Lake Placid Training Camp: Bicycles Over Bonfires

So I went back to camp this weekend…but arts & crafts and theater weren’t on the agenda. This was a different kind of camp…this was Ironman Training Camp. That means three days of constant swim, bike, and run prep to prepare us athletes for our upcoming experience - to complete a race made up of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run. So basically, this camp was for the crazies. My kinda people.

The exciting destination was Lake Placid, New York. Home of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Games. After our long ride up there, I spotted the ski jumps immediately, sticking out among the thick green landscape and rolling hills. It was an adventure to travel to a new place, to experience the Adirondacks as an adult (the last time I was in that area was for sleep-away camp back in good ‘ol ’99). We checked into the Golden Arrow hotel, which sat right on the beautiful Mirror Lake, which is where Ironman Lake Placid on July 26th will kick off. And that was the whole idea you see…to come up here as a team and experience this beautiful Ironman course, to give us a dose of what most of us would expect on race day. For me, it was just to be a solid training weekend as my Ironman race will take place in Mont Tremblant, Canada on August 16th. 

The fun began at 3:30pm on Friday when about 20 of us (members of Terrier Tri and MMRF’s team for cures) met at Mirror Lake to suit up and get in the water for our first swim of the weekend. Coach Robert gave us some advice about race morning and the execution at swim start. This was super helpful to those that would in fact be racing this course, but like I said, still eye-opening for us training for other races. So after wiggling into our wetsuits we hopped into the glassy lake and swam approximately 1.5 miles, working on our sighting and pacing. Because it was a long travel day, the only other business we had for the day was dinner. Let’s be honest - Ironman training camp has four components - swim, bike, run, and eat. Calories are everything. 

We had a nice team dinner at Generations where we all scarfed down everything in sight, and talked through our meal plans for the next morning. Coach Robert gave us a speech about what we had in store for Saturday - it would be the hardest day of our training plan yet - we would swim, bike, and run for essentially 10 hours straight. Yay. he carefully took us through the bike course and broke it up to explain the terrain and turns. Most importantly, we discussed nutrition, which is probably the most crucial part of an Ironman race. If you eat or hydrate poorly, you will not finish the race. It’s really as simple as that. Did you see my photo of packed snacks? (see below in photo gallery) I was coming prepared to this camp, loaded up with chews, waffles, bars, nuts, powders, you name it. After our meal, we headed to a local grocery store to purchase bulks of water, gatorade and breakfast essentials for Saturday morning. Back at the hotel, I set up my "transition area” so that come the morning, I’d be ready for a big training day and all my gear would be in check. 

Saturday morning was upon us. 6:30am I was shivering under the covers, dreading putting on a wetsuit for a lake swim when it was 45 degrees outside(!!) But was I going to be the only one who backed out? Hell no. Also, Robert yelled at me to suit up; I had no choice. The good news - the water was actually warmer than expected, though still too cold for treading water…so we started to swim. 2,500 meters later I was done and my warm blood and fast strokes made me one happy camper. But the day was just beginning. There was no time for chatting - it was time to ride next. So we all headed up to our rooms and got into our bike gear (dressed warmly for the breezy temps) and brought our bicycles down with us. It was go time. I would ride about 100 miles on this day and I was not looking forward to it. Who actually wants to do that? My fears on the bike come and go, but one thing that’s a constant - I hate riding alone…especially if it’s going to be for 7-8 hours. And based on this group of advanced riders, I knew I was one-of-a-kind, aka slower than most. There were some in my speed range and so we stayed close, but they only had to do one loop of the course (56-miles) because they were training for a half Ironman, but that last loop was mine to tackle alone because I am in fact training for the full enchilada.

Well, the 3200+ feet of elevation gain was something I mentally was prepared for, so as hills approached I wacked them one by one. This would be great training for Ironman Syracuse 70.3 in two weeks which is going to be tougher. The views were phenomenal and that is what I was focused on for the most part. Farms, woods, rapids, wildlife…everything NYC was not. I climbed as slow as 5mph and sped downhill as fast as 40mph, and death was certainly on the table. But my main focus was to mentally break this course down, remember to hydrate, remind myself to eat every so often, and most importantly - tell my soul to enjoy the experience. My butt was not enjoying the experience as I neared the end of the first 56-miles, but what was I to do? 

So I got back to town to find my coach and get my extra set of supplies for the second loop, but we had trouble connecting and after an hour of circling the area, I finally found him, only to realize most of the group had already left for the second loop and now it was getting too late. So after a total of about 65 miles, I was told to just go out and start my run. Deep down, I wasn’t looking forward to more cycling, but knew I needed the experience. Instead, I would lace up and run hard. Which I did…for about 7 miles around town, sans music, just hearing the sounds of my feet hit the brick and the birds chirping around me. It was special. But more importantly, it was exciting to know I was ending one hell of a training day. Definitely the hardest yet. 

Dinner was like the last supper, where we all consumed 2,000+ calories individually…if I were to guess. Get a bunch of triathletes together and it’s a game of who can eat more carbs. I like these people. They work hard, they train hard, they eat like champs and they’re always smiling. I was among all ages of athletes, me being one of the youngest at 29, ranging to about 50 or so. But we all get along like we’ve been friends forever, or like we share the same family. Sure, all we talk about is the sport, the gear, and stomach issues, but we keep each other afloat and we support one another equally no matter who crosses that finish line first. I also think Terrier Tri is just one of those groups where we know how to work hard while goofing off. This is supposed to be fun after all, and what’s the point of taking ourselves so seriously all the time? 

Sunday morning was the last morning. We had what I like to call a “late” start ...8:30am. All of us laced up in our running gear and grabbed our GUs and chews for a long run to end training camp. Just like with the other sports, we ran this on the Ironman Lake Placid course, all breaking up into groups based on pace. With stunning views to help pass the time, I executed 16.5 miles in my dirty-but-does-the-trick Asics. I was beyond tired and I tried a new fuel belt that weighed me down much too much, but nonetheless, I completed my longest training run of the year thus far. When I ended, our coach gave us some final words of advice and applauded us as we wrapped up a successful and fun training camp. I stretched my hammys, racked my bike and packed up my things to leave. Despite all of the bug bites, I was not ready to leave this place. Though I was active for what felt like 48-hours straight, I still felt at peace in Placid. But I made up my mind that I would be back…mainly to knock off the rest of that bike course.

Takeaways…
-I have two weeks till my half Ironman in Syracuse and I definitely feel prepared thanks to this camp on top of all the tough training. Will I knock off a PR? Absolutely not with the hills I have in sight, but I will still do great. 
-I have ten weeks till my Ironman 140.6 in Mont Tremblant. I still need to throw a couple more century rides in there to feel totally confident about race day. I’m 75 percent confident now. Gotta work on that.
-Camps are for adults too! I had such a great experience because I was surrounded by like-minded people that enjoy the pain as much as I do. Find your people!
-Challenges make us stronger. Every time I said I can’t, I did. Put yourself in an uncomfortable situation and watch how much you can grow from it.

-BForge
 

Race Recap: Black Bear Triathlon

This past Sunday, May 31st, I participated in the Black Bear Tri in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. This course challenges one to “dare the bear” with its very hilly course and trail-like terrain. Set in a most beautiful landscape, it’s deceiving just how rough it is beyond what you initially see. Well, I came, I saw, and I’d like to believe I conquered!

So let’s break it down and go back about a few weeks when this was just decided upon. Coach Robert told us we’d be adding this to our race calendars as Ironman Syracuse 70.3 was/still is rapidly approaching and the need for an eye-opener was necessary. I was reluctant at first after reading all of the reviews on this course, proving that this was going to be a tough one for me, especially as I’m having some adjustment issues to my new bike. But after a few internal fights with myself, I jumped on the bandwagon…mainly because I was most excited for a team getaway. 

I knew going into this that a PR was out of the question. That’s not me being negative…that’s me simply being honest with myself. I mean, with hills like these, this race is more about the overall challenge and pushing my limits. Numbers were not as important on this day…finishing with a smile was.

So Saturday afternoon, the day before the race, some of us Terriers met up at T2 Multisport on the Upper East Side to rack our bikes and get in the car to head west to Lehighton. For the two hour drive, I packed a turkey sandwich and plenty of water, focused on staying hydrated. The plan was to get to the race site, pick up our race packets, go for a swim in the lake, and do a shake-out run. But when we arrived on site, it was already fairly late in the day and the rain started to come down. Rain? Hills? Suddenly, the formation of the two made me nervous about bad conditions for the following morning. Mother nature and her games!! So the mini training sesh was cancelled.

The site of the event was stunning. I mean, I felt like I was at camp. The transition area was right on the lake so the swim out was a short distance from my racked bike. I could tell right away this was going to be a well organized race; the folks at CGI Racing set this up to be as seamless as possible, given the course was much more rough. Post packet pickup, we checked into our hotel, got situated and then headed out for a team meal at the Fork Family Restaurant. We shared some laughs, carbs and dessert and then stopped by a local WaWa to get the morning-of essentials…aka bananas, peanut butter, bread, water, basically anything we thought would possibly come in handy. Back at the hotel, I did my always fun gear spread where I double checked my items for race day, and then we hit the hay by 10pm or so. I must have been a tad nervous because I couldn’t fall asleep until 12:30am…with a wakeup call of 4:30am. Eek. Maybe because outside it was RAINING CATS AND DOGS! 

Morning of! Early to rise, pump the tires, pack the bags, put on the tri kits and head on out to the race site. The rain had ended by morning, but it was up in the air as to whether it would rain during the race, which would totally stink. (slick roads + rain are super dangerous for cycling). But we soldiered on because that’s what we do…and so I set up my transition area, ate my pre-race breakfast (WW bread with Justin's honey peanut butter, one banana, and a pinch of salt), and grabbed my swim gear. GAME ON.

SWIM:
In the Beltzville Reservoir, I started with hundreds of other woman, all at the same time. Yes, that’s a frantic situation, but I always start at the back of the pack so as not to get kicked or swam over. I maintained a steady, slow pace until I felt comfortable enough and found some space to really pick it up. I went a tad off-course trying to stay so far from everyone else but thanks to my regular sighting skills, I never was too far from the crowd. Singing my always favorite “row, row, row your boat” while blowing bubbles, I was in my zone. Chilling, stroke by stroke, half way there and suddenly some dude swims diagonally into me and startles me a bit. I tense up…and get a charlie horse! UGHHH and I still have another 10 minutes to go. Thanks to the compression of the wet suit, it was manageable (though painful), and I tried to breath and stay calm, and focus on swimming less with the legs and more with the arms. These guns were going to carry me home. And they did, 31 minutes later when I emerged from the water after almost a mile swim and headed to transition to get my seal suit off. (Not my fastest swim, but a swim I made out of alive, which is the best kind!)

T1: 
My transitions are not that fast, mainly because I purposely take my time. I took my wetsuit off carefully so as to avoid making the cramped muscle worse which would kill my entire race. Toweled off, helmet on, gloves on, sunglasses on, race bib on, cycling shoes on, squirt of some fluid and off I went.

BIKE: 
It was a long transition from my rack to the area where I could actually hop on the bike, and I felt fairly lethargic. That soon changed once I started spinning my wheels and took in some fluids and noshed on my Honey Stinger honey waffle. I think within the first couple of miles there were large hills, and they continued throughout the entire race. There were very few flat breaks and when they came, I took my time on them, especially because the scenery was beautiful - rolling hills through farmland and and swirling roads through the forest. With every uphill, there was a very steep downhill, where I plunged down roads at 40mph fluttering my brakes to avoid going any faster. The uphills were no joke - I was warned by many but literally did not know that I would be crawling at 3mph with a heart rate that seemed off the charts. Climbing up side by side with other cyclists was like a death march and all you heard was extreme gasping. If any of us stopped, we wouldn’t topple over - we’d spring backwards. For real. Some chose to unclip at the bottom of the downhills (which seems nearly impossible to do at that speed) and walked up the hills instead of riding them. I was here to challenge myself and prove my capabilities, so I was riding, even if it meant my heart was to explode out of my chest. 24 miles later, I was feeling kind of great and I was coming in for the run. 

T2:
I got to the dismount area and the woman in front of me stops short on her bike and I crash right into her, falling over with my bike and hers coming down with me. After many apologies from her, I struggled to stand up and looked down to see my knee was bloody and bruised. UGH. Setbacks, I thought. Just when I am about to run. But the other side of me was like get the heck over it and get up. So I did. And on I went, looking kind of bad a** with my bloody knee. 

