Run Eat Tri Yogi

This is not what I had in mind for my next blog.  The thought of DNF never even crossed my mind. That's not entirely correct; I mentally prepared myself to push through 50 miles so I would not DNF.  I knew it would get ugly after 35+ miles but that's also what makes endurance sports enticing, isn't it?  You know you'll hurt and regret your decision at least once during your race but the glory of completing the distance with that gratifying cross of the finish line makes the pain all worth it.  And I was so ready to endure that cramping, blisters, fatigue and everything else that comes with ultra running.  The morning of the race was uneventful.   We had arrived for packet pick-up the day before the race, packed up our race gear, I noted all the food aid stations on my arm and unsuccessfully, tried to get some sleep.  I probably got about 4 solid hours of sleep before the alarm went off at 3:20am. The temperature was perfect - mid 60s - though th...

Chattanooga Ironman 70.3 "Redefine Your Possible" I saw this on the back of another athlete's visor around mile 4 in the first loop of the run.  I'm sure I'd seen it before, but it didn't quite click until this moment.  During my training, I didn't think I was going to be as strong as I felt in that moment. By mile 4, I had completed my swim and bike without too much trouble and was still able to run at a decent clip (considering this was following approximately 5 hours of swimming & cycling) -- even running up the hills. Most importantly, I didn't feel like dying, as I'd expected.  This is when I realized I am way more capable than I give myself credit for.  Here is a recap of this journey... We drove from WI to TN; staying overnight in Clarksville, TN on Friday night before reaching Ironman Village in Chattanooga on Saturday.  I obsessed over the Athlete's Guide for most of the way. "6 bicycle lengths to avoid drafting...

This post has been saved, edited, added, cut.. placed on hold while I tried new items. It's been going on for months! The blog was ridiculously long so I went with my must-haves and indulgences... I honestly could talk running gear all day! Orange Mud hydraquiver, InknBurn, Tiux, Cocogo, Skirtsports **Disclaimer: let's get this part over with. This post is based on my own personal experiences and my favorite items.  I'm not getting paid to endorse any of these.  If I am or was an ambassador for any of the items, I will note it in the heading!** Alright, let's get to it! Shoes We all have our favorites, don't we?  I'm as defensive about *my* shoes almost as much as I am about my parenting choices.  You think my 6mm drop shoes are slowing me down and will cause damage in the future? You better run. I used to run in only Mizuno Wave Runners. They were my first upgrade from generic, beginner running shoes.  I loooved them.  I also tried the Prophec...