From the Editor
HONORING OUR TOP ATHLETES
By Jayme McGuire
Every February at USA Triathlon Magazine, we begin the arduous process of tracking down 150-plus headshots as we pull together the popular rankings section. Though this involves persistence, dedication and at times some detective work, it pales in comparison to the work our athletes put in day after day. Take for example, the age-group female triathlete of the year, Kirsten Sass. Kirsten loads up her busy schedule as a physician assistant during the offseason so that she has more time to train and race during the season — to the No. 1 overall female triathlete honor. Flip to page 52 to read about Kirsten and the rest of the best.
Not aiming for All-American status? There’s plenty in this issue for you. Learn about three different approaches to swim training and how to improve your strength routine without the hassle of going to the gym. Plus, we feature Nicole Gross, a USA Triathlon Certified Coach who has fought to recover from injuries suffered in the Boston Marathon bombings and the story of a Newtown victim whose passion for triathlon inspired his family to help others get into the sport.
Jayme McGuire is USA Triathlon’s Senior Manager of Magazine and Digital Media. Contact her at
jayme@usatriathlon.org.
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RESPONSES TO “MY MOM IS SO FAST” WINTER 2014 ISSUE
I really appreciated reading about the super moms and dads in the [Winter 2014] magazine. I try to be the best super dad I can to my 5-and 2-year-olds! After losing my wife to cancer in January 2013, a friend invited me to run a 5k, thinking it may be a good outlet. That led to a biathlon, which led to three sprints, which led to an Olympic-distance triathlon, which led to a marathon. Now, I have a triathlon and swim coach to help me improve for a half-ultra triathlon. Triathlon has saved me. It is the healthiest discovery for the mind. Being a full-time single dad and minister makes finding time for training a challenge. I don’t know where this triathlon journey is going to take me, but I know my first year has changed my life, cleared my mind and helped make me a better dad.
— Jon Winchester, 32, Columbia, Tenn.
Your article on tri moms was right on. I had my first child almost a year ago, and I was actually able to compete during my first trimester, trained throughout pregnancy and resumed shortly after. I was back competing two months afterward, won a local triathlon three months after and completed my first half-Iron distance race five months after. I strongly encourage women to continue being active and pursuing their dreams while also being a mom on my blog (
www.trimestertraining.blogspot.com) as I talk about my own experience. It can be tough to balance, and quite a struggle at times, but it is definitely worth it!
— Jayme Wyss, Three Lakes, Wis.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR TYPE 1 TRIATHLETES
In regard to Diana Kurcfeld’s recent query about diabetes, fueling and training vs. race day: As a Type 1 diabetic athlete myself, starting a race just as fuel is “kicking in” is a balancing act. Carbs in breakfast can spike BG (blood glucose). Underdosing insulin can spike BG. Raceday stress can spike BG. Getting to your insulin outside transition is an issue! And overcorrecting BGs before a race can mean going low later and risking a DNF. Thus many Type 1s lower their pump’s basal rate to avoid going low. I fuel carefully and try to avoid race-end spikes by stopping gels about 40-50 minutes before race end.
— Don Muchow, Type 1 diabetic ultramarathoner and triathlete
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU NEED ALL FOUR SWIM STROKES
A year ago, I would have read the “Training All Four Swim Strokes to Make a Complete Triathlete” story and laughed at the idea of incorporating back, breast and fly into my training. Not anymore! Three minutes into my first Ironman in September, I was smacked in the face and my goggles popped off. After several minutes of flailing, cursing and sobbing, I tried to start swimming freestyle again ... without goggles. Swimming with my eyes closed was a disaster and swimming with them open wasn’t an option, either — the water was freezing! Eventually I realized backstroke was my best option. Although I zig-zagged like crazy, I managed to swim the whole 2.4 miles using my worst stroke, and I even got to enjoy the beautiful Tahoe morning sky. I will definitely be incorporating some backstroke practice into my training this summer ... just in case!
— Meghan Lyons Calabro, Roeland Park, Kan.
AGNC GOODIE BAG SWAG PUT TO GOOD USE Some years ago at [USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals], they distributed an LED light for attaching to the brim of a cap. Since I don’t run much at night, the lamp was in a drawer for years. However, in the aftermath of Sandy and again during our ice storm, we lost power. Somehow, I remembered the headlamp, attached it to the brim of my Team USA cap and was able to light my way around the house. It was great to have both hands to work, yet still have light exactly where I was looking. Racing has unexpected benefits. Thanks USA Triathlon.
— Vince Aloyo
14 USA TRIATHLON SPRING 2014
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