Training in my 50’s

I am almost 55 years old! I am grateful that the pandemic interrupted my competitive triathlon career. I loved long course training but became concerned that it wasn't perhaps the best path forward for aging. During all of this, I felt menopause looming. I recently skipped two periods and find my body attempting to ... More

Training in a Pandemic

I love reading dystopian novels but I never thought that I might be living in one.  The coronavirus has focused my concern on my family, my community and my businesses.  In the process, I have pondered where training fits into this equation in a time of potential crisis.  Here are my thoughts: My ... More

Enduring with Training

After a recent physical exam, my MD asked me the standard mental health questions.  Are you sad? Is it disrupting your life? I remember saying yes to every question. She paused and pointed out that there are medications that could be helpful for me.  I looked at her and explained that my best friend and sister received a ... More
Rubber band woman

Niggles: Run Away, Keep Running

Niggles.  The name sounds dirty (at least in my corrupted mind) and reminds me of fight club.  The first rule of fight club is you do not talk about fight club. The only corollary for niggles is that you may mention it but without specifics.  You can say “I have a niggle,” but never mention the where and what. If ... More
G9RC

Teaming Up

I played team sports in high school and college.  When I found triathlon, I began as an individual athlete.  My true joy in the sport happened when I found a group of individuals that shared my passion for the sport.  Although the sport remains an individual activity, my team at MCC brings me joy in so many ways; ... More

Living the Dream

Living the Dream! Grit happens. And sometimes in the most surprising places. Our Marilyn Chychota Coaching triathlon camps are an opportunity to find out who you are. And who you are not. Are you an athlete that embraces climbing a mountain on your bike despite the absolute terror of your first descent? When the ... More

In the failure, I find patience…

Understatement: I am goal driven.  Almost to a fault.  I approach every workout as a test.  Can I meet my goal?  How much will it hurt?  Have I set myself up for success? In the early days of the sport, I met every benchmark.  I checked off the boxes with confidence knowing that I could do the work.  This pleased ... More

Fueling differences for 70.3 &140.6?

Question from an athlete:  What do you do for nutrition in a 70.3 race? Answer: Same thing I do for 140.6.  Although I am going faster, the event is still long. A high level of carbohydrate consumption allows me to race fast and recover well. Avoiding GI distress in racing requires practicing your fueling in traini... More

Leaving No Athlete Behind

I have been serving as Camp Director for Endurance Corner for the last few years.  We had thirty triathletes attend our sold out camp in 2018.  Our staff included three Ironman Pro Champions (Marilyn Chychota, Justin Daerr and Lisa Roberts).  Coach to camper ratio was 5:1.  Staff to camper ratio was 3:1.  Marilyn ... More

The Hills Are Alive…

My new favorite hill workout: 10' Warmup 4 x 30" hard not to exceed 95% effort /Easy jog return recovery 4 x 60" hard not to exceed 95% effort/Easy jog return recovery 4 x 90" hard not to exceed 95% effort/Easy jog return recovery 10' Cooldown Effort is never 100% to avoid injury.  If you feel any ... More