total blonde moment and missed the event. "Lucky" for me, my coach Jen wrote me my own 100x75 to do solo the following Sunday. It even included sets with fly and other stroke work, she's so good to me. I could have dreaded this workout, complain to anyone who would listen, or just not do it. Nope, I CHOSE to get excited about it and actually looked forward to it all week. Seriously. </div>
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The foot of snow that I woke up to at 5:30am Sunday morning wasn't even going to stop me. I drove all the way down to FFC Union Station so I would have a full length and quiet pool to swim in…it rocked.</div>
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My Salty Yeti always gets me through tough workouts :)</div>
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I can't even explain how good this swim felt. Was it hard? Yes. Did it hurt? Yes. Was the pool freezing? YES!! BUT, the mental "win" this type of workout gives me in January is worth all the effort.</div>
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My other saving grace this winter…indoor CompuTrainer classes and cycling time trials. Let's start with the indoor CT classes…</div>
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FFC is awesome and has an indoor CompuTrainer studio (<a href="http://ffc.com/computrainer/" style="text-align: center;">http://ffc.com/computrainer/</a>). I wish I had discovered this a LONG time ago, it has completely changed how hard I push myself when I ride indoors. So, every Thursday morning I get to see the sun come up in Chicago while I work HARD on my bike. #needtogetfaster</div>
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Not a bad view right?</div>
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All this hard work I've been putting in at CT class has paid off HUGE at the Indoor Cycling Time Trial Series I'm doing this winter. I tested almost 20 watts above where I did last year at the first time trial in January…oh yeah! Today, just a few weeks later, I tested another 6 watts above that on a downhill course. FINALLY in the 200+ range.</div>
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Incredibly painful, from such a pretty little bike.</div>
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No way I'm letting the "Polar Vortex" get in the way of chasing my dreams this winter. The more I think about it, it's actually helping. I'm getting stronger with all of my extra swim and bike workouts, and running outside feels amazing after being cooped up on the treadmill for weeks. On top of all that, the mental toughness you need to get through these indoor workouts will serve me well once race season comes along.</div>
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#doit</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-63457044074507851552014-01-25T18:56:00.003-08:002014-01-25T19:03:05.916-08:00Product Review: LarabarThe kind people at Larabar sent me a few samples to test and review…so let's get to it!<br />
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First off, I adore this product. Larabar is all about pure, simple, and delicious bars that are made of unsweetened fruits, nuts, and spices. In my opinion, they provide a healthy balance of fats, carbs, and protein for just about any time of day. They sent me THE most amazing flavors as well.<br />
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As any coffee junkie would do, I tried the Cappuccino bar the morning after I received these samples. I had a short run followed by an hour indoor bike ride, and needed something small and quick to have in between the two. Keep in mind that I was up around 5am that morning, so the extra jolt of caffeine was a big bonus to keep my energy up. The bar was SO good and had a really nice coffee flavor to it. This will definitely become a staple in my early morning training sessions.<br />
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Moving on to the next flavor, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough…this is hands down my FAVORITE of the 4 flavors I tried. I had this bar right after an Indoor Cycling Time Trial along with a protein shake for recovery. This bar literally tastes like a chocolate chip cookie…stupid good. There are a ton of chocolate chips in it and it's made with cashews! I have a gluten allergy, so this is a major treat. I love this bar so much that I have since bought boxes (I'm not kidding). They make for real good desserts ;)<br />
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The next afternoon I found myself STARVING at work and I had a 90 minute masters swim before I was going to be home for dinner. Time to eat me some Coconut Cream Pie. I'm obsessed with coconut, you really can't go wrong with it in my opinion. They definitely didn't go anything wrong when creating this bar. It has the yummy texture of unsweetened coconut flakes AND is contains extra virgin coconut oil. No doubt one of the healthiest oils around, can't say I've found another bar that has this ingredient.<br />
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Last but not least…Cashew Cookie. Honestly, who doesn't love cashews? I could eat jars of them, but they are even better mixed with dates. That's it, 2 ingredients…bomb. This was another mid afternoon snack for me. Kept me full until dinner (this doesn't happen often). #ieatlikeaboy<br />
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Overall, I LOVE these bars. They give me really good and consistent energy, sit well when I eat them before and during training sessions, and they taste SO good. Larabars will continue to be a "go to" for me whenever I need something quick, nutritious, and really yummy.<br />
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One last thing…there are seasonal flavors! Snickerdoodle and Pumpkin Pie. Do yourself a favor and try them.<br />
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Why are you just sitting there?? Go out and buy some :)Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-36466899708088380592014-01-19T12:24:00.000-08:002014-01-19T12:24:37.320-08:00A New YearI'm not into New Year's Resolutions, I think they are great for some people, just not for me. If I decide I want to do something I just do it, doesn't matter what day it is or time of the year. To be real honest about it...once I make my mind up about something it's more of a get out of my way because it's happening. This girl don't have time to wait until Monday morning to start something ;)<br />
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What I actually like to do at the beginning of a year is set an intention. This isn't "I want to lose 5 pounds" or "go to the gym more", this is a frame of mind. How do I want to feel? What do I need/want to do to feel that way? What is holding me back? You get the point, it's bigger picture stuff and takes a lot more work. #itsworthit<br />
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For me, 2014 is all about challenging myself, getting out of my comfort zone, my own way, and working towards my goals and dreams no matter how scary or big they may be (because they are). I know what I want out of life and I'm not settling. Don't get me wrong, my life is pretty great. I wake up everyday knowing how lucky I am to have everything that have, but I know there are a few missing pieces. This means some things in my life will have to change, something that's always been hard for me. I'm finally learning how to embrace everything that life is giving me. <br />