RUN:
After racking my bike and putting on my sneaks, I began the 6.2 mile run through one of the coolest courses I’ve yet to be challenged with. The entire run was on ROCKS! Yes, little pebbles left and right to make it just a tad harder to keep my speed up. But I was running through wooded-trails with red mulch which eventually opened up to the most scenic sight yet…a vast space of greens, mountain ranges and water views, all as I ran over this most perfect dam in the middle of it all. I wish I had my camera; it was stunning and I was smiling. I think I spent so much time looking up at first that I forgot to check my footing and suddenly slipped and twisted my right ankle slightly. It was painful at first, but at this point I had 4 miles left so pain was not going to be an option. Just get to that finish. I took in a couple of Pro Bar bolt chews and I was sipping water at every mile marker. I actually felt pretty darn great. (Have I ever mentioned how much I love the run?) Then there were a few hills, especially one that was like nothing I have ever seen on a run course. It was so steep that I felt like I was suddenly on an obstacle course. Most people walked that hill, including me. After that, I picked up the pace, kept my eyes on those rocks and enjoyed my remaining miles. Most people complained about the run course; I thought its challenges kept me from getting bored. Glass half full, folks! At the end of that 10k, I emerged from the trail and crossed that finish line smiling with the announcer yelling “Check out Brittany with her Black Bear Grin!” 

After crossing, I realized I never looked at my watch, except when I emerged from the swim. I didn’t wear a Garmin; I just had a timer on my left hand. I finished in 3:16, which is 26 minutes slower than my PR (NYC Tri) but all courses are different so it’s not comparable at all. My goal on this day was to finish, and since I didn't know the course, I didn't want to push it and risk a DNF (did not finish). Bottom line, I felt pretty fresh considering what I had just done. I ate all the finish line treats that they provided including: pizza, soft pretzels, chocolate chip cookies and watermelon. YUM. The team took home a lot of pride that day along with some podium finishes. Soon after that finish, it started to pour so we grabbed our goods and left the site, leaving behind some new memories! Thanks to CGI racing for a great day! Awesome, challenging course, fantastic race support, our very own team port-a-potty(!), and one of my favorite tech tees yet! 

After a team lunch at the Titled Kilt in Allentown, we headed back to NYC in the rainstorm. I put my new race medal on my medal rack and slept with a smile. I feared I couldn’t do it and yet I did. Now in three weeks I have another opportunity to prove what I have worked so hard for. To that hilly Ironman Syracuse 70.3, we’re coming for you and we are more ready than ever!

What goes up, must come down,
-BForge
 

Women's Ride Day - May 31st

What are you doing this Sunday? I advise that you hop on a bike.

Sunday, May 31st is Specialized’s fifth annual Women’s Ride Day, where women across the country will come together for group bicycle rides on local streets and trails all over this nation. All levels of experience are welcome to join in by hopping on a bike and connecting with other female riders in your area. 

Why is this important? I’ll tell you why. Cycling has become more popular over the years, but the community aspect needs more growth, especially as more women continue to join in, buy bikes and search for friends to ride with. Personally, finding like-minded riders is tough for me, and I always prefer a pack over riding solo. Not only is it fun to bike with other women, but it’s extremely encouraging and motivating, promoting positivity on the road and helping others advance their experience level. 

In mid March, Specialized held an indoor women’s ride for a few of us media and blogger folks, so that we could hear all about this moment to expand women’s riding and build more female cycling communities across the nation. At T2 Multisport, the computrainer studio I frequent regularly during Ironman training, nine of us rode in a tight pack, watching our avatars ride across the screens as we powered through hilly courses around the country. Led by Coach Robert Pennino (my Terrier Tri coach), the ride had us pedaling harder as each person shouted words of encouragement, keeping us honest and consistent with pushing that bar. Sometimes it takes a pack to push you further.

After a super sweaty and challenging ride, we noshed on some healthy eats and green juice and had a chance to connect further on our plans for riding in the upcoming months. My training involves rides up to and above 100 miles at a time, so I was in search of someone to join me one day soon. Having a new group of female friends that have wheels in their NYC apartments makes me happy. It reminds me I’m not alone in this. 

So REGISTER HERE and join your local bike shops and cycling groups for spin classes and outdoor training rides for Women’s Ride Day on Sunday, May 31st!!

I won’t ignore that my last post was not such a positive one about my struggles with my new tri bike. But if I’ve learned anything from training for a race, it’s that we all have bad days and kinks we need to work through. With friends and teammates by my side, I’ve been able to get great advice and reminders of how far I’ve come. I’ve never pushed my body as hard as I am now with my 1st Ironman just 11 weeks away. Clearly, the struggles will come, it’s just a matter of how I choose to accept the challenge and fight back to prove I’m no quitter. With a movement like Women’s Ride Day, I feel blessed that there’s one more reason to connect people and get them excited about something that is GOOD for their bodies!

So grab your bike (or rent one at your local retailer!) and get out there this weekend!! Text a friend or five to join you and make a day of it! I advise packing a small bag of snacks and setting up a picnic halfway through or after your ride. And if you can't wake anyone up on Sunday, join the experts at Specialized who have organized rides around the country! Again, you can sign up HERE.

With all of this said, I will not be home this Sunday, May 31st because I will be competing in the Black Bear Triathlon in Lehighton, Pennsylvania....which means, I will be on a bike! Oh will I! The race is said to be one of the most challenging courses in the region, with climbs throughout the entire 24-mile ride. I keep reading race reviews from former competitors and they all rave about the physical challenge, which is always easy to smile about after you've crossed that finish line! But I think I've got my head on right, and I'm excited to venture to a new race in another location along with my teammates at Terrier Tri. This will also be my first race with Barb the tri bike. After we complete this one, she and I are most likely going in for a bike fit, because our relationship needs a little fine tuning. We'll drive up Saturday, get in some swim and run training, have a bite, hit the hay, and wake up for race day!

Also, I'm sharing some great photos below from the Specialized Women's Ride Day preview ride at T2, along with some recent shots of us lady cyclists out on the roads. Pedal to the metal, folks!

ENJOY THE RIDE!

-BForge

Down Days & Seat Struggles

If I ever made it look easy, then hand me my Oscar, please. Because on most days, I struggle just to wake up at 4:30am, let alone put my body through rigorous activity. I would never lie and tell you that this whole Ironman thing is a piece of cake…that the swim, bike, run life is easy even at your best. The truth is, the road to glory is usually paved with setbacks and standstills, sometimes mixed with a injury (or three).

Barb is giving me not one but two fingers. We're going through a rough patch.

I’m no stranger to pain; I actually think I’ve grown incredibly tolerant to most of it. But what I haven’t been too used to in my life thus far is self-doubt. I’ll admit I always train right and play by the rules, just enough to get me across most finish lines with more confidence over speed. But the last couple of weeks have been harder for me in the self-awareness and self-love categories. I sometimes feel like I’m not advancing fast enough and I’m beginning to dislike certain aspects of the sport that I have grown to love so much.

Let’s break it down. Here’s what’s really gettin’ me low...

That new bike of mine. Barb. She’s a beauty and all, but she’s been anything but my best friend lately. She’s actually been my biggest struggle. I’m trying to remain patient as I work hard to mentally block out my fear of falling off the bike (which is hard when you’ve had a mother almost lose her life to a bad cycling accident). I am also slow to be accomplished in a few areas which include spending enough time riding in the aero bars (which I can do but still fear) and drinking out of certain hydration stations on the bike (like the back bottle mount). Also, my seat…is the worst. Being uncomfortable on a bike, especially when on it for hours and hours, is one of the major downfalls of this sport. To have pain in the groin take away from strength in my well-trained body, is a big issue and needs to be resolved immediately. I’m giving that expensive Adamo seat of mine a week or two more to break in, and if nothing changes, I’m tossing that bad boy to the curb. 

Yes, I was smiling, mainly because the ride was over. Still so lucky to have such awesome teammates!

So if we’re sticking with the comfort category, then my next complaint is something I think we all can relate to. It’s called BREATHING. Yes, you know, what we all need to do to survive. Well, this past Saturday I went on a 60-mile ride with some teammates (hey Jenn, Jodi, & Stephanie!) and went up paths I never ventured up before. I knew hill training was necessary because every race ahead for me is on a significantly hilly course. Well, there was one longer climb that was fairly steep, but mostly just long, and though I was in the right gear and had my climbing game face on, I literally couldn’t catch my breath as I inched up at what seemed like 4mph. I almost started to cry and suddenly felt like giving up and clipping out. The little engine that usually powers me up was breaking down, and it was pretty apparent to me that it was mainly because my body is positioned in such a way that I am less upright than on my road bike, so air doesn’t come as easily. Does that mean I need a new bike fit? I need to re-adjust? Or maybe I just need to CHILL OUT. I think it’s a mixture of all three. I’m looking into it.

Barb after our ride today. She knows I'm not giving up.

So what’s the purpose of this post? I’ll tell you.

It’s simply to showcase the struggles, or my struggles in this case, of training. I’ve never met a person who had a breeze training for anything, whether it was a 5k, marathon or ultra race. What we do with those struggles is what gives us character, and makes us smarter athletes. Instead of crying over spilled milk and cursing at Barb the bike, I will continue to give her a chance and I’ll fine tune her with every ride, so that by the time I toe up to my Ironman, I will look back at this and feel proud. They say to try and try again, that “practice makes perfect,” and I don’t think I even want to aim for perfection, but I do want to achieve confidence and comfort. 
Don’t we all!?

So this upcoming Sunday, May 31st, I’ll be racing the Black Bear Triathlon, olympic distance, which will be my 2nd triathlon of the 2015 season. This Pennsylvania race is sure to be a challenging one, so I’m not going to lie - I’m nervous, but I will get through it and I do know that my swim and run game is in a good place. Cycling will be something I take one turn at a time. I can’t promise you a place at the podium, but I can promise you a finisher’s medal. You better believe I’d crawl to the end for one of those!

So keep on keepin’ on. And know that I’m right there with you…just listen for the heavy breathing :)

Fighting struggles, strengths, and seat adjustments,
-BForge

108-Mile Ride To Montauk: A Recap

It is most important to start this off with a big WOOOHOOO! Because this past Saturday, May 16th, I completed my first century bike ride (that means 100+ miles)!!
My longest bike ride before this weekend was 60 miles, so to have almost doubled that with a total of 108 miles, is something I’m not afraid to feel very proud about.

By the way, let’s give it up for pride. There’s no harm in patting yourself on the back for small and large accomplishments. We too often don’t recognize our strengths.

Ok, back to what I came here to do. 

So, Saturday I participated in the 50th anniversary of the Ride To Montauk, which is an organized bike ride of various lengths, all ending on the eastern tip of Long Island- Montauk. The distances start as low as 30 miles and the max someone can ride is 150…which is the ride from Manhattan to Montauk. I chose the 108-mile ride, which is the route from Long Island’s Babylon to Montauk. After hearing about the beautiful route along the water, and seeing pictures of the pie at rest stops and beer at the finish, I decided this was my kinda ride. Especially because it wasn’t a race.

I still struggled with the high price point for such a ride (it cost me $230 cash when I paid the day before the ride) that didn’t even include bike shipping (I paid my coach $100 to do that). So I went into basically paying solely because I wanted to finish my first 100-miler. Cost was killing me, but I planned to eat it all back in pie and pb&js. I mean, let’s be real…food is the reason I do most things in life. 

Saturday morning at 5:30am, I rode over to meet a few of my Terrier Tri teammates (Lucy, Cori, Lauren & James) at T2 Multisport to wait for our coach to show up with his SUV and load us all in for the car ride to Babylon. Aside from my tri bike, with me was a huge backpack filled with essentials for mainly after the ride: towel, change of clothes, jacket, sneakers(in case there was time for a run after the ride), bathing suit (you never know), toiletries, extra food, spare bike tubes, etc. It was quite a load but I’m so glad I was prepared. When Coach Robert showed up, we all helped to rack the bikes and get our gear into the car. Not long after, we were off…and gabbing in the car, probably annoying the heck out of Robert and James. Energy at 6am is high with us ladies.

