"I continually remind myself of the Soul Swimmer, Biker and Runner that I truly am when my head gets uncontrollably large. I've always been Someone Who does the Sport for all the reasons -other- than to win" -- MaryBeth Moore- runner of 20 years and counting
Getting to the gym is hard sometimes; but leaving sure is easy isn't it?"
Ok….”hmmmm” is all I have to say to start things off. For the first time I have not registered for several races at one pop. For the first time I have only two races on my calendar for the upcoming season. And for the first time things seem pretty simplified. I actually attempted to register for age group nationals of 2012, but stopped myself to “K.I.S.S.” as Dr Barry Solomon would say (ADV 101, FSU).
I am finally attempting a Full distance IRONMAN this year so that was the “forced simplification” of 2012. But, you know what? I actually did fail at the ‘being a –long-course-simplified-athlete- already! I was originally very excited about my IRONMAN expedition because I was originally registered for Cour D’Alene (with NOLA as my warm-up 70.3 race in April); but after the opportunity cost of IRONMAN Lake Placid outweighing that of CDA, I went for – the all American- big crowd support experience of the infamous- IRONMAN LAKE PLACID at the very last minute this past month!
If you don’t know me already, I am very wishy washy with racing. But this is for several personal reasons: the majority one being that I actually ‘despise’ it! Yes, I do. Then why do I train like I do is the question? I could spend this entire blog post explaining why, but I’ll simplify it by saying: that I like to defeat all odds training – and training is why I race because maybe one day I’ll have an ‘out-weighing’ event that matches up to one I had while competing in running during high school.
So anyways, KISS it is this year. KISS is an acronym for – KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID if you didn’t take ADV 101 in college. One of my other goals this year to KISS is to do so in my mind and life as well. This past weekend I had such a great time doing everything but training. Unfortunately I had to take a break due to a back spasm (childhood injury - i'll save this story for another post); and I really did enjoy having a life outside triathlon training. So to KISS as MUCH as possible while training is my goal. How do you do this while IRONMAN training? Live life first, then allow training to come in second or third best - trust me - it will fall into place. And grab a beer and a burger whenever I feel like having one ;-)
So anyways, I have been pretty absent on my blog so expect some updates during my 2012 conquests.
Triathlon simplified. Here is my race calendar:
March 18th – NYC HALF MARATHON – with a PR time goal that I know I can accomplish during a training run, but not in a race
May 20th – FLORIDA Half Ironman - new course, so can't set a PR here
July 22nd – Ironman Lake Placid - my goal? GET to the start line pain free - literally....(i'll save it for another post)
This fall? I have no clue! But I really like not knowing.
I will admit, though, that I did register for the NYC Marathon. My parents were very sad to see that I haven't raced a marathon since '08/'09 and they really think I should do it again. They think the level of importance of a marathon is something special for me. And When your parents (especially mine for raising my 'crazy runner self' that has been running for 20 years) say something like that how can you let them down!!!? So you might see me shooting up 1st avenue this fall!
I will admit, though, that I did register for the NYC Marathon. My parents were very sad to see that I haven't raced a marathon since '08/'09 and they really think I should do it again. They think the level of importance of a marathon is something special for me. And When your parents (especially mine for raising my 'crazy runner self' that has been running for 20 years) say something like that how can you let them down!!!? So you might see me shooting up 1st avenue this fall!
"A run changes perspective on thoughts to the past tense and draws an entirely different work of art on feelings and emotions you had at the start." --MaryBeth Moore
1.
“Isn’t it funny how certain thoughts, reminders, people, visualizations, imaginations, pictures, dreams and emotions make you faster? Or make you slower? Or make you steadier? Or simply put: make or break your run?” --MaryBeth Moore
2.
"The general public might not understand my love for running; heck, my friends and family might not get it either. But once you've experienced it like I have, you just might get the slightest inclination..." --MaryBeth Moore
3.
"Some may find it crazy that running has had such an impact on my life and happiness. But I don’t think it’s the running necessarily. I think it’s just the fact that I know I can do it. " -- MaryBeth Moore
4.