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To be honest, the end of last year and beginning of this year has already had some big ups and downs. From a training standpoint, I've had some incredible opportunities in the triathlon and fitness community that I'm beyond excited about, more on this below. On a personal level, I've had a few important relationships in my life shift in ways I had never planned. No matter how hard this has been, I know I'm moving forward and in the right direction.<br />
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On to the exciting stuff…I was picked to be a member of Team Zoot Great Lakes for 2014! SO excited for this opportunity! On top of that, GU Energy and Therawheel have sponsored me for 2014 as well. I still have to pinch myself to make sure this isn't all a dream. <br />
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And somehow I wound up in the Fitness Formula Clubs marketing campaign for 2014, so I am now in newspaper ads, a TV and radio commercial, and a 30ft billboard in Chicago…<br />
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No clue how this happened.</div>
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I have also finally decided on my race calendar for the year. My "A" races are Duathlon Worlds in Spain, IM 70.3 Syracuse, and IM 70.3 Muncie. I'm motivated and training hard now, hopefully they will pay off the way hope come race day.</div>
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Looking forward to a big, exciting, and life changing 2014 :)</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-14909077212828868132013-12-01T13:50:00.004-08:002013-12-01T13:50:43.729-08:00Rest & RecoveryDuathlon Nationals was the end of my 2013 racing season, I was SO ready for some time off! Coach Jen and I decided that I would take off the month of November from training and get back into it in December. The past 2 years I've taken longer than that, but I don't feel the need for it this year, plus it's just too much time for me.<div>
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What have I been up to for the last few weeks?? I've slept a lot, eaten even more (I've gone hard on some chocolate), stayed relatively active with some easy workouts to keep me moving, and just embraced the offseason. I know I've done the offseason right when I was excited to get back at it this morning and feeling a little "clunky." ;)</div>
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Here are some highlights of the last few weeks…</div>
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Pedicures with my niece...</div>
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NEVER enough time with this girl <3</div>
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Some really good food…</div>
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Chili with a side of meat…don't you judge me ;)</div>
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Do yourself a favor and try one. Thank me later.</div>
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Some self care in the form of Gua Sha, cupping, and acupuncture…</div>
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Marks are from Gua Sha and cupping, not acupuncture. And yeah, I know it looks awful but it feels AMAZING! Google it. Go see Kyla Boles at Urban Acupuncture, she's crazy good.</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanacupuncturechicago.com/">http://www.urbanacupuncturechicago.com</a></div>
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A Turkey Day 5k…</div>
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5ks always hurt, but when you're not in your best shape they hurt REAL bad. Truth.</div>
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And last but not least, my new toy…</div>
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A Trek 2014 Crockett! I need to get back into training if for no other reason than it stops me from shopping. But, I LOVE IT!! Cross is on my 2014 racing schedule anyway, so why not get some time on it this winter? Yep, that's my reason and I'm sticking to it ;)</div>
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There you have it, my offseason. It is honestly just as important as key training months in my opinion. It was fun, relaxing, and just what I needed to fuel me for 2014…time to get moving!</div>
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Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-59254742901066474662013-11-10T14:41:00.001-08:002013-11-10T14:55:50.265-08:00Duathlon National Championship Race RecapMy original race plan for 2013 was to end my season with Ironman Wisconsin in early September. After I did the Galena Duathlon in May, I received an email from USAT letting me know of my qualification for Duathlon Nationals, which was going to be held in the end of October in Tucson, Arizona. At that point I honestly wasn't really even aware that this race existed or what exactly qualified me for Nationals from my results in Galena. After doing some research and talking to Coach Jen I was sold on doing this event!<br />
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I knew this race was going to hurt…I was 6 weeks off Ironman Wisconsin, I had a trip to Hawaii planned mid-October which meant no bike for a week, and it's short course so it ALWAYS hurts. It also meant I was going to be flying with my bike for the first time. This is all very challenging for me (I'm SUPER Type A), but I wanted to see how I would handle it.</div>
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After Ironman Wisconsin I took about a week and a half off, then Coach Jen slowly got me back into training. Luckily I wasn't injured, and honestly didn't feel too bad coming off an Ironman, but I didn't feel good. That feeling lasted the entire time between Wisconsin and Nationals. I just didn't have an extra gear, but I expected it and hoped that I could just muscle through it on race day.</div>
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The day before I left for Tucson was the bike breakdown. Thankfully I have a good friend at Element Multisport in Chicago (the Ed with lots of tattoos, go see him, he rocks) that walked me through it step by step so I could actually build it back up…</div>
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Luckily the bike made it safely to Arizona, and it was time to put it back together…</div>
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After about 45 minutes it was "almost" done! I just had to make a quick trip to bike tech when it opened in the morning to tighten up the headset. Words can't describe how relieved I was to have this done and how proud I was that I could actually do this. Not gonna lie, I had some help, BUT still proud of myself. I was ready to go on my shake out ride…</div>
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Race morning arrived early the next day and I was SO excited to race! Tucson is gorgeous and I couldn't wait to try out a new course. My race plan was pretty simple…"embrace the suck" and "suffer" as Coach Jen always tells me to do at short course. She also specifically mentioned that it would be a fast start and not to go out running 6:50s in the first 5k. I laughed when she said that because I in no way thought I was capable of that pace given how I felt after Wisconsin and that I've never run a 5k at that pace. </div>