We arrived at the Babylon train station and unloaded the bikes, grabbed a map, and checked the weather one last time to notice that it would in fact rain on us in due time, and most likely for quite a while. I came prepared by wearing: tri top, arm warmers, bike top with sleeves and then a light wind breaker. I knew I could shed layers if I wanted, and in the end, I never took a thing off. Helps to be prepared. But it doesn’t always go so according to plan. I didn’t pack enough food in my shirt pocket and Lauren forgot a huge necessity- bike shoes. Robert was kind enough to lend her his, and soon after we clipped in and we were off riding.

Within a couple miles, we were lost. I mean there was no one else besides our group of five Terriers out there in our line of sight, and it was kind of surprising. Lucy led us all as she knew the area best and had before completed this ride. We trusted her and on we went through neighborhoods and along waterways, picking up a few riders here and there. For quite some time we rode in a pack of about 15 people, and I was happy to meet some nice folks which is always a bonus. I can’t remember when it happened, but maybe around mile 15 or so, the rain started to come down, and it was bad. I felt pellets of water striking me and the dirt from everyones wheels was spraying me as I trailed in the back (my group was a little too fast for me, so I was the caboose trying to keep up). A few wrong turns led us to actually miss the first rest stop which totally bummed me out because I was cold and hungry. Lucy knew of a deli in Bellport, so we all stopped off there and some took bathroom breaks and ate packed snacks. I consumed a small banana and a Honey Stinger honey waffle, but that was all I had, so I knew the next 20+ miles until the next rest stop were going to be brutal without food and in the freezing rain. Yay.

Round two. Off we went heading for the next rest stop which would be in the town of West Hampton. I tried to enjoy the sights but to be honest I was getting really annoyed by the rain and the fact that I was cycling at a pretty fast pace to keep up with most. Then the worst happened - we really did get lost. The road signs were hard to find and we started going in circles…in the rain. Cold, unhappy, lost cyclists do not make for a very positive situation. Maps were soaked and hard to read, GPS was spotty and mentally we all felt drained. At one point it was clear to us that we did an extra 8 miles. We eventually got back on course but I realized that at the speed Lucy was leading us, I would not make it to Montauk a happy camper. I’m just better cruising. So at some point, Cori and I pulled back and took it down a notch and let the others go. We’d see them at the rest stop ahead. Our first rest stop was 65 miles in. Yes, 65 miles of downpours, mouths full of dirt, shoes filled with water, and bodies chilled to the bone. BUT, we made it, and there was food. Hallelujah. The second I clipped out of my bike, someone yelled PIZZA and I bolted for the tent, putting that hot cheese slice down so fast I hardly remember what it tasted like. I can’t say I’ve eaten pizza on a race course, but man was that the ticket. cold, hungry girl + hot, satisfying pizza=success. From then I went onto having an open-faced pb&j, banana, Oreo, Kit Kat bar, jelly beans, some grapes & strawberries and a bottle of water. You would have thought I hadn’t eaten in days. Sheesh. I was getting my monies worth. Cori and I saw another group of Terriers at that stop and decided to ride off with them. 25 more miles until the next stop. Let’s do this.

Round three. There were six of us trying to stick together by creating a pace line of twos. Cori and I trailed in the back and held it strong for 10 miles until we decided we should let them cycle on without us. Once again, we found ourselves with a strong group of riders and there’s no point in holding them back, so we didn’t. Entering South Hampton proved to be not as pleasant as expected as Dune Rd was a nightmare in terms of potholes. This is a ride known for it’s many flat tires along the way, and we didn’t want to be part of that statistic. We climbed one big bridge and on the other side saw some beautiful sights and passed through stunning neighborhoods with such peace and quiet in the air. We briefly stopped around mile 85 to snap pictures of the calming bay and then carried on as our rest stop was nearing closer between 90-95 miles in. Soon it came upon us and it felt like Christmas time. (Seriously, I think I heard bells.) I saw the water mill, repping the town of the same name - Watermill. I was ready for some pie. But there was no pie. I thought there was pie at every stop? Nope, just the last one. Hang in there, Britt. Ok, so no pie, but more pb&j, fruit, and a basket full of candy. Scarfed some of that down, filled up my water bottle, took a pic with the water mill, and we were ready (well, we had to be) for the next leg.

Round four. This one was exciting because within several miles out from our last stop, we would reach our 100th mile! Cori and I had each never completed a century ride before, and this was going to be a big deal for both of us. When we got to THAT spot, we pulled over and snapped some quick pics to mark and celebrate the occasion. The weather was finally nice, we were riding at a steady pace, and now we were getting closer to the finish. We were pretty happy and let that accomplishment sink in. But the ride was not over and we had a tad more to do. We soon got to the next rest stop (which would be our final) in Amagansett. And guess what I ate?! PIE!!!! I ran for the table looking everywhere for apple, but was left with only blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry. I was one bummed chick, but suddenly I turned to my right and there was a HUGE tub of Nutella that wasn’t opened yet. I basically dove into it. And then I smeared it onto a chocolate chip caramel cookie…because that’s just what you do. Or what I do :)

Round five never happened. And here is why. We had done the 108 miles already because of those many extra miles we did early on going in circles. Staffers at the stop told us it would be another 18 miles to the finish in Montauk and Cori was just not feeling that. For some reason, in our minds, we thought we had like 10 to go. 18 just didn’t appeal to us, and after all, we did the mileage we set out to do. So without much hesitation, we let them load our bikes into the truck on site and we hopped on the van that then took us to the finish at Montauk. No shame there.
Arriving at the finish was pretty fantastic. I had never been to Montauk and I was happy to finally get to experience it, even if just for a short while. Right away, our coach greeted us and brought us our things so we could clean up…in the HOT SHOWERS! Yes, my friends, the best part of this ride were the perks at the finish line. There were mobile hot showers so I got to clean off the cold, dirty muck on my body and put on my fresh gear. I almost never left that stall it was so refreshing. Then the teammates all gathered and shared a feast by the water with Blue Point beer which they were serving, along with Mister Softee(!). You bet your butt I had it all. The feeling of accomplishment - going from having done 60 miles to 108 - was well matched with sugar and alcohol. I’m not a drinker at all, but there’s something about a beer that perfectly fits a celebration. 

After a few shared stories and team pics, we got our bikes racked on the car once again and waved goodbye to Montauk to begin the warm car ride home. I would have never been able to sneak in a run or a swim but it was smart to have my gear just in case. It was also nice to feel the strength I had to actually do it if I had to. I was starting to feel closer to that Ironman than ever before.

We stopped for some BBQ on the way home, because why turn down more food, and by 11pm I was back in the big city and beat as can be. You can imagine when I hit my bed it was a real treat. 

Some takeaways from this ride:
-My saddle. It’s killing my nether regions. I know it’s because I wasn’t riding in aero, but man was it painful and the reason for me not being able to keep up a fast pace. I can't change my shorts so I need to change my a) saddle and/or b) my position.
-Aero bars. I should have gotten into them more. I did it for just a hot sec and had a million reasons why I did't do it more. I’m a baby.
-Money. When I feel I am being ripped off, I get very PO’ed. This ride was great but way too expensive. I would change a few things.
-Mileage. 100 miles was not physically hard for me and I think my training should get a round of applause for that. It’s nice to know hard work pays off.
-Mental toughness. I now know I can do 100+ miles so the Ironman bike course scares me a lot less. That's why these century rides pay off.
-Stick with friends. Don’t ever do these rides without someone your speed. The buddy system should always be in place. 
-Have fun. You don’t get many experiences (if any) like this. Enjoy every moment. 

Ride on. Ride long. Wear padding. 
-BForge

Feeding Forge: Work With What Ya Got

I food shop most weekends, but only leave with what I can hold alone, which is never too much. Because of this, I choose my items wisely by sticking to essentials that will provide the most nutrients in the quickest amount of time. This girl is always on the go, so fast is the name of the game. 

Of all the staples I shop for, a bulk of it falls under the fruit and veggie category. In my opinion, frozen is fantastic, so stock up on all your favs and pack that freezer with plenty of berryful goodness. My frozen veggies end up in smoothies, on toasts, in salads and in stir fry dishes. Frozen berries (all kinds) and fruit, find their way into my smoothies, cereals, oatmeals, and always are extra yum for healthy snackin'. (frozen grapes are my absolute fav!) In the fridge, most days, I have ezekiel bread, apples, pears, parmesan, greens, greek yogurt, hard boiled eggs, and milk. Everything that works for me!

Don't fret if your meals don't resemble your favorite foodie's shots on Instagram. Gram-able doesn't mean edible! Here's what I "whipped up" recently...

(Click on photos to see ingredients)

The Best Rest

Exhaustion.

Ever stop for a moment and ask yourself "when was the last time I had a sip of water?” “Why am I so hungry all the time?” “Why aren’t there enough hours in the day?” These and more are found in my bank of thoughts each and every day as I struggle to keep it together, personally, professionally, and certainly in my case, physically. Yes, I do too much, but don’t ever call it a crime.

RESTING. Obvi.

RESTING. Obvi.

I guess we all strive for different things in our lives. I’d like to believe I am always reaching for new heights and challenging myself in ways that at first seem unattainable but soon become accomplishments. What we sign up for, on and off the race course, proves what we believe we are capable of. But the process to get to that finish line can be tiring. And sometimes the question does arise - “is it worth it?”

Without hesitation, I always respond yes. I choose what’s hard over what’s easy, and I’ll be the first to admit it’s a struggle to keep that up. But my body is aging, though my mind is ready for more, and my years are moving past me but I’m still inching forward. At what point do I throw in the towel? At what point do I tone it down or quit these big feats altogether?

The carby goodness I consumed this morning after I didn't workout. Kasha GoLean + Ezekiel Almond cereal mixed, with blueberries, banana & cinnamon. 

Must I make that decision? I was hoping I could just figure it out as I go, but in this crazy world we now live in, so many of us are planning ahead - babies, moving, retirement, hip replacements, etc. Since getting married last year, I keep getting asked about children and when I’ll take the plunge into motherhood. The honest truth is that I am enjoying my current exhaustion. I want to keep up triathlon training while I (barely) have the time but certainly have the freedom and ability. It can’t be a crime to want something for yourself before you decide you want so much for someone else. Actually, this exhaustion and early morning routine is mighty good practice for parenthood.

To help with that exhaustion, I have certainly been sleeping as much as possible and getting to bed at fair hours. Today was a full rest day, because it was absolutely necessary that I take time off and sleep in. This past weekend I knocked off a long bike ride, 15-mile run and 2500yd swim, all after a tough week of increased training and bonding time with my new bike. We’re amping it up as my races are getting closer, and I’m sprinkling in a lot of new challenges. The exhaustion isn’t just physical, but mental. Learning new techniques on my tri bike has proved to be a bigger feat than I thought.

So tired doesn’t mean time to quit; it just means take a day off and take care of yourself. I have to allow myself time to grow, get better, and enjoy what’s ahead. There’s no rush to win a big prize; it’s honestly the journey through exhaustion and exhilaration that makes it all worth it. I may not have kids now but I will be sure that they too strive for success and reach for tough goals, because nothing comes easy.

When I’m thirsty, hungry, grumpy or in pain, it’s up to me and me alone to take the time to make myself better and provide myself with the essentials I need to survive and be a better person for myself and for others around me. If a job, sport, or person is bringing me down, I need to take a step back, even if just for a moment. As my coach said last night after I wanted more feedback on my swim technique, “Brittany, stop thinking about triathlon.” He’s right. So today I did just that. I slept, consumed carbs and gave in to inactivity. 

 

 

Next time work or sport has got you down, please REST. It’s not a crime. Actually, it's pretty fantastic.

-BForge

 

P.S. Some shots from this week's training...
 

Training Wheels Off

It’s as if I’m back to square one. Though I’ve been riding bikes for years, and clipped into my road bike for two years, now I’m experiencing that first time feeling all over again. Her name is Barb, and you learned a few posts ago that she is my brand new tri bike…my first ever tri bike, and as pretty as she is in a picture, she is pretty darn overwhelming when attached to my body. But no one said this was ever going to be easy. And if they did, I bet I wouldn't have listened anyhow. 

Last weekend’s race - the South Beach Triathlon - was a fun one. It was also the last time I would ride my road bike C.C. in a race. At least that’s the plan. I knew I was most comfortable with her so she’s the one I chose to take down to FL, and I repeated the ever-so-popular phrase “nothing new on race day” to my coach as he shook his head in disappointment. It was and will always be the right move. And though she was starting to weigh on me (literally, she is made of aluminum so she’s no lightweight) we had a good run…uh, ride! :)

Barb enjoying the sunrise over Central Park.