“Getting to the gym is hard sometimes; but leaving sure is easy isn’t it?”
--MaryBeth Moore
5.
“Starting a run is hard sometimes; but finishing sure is easy isn’t it?”
--MaryBeth Moore
6.
"A relationship with running is the only one in life you can truly control.”
--MaryBeth Moore
7.
“Once you get to a point where running is “satisfaction” you don’t want to stop. Sometimes you have to remind yourself to breathe. And sometimes…sometimes you have to wake yourself up.” --MaryBeth Moore
8.
“Your best days of running consistently take place on your worst days of life.” –MaryBeth Moore
9.
“The best part about training for the marathon is the stories you build along the way that are then retold for a lifetime.” –MaryBeth Moore
10.
“On certain days you figure it out the hard way that running is definitely a twisted mind game.” - - MaryBeth Moore
11.
“Once I get a hold of you, maybe you will learn to love running…as much as I do.” - - MaryBeth Moore
12.
“A run fixes everything.” –MaryBeth Moore
13.
"Once you finish a marathon, you KNOW you can do anything. It makes those once-were life "challenges" seem so simple! And it has a way of empowering even the strongest people to taking on greater things in life." – MaryBeth Moore
14.
"I'm just another ordinary girl running the streets of NYC trying to make an impact on at least one person in this cynical world." - - MaryBeth Moore
15.
“I’ve become a better runner because of you.” - - MaryBeth Moore
16.
“Running helps me find the meaning of life on days when it’s hard to find.” - - MaryBeth Moore
17.
"Running a 6-minute mile doesn't happen over night. It may never happen. But being satisfied with -just-running- does..." - - MaryBeth Moore
18.
"You might run the same route over and over again but the experience is always different." - - MaryBeth Moore
19.
Never fails…the same person pops up in my thoughts on every single run I go on. Running is what brought us together; and what will remain an integral part of our friendship that will last a lifetime... – MaryBeth Moore
20.
As I Mature Through Life; My Running Matures with it. –MaryBeth Moore
21.
"To the world you might feel small; but while running you're reminded
how large you really are." MaryBeth Moore
As I Mature through Life; My Running Matures with it – MaryBeth Moore
I actually thought of that quote during a training run on mother’s day weekend as I approached a childhood running path I’ve easily clocked hundreds of miles on….and the quote has significant meaning about my life today; and how running has made a positive impact on it. And the quote is true in every sense of the word.
The most interesting part about it is after going through the hardest time of my life, surpassing obstacles and staying strong through to a positive ending (or beginning?); my running has become the best it has ever been. Maybe because it was the only true challenge I could control at the time? Or that it was the one thing that was always there? Or the obstacle I knew I could always overcome? I’m not so sure, but ever since things have finally come together for me, my running has come to place along with it.
During that run while home on mother’s day weekend I had a lot on my mind. And doing my first race of the 2011 season was one of the topics that rolled around like a kaleidoscope because it was the very next weekend. But even though the race was on my mind, I kept going back to the meaning of life as I ran on that same path I did while going through the growing pains of high school.
As I glided from mile to mile, overcoming the discomfort of 90 degree weather and matching humidity, I said to myself: “This is nothing, don’t slow down, you’ve been through worse, keep going…” And I found it easy to self talk myself back into a positive mindset while going through extreme discomfort. But the way I did it was different this time...it’s like it was more mature, more genuine.
I was thirsty, dehydrated, but I made myself get through the run, and it felt pretty darn good pushing through pain while looking back at all those memories of myself griping about a little 6-miler when I was 15-years old on the same path. I thought about the little things I would do to skip out, or cheat myself out of doing the entire workout (like the time I dove in some billionaires pool to “hide” from a workout; or turning around at the mile 2 marker instead of going all the way to the Sailfish Club at mile 3).
I was so naive at the time and immature to really understand what the true meaning of running really did for me! And now I was doing 12 miles in an hour and 30 minutes like it was nothing…?