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As Coach Jen said, the first run (5k) went out FAST! I had on my watch but didn't look down until the first mile ticked off…6:47. Oops, pretty much exactly what I wasn't supposed to do. Did I slow down? No. Duh. There were some fast girls in front of me that I wanted to keep my eye on. SO...I kept right on running as fast as I could and finished up the first 5k in 21:10…vomit. I didn't, but I wanted to, almost the entire time. I was never so happy to be on my bike. Especially because the last 1/2 mile into transition is uphill. Duathlons hurt so bad, why do I do these??</div>
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I was out of T1 in under a minute and off to the bike course. This is traditionally my weakest sport, but I was determined to push it on the bike. The course was pretty crowded on the first loop, and I was trying to ride my own race and stay away from other athletes. At one point a guy passed me (what else is new?) and I noticed he didn't get too far ahead of me. I started to slow down to get out of his "draft zone" and saw the USAT Officials on their motorcycle watching me. I literally stopped pedaling and was sure I made it out within 15 seconds. On with the bike…I felt much better than I expected but was feeling pressure in my legs. I knew I would have them once I got off the bike, but how fast could I run that last 5k? I wound up averaging just over 20mph which I was SUPER happy to see. There were some good rollers and turns to deal with.</div>
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Again, out of T2 in under a minute - not messing around in there - then back out on that same 5k course. I just put my head down and ran as fast as I possibly could. I couldn't even muster up a smile when I saw Matt or the JHC athletes cheering for me. I knew I was holding my place with the girls, but was SO ready for it to be over. I wound up finishing the last 5k up in 23:09. SO happy!</div>
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After I was done and checked out how I finished I noticed that I was given a 2 minute penalty from the bike course. I spoke with the official who gave it to me and he said I missed getting out of the draft zone by 2 seconds…yes he timed me at 17 seconds from the pass. Lesson learned. It dropped me one place in my age group, but I was still really happy with my day.</div>
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Overall…I finished 9th in my age group. What does that mean?? I get to race in Pontevedra, Spain in 2014 representing Team USA at ITU Standard Duathlon World Championships!!!! I. Can't. Wait!!!!</div>
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For now…time to enjoy the offseason and celebrate a successful year of racing. Lots of sleep, rest, and chocolate for me :)</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-86144653037178060542013-11-02T13:06:00.001-07:002013-11-02T13:06:38.600-07:00Product Review: TherawheelTwo weeks before I raced Ironman Wisconsin I was down at Ironman Louisville spectating and supporting Matt for his big race. I was a week into my taper and just off my huge build in July and August. My body wasn't feeling the greatest. Tired, tight, full of knots, niggles…you get the point. The drive from Chicago to Louisville didn't do ANYTHING to help that either. So when we went to athlete check in I decided to see if there were any massage therapists with an opening while I waited for him. No luck. That left me with some free time to look around the expo...dangerous. I promised myself that I wouldn't buy anything...<br />
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As soon as I walked into the expo a nice young girl asked me if she could use her product to "roll" out my shoulders…um YEAH! I was DYING and this seemed like the next best thing to a massage that I couldn't get. I soon learned her name was Kilee, she was a Personal Trainer, and the product she was using is a Therawheel…<br />
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It also didn't take long to realize how much I loved this new "torture" tool (I say that with love). You see, I have them all…foam roller, rumble roller, the stick, lacrosse balls, I even throw a broom stick in there from time to time. Obviously I'm huge on self care and believe it's a critical part of maintenance and injury prevention, especially with endurance sports, and thought I had tried it all. This Therawheel was a game changer.</div>
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After Kilee used the taper and rounded tip portion on my neck, shoulders, and upper back I mentioned that I was having some issues with my hamstrings and hip flexors. Without hesitation she started to work on both areas and offered some suggestions at reducing muscle soreness. I immediately noticed a difference in how I was feeling. I loved how the product was so versatile and could be used all over my body with the circular taper, rounded, or flat tip. What really sold me on it was how the taper could access different angles and go deeper into muscles than the other products I use just can't.</div>
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It didn't stop there. After Kilee finished up she introduced me to Tom Jennings who is the founder of Therawheel. He's an Athletic Trainer who has worked with the Indiana Pacers. She explained to him what she felt in my legs and he took several minutes to find out more about me, checked out my hip flexors, worked on me for a few minutes, and just as Kilee did offered some suggestions for self care. Amazing service, awesome product, and they weren't even pushing me into buying one…I had to have it!</div>
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Since then I've been using my Therawheel daily. I used it a TON leading into Ironman Wisconsin. It helped me stay loose, ready to race, and achieve my hour and eighteen minute PR. I kept on it after Ironman to recover and get ready for the Duathlon National Championship that was held in Tucson, Arizona in late October…again I believe this was key in getting me to the start line healthy and ready to race just 6 weeks post Ironman and qualify for Worlds next year. I literally can't go a day without my Therawheel…I even traveled to Hawaii with it mid-October!</div>
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Do yourself a favor and check it out :)</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-83668405061855480482013-10-19T18:47:00.004-07:002013-10-19T18:47:48.452-07:00My Week in KonaI've always wanted to go to Hawaii...I mean who doesn't, for real? In all honestly, I thought that might be where I would get married, or maybe go to for my honeymoon. There is still time for that, but I found an even better reason to go there NOW...<div>
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Let's go back a few months. It was sometime in April when I caught myself obsessing over the USAT website about their Level 1 Coaching Clinic/Certification. This had been going on for awhile. Anyone who knows me is well aware that when I decide I want to do something it's going to happen, simple as that. Once I realized there was a Level 1 Clinic in Kona the SAME week as the Ironman World Championships...done. This also gave me something to look forward to (or distract me) post Ironman Wisconsin - perfect - I didn't want to go through the post Ironman depression of 2011.</div>