So this week when C.C returned from her road trip from South Beach, I took her home for good. She will no longer live at T2 where I ride indoors. It’s her time to rest. From here on out, I'll spend several days a week with my new tri bike on the road in the mornings and on my indoor trainer at home in the evenings. I’ve been riding her on the computrainer, adjusting to the shifting of the gears which you control at the tip of the aero bars, not the handlebars. And I’ve tried to adapt to the high seat, flat back and most of all, change in weight distribution. The seat tube angle is larger on a tri bike, so your legs are straighter over the pedals than with a road bike. This little change helps in making me a more aerodynamic cyclist but I can feel the difference in the muscles being used with that slight increase. But either way, I knew, this week it must begin…off the trainer and on the road again…

So this past Friday morning, at 5:30am, I picked up Barb the tri bike from T2 for the last time as well. I was taking her out to ride the roads, but made sure to let her know she’ll only be back to T2 for occassional indoor rides. So I got her off the ceiling, pumped her tires and headed out to meet the team for a Brick workout (bike+run). I was actually scared to clip in en route to Central Park (the whole 15 blocks) so I rode her on sneakers. (slowly but surely, ya’ll). When I got to our meeting spot, the team was already out riding. So I pulled over, put my cycling shoes on, and left my backpack with shoes alongside the watch dogs (teammates have to sign up every so often to watch everyone’s things while we ride). They watched me ride off for the first time clipped in and quite nervous. The trainer was behind me, and ahead was fear but mainly focus.

The moment I met aero.

I did one lower loop of Central Park to ease my mind, skipping hills as I adjusted to shifting new gears. It’s good I can grab my water bottle on my road bike, because it is essential to have solid handling skills and coordination if you want to ride a tri bike. So, after a couple lower loops, I upped it and conquered some of the bigger hills in the park. The new body positioning was felt as was the speed…I was kind of flying, and I kind of loved it. BUT, I was still not in my aero bars…because, UGH, that’s just too scary. I tried a few moves to get me closer, like going into aero on one side or removing my left hand to touch my arm pads (my left arm is my shakiest). I still was too scared to make the move, more so because my ego was too proud to allow a fall to take place, though we’ve all done it plenty of times before.

Eventually, I got back to the team meeting spot because we were nearing the time of our run. Coach was there on the Central Park Mall, which is a nice flat and long stretch. Because it was empty and I still hadn’t conquered my aero fears, he told me to set out on that stretch and do it. I kept saying “I can’t” but because he was watching I felt forced to try…so…I did…and….I DID IT! On the first try, I got down on those aero bars and I was cycling with a huge smile on my face. It was like going back in time to when my dad took my training wheels off when I didn’t want him to, and he pushed me, let me go, and off I went. Sometimes when someone’s watching you, waiting for you, and believing in you, you go for it and you get it. For me, I want to make someone in my life proud…outside of just myself. It was a good feeling. 

What I DO have control over: the run, my favorite. 12 miles with some of the Terriers on 4/26.

After a few miles of running with my teammates, I clipped back into my bike and rode home. Saturday morning, I got up at 6am and set out for a solo ride in Central Park once again, this time to up my speed and get more acquainted with Barb. I didn’t have a friend or coach beside me to yell at me to get into my aero bars, so I never quite did it that morning. I only had a few chances because for now I just want to do it on the straightaways. But I left myself down a bit that morning, and I know it was just nerves. Also, I was so cold with 30-degree temps that I also couldn’t feel my fingers. So I took Barb to T2 to finish our fun on a computrainer. 3 hours total of riding was still some great quality time together.

As for the newfound fears, they will continue, which I have to accept. I signed up to test myself and prove what I am capable of. I never wanted easy…I never liked easy. So someone made this hard for me, and I will suffer falls and setbacks and beating hearts because they will all lead to my will to succeed, to fight, to keep those eyes on the prize. I’ve got 7 weeks until my next Ironman 70.3 and 8 weeks after that is my 140.6. I WILL GET THIS. And I will one day laugh at this post, but mostly smile. 

We all start somewhere. What training wheels must you shed?

Aero or bust,
BForge

Race Recap: South Beach Triathlon

I’m back from the Sunshine State with the first race of the season in the books! 

This past Sunday, April 19th, I participated in the Lifetime South Beach Triathlon down in Miami Beach, FL, where I took on the International distance (Olympic distance) for the swim, bike, run sport. As the first team race of the year, it was exciting to do what we love with the people we love to do it with. I’ve heard it said - life is better when you TRI together. 

Let’s talk about it.

So Friday morning I headed down to Florida to spend the afternoon with my family before heading down to Miami to start the festivities. The convenience here is that I am from south Florida, so a race near my loved ones is a no brainer. Family and fitness….yes please!

Friday evening was the first Terrier Tri team meet-up of the weekend, so about 15 of us got together for a nice dinner together to share some laughs and pre-race tips and tricks. Because it wasn’t the night before the race, most of us splurged on fro-yo after our meal, because why the heck not! Frizz, friends and fro-yo is how you do South Beach. The heat was apparent and we were pumped regardless for what was ahead.

Saturday morning the Terriers met back up on the white sandy beaches off Ocean Drive to host an open water swim clinic to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Coaches and advanced swimmers led dozens of people through several out and back swims in the Atlantic Ocean to test their physical and mental strength before race day. Most of the team was on hand to help out and get in a dip themselves, as it proves to be beneficial to swim the swim before the swim, if you get my drift. (did you get that joke, there?! I crack myself up).

It was HOT. We were all sunburned within 30 minutes which we couldn’t take back. And the water proved to be extra warm, something that reminded us that Sunday’s race may not be wetsuit legal. (That’s when the water is declared warm to a point where race officials decide that competitors cannot swim in a wetsuit to avoid further over-heating complications). So I did a few hundreds yards in my shorts and sports bra to test my buoyancy, which proves ain’t so bad. I actually enjoying swimming free like that. 

Soon after the clinic, our coach gave us a chat about some race day procedures we should keep in mind. It was decided that we should in fact do at least a half hour or so of swimming in our wetsuits, in case the race was declared wetsuit legal. The annoyance of getting those things on is beyond words but swimming with it proves its worth…and it’s drowning-proof capabilities! I just love wearing it because every photo I take in a wetsuit makes me laugh uncontrollably. I started the hashtag #wetsuitphotoshoot a while back and it’s still my favorite feed of photos to look back at.

After all the swimming, we dried off and Coach Robert opened the Terrier Tri trailer and we unloaded all of our bikes that he had driven down. My poor roadie C.C. came out with a flat tire in the back wheel (probably my fault for not letting out enough air before loading her on). Changing a tire is basically one of my least favorite things to do, and doing it in 85 degrees is even worse. But we got it done, and soon after I picked up my race materials and brought my bike over to transition to check her in and leave her overnight in her designated spot. Right under a palm tree, C.C. looked like she was living’ the life in the tropics. I took precautions to keep my tires low on air so they wouldn’t overheat and burst like they did on the trailer. I said goodnight and let her know I’d be back in the morning for our big day.

I got back to my hotel room and rested for only a few hours until it was time for our team pre-race dinner. About 30 of us gathered for an Italian feast of pasta, bread and more bread. I stuck with a simple dish of penne pasta with red sauce and grilled chicken and drink my body weight in water. After the meal, I stopped by the drugstore to get a few necessities for race morning: flip flops, extra water, bananas and extra snacks plus, my teammates passed around the loaves of bread they purchased so we could all make our morning peanut butter banana sandwiches (personally, my pre-race staple). 

Back at my hotel room, I conducted my usual race prep plan. I spread out all of my gear on the bed to make sure I had everything I needed for the morning. Then, I placed all of the items in my race-day backpack and got to bed by 10pm. This was in fact the best sleep I have ever gotten before a race. There were no nerves for the most part, but that would soon change when I woke.
4:45am wake up. I hit snooze a couple times. 5:15, finally out of bed. I had to sit eat, drink, dress and put all of my race tattoos on. Before I knew it, I was rushing and leaving very little time for my transition set up. Luckily, I was staying across the street from transition, but STILL, I should have been more on my game in terms of time. 

This is where it got dark, and I’m not talking about the sky. I get to transition and before I lay down my items, I touch my tires….and the back tire is FLAT…AGAIN!! I had a mini panic attack, realizing that this same tire was just fixed the afternoon before. That means something sharp was inside my tire or I had very bad luck. The positive here is that my coach was nearby and I screamed to him at 6am to come help me fix the tire as I set up my transition. Once he fixed it and put it back on my frame, we discussed how it could possibly be flat when I returned from the swim, or worse, get flat again during my ride. Anyone who hates flat tires, knows the nerves that come into play here, and anger. THEN someone tells me this has been declared a no wetsuit swim, so leave the seal suit behind. Oy vey. THEN it dawns on me that I never ate my breakfast, and I was an hour away from race start (which for me is too late to eat my usual “meal”). Freaking out was my state of mind at the moment, thinking about all the typical things that could and probably would go wrong during my race, if it even made it to completion considering my overall tire could be shot. 

Two teammates - Jodi and Jen - walked with me to the swim start and having them to talk to kept me a bit calmer, but I still felt I was complaining like a toddler. I soon sucked it up and realized I needed to go with the flow. I’d make up for some nutrition immediately after the swim, and I’d deal with my tire after I got through that mile in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s probably more important I don’t drown then worrying about a flat tire. So at the race start, I somehow pulled myself together and when that official yelled GO, I charged into the ocean like I had business to do.

The race was broken into two distances - International and Classic. International, which is what most of us Terriers did, was the least popular of the two that day, I assume because it’s early in the season. The International distance, also referred to as the Olympic distance involved: .93-mile swim, 24.25-mile bike, 6.2-mile run. I felt confident that I could do well at all three considering my training has gone very well. But when push comes to shove, you just don’t know how your body will respond and how mother nature might have other plans for you. 

THE SWIM: It was my first race swim in an ocean, so I knew to expect a lot of choppy waters which would take patience and mental stability. I really did stay extremely calm which I pat myself on the back for. Swimming parallel to the shore, waves were crashing into me from the SE, so they were coming at me on my left and ahead, which left me to breathe strictly on my right side. I saw swimmers give up after 3 minutes because the water was too much for them. I can’t stress how important it is to swim in open waters before you sign up for a triathlon or swimming race. The pool will never replicate what it feels like out there. Anyway, I took it super easy and got into a groove until halfway through, the classic triathlon racers entered from my right and charged into all of us unexpectedly, which was extremely dangerous and left me to simply tred water to let most of them pass because they weren’t being very polite swimmers in understanding their surroundings. I hate disrespectful swimmers!! I picked up my pace that last 500 yards but still didn’t kill it. I should have, because I was very comfortable and knew I had it in me to push harder. I guess when something is new, you’d rather be safe than sorry. So I emerged after 33 minutes alive and well and ran my way through the sand to transition for round 2.

THE BIKE: I get to T1 (transition one) and my heart beats again. Will my tire be flat again? I touch it…and it’s FULL! Phew! Let’s get this show on the road. So I remove the cap & goggles and rinse off my feet before putting on my socks, cycle shoes, helmet, gloves and sunglasses. I take a deep breath and grab my bike off the rack to exit transition. On the road I’m easing into the ride. I’ve got a mile or so to get situated and get some liquids in my body that isn’t salty ocean water. The ride was not that flat considering we had two causeways to go over, four times at least. I was so afraid of a flat tire that I held back on going to tough out there to avoid riding rough over the many bumps and bruises that filled the roads. I also left behind my bike computer by accident so I was no aware of my speed and could only go by feel, which felt about a 70% effort. Which now I realize is pretty lame considering how we’ve been training. I ate one honey stinger waffle on that ride and drank one full bottle of water with Skratch mix. Nutritionally, I felt fine. Physically, my butt was killing me in the saddle for some reason. I was excited to get on the run and finish this race strong. Final bike time was about 1 hour and 24 minutes, putting me at about 17.25mph. That’s comparable to my NYC Tri speed and I know I’ve improved since then. Not going to lie, was a little bummed to see that. But I was happy about one thing - no flat!!

