Patience is a virtue

In the past three months, my health has come full swing and I am very fortunate for this. After visiting with many doctors while home in CT, the common thread seems to be that my body needs to just sort itself out and it will take some time to feel completely like myself again. With this being said, training has been getting better each week and I am thoroughly enjoying each session and genuinely having fun. This is a big step for me considering where I was at early March and even into April this year. Since training has been going well, my coach and I decided that I should give racing a go, so I traveled to Monroe, Washington this past weekend for a draft legal event.

It was the first year there was a triathlon at this location and I think USAT did a fantastic job in choosing a venue. The swim was in a small lake, the bike was on some smooth flat roads, and the run was on a path around the lake. Overall, very spectator friendly, a component of draft legal racing that is important in drawing in crowds for support. I was happy about where I was at mentally going into the weekend, and my body felt great too. I can't say that I felt 100% confident in where my fitness was at, but I have to accept where I am right now, and realize that I am moving in the right direction. We all have setbacks, and it is just about overcoming them and being patient in getting back to where you want to be.

Overall, the race wasn't at all what I was hoping for. I had a great swim and came out with the front group, which is something I had struggled with in the past. Besides my swim, it was a very tough race and I just kept moving backwards. I ended up alone on the bike (never a good thing in draft legal races), kept losing time, and had to serve two penalties (not sure what for!) on the run. Between feeling mentally and physically defeated, I was very disappointed in my performance because I know I am capable of much more.

I spoke with my coach after the race and she told me that racing in Monroe was just an indicator that I am not ready to be racing yet, and there is no rush to be toeing the start line. After a setback earlier this year, it may take some time for me to perform at a high level again. My coach and I decided that I won't be racing for awhile, and instead, just trying to make leaps in my training and gain strength. I will be doing some local running races and open water swim races here in California.

The good news from all of this is, I am more patient than ever, so fortunate for my health, and I am having fun and smiling a lot. For now, it is important for me to listen to my body so I can get back to my base and keep building to reach my highest potential. I know that being patient now and properly gaining strength will bring me to the destination I hope for down the road. So for now, I am just enjoying the journey and grateful for all triathlon has given me.

Thanks for reading!

Jessica

Home is where the heart is

The past month in CT was wonderful in every way. I was overdue for some quality time with my sisters and parents, and after having a rough start to the season with my health, it was great to be with the people that love me most. Chris and I drove to CT from Boulder, and stopped in Knoxville for him to race. He did great in his first pro race against a stacked field of athletes and I am really proud of him! I don't think I have seen any athlete push themselves as hard as he does, and I really enjoy watching him race because he has so much fun out there and has improved so much over the past year. Once we arrived in CT, I knew it would be a fun couple of weeks.

The time in CT included yummy home cooked meals (thanks Mom!), hanging out with my sisters, attending the twins soccer games and swim meets, baking, a trip to NYC, zip lining, bike rides with my Mom, a fun race at Lake Quassapaug and some great training. I also had a few doctors appointments while I was home with other neurologists, and all news is good news. I have been able to monitor my energy levels each day, and be very careful in listening to my body. I am feeling better each week and training is going really well under the guidance of my new coach Joanna Zeiger. The doctors were unable to really conclude what affected my health early March, but are optimistic in stating that I am okay and my body just needs time to sort itself out. This whole situation has made me realize that we certainly aren't invincible and taking care of ourselves is the most important thing as athletes.

I have been in California for a few days now and am loving it here! I miss my family and had an emotional departure from CT, but am happy to have had a great few weeks with them. You don't realize how much you miss your family until you are fortunate enough to spend an extended period of time with them. Sure, I miss my sisters and parents all the time when I am out in CO, but being in CT made me realize just how special family is and how much love there is at home. There is absolutely nothing that compares. Home is truly where the heart is.

Smile big!

Jessica