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So how did the week go?</div>
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First of all, when I say week I actually mean closer to 5 days...this girl only gets so much time off from work every year SO I made the best of it. Although I must say next time I visit Hawaii it will require a longer stay.</div>
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Once we got to Hawaii we quickly got settled into our "cottage." It was about 15 minutes above the town of Kona and was gorgeous!! Check this place out...</div>
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<a href="http://www.konaviewestate.com/kope-cottage/">http://www.konaviewestate.com/kope-cottage/</a></div>
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It was also hilly, quite dark, and housed what seemed like several thousand roosters which we quickly found out during our early morning runs haha!! Luckily we had headlamps and night gear...and boy did we get in some hill work. I thought Kona was supposed to be windy ;)</div>
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Anyway...the first 2 days in Kona were full days at the USAT Clinic. I LOVED every minute of them. We had some really amazing presenters and I learned so much...both on coaching and how to personally be a better athlete. Exactly what I wanted. I met some awesome people in the clinic, and it solidified for me just how much I love this sport. </div>
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This is where we got to each lunch on clinic days, I could get used to this.</div>
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While I loved the clinic, I was excited when we finished up...it was time to enjoy Kona! It was raining a bit that afternoon, but it had cleared up just as we were leaving. We saw a rainbow on the way out which I'll take as a good sign :)</div>
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It was off to a great dinner with Jeff and Maxine (we got to sit right on the ocean) to celebrate! Friday started out with a run on Ali'i drive where we got to see all the athletes doing their pre-race workouts...it was awesome. Everything I wanted it to be. Everyone was so fit, and it was just fun to be around it. Am I really here???? We spent most of Friday at the expo, did some shopping (obvi), and just had a great time hanging out in Kona.</div>
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These were unfortunately not one of my purchases.</div>
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Before we knew it Saturday came and it was race day. After our last dark and hilly run we were down at the swim start just as the pros were taking off. We were really excited to see the event, watch the pros, AND see our coach race as well. After we had signed up for the clinic our coach Jen Harrison (<a href="http://www.jenharrison.com/">www.jenharrison.com</a>) qualified for Hawaii...frickin awesome. So we spent our entire day spectating, cheering, and chasing around everyone we wanted to see.</div>
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I have always been inspired by Ironman events...volunteering, spectating, and racing them...but this was different. I've always thought Kona would be an awesome race to do, but it's always scared me to admit how badly I want to race there. Being there has only made me want it more. That isn't a short term goal for me (I live in reality), it will take years and lots of hard and consistent effort...but I'm up for it. It may be decades from now (seriously), but I will race there. </div>
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This was one of the coolest experiences I've had in my life. I feel beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of everything that Kona had to offer last week, life changing no doubt. The Big Island is filled with some of the nicest people I've met, amazing terrain to train on, and an insane amount of inspiration. </div>
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Mahalo :)</div>
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Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-86589013841989296042013-10-04T18:57:00.002-07:002013-10-04T19:33:20.859-07:00Summer RacingI had really good intentions to recap each of my races this year...then that little thing called Ironman training vs. life kinda got in the way ;) Oops...<br />
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I didn't race a ton this summer, that was by design. I was coming off an injury early this year (actually 2), so Coach Jen and I decided best to focus on Ironman Wisconsin (being my A race) and take it easy on racing lots of hard/short stuff. Instead I trained a TON which was a nice change up from last year. Between Galena and Wisconsin I raced 3 times, all very different races. Here goes the clif notes...<br />
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Lake in the Hills Sprint Tri - 6.16.13<br />
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This was my second year racing Lake in the Hills. I fell in LOVE with it last year. It's a small local event with a laid back feel. No egos, no crazy rules...just a fun race. This was also the first race that I qualified for the Elite wave from my results in 2012. AWESOME!!!! This meant that I was in the first wave = nobody in my way :) There were roughly 30 athletes in the Elite wave...this also included men. Crap. They are SO aggressive. I wanted to get out of the water the minute we started. Luckily it didn't take long before they passed me, after that small chunk of time the race went GREAT! This was a major confidence boost going into the summer. I wasn't sure how I would do in the race since I still wasn't 100% healed, but I was able to PR by 5 minutes!! I took a significant amount of time off my swim AND my run on such a short course. All the work I was putting in at Smelts was paying off and somehow I was holding on to my run fitness even though I had taken off some time from running. Overall, SUPER HAPPY with this race. <br />
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3rd Place Age Group, 8th Overall Female</div>
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Ironman Muncie 70.3 - 7.13.13</div>
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This was another repeat of 2012. I had to do it, they cut the course short due to the extreme heat so I wanted to actually do the full race + they gave 2012 athletes a discount. "Deal!" This course is meant for me...it's hot, a flat bike course, and hilly run. I'm in love. In a nut shell this race was bomb. Going in to the race I wanted to break 5:30, my best time at a 70.3 was 5:32. I knew I was going to have to work hard. I had the fitness, but could I mentally stay with it?</div>
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The swim went well, I was out of the water a few minutes ahead of schedule...sweet! My goal was to break 2:50 on the bike...I came close but missed it by a few minutes, smh. Why can't I get my sh** together on the bike? Forget about it, time to do what I do best...RUN!! That I did. I zoned out, focused, and pulled out a run that smashed my time goal. I ran a 1:42 half marathon...holy crap! That beat my open half marathon PR from last year by a minute, and it was during a 70.3. </div>
