I went into the season running really well. I had a PR at the 5K distance in January and again at the 1/2 marathon distance in April (despite having tendonitis). After the 1/2 marathon in April I spent approximately 8 weeks without running--which seemed like forever to me (patience). I had to cancel out of a scheduled olympic race in June and basically did an aquabike at the Kansas 70.3 race in June. Eventually I was able to build back into running, but never really felt like I got on solid ground with my run for the rest of the season. Despite this, I was able to do well at the Door County 1/2 ironman and ironman WI (trust).
On the positive side of it all, I was able to spend more time on my bike than I ever had before. I rode more frequently and became more confident on my bike. I put on some good cycling muscle and improved significantly with my bike splits at all races. For the first time ever in my triathlon career I enjoyed riding my bike and didn't question if I could keep up with others.
After my "official" triathlon season was completed following ironman WI in September I decided to try my hand at cyclocross with the goals of improving bike handling skills, getting comfortable riding around other people, and practicing skills such as flying mounts and dismounts. I was very nervous at the first race I did in October, and although it was just a 20 minute beginner race, when I finished I was hooked. I had completed the race without crashing (or killing myself), and did not finish last despite starting well behind the field of beginners. I rode the entire course in the granny gear and did not do any flying mounts or dismounts. I knew that I could do better. Eagerly I set goals and signed up for as many races as I could. I steadily improved. Each week I had a different goal to target; riding faster, getting out of the start faster and getting a better race position earlier on vs. hanging in the back and coming from behind, doing flying mounts and dismounts, riding the turns and downhills more aggressively, etc. It was fun!
And then...I injured my back in mid November while unlocking my office door at work. I spent a week in a back brace and again had to try my best to exercise patience and trust; both of which I still struggle with at times as my husband can strongly attest to. After about 6 weeks of just walking and doing back exercises 2-3x/day, I was finally able to resume light exercise. Surprisingly (to me), my fitness is still pretty good. Again, I learned the lesson of trust.
Overall, 2012 was a year of ups and downs. I gained confidence in my running and cycling, learned to be patient and trust in my training when injured, and accomplished goals in new endeavors which I plan to continue to target in the future with cyclocross. Thank you to all of my family and friends who have supported me. Without your support it would have been difficult to accomplish all that I did. I am greatful to each and every one of you.
I look forward to the 2013 season and the process of training for more triathlons as well as another ironman.
Accomplishments from 2012:
- 5k PR by almost 1 minute
- 1/2 marathon PR by 10 minutes
- improved bike splits at Kansas 70.3 and IM WI
- coming off the bike 1st OA at Door County 1/2 ironman
- PR at IM WI
- qualifying again for 2013 IM World Championships in Kona
- making the podium at a few cyclocross races
- learning to be patient and to trust in myself and my training
