Smiling at the Start

Running in Circles – My First Ultra

I love to race.  It is the crucible that brings me joy and pain.  I discovered it again this weekend when I chose to run the Circular Logic six hour timed ultra.  Why an ultra now? I have had a solid running block since last fall. You can read about it at Marilyn Chychota Coaching - Keep Running. I found out about ... More

Ironman 70.3 World Championship

Ten years in the sport and I no longer write race reports.  However I do have some thoughts on the 70.3 World Championship: As you  know, I have pushed for equality in our sport; not just for the pro women but for all women.  The split format two day race was a nice start towards equality.  It was exciting to see ... More

Wheel Choices for Small Units (Women)

I received a question asking me what I recommended for wheels for small units (women)? An older classic BMW convertible.  You love it and you share your love with your nephew.  He picks it up for prom and five minutes later totals it while remaining unscathed (whew).  End of love story. For cycling, I ... More

Redman USA Triathlon LD Championship Race Report

Winning is a habit.  My habit starts yearly with training camps.  Join me and Coach Marilyn Chychota at one of two training camps in 2016.   More info here. The three words I texted my Coach Marilyn Chychota post-race; Oops. I won. The plan for this race was simple, swim hard, bike harder and run steady off the ... More

10 Tips for Your Cold 70.3 World Championship

Looks like some cold temps for the start of the World Championship in Mont Tremblant.  The only thing worse than a hot race, is a cold race.  My top suggestions: Go almost nude under your wetsuit.  Guys just wear your tri shorts.  Women just your sports bra and tri shorts. Put your wetsuit on early.  I have found a ... More

Turkey Trots 5K Course Preview

Reminder, the free Bloomington Bagel Co. 5K is 7:30am on Thanksgiving morning. Dressing for a winter 5K: Walking? - Dress for the actual temp.  Wear layers that are breathable and quick drying.  A light wind jacket protects you and can easily be taken off and wrapped around your waist as you warm up. Easy run? ... More

Misery Loves Company

A race report will follow in a few days after some of the the fog clears and my cankles recede. The short story is that I qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii by finishing second in my age group (two of us qualified). Kona! Speaking of stories...a quick one from the race. As I was running the marathon ... More

A Change of Pace

On December 24th I ran the St. Louis Track Club Frostbite 10 miler in Forest Park.  This was my third attempt to win my age group.  I was thrilled that the weather was clear and sunny.  The race had a strong turnout with 1500 runners. I decided that this time I would need to change my race strategy to win. ... More

A Letter to the Athletes I am Coaching…

as their A races approach: I thought this was a very good article on dealing with race highs and lows: Chrissie Wellington on Race Highs and Lows I was fortunate this weekend to have mostly highs at Ironman Louisville. There were a few low points in the marathon (the quads were very painful the last 10 miles) and my ... More

Muncie Ironman 70.3

Muncie Ironman 70.3 is not a new race for me but it now has a new owner.  I was hoping that both of us would be a bit transformed.  The results: The Good: 8 minute PR over last year. Perceived exertion in swim felt at a greater effort.  I actually exited the water under 40 minutes. Improved transitions. ... More