The Big Question
THE BIG QUESTION:
What has been your biggest hurdle in multisport and how have you worked to overcome it?
Lack of time was my biggest challenge. After work, psyching myself up for a run or ride was no fun. Especially in the fall when the time changes. That meant bike lights, reflective clothing and not being able to see where you’re going. My solution ... retirement. Now I have all the time in the world [to train] in daylight hours.
— Carol Coram, 63, Seattle, Wash.
How to train and race at a high level, yet still be a good father and husband. Something that most readers of this magazine can relate to. Train early, over communicate to your spouse, and include the family at races and in training when possible. Set a good example for your kids. A happier you will make a happier family.
— Tim Hola, 39, Highlands Ranch, Colo.
One of the largest hurdles I have come across whether it be Ironman or sprint distance is motivation. It seems whenever the offseason comes around I love it. And have to start all over on my race numbers and mental strength. I have tried many techniques when it comes to motivation and as of right now the Holy Father is the only motivation I have found to last. This is the greatest hurdle I have conquered in my racing career.
— Brandon Nix, 18
Competing as an age-grouper for three years, training hard but not getting any better. Then you realize something is wrong, after a number of tests it turns out that you have a 90 percent blockage, getting a stent, medicines that don’t help your training. Now training again with a whole new bucket list!
— GW Woodruff
My biggest hurdle to overcome in multisport was my fear of water. I watched as my mother nearly drowned in a wave pool at a water park. I failed swimming lessons so many times that I stopped signing up. I was asked to not go down a waterslide at my local pool because I couldn’t make the swim to the side to climb out. Less than one year ago, I couldn’t swim one length of the pool, but now, thanks to my team and coaches, I’m getting ready for Ironman Wisconsin. Water makes me nervous; I panicked in my first half-Iron and had to doggy paddle in order to get my breath back and my heart rate back to normal, but I made it through to the finish. I can only get better from here.
— Amber Waldo
My biggest triathlon hurdle was coming back after a six-year hiatus and having children. My last race had been in 2007 when my firstborn was 6 months old. Last year, after learning the Boston Triathlon was back in town, my triathlon flame got ignited — but I needed to get in shape again. I did just that and had a successful triathlon season in 2013. I’m looking forward to more races in 2014!
— Sybille Rex, Boston, Mass.
My biggest hurdle so far has been right now! Figuring out how to juggle being a new mom and being able to get a run in for myself, my husband and my dog all on a stroller-friendly path long enough to get our miles in and in between feeding the baby without letting him get too cold.
— Natasha Arnold, 36, Albuquerque, N.M.
The biggest hurdle has been balancing family/life and training schedules. Trying to make time to train, and manage work and family life has all sorts of challenges. It’s all about finding balance ... and, not stressing about workouts. Some days, you just can’t fit in every workout.
— Andrew Karaffa
While training for Ironman Wisconsin in 2010, I crashed my bike and suffered a distal humerus fracture, requiring a permanent screw in my elbow. In 2013, I completed my goal, and finished Ironman Wisconsin happy and healthy.
— Andy Hubbartt
THE NEXT BIG QUESTION:
What moment in triathlon’s 40-year history has had the biggest impact on the sport and why? Send your response (60 words or fewer) to
communications@usatriathlon.org by May 8. Remember to include your name, age, hometown and put “Big Question” in the subject line.
78 USA TRIATHLON SPRING 2014
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