THE RUN: I enter T2 to re-rack my bike and remove my helmet and cycle shoes. I slip on my sneakers, grab my race belt and fuel and I’m off for the next round of crazy. Running is my most sustainable sport where I feel the most in control and the strongest. I may not be the fastest out there, but I know I can carry myself best on my two feet, even after many hours of activity. But today was a different day, because the sun finally peaked and it was 90 degrees and humid beyond belief. The entire 6.2 mile run was in that sun, with water only every mile and a half, which most people used to pour on their bodies instead of in their mouths. I found a way to do both. I was pretty strong on the first 3 miles and felt kind of awesome. Then when I made that turn to head back, I felt a tad dizzy. I was sure to chew my margarita Clif Blocks and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I did end up walking here and there those last 3 miles to enjoy some patches of shade. I even pulled out my iPhone to take some pics. But I was more excited about that finish line so I put one foot in front of another and pushed myself to the end. When I saw that finish line, I still had 1/4 mile to go and it was all on sand! Yes, sand! A bit rough on the legs but at that point family was cheering and the announcer's voice was getting closer. I sprinted the last 100 years and with a huge smile, because I was all like where is my pina colada!? My run time was 56:01, which equated to a 9:01 minute-mile. That's a weak run for me, one of my slowest, but it's apparent I was not pushing it and the heat was pretty strong. Oh well! It was still FUN!

I finished with a time of 3:01, putting me 10th in my age group (I entered a new one this year - eek!) I can’t really compare it to my other Olympic races (which have been at the NYC Tri) due to different variables like type of swim and differences in race course profiles. So it wasn’t a PR but it was a great race that I pulled a few new experiences out of. I’ve also learned that I am not a racer. And what I mean by that is that I think I lack that thing that would push me to race reckless or harder when I know I have it in me. I guess I’d rather feel pretty comfortable all race long and then finish happy and have no pain afterwards. We've all got our things. I guess I just avoid pain when others embrace it. 

Post race, the Terriers gathered for a team photo and celebrations to applaud our 7 teammates who got a spot on the podium within their respective age groups. Woo hoo! So proud to be among such amazing people and talented athletes. Later that day, after we gave our bikes back to the coach to drive back up to NY, I got that pina colada and enjoyed another Italian meal before hopping a plane to come home and go right back to work. 

It’s amazing what you can accomplish in a weekend! So happy to have another exciting (and educational) race under my belt. The next one: Ironman Syracuse 70.3 in June. I think I might need to find something else before then to keep me honest, and from getting bored!

Tri and tri again,
BForge
 

Taper Schmaper, South Beach Bound!

I should have listened. I should have lightened my stride. I should have slept more. I should have eaten healthier. But why would I do such things on this very week before my race? I mean, it’s only my first triathlon of the year…heck, it’s the first triathlon I’ve done since September. Eek! 

I don’t think it’s nerves: I actually believe it’s the opposite - I’ve gotten too comfortable. But OH NO we will not go there! Comfort does not propel one forward but sets one back. Nerves are the power I personally prefer to get my mind and body ready for race day. So I need to vow to myself to be more regimented and stick to a game plan even if going off the rails doesn’t feel so bad in the moment. Because come race day…all those bad decisions creep up on you. Go on with your bad self bad decisions!

I think all my mini fails this week were a domino effect. I ate way too much food and chocolate and that was a result of being too hungry which came from exercising a little too hard, which also took away from my beauty sleep. My work life hasn’t helped as it has been a super busy week for me and I have had to cancel every lunch and dinner appointment I had originally scheduled. This sport is surely not for the lazy, but it also isn’t the easiest sport to fit into a normal person’s schedule. 

In prepping for the South Beach Triathlon this Sunday, I still went to all training sessions - swims, rides and runs. I could have taken it easier but sometimes when we feel great we just go all out. That’s what I did, especially on the run and ride, because my calves are tight today. But I’m spending the night rolling, stretching and hydrating, as I’ll be cramped on a plane come morning and I want my Florida experience to start off on the right foot. Yes, work with me feet!!

My bike C.C. is already in the warm climate as I dropped it off with my coach earlier this week and he drove all the team wheels down. There are approximately 40 members of Terrier Tri participating in the race which is super exciting! I love the feeling of racing with friends; it makes the ride so enjoyable and now I have a group of people I can talk shop with. (Triathlon talk is boring for anyone outside of the sport I’ve noticed). Most of the Terriers did this race in years past so they have a lot of comments about the course and what to expect. I already know I may not wear a wetsuit due to high temps, part of the run could be on the sand, and the bike course has sharp turns. And sharks have been spotted!! OMG. But the number one thing I’m reminded of…it’s HOT. Like sticky, sweaty, mosquito-swattin’ HOT. Yuck. (haha, it’s either too cold or too hot; we’re never satisfied, are we!)

The weekend will be more than just the Sunday race - we’ve got a whole team schedule ahead of us! And since I’m from South FL, I’ll get to spend time with my family as well. Very excited about that. Here’s the plan:

Friday, April 17th
-South Beach arrival - check into team hotel 
-Dinner with mama Forge and some of the Terriers. Carbs, anyone?
-Possible night time workout, light with a focus on stretching

Saturday, April 18th
-10:00am: Meet the team at transition
-10:15am: Team swim in Atlantic Ocean
-11:30am: Race course talk at stage via Race Director
-12:15pm: Terrier transition walk through/ Team pre-race meeting
-1:00pm: Packet pick-up/ take bikes off Terrier trailer/ check bikes in
-2:00pm: Back to hotel to REST. FEET UP! No sun!
-6:00pm: Team dinner! Italian food, obviously.
-9:30pm: Predicted/hopeful BED TIME

Sunday, April 19th
-4:00am: RISE AND SHINE
-4:30am: Transition opens
-6:50am: Olympic race start
-7:24am: Predicted start (.93 mile swim, 24.25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run)
-11:15am: Bike to be dropped back off with trailer
-CELEBRATE

The main goal here is to ENJOY it and have FUN. Myself and my teammates have spent several training months indoors due to freezing NYC temps and now we have the ability to finally race and experience the great outdoors. I don’t expect to win an award, but I do expect to feel exceptional when I finish and feel that glory that I love so very much. I’m not a fan of heat and I don’t run well in it, but I am still so excited to do what I love to do. It makes me feel like superwoman. And isn’t that what it’s all about??!!

So I may have screwed up my taper week but there are worse things I could do. One thing I can promise you - I will finish this race…even if I’m crawling on the scolding pavement to that final mile marker. SOUTH BEACH, WHERE YOU AT??!! Wooohooo….

Race regards,
South Beachin’ BForge
 

Race Season Begins!

Just after the first outdoor cycle of the season!

Just after the first outdoor cycle of the season!

That’s right, folks. After all that swimming, biking and running action since January, I can finally put my skills to the test next Sunday when I take on the South Beach Triathlon in Miami! So far there are no pre-race jitters; as a matter of fact, I am so excited to get it started! I think winter has gotten the best of all of us, and it’s about time to feel the sun, surf and sweat that has not been in my sight for much too long now.

One week from tomorrow I head down to the Sunshine State, but until then, I have some work to do! You see, everything I do, eat and take on this upcoming week, I’ll take with me to that starting line. I must get myself in line and make sure I eat clean, sleep well and taper my workouts to give my body the adequate rest It’ll need before go time.

Happy BForge in a tank top...a tank top!!

Happy BForge in a tank top...a tank top!!

The past 10 or so days have been intense in terms of training. Even on my “rest day” I snuck in a 1500yd swim, because, well, why not! Outside of that I swam a ton, ran really fast, cycled hard to the point of a new injured back (eek), and even got outside to bike for the first time all year! Oh and if you saw my Instagram last weekend, I jumped for joy over the fact that I was finally in a tank top outside on my run. BIG DAY, people, BIG DAY. There are just those small victories that you must celebrate, and my arms were practically shooting out confetti from my armpits. 

HA. That would be awesome. 

Shoe selfie post sprints down the Central Park Mall.

Shoe selfie post sprints down the Central Park Mall.

So I don’t really have a meal plan down just yet for this next week, but my goal is to stock the fridge with clean eats and stick to the basics. I’m already a very healthy eater, thank goodness, but I still have my cravings that I usually fill, which includes dark chocolate. I think that will have to go this week…that and all other sugary snacks that sometimes find themselves in my office…hehe. I’ll also be leaving out the cheese, which isn’t a friend to most stomachs, and serves no purpose other than it being amazing...isn't it amazing? What I will eat: lots of greens, vegetables, fruits, lean meats, rice, grains, beans. I’ll only be consuming water and black coffee, which is nothing new to me. I don’t drink any sodas or juices and I’ve given up alcohol during training (though I don’t drink it much off season either). I will need at least 7 hours of sleep a night to feel fulfilled and I’ll have to ice and elevate as often as possible.

Sounds exciting, right? You know you want to join me! 

This weekend, I’ll have to shop for my necessities for race weekend. What I need: water bottles, inner tubes for my bike, race fuel (CLIF Blocks, Honey Stinger chews and waffles), drink mix (to make up for all that salt I’ll lose in the heat!), sunblock, and PAM (yes, the cooking spray - I use it to get my wetsuit on!) Between all that, we’ve got a big team long ride on Saturday and a team long run on Sunday. Time on the bike will be great to get my mind in the game! I am also very excited to see if all those intense computrainer rides all winter long have made me a speedy outdoor cyclist! I have a good feeling about it, or at least my quads do :)

*How’s your training going? Or your fitness plan in general? Do you have prep plans when you gear up for a race? I always love hearing people’s routines. Clearly, I have not gotten one down yet as it’s all over the place, so I need to solidify that. 
I love sharing ideas, so suggest away! Email me at FITwithForge@gmail.com or write to me via the contact page.

And for daily updates and a little fitspo, follow me on Instagram @forgefoto !

Getting excited,
BForge

Feeding Forge: B Lazy Protein Pops

I'm always looking for quick, easy ways to get my nutrients in. More importantly, I need to set myself up for success because I have no self control and I'm bound to come home from a workout and grab whatever is around...which can be very dangerous.

SO I pulled out a cool popsicle mold that I got for my bridal shower (thank Nikki!) and put it to work. Out came the Nutribullet and some of my favorite add-ins that include fruit, yogurt and protein, blended to perfection and poured into the mold for an overnight freeze. The next morning, I had 6 rounds of delicious protein ready for devouring!

Each pop: approx. 45 calories, 7g of protein, 3g of sugar

Here's the breakdown...



Boutiques on the Back Burner

Holdin it steady at Core Pilates NYC.

Before triathlons and even marathons entered my life, I was a fitness-class junkie. I spent many hours leaning on a barre, jumping on a box, and bootcampin’ my behind around New York City trying every fitness craze I could. That was a few years ago and man has the scene exploded and expanded so quickly. I remember spinning at SoulCycle in a tiny back room studio with only a few other riders. Now, people anxiously wait at their computers when bikes open up on Monday afternoons. 

TRX got us like whoa.

I haven’t really stepped foot in many studios since I started my triathlon journey, and that’s because a) there’s no time, and b) I can’t afford to hurt myself or set myself back with sore muscles. It’s a stinker because sometimes I do want to try what my friends are all raving about; I feel like I have so much to catch up on! It’s the excitement of it all that gets me. Everyday, I could be changing it up and Crossfitting here and Barry’s Bootcamping it there, but I’m living that swim, bike, run life now….and I am actually very happy about that.

Well, I bring this all up because I did just the opposite of what I am supposed to do right now. No, I didn’t just take one class outside of training, I took THREE…IN A ROW! This is also known as a fitness crawl. The sound of it actually excites me greatly, but the affects it had on my body…well, let’s just say, OY VEY. 

Last weekend, I actually skipped a computrainer class on a Saturday to do said fitness crawl with two of my girlfriends, Amanda and Emily. The company that puts them together is Ketanga Fitness, a fairly new venture founded by two fitness and travel-lovin’ gals that wanted to combine the two through fit-cations around the world. We got to be part of the first-ever “Ketanga Krawl,” which was designed to allow a few dozen or so women (and men!) to studio hop in a specific city that’s crawling with fit trends. Each class lasts about 30 minutes and it ends with some refreshments and goodies. Plus, you get to hang with like-minded, fit fam members and you’re not the only one taking fit pics left and right. My people! hehe.

GO TEAM at Tone House.

GO TEAM at Tone House.

Last Saturday’s adventure was in NYC’s Union Square area and we kicked things off with Core Pilates NYC. I had completed one of my two computrainer classes (I tried to squeeze that in because I wanted to ride on my new tri bike) and then actually showered quickly (stinky B!) before heading to Pilates. It was the kind of class I needed - mixing up some stretching and core work and allowing me to enjoy some quiet mat time. Those little movements sure do have a way of sculpting the bod though - whoa! Pilates isn’t my favorite type of exercise, but I greatly appreciate its focus on achieving a strong, lean physique.