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Overall, I finished in 5:18...YEAH!!!! Honestly, what I was most happy with was how much effort I was able to put out during the run. Having the ability to push myself to suffer, work hard, and just go on auto pilot was such a big win for me. Learning how to stay with it mentally at this distance was another big boost that I needed going in to my big training blocks for the summer.</div>
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5:18 with Bib #518</div>
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PRs for both of us :)</div>
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Sisters Lakes Olympic Tri - 7.20.13</div>
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Yep...second year in a row I raced Sisters Lakes ha! I can't help it, I LOVE this race too!! I love it for many reasons. Just like Lake in the Hills, it has that small town, laid back feel and it's a short bike ride away from my family's lake house in Michigan. I had to do it :) I get to spend the weekend with my family hanging out on the lake, eating a ton of food, and racing. Some of my favorite things in life.</div>
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Just like Muncie this is a hot, non-wetsuit race, flat bike course, and hilly run. I had another amazing day...took time off my swim and my bike (finally!) and PR'd by 4 minutes!!!! This one hurt, it was a week off of Muncie, but I expected it to feel that way. What did I learn? Again, I can race HARD. This is something that I've been learning over the past two years from Coach Jen and it feel so good to be able to put out another strong effort with great results. The last key race to help mentally get me ready for the Ironman Wisconsin build.</div>
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My way to recover!</div>
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So that's the short version of my summer racing. I'm not done yet...one more to go for 2013! This one is a little different for me though. It's taking me out of my comfort zone in a big way. Later this month I'll be heading down to Tucson, Arizona for Duathlon National Championships. I'm beyond excited about it, but also really nervous. It's the first time I'll be flying with my bike, putting it together, breaking it back down, etc. </div>
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First things first...before Arizona comes Hawaii!! Yep, I'm going to Kona...not to race...but to vacation and learn and watch really awesome athletes race :) My week in Kona will start out with going through my USAT Level 1 Coaching Clinic and end with spectating Ironman World Championships. </div>
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Love my life <3</div>
Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-5418525874320346492013-09-15T14:30:00.002-07:002013-10-04T19:33:37.069-07:00Ironman Wisconsin Race Recap<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want the short version, here it is. Simply put I had an AMAZING day...AMAZING! That doesn't mean everything went "right" or "how I planned" or even "how I wanted" but it does mean that I managed several little setbacks well enough to finish way beyond my expectations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many people have told me that there is nothing like your first Ironman. I can agree with that, it's unreal. I was that girl who thought I'd be a one and done, nope not gonna happen, I was hooked after Wisconsin in 2011. Loved it. Period. I decided to take a year off full distance Ironman though, but signed up again for 2013. I wondered if it would be the same kind of experience, would it take anything away that it wasn't my "first Ironman?" Truth be told, this one meant more to me. I had a better understanding of what I was doing, what it took for me to get there, and how hard I was working. I didn't "race" my first Ironman, I did what I think a lot of first-timers should do...enjoy the experience. I did just that, stayed in control all day, read all the signs, thanked volunteers, spectators, and just took the day in. That was NOT my goal this year. I wanted to see how hard I could push myself physically and mentally all day to have a huge PR. That I did...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weeks leading into Wisconsin were kinda rough...I had a lot of stress at work and home, way more than usual. I did my "best" to manage it = I cried a lot and didn't want to do Ironman. I'm a girl, I can't help myself sometimes ;) Luckily things calmed down the week before so I was able to focus on getting to Madison in a good place. Matt and I went up Friday to get checked in and get relaxed. Saturday started with my short pre-race shake out then off to breakfast. I ate like a boy per Coach Jen's orders (just to clarify that means 2 omelettes both with bacon and ham, about half a pound of bacon, more ham, several cups of quinoa - gluten allergy, some scrambled eggs, and a banana). It was stupid good. After getting my bike and bags checked in it was time to relax with good friends and both of our families...and eat more. Love eating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After dinner Saturday night with the best support crew :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't have the greatest night of sleep Saturday (I actually had really unsettling nightmares, not about the race), but woke up at 4am Sunday morning to guess again...eat breakfast (really impressed with my food consumption), and get down to transition when it opened at 5am. After I got body marked, filled up my tires, ran in to a few friends...then it was time to relax at the bottom of Monona Terrace before it was time to get to the swim start. It was then that I caught a glimpse of the water. The typical calm waters of Lake Monona were choppy and looked evil = no bueno. The forecast was calling for 15-20mph winds, it was already pretty windy and was obviously churning up the water. The water was moving at our back on the way down, but we were going to be swimming against it coming back, ugh...