So why didn’t this self talk act like a nurturing mama hug the very next weekend? Why couldn’t I surpass the negativity and self talk myself through genuine discomfort and shock? I’m not so sure.
Was it because I put too much pressure on myself during the comfort and positive sense of security while I train – that I should be able to race significantly better than I really can? Maybe I am setting myself up for failure? Not sure. But I learned a lesson about myself on that first race after not finishing.
I learned that self talk does go a long way and I was just lacking it that day for some reason (maybe like I did in high school) and it was on the swim leg of the triathlon, –discomfort that was NOTHING looking back now at the run I did just a week prior in 90 degree weather.
And after a few days I knew that repeating the same scenario all over again was the best torture to repair myself…
And just like I did on mother’s day weekend on the same path, nearly 15 years later; or with the challenges I faced during a rough patch of my life….
I overcame it…
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| 4th Overall Female (12th fastest run time overall - with men) |
Red Bank Olympic Triathlon (May 15, 2011)
Quassy Rev3 Olympic Triathlon (June 4, 2011)
Philly Olympic Tri (June 26, 2011)
NJ STATE TRI (Pending) (July 24, 2011)
NYC Olympic TRI (August 7, 2011) (Racing AG Elite)
AG Nationals (August 20, 2011)
HYVEE 5150 Champs (Sept 4, 2011)
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| Age 28....Age 8 |
For the first time in about 20-years I competed in a real “swim meet!” After being used to placing in the top percentile of every triathlon I’ve competed in, this was a rude awakening because I actually got my “dupa” whooped, smacked and kicked 8-times over (yes, 8-times because I was last in my heat by this many laps!). But to make myself feel slightly better, and somewhat competitive, I was in Heat-2 out of about ten total heats in a “master’s” swim meat.
If you don’t know who master’s swimmers are, they are a group of post-competitive (mostly high-school, collegiate and some past and current Olympiad) athletes that seek to be on an organized team in their adult years. Being on the club allows them to compete nationally and locally, and have a team outlet for training and competition. Some of the swimmers are Olympic-level athletes, past college champions, and some are beginners looking to get stronger in the sport; or some are like me, the girl that swam up until high-school and quit for another sport (running) and is now back into swimming because she is now hooked on this new activity called, triathlon.
So now that you have an understanding of what master’s is, you have an understanding about the swimmers that I was up against in this “sprint-of-a” mile swim! The coach for the Asphalt Green team (AGUA), and I agreed pre-event that Heat-2 would be a good placement for me, guessing that my swim time would have come in around sub 23-minutes, but neither of us took into account that this was my first “real” swim meet in years (dive start and all) and the fact that I would be coming post a 3-hour bike and run workout on the same day of the race. But I swam in Heat-2 anyways. And boy was I out of my league (maybe Heat-3 was a better choice)!
I remember walking to the pool the day of the race (well, time trial) and was thinking to myself: “Okay MaryBeth, pretend like this is a triathlon and you are swimming the first leg of the race. Take it easy and use this as a pre-season warm-up to see where you are physically.” But if you know me well enough, you know I wanted to break that 23-minute time mark I set up for myself! Even though I had just done a 3-hour workout and felt like I was running on empty, I still came to the pool with that competitor’s edge!
Before I knew it I was standing on the loading dock (the dive block) waiting for the set-go “BOOP” noise and did not even have a chance to think about how I was going to strategize for this race. The only thing I cared about was my goggle's staying on, and keeping count (and I got lucky on the count situation because I had a volunteer stick numbers in the water for me each time I turned at the other end). And boom there we went! And boom, was the sound I made as I belly flopped into the water (obviously I did not practice my dive start) and that second I landed in the water and looked to the swimmer on my left, I knew I was going to get my rear KICKED – she was already 10-yards ahead of me.
And for the first time in a while, I had a feeling of wanting to give up because I was already in last place. It was a weird experience for me because I seriously did think about giving up on myself because I was getting beat so bad! But after about 33 lengths into the race, I told myself what I tell other athletes I coach and train with, and that was: “Not to give up, remember its “your” race against YOUR-SELF and to HAVE FUN.” And before I knew it, the other competitors finished their race and I had 8-lengths to go in the pool all by myself to finish this race on my own. And finally after 24-minutes it was over!
