Reclaiming My 70.3 Finish Line
The last time I entered the water to race a triathlon it was 2019 and it did not end in a PR or even a medal. The day ended with a DNF. A few years later, I was part of a relay team at 70.3 Indian Wells but was unable to consistently train as I was getting Run Tri Bike off the ground. Reclaiming my 70.3 finish line was not something I planned on in 2024 but it is where I find myself
Today, I am stringing together weeks of consistent training with the idea that I’ll register for 70.3 Indian Wells and have a finish that isn’t a DNF. Will I set a PR? I don’t know but what I do know is that if I get to that starting line that I will give it everything I have.
Motivation: Why Return to Triathlon?
Many people may wonder, why? You’ve been racing ultras for a while now so why go back to triathlon? The reality is I love being an endurance athlete and not an ultra runner or triathlete. During the years that I wasn’t racing triathlons, I was always swimming and cycling because being a better athlete helps me be better at specific sports.
A couple of months ago, the idea of reclaiming my 70.3 finish line came up and I found myself excited about the sport of triathlon. I wanted to know that I could swim, bike and run to reach a finish line but more importantly I was looking to prove to myself that I could balance running a business, teaching and performing.
The challenge was what I was seeking and this was how I was going to prove to myself that I could still do it.
Training Approach: From Ultra Runner to Triathlete
When July rolled around and training got started, it was like being a beginner again. The training plan was simple but it was the perfect way to get started again. I didn’t need something overly complicated as that could possibly deter me from going forward.
In 2018, I was doing two a days with long training hours. I was pouring myself into training and not allowing for other parts of my life to be enjoyed. I was stringent in accomplishing my training and turning every box in Training Peaks green.
Today, I am more fluid with my training. I have a plan but I’m not glued to it. If I want to move something around because I’m tired I will. Getting in the hours that fits my lifestyle versus creating a lifestyle around my training is the key to me being successful and having fun.
I am competitive and that can take center stage therefore I have to remind myself that these sports are meant to be fun. This is exactly what I am doing now. On Sunday, the schedule had a 45 minute ride and 15 minutes but running for 45 minutes at the beach followed by pizza sounded more fun. Guess which one I did? That is right, I had a run and then pizza.
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Balancing Act: Training and Running a Business
While I want to have fun and will do what I can to maximize my time around that idea there are challenges. Trying to balance running the business of Run Tri Bike with training has been difficult at times. It’s been difficult, not because of the amount of time but because of the stress I put on myself while going out for a run in the middle of the day.
I want to make this company as successful as it can be. Sometimes I forget that I cannot choke the business to success. I have to let the business breathe. In those moments, I can go out for a ride, run or both.
Overcoming Challenges: Mindset and Adaptability
Getting away for an hour or two can allow my creativity to grow but it isn’t always easy to do. As the training hours go up this will be even more difficult to manage. Blocking out time for myself and sticking to it will be paramount to me being able to successfully manage a company and get the training in to reclaim my 70.3 finish line.
One of the benefits of running this company is the number of athletes that I have had the pleasure of talking to. These conversations are helpful in reminding me that we get to do these sports.
Lessons Learned: Insights from Everyday Athletes
These sports help teach me lessons that I would not otherwise have learned if I didn’t participate in them. For example, on Sunday during that run on the beach there was another athlete that passed me while running. I remembered the many conversations of staying focused on your own training. I didn’t chase the other athlete and that is a good thing. He stopped almost right after he past me. Had I chased him, I would have not been focusing on my training.
Beyond the lessons that have been shared here, I can lean back on my 17 years in endurance sports. I have had bouts of burnout and disordered eating to lean on and grow from.
July Training Recap: Progress and Milestones
The month of July was the first in this process. It showed me that I can swim, bike and run while managing other aspects of my life. I trained for 25 hours and covered almost 215 miles during that time.
I have seen improvements in all three sports in that time which is inspiring. Riding my bike and finding my climbing legs has been the biggest benefit of getting back into consistent training. Those miles on the bike have translated to stronger runs which motivated me to continue to find the hills.
After the first month of training, I am happy with where I am. I do not have any expectations for the event. Reality is I haven’t registered. That being said the progress I have seen has taught me that I can enjoy the journey to my finish line. Reclaiming my 70.3 finish line with an actual medal or the idea of being able to do that is happening.
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