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made a good decision to start in front and to the outside at the swim start, think closest to the helix. I got chewed up in this water in 2011 so I wanted to try a different strategy for the swim. I was SUPER happy with the first part of the swim...yes I got kicked in the goggles, swam over, had to swim around people, but what else do you expect at Wisconsin? I thought I was making too big a deal in my head about the water, it wasn't bad at all. Then I made the first turn and realized just how bad it was going to be. I was bordering nausea/sea sick throughout the rest of the swim. It was tough, hard to sight, people stopping constantly to get a view of the buoys, moral of the story not a good swim. I was never so happy to be back on land. I checked the clock on my way out and saw 1:20...hmmm not bad considering the conditions, but not what I wanted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ran screaming into T1 for my girl Max...she was right there to help me :) I decided to wear arm warmers because it was cold out and I'm a baby, unfortunately we must have hit the auto-multisport function on my watch and I was already on the run function. That means no power, no cadence, AND my watch would be alerting me at every mile. I wasn't about to stop and fix it so deal with it. I still had my Cat Eye to track time, distance, and speed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bike started out great, I felt like I was flying with no effort. Time to enjoy that wind ;) Since it was cool out I kept reminding myself to drink and eat, when it isn't as warm I don't always feel the need to drink as much. Somewhere on the stick my Cat Eye decided to stop working after going over some rough roads. Seriously?? I of course noticed this several minutes after it actually happened...looks like I'm riding on feel AGAIN this year. I guess it was good training to not have my watch at ALL in Galena...smh. It was FAR too early in the day to let things get to me, so on I went. I felt SO good on my bike, I was comfortable in aero, felt like I had good speed, and was in control as I was supposed to be for the stick and first loop. About halfway through the first loop as I was going down a hill I dropped my chain...COME ON!! "Luckily" I done the same thing 2 weeks ago while I was riding the Louisville course, so I had somewhat of an idea on what to do. That's a lie, I'm no bike mechanic. I managed to cut up my finger so it was bleeding, get bike grease literally ALL over my hands, but I didn't care I was back on my bike and in surprisingly really good spirits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After those minor issues, my ride went AWESOME! I had a low around mile 80-90, legs were super pissed but I told them to shut up per Coach Jen's orders. They listened :) I was battling nausea almost the entire bike, thinking due to the water, but bananas seemed to do the trick. Before I knew it I was back on the stick and headed back to Monona Terrace. That wind was killer coming back, right in our faces going up the final hill, but I was feeling happy to start the marathon soon which was what I was most looking forward to. Not even because it meant the day was almost over, but because I LOVE running...seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had no clue what my bike split was. I thought I may have been faster than my goal of 6:45, but really didn't want to get too excited. Instead, just focus on working "hard" during the marathon. My legs felt as expected getting off the bike, but after a quick stop in transition I felt incredible. My legs felt like they had bounce and were ready to run!! I was SO ready for this! I saw my family and friends so many times on the run course, the energy was great, temperature was perfect, and I was scared at how good I felt. Mentally I was in a great place, physically my body felt awesome, my stomach didn't. Still nauseous. Nothing was going down well, my usual standby of gu every 30 minutes just wasn't going to happen. Ut uh. Figure it out girl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made it through about mile 8 feeling scary good, then I was really having to fight myself to keep with it. At the turnaround around mile 13 I finally had a chance to ask Matt what my bike split was...6:33...OH MY GOD!!!! I also realized I ran the first half marathon of the run under 2 hours. Can I keep this together?? What can I do to get some sodium and liquids down?? The answer is simple...warm chicken broth. Totally saved me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the next several miles I focused, fed off the spectators, and kept thinking the faster I run the faster I get to see my family. Truth be told, I was having SO MUCH FUN!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finally figured out how to switch the screens on my watch right before the last turnaround on State Street around mile 20...I started calculating the time and knew if I could hold myself together I would smash my goal time of breaking 13 hours and be in the low 12:xx. I saw my family at that moment and started crying, I've NEVER done that in a race before. I knew I had it. Not gonna lie, those last 6-7 miles were some of the hardest I've been through. I just kept willing myself to run and get to my family as fast as I could. Before I knew it I was back in town and there it was...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My motto all day was to make myself proud. I did just that. I didn't give up when things weren't going my way, I didn't make any sacrifices, any excuses, and I controlled what I could control which above all was my attitude. I CHOSE to have a good day, and that I did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It takes a small village to get someone to an Ironman...I have a huge amount of people to thank. I am so lucky to be able to do this sport, and to have so many people that are supportive of this life I choose to live.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now it's time to celebrate, relax, and recover. Next up...Age Group Duathlon Nationals in Tucson, Arizona!!!!</span></div>
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Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-46774308091175684742013-06-14T18:44:00.000-07:002013-06-14T18:44:11.557-07:00Galena Race RecapSooo...it's been awhile since I've updated my blog. It's happening this year, end of story. Here we go...<br />
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January 1st started my training for IM Wisconsin, since then I've dealt with some minor injuries (that seemed life ending at the time) but major mental roadblocks with training and racing. I'm beyond Type A, total perfectionist, and incredibly hard on myself (aren't all triathletes??). This is nothing new to me, but I've taken that to another level this year. I had what I consider to be an amazing season last year, and truth be told I'm scared that I won't live up to my "expectations" this year. Thank god that I have a coach who has reminded me more times that I should need that this is a sport I truly LOVE. It's not just a hobby, it's my lifestyle. Training and racing are FUN for me, time to let go of expectations and just enjoy the sport.<br />
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Leads me to Galena...I had a great race there last year. My training at the beginning of this year didn't go nearly as well as I would have liked. An achilles injury stopped me from running for a few weeks, so I wasn't super confident with the fitness I was going into this race with. Instead of beating myself up about it I realized how lucky I was to just be racing. I was going into this race with zero expectation of my results, I just wanted to work HARD...so happy my body was back in a place where I could!<br />
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We headed to Galena Friday to check in to our hotel, pick up packets, get setup in 2 different transitions, figured out the shuttle situation in the morning (I love this race but it is a logistic nightmare), and finally had some dinner and went to bed. Race morning started super smooth, woke up, had breakfast, made it to the shuttle...then realized once we were headed to T1 I forgot my Garmin...how in the world did I do this?? Looks like I'm racing on feel today which is something I've never done. Looking back I'm super happy with how I handled this ha!<br />