I might have gotten beat pretty bad competition-wise, but this was a true lesson-learner for me. I learned how to stay positive given the competition I was dealt with and kept a strong attitude even though I was “that girl” in last place. And it was actually a good thing for me to be in last place because it taught me a little lesson about myself. It taught me that doing sports is about “you” and it’s not about others – it’s your race and it’s your race against your own clock. And I will admit, I relearned this the hard way that night.
Oh, and I learned, that I definitely need to keep working on that swim leg even harder! But, unlike the other people in the water that night, I also have to bike and run too!
The part about triathlon that I love the most: Swim, Bike, run: and “no one-whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
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| www.tricrowd.com |
Exciting news! I am now a writer for a newly launched website called TriCrowd (it's so new it's still in the BETA stage).
TriCrowd is a triathlon community website put together by everyday triathletes. It’s a site for everyone who enjoys leading an active lifestyle and being connected to the triathlon community. Here you can read about experiences from our featured bloggers, learn from our training articles, save with our triathlon deals, and find new races through our activity pages.
Make sure to follow TriCrowd on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/TriCrowd
And Twitter: @tricrowd
Look out for some of my articles on the site and enjoy other informational stories from their collection of great writers and bloggers.
It's refreshing to be involved with a website that is filled with information and stories from "everyday" triathletes!
AMAZING! I heard this during the Oscar's - it was the background song for a Diet Coke commercial! Enjoy!
"Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap
Chicked (verb): When a man is outperformed, and therefore passed, by a woman during a physical activity, such as running, biking, or swimming. (I.e. “Dude, you got chicked!”)
It’s a common term that most men hate. But what is it with guys who don’t like to be passed by women? Are they insecure? Do they have some sort of complex or a testosterone imbalance? Or is it pure idiocy, perhaps?
But as the years go by, and the more miles I have under my belt, I’m passing more and more men. And so are my female friends. Let’s face it: Women are just getting faster. And the boys who can’t deal with it, those Guys who don’t like to get “chicked,” are just going to have to suck it up!
Imagine this scene: Subject F (chic), Subject M (dude)
F is on a leisurely run in Central Park, enjoying her peaceful mind state. She doesn’t have a care in the world as she trots past others, waving, smiling, and is in turn passed herself. But as she proceeds to run by M (a quick, easy and obvious pass), M speeds up. F increases her speed a bit too. M pants, over-strides, hits his VO2-max, but just does not give in because he…he…he does not, want, to, get…“CHICKED!” She laughs, eventually burns him out, and continues on her way.
This scenario is becoming all too common in endurance communities throughout the world, but it’s especially rampant in Type-A, NYC!
Why? Doesn’t M realize how stupid he looks? Or how much harder it makes F work to seem nonchalant about the whole thing?
After much consideration, I finally said something to an M on Sunday, hence my post today.
I was doing an off-the-bike run (a triathlon training workout in which you do a run immediately after riding your bike) around the lower loop of Central Park. I was focused on my own workout when a Subject M appeared and a scenario similar to the one described above ensued. He had been panting next to me for about 30 seconds when I turned to look at his sweaty, red little face and said: “You just can’t bear to be chicked, huh?”
Then, I gave him a thumbs-up and jacked the pace to a sub 5:30-mile. The guy wasn’t going to give in right away, so I played a mental game with him for about a mile getting progressively faster until he finally just dropped off.
I didn’t need to turn an easy run into a harder workout, but the fact that I sped up for this idiot just made me realize how stupid men can be. And how competitive I can get. (Was I being stupid, too? Am I too competitive with the boys? Maybe this is why I’m single…) Still, it felt pretty darn good to play with that guy and pass him like a girl!