Squattin'

After class, we all put our shoes and jackets back on and walked on over to studio #2 - Tone House NYC, an athletic-based group fitness class that seeks to “unleash your inner athlete.” TOTALLY my speed. I walked in ready for some action! We did a lot of drill work, focused on agility, strength and speed. From bungee cords to TRX to plyometrics, we were sweating our faces off and digging deep to find whatever it is we had inside to give. I found that I had to modify a lot due to my right arm tendonitis, because we spend a lot of time on our hands. I am not surprised that this place is packed on a regular basis. And they just celebrated their 1-year anniversary. Major congrats to them - I think it’s one of my favorite studios in Manhattan. If I had the time, strength, and/or funds, I’d be there a lot more often. I love any place that’s all about teamwork and making people feel good about themselves. Positive re-inforcement wins every time!

Emily, Amanda and I...the winning squad!

After Tone House, I felt I had lost 2lbs in sweat and I couldn’t imagine how I’d do at studio #3. Of all studios to end with, we ended with the hardest in my opinion- Crossfit Union Square. I have done Crossfit once before…just once…and I walked away very hurt from doing burpees, pushups, sit ups and squats - AMRAP style for 10 minutes (as many reps as possible). My legs were fine, but I couldn’t touch my hands to my head or even move them the slightest for almost 10 painfully excruciating days. I almost saw a doc, but could’t even raise my hand to hail a cab. HA! Anyway, here I am 1.5 years later and I’m giving it a go again. I admire these guys and gals that do it; I actually love watching the Crossfit Games. I just personally don't think it's the right fit for me on a regular basis. Anyway, we did plenty of squats with resistance bands and then broke into teams of three to partake in a little competition. Uh-oh. I am slightly competitive so whatever it is they were about to tell me to do, I would do at my absolute best, even if it hurt. (Now you see why I get hurt). The teams rowed on rowers, held kettlebells and did burpee box jumps non-stop for 10-minutes. Here we go again, I thought. But I burpee box-jumped my way through hell, and when the buzzer sounded, our team had done the most - 118 burpee box jumps! WHOA MAMA!  Accomplishment set in…and then…so did stiffness. I felt the sore arms coming on but I ignored them as I slurped the yummy smoothies we were given and wiped my sweat off the floor. 

I remember thinking…my coach is going to kill me. 

The Kenanga Krawl crew with the Crossfit Union Square staff...

Sure enough, even though I took extra measures to stretch, roll, refuel, medicate, ice, etc etc, I woke up Sunday morning with arms that wouldn’t move. AND I had to meet my teammates for a 9-mile run in the park. Of course I showed up and I sucked it up but I certainly didn’t make it to swim practice Sunday night. One workout down. And now its been just about 5 days and I still need assistance putting on my jacket. Such a bummer. BUT it’s my own fault for pushing myself too hard. I knew I needed to be careful but I would rather be competitive and that just needs to settle a bit.

Anyway, a big shout out to Ketanga Fitness for an awesome Ketanga Fitness Krawl. For $30, I got to experience three great fit facilities, when one alone can cost about that price. For any of you looking for this experience, check them out! The next NYC Ketanga Krawl will take place on April 18th in the Chelsea area. Studios involved: Flex, Body Space Fitness, and the 3rd is TBA! More info HERE!

I’ll still try and sneak in some boutique love where I can, but I gotta keep it light and remember that my goals are specific so I must not fall off track. A little lifting never hurt anybody, but being one-third of 118 burpees may be a little CRAY for this little lady.

What new studios have you visited lately? I’d love to hear from you, and vicariously live through your adventures!

Learning the hard way,
-BForge

 

P.S. - Tomorrow we're cycling outside as a team for the first time in 2015! Mother nature, you better keep us in your warm thoughts! I'm almost two weeks away from my first triathlon of the season (South Beach Tri) and this outside ride time is just what we need before the big day is finally here.

WOOHOO! 


 

Baby's First Tri Bike

Big week, guys. This little girl got her first big girl TRI BIKE! After two wonderful years of riding my trustworthy Specialized road bike (which I plan to keep for cruising), I made the decision (with the help of my coach) to take my training to the necessary next level. It’s not even like I had a choice. I mean, doing an Ironman on an aluminum road bike with no aero bars put me in the beginner/crazy girl category. Crazy because if I want to do this race and be fast yet comfortable, I have to reassess and reposition my situation.

This wasn’t a thought out plan. I actually just assumed I’d snap some aero bars onto my road bike (and barely use them because I’m scared to) and get a few more water bottle cages for that long ride. No one seemed to be like “hey girl, you’re not riding that, are you?” so I figured I’m good. Ehhhh. Wrong. On Tuesday night, that all changed.

Just after the big purchase.

Just after the big purchase.

The wonderful folks at Toga Bike Shop on the upper west side of Manhattan teamed up with T2 Multisport NYC (my cycling homebase) for a shopping night exclusively for T2 clients (which includes the Terrier Tri team) and offer us up to 20% on bikes, gear and such. No brainer. I knew I needed some new inner tubes for my wheels and maybe some cycling tops, but I didn’t walk in there thinking I was going to walk out with a bike. But when I walked in, my eyes went right to the racks. The lovely Rachel, who works for Specialized, was kind enough to show me some great bikes for women, some that were road and some that were tri. All were made of carbon fiber. Let’s get one thing straight - aluminum needs to go if I want to change the name of the game.
After seeing such wonderful choices, my coach caught me eyeing one road bike in particular, and he goes “NO, I want you on a tri bike. Absolutely.” At first I assume he was joking so I laughed, but then recognized his face and it was clear he was not playin' games. I kept stating how unprepared I was and that this may be my only Ironman. (But honestly, I’ve been saying “this is my last” for years). “You’re ready,” he said. And I wouldn’t believe it from anyone else. So with a heart beating at a new pace, I said OK, LET'S FREAKIN' DO THIS.

Next, I was properly fitted by one of the Toga specialists. I’ll never forget his reaction after he measured my leg length…. "WHOAAA,” he said. It turns out that it isn’t my height but my tiny leg span that knocked me out of fitting for almost every bike. No tri bike seemed to be small enough for me. ::Cue the violins::

Then I hear an AH-HA. There is ONE small frame to fit mini me! It’s a Quintana Roo Dulce - the only in the line that comes in an extra small size. Right away, I loved the colors - black and pink with a hint of gray. I thought, if Barbie had a tri bike, this would be it. So I just bit the bullet and handed over my credit card. It was time to take this journey to the next level. Eek!

I woke up Friday morning and put on my Ironman pink tank top in anticipation of picking up my bike later that day. (Matching is everything!) When I got to Toga, bike specialist Will unveiled my new ride and set it up on a trainer to start making some adjustments based on a few tests we conducted. We made sure my arms fit comfortably in the rests in aero bars and that my knees had an ever so slight bend to them as I picked up my cadence. Being in the aero position on the trainer felt fine, but I knew then and there that I would have a lot of work to do to get myself ready to ride on those mean streets of NYC. 

My husband's unused bike needs to step aside and make some space for Barb!

My husband's unused bike needs to step aside and make some space for Barb!

My husband accompanied me as we walked the bike to our apt 15-minutes away. When we got home, it hit me. There are now more bikes than humans in our home (3). That is not a predicament I ever thought I’d be in. It was also then that I realized I had a name for said bike. I am calling her Barb, named after my late grandma Barbara who loved pink and was one heck of a sassy woman. And what’s super fitting is that my road bike is named C.C. (stands for Cavalier’s Choice) after my grandfather’s winning horse. So my granny & gramps are back together and it’s making me ever-so happy. 

The next morning I knew I had to ride this sucker to T2 for our Saturday morning computrainer ride. Might as well get started on this thing ASAP. I rode there in sneakers in case I wanted to jump off and kept my hands on the regular handlebars. I shifted into aero position for a I think 2-seconds and I think my heart stopped. SO SCARY. I can’t imagine holding that for 7 hours during an Ironman. Another Eek there.

Sitting on the computrainer..in aero...ahhh

Sitting on the computrainer..in aero...ahhh

On the computrainer, there was another scary realization. It dawned on me that because my bike positioning has shifted, so has my strength. I was pedaling hard but it looked like my power was much lower than usual. My body weight is being distributed differently on the tri bike, therefore I have to somewhat re-learn to cycle. My thighs are essentially hitting my core with every stride, placing me in what feels like a pike position, so my breathing was heavier and my quads were doing a lot more work than usual. I left class feeling quite bummed. I know these are all learning curves but I have very little patience. I guess I’ll need to change that!

**If you’re considering purchasing a bike, keep in mind what you’re going to be using the bike for. My road bike was fine for long rides with friends, sprint and olympic distantance triathlons, even not horrible for my Ironman 70.3 which happened to have a relatively flat bike course. And for crusing, a road bike is essential. But if you’re considering doing a 70.3 or most importantly a 140.6 full Ironman, understand that a tri bike is designed to make you a more streamlined athlete, keeping you from catching the wind with a more aerodynamic position. Plus, it’s generally a smaller, lighter bike, which will get you through the course at top speeds. Lastly, it’s designed with the triathlete in mind, helping you ride in a position that will save energy for the run. It’s science…and it’s scary, if you ask me.
But, hey, I have a new bike! And that is pretty darn exciting. 

Thanks for reading about my ups and downs with this new adventure. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on how it goes from here on out!

Ride on, and hold tight, 
-BForge

Recent workouts:
Tuesday, 3/24 - team RUN - speedwork / 1500yd SWIM
Wednesday, 3/25 - 75 computrainer RIDE
Thursday, 3/26 - team SWIM - 3500m / 60min RIDE indoors
Friday, 3/27 - REST (skipped my run due to fatigue)
Saturday, 3/28 - 60min computrainer RIDE / Fitness crawl (Pilates, Tone House, Crossfit)
Sunday, 3/29 - 9mile RUN

Feeding Forge: The Crunchy Radish's Powerhouse Oats

I love me a nutritious post-workout refueler, especially when it's easy to prepare. Well, I've got a big treat for you! My friend Miranda, aka The Crunchy Radish, has developed an unbelievable recipe just for you overnight oats lovers. Miranda, a registered dietician in NYC, creates healthy, green-tastic, flavor-packed foods and I am *obsessed* with everything she makes. Her site CrunchyRadish.com and her instagram @TheCrunchyRadish, show off her incredible skills and attention to detail, always using local and REAL foods. No fakin' it here, folks. 

Check out her delicious post & recipe below! Thanks Miranda for looking out for our bods :)

-BForge

Adequately fueling your body post-workout is essential to replenish used glycogen (stored carbohydrates used for energy) and to restore strained muscles. Carbohydrates, which get absorbed by the muscles first, and protein, which prevents muscle breakdown, are the ideal post-workout nutrient combo. Opting for real, clean sources of protein and carbohydrates is also important to keep in mind as opposed to immediately jumping to processed protein powders or 20-ingredient energy bars.

If you like working out in the morning, it may not always be feasible to go home and prepare a warm and balanced breakfast. Overnight oats serve as the perfect option for those looking to properly refuel their body after a rigorous workout and have a grab and go breakfast that can be prepared the night before. These overnight oats are also vegan and gluten-free - catering to all types of dietary restrictions.

Where is the protein you ask? Nut milk is an excellent non-dairy protein option. Hemp milk is my personal favorite and has 10 grams of protein in every 3 tablespoons. Try and make your own or avoid purchasing nut milks with emulsifiers, additives, and sweeteners.  Pepitas aka pumpkin seeds are also a plant-based source of protein. Additionally, these powerful seeds are packed with zinc, beneficial for immunity and proper metabolic function. Other sources of protein in these overnight oats are found in chia seeds and ground flax seeds, which also give your ticker a hearty dose of Omega-3s. Energy suppling carbohydrates are found in the fiber-rich oats and in the super fruit banana. Added bonus, bananas contain rich amounts of potassium, which help replenish lost electrolytes following a sweat sesh. 