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I do the duathlon at Galena every year because I hate, like HATE cold water and this race is traditionally cold, I'm such a baby. Funny the last 2 years I have done this race it's been really mild. Oh well, instead I choose to run down a hill for a mile, then run right back up it before I get on my bike...it always sounds like a good idea when I register.<br />
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After I watched Matt's wave go off I went up for my warm up and made it to the start line. I knew I was racing all week, and obviously all morning, but I didn't feel like I was. Even while at the start line I was talking with one of my friends about how I STILL didn't feel like it was time to race. Once the gun went off that was all over. I got out in front with the first pack of girls, about 5 of us, and ran hard down the hill. After the turnaround I put my head down, pumped my arms, and chugged up the hill. Those hill workouts with Jen Harrison and Dave Walters in sub zero temps pay off on this course! I made it back to T1 thinking I was 6th overall. On to the bike...this is my weak link and something I've been working on. I tried to keep my focus on working through the hills, catching as many girls as I could, and not let any go by me. Run #2...straight uphill for another mile...REALLY!!!! And it was HOT...which I secretly love and hate :) After that first terrible mile or so I just worked...I had no idea how fast I was going, how long I had been racing, I just knew I couldn't put any more effort in to that run...I let it all out. I was SO happy when I crossed that finish line...not because of a time or a place, but for just having fun and suffering. I didn't freak out without my Garmin, I actually think I raced harder...sometimes I hold myself back based on the numbers I see off it. So overall...well executed race.<br />
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Before starting the process of collecting all of our goodies from T2 I decided to stop by the results tent since I didn't even know what my overall time was. I couldn't believe it...I not only won my age group, but took 4th overall!! Even better than last year :) This never gets old...<br />
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Time to go out and celebrate = eat a TON of food! I'm not even going to list everything we ate, it included a lot of steak and an expensive trip to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory...so delicious. We clean up nicely right??<br />
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Before...<br />
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Luckily we had a 3 hour "recovery" aka hilly ride Sunday morning to work off all that food. It also decided to rain on us for most of that ride, but it did get super sunny and hot right at the time we finished...awesome. Why am I always filthy after long rides? This picture doesn't do it justice...I'm such a boy.<br />
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Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-23553278523644047482012-03-11T13:21:00.003-07:002012-03-11T14:15:37.546-07:00Racing 2012!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcjSKV2KUDofS2M_4gzjaFsZwjlK3PPXJjmA2UiywujrBmzhjxdjKk-LZZpjhgPGlfndLPtHz8acOYs9ehHN2iFq-mRliwwvPFgrIoJkZVByR_1yOnL50U_iZy1o-pcqVrqqkE475FZoV/s1600/DSCN0635.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcjSKV2KUDofS2M_4gzjaFsZwjlK3PPXJjmA2UiywujrBmzhjxdjKk-LZZpjhgPGlfndLPtHz8acOYs9ehHN2iFq-mRliwwvPFgrIoJkZVByR_1yOnL50U_iZy1o-pcqVrqqkE475FZoV/s320/DSCN0635.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718751098338349682" /></a><br />Before Ironman last September I really thought that I was going to take it easy in 2012, do some short local races, and just enjoy time (not spent training). Funny right? Who was I kidding...it took everything in me to not sign up to do Wisconsin again the day before I actually raced it. I actually made the decision to sign up, but I was about 45 minutes late in getting to the registration table. I figured it was a sign to NOT sign up for 2012. I then get home the Monday after Ironman and of course look online, expecting to see that registration was closed, somehow it wasn't. Ugh...I had to have Matt take the computer away from me and turn it off, I'm NOT doing IMWI 2012. Tuesday morning, I check online again, it's still open, SERIOUSLY!?!? Once again, I had to put the computer away and go to work...if I get home tonight and it's still open I'm signing up. Thankfully it closed about noon on Tuesday, and I'm so happy I'm not doing Ironman this year. It has allowed me to do a lot more racing this year that I may not have otherwise. Plus, there's always 2013 ;)<div><br /></div><div>So...what am I doing this year???? I'm racing a LOT more than I ever have in one year. I'll be moving out of my comfort zone and trying out some new races and distances. Some of the races are SUPER small which I love, and I'm doing some big events too which I also love.</div><div><br /></div><div>My "A" races are Ironman 70.3 Muncie AND Steelhead as well as the Chicago Marathon. My year of "short races" somehow turned into 2 70.3 events and a marathon! Truth be told, I love to train. The thought of not having some really long, intense weeks and months this year made me sad. I love the feeling of exhaustion a build week brings. I love the time to myself during long rides and runs to think and enjoy being outside. I love pushing my body to new limits, times, paces which I'm doing a ton of already...I can't wait to see where I'm at later in the year. I love the hunger and all the food being an endurance athlete allows me to eat ;) And most importantly...I love the lifestyle that this type of training brings. </div><div><br /></div><div>I designed my race calendar to include 2 events that are also family vacations. We rarely travel together, but whenever I race in Michigan we all head up to our family's lake house and just enjoy time together. That's where Steelhead came into play. I love that race, but I love it even more because it means a 3 day weekend with my family. I'm also doing a really small Olympic Tri in July called Sister Lakes Tri which will be another family weekend in Michigan!</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides those, I'll be doing the Galena Duathlon, Soldier Field 10 Miler, Lake In the Hills Sprint Tri, Tinley Park Metlife Duathlon, Oak Brook Half Marathon, and the Fox Valley 20 Miler. </div><div><br /></div><div>SO excited for this year. I'm hoping to have lots of fun, and spend a lot of time with my loved ones at each event.</div><div><br /></div><div>And yes...I will be registering to volunteer at IMWI when the system opens up in April. Girls gotta have options!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-52010846895018286032012-02-26T15:14:00.004-08:002012-02-26T15:47:53.301-08:00My Favorite Breakfast :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlIX62LZjZTwQXo0BzUfUVDZNiOT9R9TfZ7EySuATbnTRn8XCiug9fIylVUKprMToR3rm-PsFNufJrXKb5ROCOuhU3J73G91yMVlPJvBFkAKpaJBfkhtfx1ffEDzIgVp3jwrMYUKnQRfh/s1600/DSCN0643.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlIX62LZjZTwQXo0BzUfUVDZNiOT9R9TfZ7EySuATbnTRn8XCiug9fIylVUKprMToR3rm-PsFNufJrXKb5ROCOuhU3J73G91yMVlPJvBFkAKpaJBfkhtfx1ffEDzIgVp3jwrMYUKnQRfh/s320/DSCN0643.