The motto of my story…and lesson learned from my circumstances: Train, race and live in the sport of triathlon at your own pace. Stay away from scenarios that might get you caught up in ego matches like the one in this case. Sunday was the first time I ever said something to someone because I had enough of the competition – a build up of several years. But if you see a situation coming like I did, avoid it by letting the guy go! Trust me he will stall sooner or later – then laugh it off in your head when you do pass him – because you will be flying right by him.
Remember this is an individual sport, but sometimes the invitation of healthy competition is a good thing. That’s why some like to join triathlon clubs, masters swim teams or other training groups. Those athletes like to be pushed.
"GO DO" by Jonsi
*As heard in the FORD Explorer commercial.
My friend, David Hollely, an amazing triathlete, is looking to obtain TRX sponsorship for the 2011 season. By viewing his video once, you are helping a New York City-based athlete get one step closer to not only a KONA slot, but a sponsorship that is well deserved!
David was a mentor of mine when I first moved to New York in the triathlon world and helped inspire me to stick with the sport and train smart. If it weren't for him, I would not have found my wonderful coach, Alex Mcdonald!!
David will be a great asset to TRX as he continues to inspire others in the growing sport of Triathlon!
Thanks Edward Maya for spicing up my cycling classes!
Workout song of the week: Edward Maya, "This is My Life"
I can't believe I've been blogging since 2007!
Here's a link to my first post:
The start of my fitness blog - CREATIVE CONDITIONING: This is the offical start of my fitness blog. As many of my good friends and family know, fitness and health is my passion - it's what I live and breath. I am so excited to share my thoughts and feelings about what many people experience when it comes to "trying" to live that healthy lifestyle. I will touch subjects ranging from faq's on running, "how to guides", eating, my opinions on popular things you are reading in the news and in the magazines...and so much more! I will give advice, and I will even share my race reports. I guess you can say it's the start to expanding upon my fitness career...stay tuned! My fitness voice will come to life each week!
Since the infamous first post I have moved to New York City; dealt with some interesting and challenging personal dilemma's; run a few marathons; created the quote "Getting to the Gym is Hard Sometimes, But Leaving Sure is Easy Isn't it?"; personal trained some interesting people; won some and lost (laid off) some full-time marketing jobs; taught fitness at Equinox and Asphalt Green; found the ultimate healer to all my back issues; taken pictures in the snow in my bikini; made some great friends; been able to say my mother is a breast cancer survivor; fallen on black ice (concussion and all); and started a kick in the triathlon scene...just to name a few highlights!
Now I can blog with much more experience and stories to tell.
Stay tuned...
MB
Mumford & Sons, "The Cave"
AMAZING!
My friends over at the The Fresh Air Fund told me about the NYC Half-Marathon Team today and that it's not too late to get involved. This is a Great way to run the half this year if you are still bummed about missing out on the lottery; and also be in the network to run the NYC Full marathon as well.
A few words from The Fresh Air Fund:
Ready to be a part of one of the world's best road races? Join The Fresh Air Fund-Racers on March 20th, 2011! The amazing 13.1-mile course takes you through beautiful Central Park, action-packed Times Square and ends with breathtaking finish-line views of the New York City harbor. More than 11,000 runners, of all ages and abilities, finished the NYC Half-Marathon last year, and we are so proud of our very own 2010 Fresh Air Fund-Racers who ran and raised $100,000 for us!
We are calling all runners and Fresh Air Fund supporters to come out and either challenge themselves to run the race or join our cheering squad. The Fresh Air Fund provides runners with guaranteed entry in exchange for fundraising before race day. Entries are limited - please get in touch soon! Please email kbrinkerhoff@freshair.org or call (212) 897-8890. Or click here to learn more about how to fundraise for the race!
Over the past four years as a NY Road Runners charity partner for the NYC Half-Marathon, our 335 Fund-Racers have raised close to $400,000 for The Fresh Air Fund!
Fresh Air Fund Host Families
"It is rewarding to see the smile on our Fresh Air child's face as she enjoys the simple things we take for granted..."
Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size, ethnicity and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget. Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children. There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host. Stories about real Fresh Air host families and their New York City visitors are just a click away!
Click here to learn more about becoming a host or call (800) 367-0003!