Powerhouse Overnight Oats

  • 1 small ripe banana
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 3/4 cups nut milk, rice milk, 2% milk, or water
  • 1/2 tsp ground vanilla bean powder or alcohol-free vanilla extract 
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp ground flax seeds
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup 
  • 1/2 tbsp raw pepitas + additional for garnish
  • 1/4 cup raspberries or blueberries 

In a bowl or sealable container, mash the banana with the back of a fork. Mix in the oats, milk or water, vanilla, cinnamon, chia, flax, maple syrup, and pepitas. Stir the mixture vigorously for about a minute until well combined. Cover and leave in the refrigerator over night. In the morning the mixture should be firm but slightly giggly from the gelatinized chia seeds. Top with fresh fruit and additional nuts or seeds, if you wish. 

Sleep or Slip

Napping on my Ironman fleece. Perfectly symbolic. 

We are machines. Ok, technically, we’re humans, but we operate on schedules and lead best when there’s direction. We go into off mode when the lights go out and awake ready to start our daily cycle over again. And I think we can all agree that when there’s a break in that cycle, one could, and very well will, go crazy. 

But what do I know? You may be someone that can operate on only a few hours of sleep because those college years of pulling all-nighters and late night partying has built a foundation that allows you to properly function at a bare minimum. I am not one of those people. As a matter of fact, 8 hours of sleep still isn’t enough for me these days. It’s a sad reality, but one I’m working on.

So I had to go ahead and sign up for this Ironman thing. Ha. Any and all thoughts about getting plenty of sleep pretty much went out the door when I signed my life away and bought that race entry. I’m learning why this training isn’t right for most people; because most people want a life. Mine is certainly still present, but I’m usually too tired to enjoy every single moment of it; I usually just want to go home and go to sleep. Actually, every time I say it, it sounds delightful.

Post 5K sneaker shot with my teammates! 6am runs are much easier with friends.

What I’m learning is that this is OK. I did commit to something very big and it weighs terribly on my body quite often, therefore I need to take into consideration that with the time made for work comes the time made for sleep. In my current cycle of life, I wake up, train, work, go to bed. My social life has taken a back seat though I still try and be a great friend in all the ways I can. The selfishness here is that I need my sleep. Can you blame me? I’m investing a lot into my training and my early mornings are seven days a week. Friday and Saturday late nights are not feasible when you have 6:30am workouts on weekends. The understanding needs to be there between all parties that it’s not personal, it’s really just business. Like any job you want to do your best at, I’m working on a project that could shift at any moment if I dare to put myself last and let my health slide.

Taking care of the limbs! Stretching post 2.5hr computrainer ride at T2 Multisport NYC.

These past few weeks have been very busy for me with work, which turns out to be a very full-time job. (I’m learning that a lot of Ironman athletes work from home or have more part-time gigs due to the overall workload of training and career). I’ve been very burnt out lately, not recognizing myself in the mirror due to stress. A big culprit of all this is working late nights and not getting enough sleep. Meanwhile, I’m still pulling PRs in all of my workouts, which is insane considering these factors. (I know it doesn’t always work that way).

This past Tuesday, St. Patricks Day, I must have been extra lucky when I woke up at 5:15am for our 6am team run in Central Park. We had our 5k run test, the second of the season, and I knocked 45 seconds off my time! I got my pace down to 7:56/mile. My fastest is 7:39 which I pulled off three years ago when I was solely a runner and my knees were a little kinder to me. Anyway, it’s great news and pumped me up. It brought me back to the reality that I am improving and my training is headed in the right direction - something I definitely need to hear on my road to Ironman. I’m putting in the work, eating healthy, ditching the alcohol and getting my Zzz’s as much as possible. No day is perfect, but when I find the time, my head hits the pillow.

Stress is weighing people down, even killing some, and it’s a scary thing. We live in such a fast-paced time, and so much is expected from most of us, leaving many with strong migraines, tight chests and long term side effects. Whether you’re training for a race or trying to improve your overall health, sleeping really is such a HUGE piece of your wellbeing puzzle. Are you building a life around your bedtime? If not, think about doing so. Sprinkle in the things you love and move your late nights to the weekends, or pre-plan or cook your dinners ahead of schedule so you come home with less to worry about and more time to unwind. I’m no doctor so I can’t be offering medical advice, so let me put it this way - Don’t you like yourself better when you’ve gotten your beauty sleep? You know that’s a big fat YES. Now go take a nap!! I think I’ll do the same…

Don’t wake me up,
-BForge

Current workouts:
Tuesday, 3/17: 5k RUN test / 2100m SWIM
Wednesday, 3/18: 75min computrainer RIDE
Thursday, 3/19: 30min STRENGTH training / 4150m SWIM
Friday, 3/20: 6mile RUN, Fartlek/speedwork
Saturday, 3/21: 2.5hr computrainer RIDE / 2mile RUN
Sunday, 3/22: skip 10mile RUN and SLEEP / 3000yd SWIM with team
 

Sweatin' LA pt.II

I was sad to see my LA trip come to a close, but I was super fortunate for the time and miles I shared with the abundance of sunshine. It’s no joke; we really do get burnt out when we’re in one place for too long. My NYC winter experience, even after ten years, has proved to have finally gotten the best of me. I was delighted to have eleven (more like ten) days to treat myself to some exploration and humidification, ha.

My last post broke down the first several days of my productive trip, from working hard everyday (since it was a work trip after all!) to rising early to log some miles, grind some gears and swim some strokes. I’m happy to report that I kept up the momentum and found some new ways to challenge myself though time was more limited. Here is the breakdown…

Wed, 3/11
So I got up with the intention of swimming 3500yds, got to the pool, got in, and then a family arrived and invaded my space (not like I own it or anything, but it was going to be tricky to work around them for 1.5 hours). So within minutes, I hopped out and hung my suit to dry. BUT I do not give up! Believe it or not, when my work event was over at 9:30pm, I suited up again and knocked out about 3000yds before the pool closed. My co-workers thought I was insane, and the passersby were all amused, randomly clapping for me at odd moments. (I think they drank a few.) But I had the most peaceful experience in this midnight sky, in a bright blue pool, all by my lonesome. I was pretty proud of myself for getting in a workout so late in the evening.  AND I slept like a baby. Bonus.

Thursday, 3/12
Woke up with the hopes that I’d sneak in some gym time but that was unlikely given my late night rendezvous with the big blue body of water. But, even better, my friend Kelly picked me up at 8am and we got our coffee and made our way back over to Runyon Canyon. We walked quite a bit, getting breathy as we exchanged stories of life and took landscape shots. I knew this wouldn’t be enough of a workout to match my training plan, but I treated it like an active recovery day. Though that sounds like an oxymoron, these days are super important. They’re the days I don’t push myself too hard but I’m still working up a mini sweat, eating very healthy and getting plenty of sleep. 

Friday, 3/13
Friday the thirteenth has nothing on me. I don’t even think it crossed my mind initially. I didn’t have much time this morning as I had a lot of work to do, so I tapped into my speedy side and headed to the hotel gym for a fartlek workout. I stretched, rolled, then got on the treadmill and got down to business. I completed three continuous rounds of a: 30-sec jog, 20-sec run, 10-sec all out, followed by several minutes of running, then kicked off the whole cycle again…4 times. It was a tough workout, especially on a treadmill but I knew time was limited and any type of speed work was crucial at this point in my training to keep me from plateau’ing. 

Saturday, 3/14
I had an itch to go back to Runyon Canyon, this time to actually RUN it. And so I did. This was by far the hardest workout of my trip. I was running in what felt like a vertical direction, at times unsure if I’d slide backwards. But among the walkers, I ran and ran, even if at a snail’s pace. I followed the general path most take but got adventurous with a few gnarly trails that were less frequented, curious of where they’d lead. Some parts were run-able, others skip-able and some I was literally climbing up with my hands and feet. Before I knew it, I was at the very top of the Canyon, staring down at Los Angeles and honestly scared of how the hell I would get down in sneakers, when I should have been in hiking shoes. And I won’t lie, I was sliding like a snake, really holding on for my dear life on some downhills, afraid that I would never make it down because I was so stubborn to keep going up. But my exploration was SO worth it, and it was quiet and the air so fresh. When I got off that Canyon, I ran back to the hotel and I was beat. It may not have been my typical swim, bike, run session but it used a lot of those muscle groups and triggered the trekkie in me that I totally could get used to. (I so want to start rock climbing all the time now!) Oh and then I had an awesome brunch with my bestie Erin. They served lucky charms and fruit loops as a starter!

Sunday, 3/15
Though I wanted to explore the Santa Monica Pier, I knew today wasn’t the day. It was the LA Marathon! I ALMOST signed up for the half marathon but when I heard it would be in the 90s I was like JK. So to keep ourselves out of that road mess, my husband and I went back to the hotel gym and I knocked out a solid 2-hour BRick session. I hopped on a bike with a virtual coach and worldly views, grinding some serious gears to get me through the Irish countryside. I kept it challenging for a full 90-minutes, working between 80-100% effort for most of the ride, and then hopped on the treadmill and knocked off 3.5 miles, running at about a 9min/mile pace. I felt really strong and ready to spend the rest of the morning/early afternoon by the pool for some R&R before our final two events.

Monday, we had to leave at 4:30am for a 6:50am flight. After a long night of wrapping our successful event, having a glass of wine to cheers to the close, and packing my suitcase after living in a hotel for ten days, I only got three hours of sleep. At the airport, I cried inside a little, knowing that I really did have to say adios to this city I surely made the most of my time in. And my original goal of not trippin’ up during my time away, was fulfilled because my action plan was not just in place on paper, but it was mentally with me all along. If you’re stuck in a frozen tundra, out in the wilderness or within a big city, there is always something you can do to keep yourself and your training in check. Ask me for ideas, or take me with you :)

As happy as I am to be back in NYC (in warmer 40-degree temps!) I’m still contemplating how I can live a bicoastal life. The explorer in me is definitely itching for something new. Cali, thanks for the fresh air. See you soon? 

-BForge

This week's workouts:

Tuesday, 3/17 - 5K RUN test / 2400yd SWIM

Wednesday, 3/18 - 75-min computrainer RIDE

Thursday, 3/19 - 3500m SWIM with 500m swim test / 45min RUN
 

Sweatin' LA, pt.I

So I’m here in LA…LOVING it. Mainly because it has rescued my body from completely freezing over. Having a change of scenery has proved to be exactly what I needed, not just physically, but mentally. It’s nice to change things up once in a while and see life from a different angle. Plus, my workouts have been super interesting! So far I've been able to swim, bike and run here in town, finding new venues to sweat in and new streets to run on. Though this is a work trip, I am so proud of myself for being able to fit all of these sessions into my schedule. It’s not easy when all you want to do is sleep in!

So here’s what I’ve accomplished thus far:

Friday, 3/6:
Travel day! 6am flight means no time for an AM workout, so I focused on my nutrition all day. For the flight, I brought along my travel staples: LOTS of water, coffee, apples, pears, and bars galore! (packed like 10 for the trip - Chia bars, KIND, Quest and Naked Granola.) 
Friday night - I took my first pic on the Oscars stage at the Dolby Theatre. Our event followed with the cast and creators of Homeland, one of my fav shows. And then I slept, like a baby.

Saturday, 3/7:
6am wakeup call after a long night of working an event, but I rose with reason. I mapped out a route in LA that would take me through Hollywood and to a public park a few miles away where I could run in circles (like good ‘ol Central Park!) I experienced warmth on my skin and put my feet on green grass for the first time in a long time. It was fantastic! So in total - run to park, run around park, and run back from park = approx. 8 miles. Then I ordered room service- egg white omelette with greens and coffee(!), obviously. Jet lag still had me at hello, LA.
Saturday afternoon and evening brought us two events - with talent from Comedy Central shows as well as the cast and crew of The Good Wife. 
It was a long day, so naturally, I totally ate an enormous peanut butter/hot fudge sundae at Ghiradelli just before going to bed. Never for a second did I feel guilty. It was DELISH!

Sunday, 3/8:
Another 6am wakeup call. But I couldn’t get out of bed until closer to 7 because I was SUPER exhausted. Made it to the hotel pool which is outside and heated AND I was SO excited when I realized I had it all to myself! WIN! So I put on my alien cap and goggles and swam a steady 2500yds until kids started to invade the pool with splashing and hoopla. I love that word- hoopla. Ha. The sun was shining and I decided to feel it for a bit so I took a lounge chair and soaked in the rays for a hot sec before heading inside.
Sunday afternoon and evening we had two shows - Girls and Scandal. THAT was an awesome day. I even got a selfie with Kerry Washington and Katie Lowes. Super fun.

