Chatt 70.3 was the smartest race I’ve had as a triathlete.
Emma has worked hard with me to help me become partners, despite MY desire to merely be HER athlete.

She has made me own the work AND the process. To that end, Emma asked ME to write my race plan and then we discussed it and WE refined it TOGETHER.
Confession: I studied that plan Saturday night. For the first time before a race, I learned the courses for MY race; where and how I wanted to manage my race throughout  the bike and run courses.

On Saturday, I asked Emma, “ So, how should I ‘feel’ in a 70.3? How would you characterize the effort?”

Emma’s response, “ You should feel uncomfortable.” That made me uncomfortable!  But that word - not the Watts or the pace- became my litmus test throughout the day: am I uncomfortable? Adjust accordingly!

At two distinct points in my day, a recurring physical challenge knocked on my door, and both times I answered with a new resolve without panic or fear. The first time was right out of the water so I sacrificed a little time in T1 to calm myself and not allow the early discomfort to define the day. By mile 20 on the bike it had fully subsided.

By mile 2 of the run, it came back. Again, I met it with calm- not allowing it to decide the next 11 miles. It did not. I ran with form, kept to my plan for MY run.

I crossed the line truly thrilled bc I owned my day, the whole day!