Something magical has happened this year, I’ve stopped being so afraid of a 140.6 mile race and have started being excited about it. I’m not sure if updating my bike (my new bike’s name is Dixie) or successfully completing 70.3 NOLA in October was the magic pill, but something has definitely changed in my mind for the better. Most of my training last year was centered around fear and thinking of all the things that could go wrong during a race (what if you get the hiccups during the swim??). This year, I’m a lot more confident and am actually having fun!
Last weekend I completed the Beaverdam Olympic Triathlon (1500 meter swim, 24 mile bike and 6.2 mile run) and brought home this adorable squeeze beaver award for second place. As much as I would like to leave this picture here and pretend that I’ve become this amazingly fast triathlete, the reality is when there are only 3 people in your division – you get to podium no matter what!
Beaverdam, like most triathlons to me, was a learning experience. Thanks to a lot of wind that day, the swim was choppy and the bike course had a brutal headwind. I know I need to spend a lot of time practicing swimming in open water to improve my stroke when conditions aren’t ideal. Overall, I was pleased with how the race went because I am seeing major improvements in how I’m preforming.
In two weeks, I am racing in The Crystal Coast Half Booty 70.3 and in about 5 months I have Ironman Maryland waiting for me. It’s hard to believe that the Ironman is coming so quickly and some days I don’t think I’ll be ready for it. However, I’ve learned over the past year that triathlon is a lot like most things in life: doing your best, quality preparation, and celebrating the small victories (like “winning” second place in a race of only 3 people).
- #IR4Ellie
- #DIFH
Trying to ignore the butterflies before the wim 
The medal is also a bottle opener! So fun!
Leaving my Pancreas in the Dust: 