Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition

I've really learned to enjoy a new way of approaching life as an athlete. No surprise, athletes like to work hard. They have no problem putting "only" in front of any distance workout, thinking that the ony easy day was yesterday. Athletes are always teetering on the edge of being overtrained and injured but isn't that what sport is all about? Pushing your limits and finding what you are made capable of achieving. Because I love to push hard and train consistently, I've learned through trial and error (and mistakes along the way) how to live an easier life. Life isn't easy when an athlete is injured. Life continues on and the athlete is often too miserable to enjoy it because the one thing they love more than anything, is gone - training/sport. Life isn't easy when an athlete is overtrained/overreached. Performance gains are at a standstill and motivation is at an all time low. Fatigue is heavy in the legs and the mind is tired. Life isn't easy ...

2006 Boston Marathon Over the past 6 years, I have had the privilege of traveling to races (or racing to travel) to many exciting venues. Of course, even though I did the training, it wasn't without the help of my travel agent (aka "MOM") to help me stay stress free as I prepared my body and mind for my races. My parents have supported me since I started my journey of endurance racing and I suppose they understand that this is a hobby.....so be it, a very, very, very expensive one. Luckily, I met Karel on a group ride - so, I guess he "gets it" as well. However, as a cyclist turned triathlete, he is now realizing that cycling races are super cheap. Sure, no t-shirt or medal when you finish but with prize money and an inexpensive race fee, but the logistics of signing up and participating in a cycling race is nothing compared to a triathlete. I suppose any sport that has  a bag specific to "transitions" is a sport that requires more than just...

As athletes, it is easy to always want more. I was reminded of this at the 2012 Olympic Games when hearing reports (and pics) of athletes who appeared disappointed for 2nd place (silver medal). I'm sure for us "normal" people, we would be elated for a medal at the olympics - heck, even just the chance to watch would be a winning moment for myself But oddly enough, I think we can all identify with the feeling of putting it the work with only one goal in mind. For that goal is the driving factor for every training session - the great ones where you wish the race was tomorrow and the ones when the mind and body were arguing like a bad relationship. But for us, we aren't going for a gold medal but rather a personal best, a finish line or overcoming the odds. Although we may not be as athletically gifted as an Olympian, if it wasn't for "wanting more" perhaps we would just settle and call it quits. I think we can all learn something from athlet...

I'm so thankful that I slept in on Monday and recovered my body and mind. Monday is either a complete off day or a 2500-3000 recovery swim but it is always decided on Sunday whether or not I will exercise on Monday morning. My choice to recover has allowed for 4 great training sessions where I was able to stick to my workouts as prescribed. Tues AM track -main set: 6 x 800's w/ 400 jog/walk Tues PM Bike - main set: 3 x 15 min Z3 w/ 2 min EZ Wed AM hip strength, then swim - main set 6 x 200's, 400 drill, 3 x 100's Thurs AM Brick - Main set on bike: 8 min Z3, 2 min EZ, 10 min Z3, 2 min EZ, 14 min Z3, 2 min EZ, 10 min Z3, 5 min EZ, 8 min Z4. Main set on run: mile 1 easy, mile 2 and 3 moderate, mile 4 hard. Cool down w/ Campy Yep - it's a lot but body is fueled, mind is relaxed and life is balanced. No less than 7 hours of sleep a night and the main focus is always on the main set - not the time or miles. I make sure every workout counts. Here lately, I find ...

" I have found that if you love life, life will love you back" - Arthur Rubinstein. I just realized that I forgot to share an important piece of information on my blog. Although it is easy for me to educate, motivate and inspire the world via my Trimarni  Facebook page , my blog is my journal, my diary...my life story. So without any hesitation..........my Ironman hiatus is finally over. Ahhhh, deep exhale - I feel alive again. Although I welcomed this intentional break from racing my favorite distance, I feel I have achieved what Karel had planned for me by racing "shorter" running and triathlon races. I am not injured, I have developed speed and I am stronger than ever before. Keeping my eye on the (kona) prize, I realize that every training has a purpose. I don't burn calories, I train. I fuel to perform, I recover to get stronger. And I do all of this by creating balance in my life.....and having a lot of fun along the way. Oh the memories........

After my long run on Sunday morning (12 mile group run) I recovered in my favorite type of salt bath...and did a little thinking. Over the past 12 years, I have spent most of my days learning about the physiology of the body. Whether it is during exercise or in relation to nutrition, over the past 4380 days, I can't really think of a day when I wasn't learning. Although the stressful learning (aka exams) is behind me, I know have 3 credentials behind my name that qualify me to provide advice to the public in the fields of exercise science (BA), exercise physiology (MS) and nutrition (RD, LD/N). I also have a list of athletic accomplishments to help me say "been there, done that". But with credentials come experience. At the ripe age of 30, I certainly have a lot of learning to do. I've had learning lessons along the way and I have been stubborn in several life-changing decisions/experiences. But I've been very careful to always learn in o...

Ironman World Championships 2011 - Kona, Hawaii Are you training for an athletic event? If so, do not overlook the importance of trusting and utilizing an effective sport nutrition training plan. For on race day, your body will perform based on weeks, months and even years of training -  not just because you stuck to a "perfect" race day fueling plan. Consider that the nutrition before, during and after training will energize workouts and will help you recover faster. For the quicker you recover, the more consistently you can train and the easier it is to notice performance gains within training sessions. Whether you think you don't need them or desire to change body composition, do not fear and restrict calories around workouts (particularly around an hour or more, however there are some exceptions to this suggestion). In today's society, the typical diet of an athlete does not support training for it often lacks in quality nutrients to support metabolic pro...