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713594286914218674" /></a><br />Greens for breakfast?!?! YEP! I have one of these green shakes every morning, so I thought I would share the recipe. It is filled with ingredients that are good for you, give you tons of energy, and YES it's delicious!<div><br /></div><div>Ingredients</div><div>* 1/2 cup Coconut Water</div><div>* 1 Ripe Organic Banana </div><div>* 2 tsp. Sun is Shining</div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>http://www.sunfood.com/food/green-superfoods/sun-is-shining-green-superfood-10oz-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>raw-organic-wildcrafted-ingredients.html</i></div><div>* 1/2 scoop Lifetime Life's Basics Plant Protein Vanilla Flavor</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <i>http://lifetimevitamins.com/products/lifetime_plantprotein.html</i></span></div><div>* 1/2 tbs. Raw Almond Butter (I like the brand Woodstock)</div><div>* 1 tbs. Organic Chia Seeds</div><div>* Organic Cinnamon to taste</div><div>* Ice Cubes</div><div><br /></div><div>In a blender, mix all of the ingredients above with water. Play with the water ratio, I like a thicker shake so I just add a little.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy :)</div>Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-13170840910327435082012-02-04T18:30:00.000-08:002012-02-04T19:07:22.899-08:00A Little Reminder<div><i>" Most people never get there. They're afraid or unwilling to demand enough of themselves and take the easy road, the path of least resistance. But struggling and suffering, as I now saw it, were the essence of a life worth living. If you're not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not constantly demanding more from yourself-expanding and learning as you go-you're choosing a numb existence. You're denying yourself an extraordinary trip."</i></div><div><i>Dean Karnazes</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I received an email from one of my best friends with this quote about an hour after I finished Ironman Wisconsin back in September. At that time, it brought tears to my eyes. It was obviously a very emotional day for me, but it was more than that. I had finally done something that I had to work HARD for, the training was beyond demanding...Ironman scared the crap out of me. I had days and weeks that I struggled to keep balance in my life, I suffered through grueling workouts, I was way out of my comfort zone...but I cannot put into words how much I learned about myself throughout the process. </div><div><br /></div><div>I kept that email with this quote and have it saved both at home and at work to refer back to when I'm having a tough time. I stumbled across it this week, and it still has the same effect on me that it did the first time I read it. If I can do an Ironman, I can do anything. If I was able to get through all of the challenges last year handed me, I'm ready to take on new goals this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are a little different than last year, I'm not doing an Ironman (although I'm thinking I will in 2013), but I am racing. Muncie 70.3 and the Chicago Marathon are my 2 big races so far. I still need to plan some races around those, I just haven't gotten that figured out yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've also been talking about getting my Anusara Inspired Certification for a few years, I'm doing it this year. Studying Anusara has been a life shifting experience for me, and I want to share that with as many students as I can. It's truly the way I live my life, and I cannot wait to go to all of the workshops and classes I have planned for the year!</div><div><br /></div><div>My last big goal of this year...USAT Level 1 Coaching Certification! Scared to death of this, but this is a huge desire of mine. I have to wait and see which one I can get in to, but I'm so excited! I'm not quite sure where I want to go with this once I have it, I'll figure that out down the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>Looks like I have another busy year ahead which is just the way I like it!</div><div><br /></div><div>What are you doing this year that scares you????</div>Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8809519893882748345.post-70474683334635459712012-01-01T17:39:00.000-08:002012-01-20T18:34:50.472-08:00A Fresh Start<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsENH7eh78gvKJYD3zu9QlKCSze-uFYlefcnQz-eJcYxyoz34dXuKd8OYkdO5LOB0_ZOd10iP_uIt6y95YdXwxFjdZo8098MHGi96kMm3XK7-krPZZLzpG10vEmlMZ-Fx15OXWLG_CPVfv/s1600/395546_342231332469899_166854740007560_1408428_2012592570_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsENH7eh78gvKJYD3zu9QlKCSze-uFYlefcnQz-eJcYxyoz34dXuKd8OYkdO5LOB0_ZOd10iP_uIt6y95YdXwxFjdZo8098MHGi96kMm3XK7-krPZZLzpG10vEmlMZ-Fx15OXWLG_CPVfv/s320/395546_342231332469899_166854740007560_1408428_2012592570_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692843507732772050" /></a>The end of 2011 was a VERY busy time for me. In a matter of 6 weeks I moved to a new city, started working in a new location with a new job title (yay!), found a new gym to workout at, put my house up for sale...you get the point! I can't say that those 6 weeks were easy (not even close to be honest) but they were exactly what I needed. I learned a lot about myself, what I want, and where I want to be going which is something I might not have been able to say had I not decided to do this. <div>The beginning of 2012 has been busy, but in different ways. It started out with an amazing "vacation" to Florida. I wouldn't say this was a relaxing or traditional vacation, it was actually quite the opposite. It started with a late flight out Thursday night getting into Miami about midnight with a quick turnaround Friday morning to get started on the Miami to Key West Ragnar Event. Pretty much means I lived in a van with 5 awesome people while we took turns running from Miami to Key West (in total just under 200 miles). No sleep, showers, running anywhere from 23-42 miles each...26 hours later we were on Duval Street in Key West at the finish line! Wait...it gets better. Two of my van-mates got married on the beach after a quick shower...awesome (congrats Ty & Kim)! Something about this trip sparked something in me. Having some really amazing miles to run at all times of the day and night gave me a lot of time to think. Why have I been complicating everything? Why all of these expectations? Why can't I just enjoy what life is offering me? Why do I figure this out at 11am while I'm running mile 22 of my last leg after I haven't slept in over a day?</div><div>It's so simple, figure out what you love, who you love, I've got that down...then figure out ways to make those things and people a bigger part of your life...that's what I'm working on. </div><div>I'm SO excited about this year and the possibilities that it can bring. I have a lot of plans, ideas, thoughts, and goals for this year which will all help me spend more time being with those people and doing those things I love. As the year goes on I will keep you all updated on where I'm at and how things are going. </div><div>First things first, a full weekend of Anusara Yoga with Desiree Rumbaugh at the beginning of February. Can't wait! </div><div><br /></div>Jen Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04004489380074186850noreply@blogger.com0