Monday, 3/9:
A no event day, but nonetheless, still a workday. So I rose early to get in a hike with my stepbro Tony who lives out in Studio City. He took me just around the corner to Runyon Canyon and we had a great time surrounded by beautiful views. A bit breathy I was on those climbs, but all I could think about was going back for a run. There were a bunch of runners and I felt a little FOMO coming on! hehe. So that’s on my agenda for the future. Later on, just before dinner, I headed to the gym to do some cycling. I found this bike that had a screen where I could be coached through a one-hour ride through the world. It was totally awesome!! I rode crazy hills through the countrysides of France, Italy, Austria and the U.S. I need one of those guides in my home for my trainer rides! After I hopped off, I did a bit of cross-training consisting of weighted squats, thrusts, bicep & tricep exercises and plenty of core floor work (sit-ups, planks, push-ups). Then I had dinner with my best friend Erin who happens to live out in LA and I think I laughed off another 100 calories with her!

Tuesday, 3/10:
A great workout day! I knew I needed to get a BRick workout in there (bike+run) so I amped it up a bit by doing a run + bike + run. How? Well, I researched and found there was a Flywheel about 3 miles away, so I booked a bike the night before and mapped out my route. I left around 7:15am and ran 4 miles (I took a longer route) to Flywheel West Hollywood and hopped on a bike for a killer 45min ride with Kristie Latray. (If you’re looking for a killer cycling class, Flywheel is where it’s at. The time spent in the saddle, focused on power, torq and RPM is crucial in building a solid body and learning your abilities. If I had the time and if I didn’t have to ride real bikes during training, I’d be there most days.) So after my class, I ran another 4 miles back to my hotel (I was actually pretty spent) and then fed my body some nutritious-packed eats and probably consumed 4 cups of coffee. Yikes.

So what’s in store for Wednesday-Tuesday? Um, a lot. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I think I’m getting back in the pool and going to shoot for at lest 3500yds and then Thursday I am going back to Runyon Canyon for another hike with a friend. (I still gotta get there for a run!) If I can, I’d love to get myself to Santa Monica and run near the water. 

So all in all, a pretty successful work trip so far, eh? I made a pact with myself that traveling would not take me away from my training and I’m happy to report I’m making a solid effort to stay on track. I can’t say it’s easy, because it’s not, but if you find yourself on a vacay soon, plan a plan! Having ideas already jotted down and a good understanding of your area, will surely help you feel prepared. 

Remember what I said before - the concierge is key! Use that hotel resource to your advantage. Otherwise, there’s always the internet. No excuses, friends!

Keep sweating, wherever you are!
-BForge

7 Tips for Tackling Winter Workouts

Are you a winter workout warrior? Do you have a concrete plan in place to get yourself to that AM or PM sweat sesh? I know your warm bed is so much more comfortable, and every excuse for going outside in the bone-chilling cold replays in your head. You could get sick, you can use a day off, this bed is so much safer. Wah, wah. Step aside, excuses. We’ve got work to do! I’ve got several reasons why you should embrace the brisk beauty and take charge of your winter fitness. **At least promise me you'll try before spring arrives!

Get Yourself In Gear: 

It’s easy to get outside if you’ve got the right gear. Stock up on these essentials and have plenty of layers in tow. Some favorites in my winter-weather running collection:

Fleece-lined leggings
Short sleeves
Long sleeves
Jacket with hood
Windbreaker
Fleece headband
Neck warmer
Gloves
Sunglasses 
Warm/above ankle socks
Arm warmers
Reflectors/illuminators
Water bottle/fuel belt
Heated hand warmers (optional)

Swag It Up: 

If colors and cool patterns make you as happy as they make me, then splurge on some sweet swag. So many great brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and more have an incredible selection of funky designs that make you look and feel great. If you’re going to #treatyourself, then it doesn’t hurt to do it with items that contribute to your health! I always believe that exercise is worth the money it costs to outfit yourself. Think of what you are potentially saving by keeping yourself out of the doctor’s office.

Lay It Out: 

Ok, so you’ve got the gear, but is it in order? To save yourself some time in the morning, pile up your duds the night before. Having your go-bag packed and outfit stacked up and ready-to-wear, leaves you with less stress in the AM and several extra minutes of shut-eye! You can’t argue that. So after the sunset, be sure to set yourself up for the sunrise. Sleep tight, you've got a big day ahead.

Embrace the Shiver: 

Some studies demonstrate that our basal metabolic rate (amount of energy expended while at rest in a neutrally temperate environment) increases a bit when we are in cooler temps. Next time you catch yourself shivering at the start of a run, take note of the work your body is doing to keep you warm. If you feel your body warming up too much, that’s the beauty of layers - remove one! Your heart rate will rise and your muscles will work overtime to keep you in a more comfortable state. Eventually you will warm up enough and the shivering will fade- it is a fun little fact knowing that most of our outdoor experience is a calorie-torcher.

Phone a Friend: 

The buddy system is a tried and true way to get yourself out of bed. You can’t leave your partners waiting in the cold by themselves! Running with a friend or a team gives you the push that you need to get up and out. Plus, it makes fitness fun! Start an email chain with your fit friends and set up meet-ups for the week or even month. By having plans in place and people on your side, you are bound to have a successful season full of workouts. This is also a great way to challenge yourself because many groups and individuals may be able to push your pace and encourage you to take that extra step that you would not necessarily take alone. 

Ignite a Hot Playlist: 

Nothing brings on the heat like a hot winter blast mix. Ramp up your playlist with songs that really get you moving and keep your cadence at a steady pace. Feed your heart rate with some of your favorite beats, and the heat will be on!

You can play this a couple of ways. Pick your most upbeat tracks that make you run a little faster and sweat a little harder. You know, the head-banging, soul-screaming chants that get you revved up and ready to rock. Or take the more literal route by creating a set of songs that have a summer theme and signal warm thoughts. I’m thinking “Hot in Herre” by Nelly, “Fire” by Jimi Hendrix, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel, “This Fire” by Franz Ferdinand, “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield, “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys and “Hot Blodded” by Foreigner. Do you get the point? Thought so. Now go build that hotlist!

Sign Up and Switch It Up: 

Maybe you’re just bored. Maybe you need a new flame in your life. Ignite your passion for new workouts by changing it up. Hot yoga seems like the obvious choice, but have you tried rowing yet? Barre class? Kettle bell kickboxing? Switch up your routine and add some spontaneity to your fitness lineup. It goes in line with phoning a friend. When you sign up, you are being held accountable, and you rise with reason. This is also key for those of you not interested in outdoor workouts. You may have to wake in the cold, but you can still run off to a warm place. Keep it interesting and you’ll be keeping yourself in check. 

SO CLEARLY WINTER WEATHER HAS NOTHING ON US. You’ve got the tools you need to get you up and out despite the cold temps. If you live in warm weather year-round, a lot of these tips are still important to keep in mind. We all need the motivation, but some of us lack the preparation. Do the groundwork, embrace the season, and watch your temperature rise with pride. The heat is on. Now get it!

Warmly,

-BForge

(P.S. - Shoutout to my girl Miranda aka The Crunchy Radish for featuring this post on her awesome health blog a couple weeks back!)

Not Gonna TRIP Up

On Friday I depart for Hollywood - and no, not to become famous - but to control the famous! The company I work for is holding their annual entertainment event - PaleyFest LA, which brings together top stars and creative teams from today’s hottest TV shows for special screenings and panel discussions, all held at the famous Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars are held!) As the PR director, along with my team, we control the red carpet flow and handle all press on site. It's very exciting, yes, but I've got other work to do as well. Can you guess what that is?

Between the twelve events we’re holding, I must make sure my training stays in check. Just because I’m away from the office and out of my element, doesn’t mean slacking is in the cards. Don’t worry coach, you can trust that this little fit fanatic will swim, bike and run her way through the Hollywood Hills. If anything, I couldn’t be more excited to have new playing fields!

Let’s be real - going on a trip is tough on most of us, and throws off our fitness and eating schedule. But with most vacations or work trips, there are plenty of options in the local area to keep you honest. I for one did my research today and I am stoked for new faces, new places and warm weather! The internet is great and all, but let’s remember the good ‘ol concierge service at most hotels. I called up and spoke to a sweet man who set me up with some great options.

Not too shabby for a hotel pool, huh?

Not too shabby for a hotel pool, huh?

 

 

For swimming:
Option 1) The hotel has a large outdoor heated pool, open 6am - 11pm, giving me plenty of time to get in my strokes. Actually, that 6am time slot, which I have grown quite accustomed to, will be the perfect time to get the pool to myself (unless someone else has the same idea as me!); Option 2) LA Fitness is across the street and also has a pool open very, very early…except that I have to pay for entry. So let’s try and stick with option 1. The goal will be to swim 4 out of the 11 days I’m there, approximately 3500yds each time. Goggles, swim cap and swimsuit packed!

Excited for some sunshine, new sights, different paths...

Excited for some sunshine, new sights, different paths...

For cycling:
Option 1) The hotel has a fitness center with indoor bikes available for use 24/7, but it doesn't provide the same workout a computrainer would as body positioning is completely off; Option 2) LA Fitness has a zillion cycling classes throughout the week, so that will at least challenge me more than doing it alone; Option 3) There is a Flywheel Sports 3 miles away, so not only can I get a killer class in there, but I can run there and back - a great BRick workout! (BRick = bike + run). I researched a ton for a computrainer class in LA/Hollywood and couldn’t find anything which is unfortunate because that will always be the best workout for my training (nothing like sitting on a real bike, working those hills and focusing on proper shifting & handling skills). Option 3 might just take the win. Plus, big fan of Flywheel over here. 

For running:
Option 1) It’s spring! In California! The great outdoors are calling my name!; Option 2) The treadmill, but ONLY if it’s pouring or hailing; Extra credit) All that running to and fro my other training activities. Sure, cabs are the way to get around for most, but I sure love running my way through new places and getting the chance to explore anything but the overdone (though loved) Central Park. Running, I’m not worried about you one bit.

I made use of my hotel gym during my own bachelorette weekend in Vegas. 

I made use of my hotel gym during my own bachelorette weekend in Vegas. 

For fun:
Option 1) Yogaworks is 1 mile away from my hotel and hot yoga is a 10 minute walk. Might be nice to stretch it out and get some recovery time in there; Option 2) Cross Fit is across the street, and though I’d love to do it, probably not best during my training (can’t afford to get hurt); Option 3) Hiking. A very popular activity in SoCal and a friend told me I can Uber a car to some of the canyons. Ha. I may just do that; Option 4) SPA!!! Yes, yes, and yes. I will take a massage with a side of steam room and sauna please. I could use some tension relief as I approach spring training and more miles. 

As for food, I think I’ll be just fine. The hotel’s dining options provide healthy choices (remember: modification is everything!) And there is a juice bar across the street so that I have some clean options for pre & post workout fuel and snacks. I also travel with all my friends - my trustworthy protein and fiber bars that satisfy and curb hunger. Plus, I am a hoarder of fruit when I hit new cities, so where there’s an apple, there’s certainly a way. 

New places, new friends!

New places, new friends!

*Do you have any trips coming up? I suggest you start your fit research now and compile your notes. You’ll feel much better knowing your options, plus it will help you better understand the local area. Also, a pair of sneakers will get you very far - literally! Walks, runs, hikes, you have no excuses but to explore. And if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with little options, bring a resistance band or some small hand weights for hotel room workouts. Burpees, pushups, planks, sit ups, wall sits, and squats…they’re all fit for a small space. 

 

 

If you’re traveling soon, here are some fit essentials I suggest you pack:
-sneakers (no-brainer)
-socks (2x # of days you’re away)
-shower-washable tops/sports bras (for possible re-use)
-shower-washable running shorts/leggings (good for workouts and hangouts)
-water bottle or fuel belt (hydration is key, especially when you don’t know your path)
-insurance card (incase of emergency)
-running fuel (drink mix, gels, chews, etc)
-heart rate monitor (test yourself in new environments!)
-sunglasses & visor (for those sunny cities!)
- sunblock & chapstick (need to stay protected)
-swimsuit (you never know!)
-power snacks (bars for the day traveller: KIND, Quest, Chia, etc.)
-resistance band or jump rope (for hotel room workouts)

Ok, so you may need a bigger suitcase, but it will be so worth it. SO GET AT IT! Because then you can enjoy that poolside sangria guilt-free!                      

And if you won't, I will :)

Hollywood, here I come,
-BForge