Fresh Air Children
"We made s'mores and hot dogs over the fire. I've never cooked outside before!"
Fresh Air children are boys and girls, six to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children on first-time visits are six to 12 years old and stay for either one or two weeks. Youngsters who are re-invited by the same family may continue with The Fund through age 18, and many enjoy longer summertime visits, year after year. A visit to the home of a warm and loving volunteer host family can make all the difference in the world to an inner-city child. All it takes to create lifelong memories is laughing in the sunshine and making new friends.
The majority of Fresh Air children are from low-income communities. These are often families without the resources to send their children on summer vacations. Most inner-city youngsters grow up in towering apartment buildings without large, open, outdoor play spaces. Concrete playgrounds cannot replace the freedom of running barefoot through the grass or riding bikes down country lanes.
Fresh Air children are registered by more than 90 participating social service and community organizations located in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the five boroughs of New York City. These community-based agencies are in close contact with children in need of summer experiences in rural and suburban areas. Each agency is responsible for registering children for the program.
What do Fresh Air children enjoy?
- Playing in the backyard
- Laughing in the sunshine
- Catching fireflies
- Riding bicycles
- Learning to swim
- Running barefoot through the grass
- Gazing at the stars on moonlit nights
- Building sandcastles
- Making new friends
- Simple pleasures of life away from the inner-city
If you have questions or are interested in participating, please call Kate Brinkerhoff at (212) 897-8890 or email kbrinkerhoff@freshair.org.
Really? Why not spend the $39.95 on a www.trainingpeaks.com training plan for your first 5K?
I can't get over this quote. For some reason it hit me hard. On those bad days in life, think of this quote to motivate yourself to get out and "play"...
"Play not only keeps us young but also maintains our perspective about the relative seriousness of things. Running is play, for even if we try hard to do well at it, it is a relief from everyday cares."
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Online coaching has become an integral component to multisport training and a revolutionary trend hitting every triathlon community throughout the country
About two years ago saying you had a coach sounded like a cliché, now it’s normal conversation amongst multisport athletes. And hiring a coach is not just a trend; it’s becoming a necessity for many athletes as the sport continues to grow and athletes are becoming more serious about their goals. Whether the goal is a sprint triathlon or full IRONMAN many athletes are seeking some form of motivation to keep them on track of their goals and many have already starting shopping for the 2011 season.
Many athletes hire a coach to achieve a personal best, some for motivation but most for accountability reasons and to simply stay on the right track and train effectively. Coach, Kurt Perham of Personal Best Multisport Coaching (PBM Coaching) has a few techniques that will get you on the right track to finding the right coach for your 2011 multisport season.
Kurt has been an athlete his entire life and when he began training at the next level in competitive Cycling, he knew it was time to take on a coach to pursue Professional cycling. Now as a coach for over 15 years holding the highest credentials available from USA Triathlon and USA Cycling, and founder of PBM Coaching, Kurt runs a successful coaching business that consists of several experienced coaches; and athletes from the professional level down to the first timer. Each year he sends an average of a dozen athletes to IRONMAN World Championships in Kona; and many of his athletes continually achieve various accolades.
Here are some of his tips to finding the right coach:
- Go by referral: Ask your local friends or teammates who they use
- Do a phone screening: If you are interested in a coach don’t just hire them; talk to them on the phone first to review goals. This can tell you right away if you have a good rapport.
- Know what you want: i.e. if you are training for an IRONMAN, go with a coach that has that experience
- USAT Certifications aren’t a requirement: many coaches are professional athletes with several years of training and coaching under their belt so a requirement to be certified is a good thing but is also a myth
Benefits outweigh the cost:
- Training consistently
- Fulfilling your Type-A personality
- Accountability
- Training smart
- Injury prevention
- Sense of relief to know you are on the right path
- Goal setting
- Interpreting data (a coach can help you read those tricky GPS watches or power meters)
For more information about Personal Best Multisport Coaching, visit www.pbmcoaching.com. If you have questions about triathlon coaching, email Kurt Perham at kurt@pbmcoaching.com.
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