Who I am

I have always been a fighter. Ever since I was little, I have fought for the things I want. My parents remind me all the time how challenging I was as a kid; strong-willed, stubborn, and relentless. From what I remember, I just wouldn't quit when I set my mind to something.

These may have been qualities that created a great deal of stress and hair-pulling for my parents (my Dad has been bald for years), but I am proud of who I am, and wouldn't want to be anyone else.

When I was no longer fast enough for the "A Relay," on my USS swim team, I worked harder and fought for my place. I was surrounded by athletes with talent flowing through their veins, and then there was me; all hard work, sweat and guts. I made certain that the only way I would be left off the team would be because I just wasn't good enough, not because I didn't work hard enough. I quickly learned that there were no shortcuts to the things you really want in life, and although I never made it back on the team relay, I worked my ass off, gave my absolute best effort, and had no regrets. I was 11-years -old at the time.

That trend has carried me through to where I am now, 13 years later, pursuing triathlon full-time and striving to be world class, with the same "give it all you've got and fight for what you want," attitude. It has been an amazing journey so far, and I am incredibly thankful for the support system I have behind me, riding the roller coaster of highs and lows.

This year has been a major step forward for me in a lot of ways. I joined Darren Smith in January, and in a rather short amount of time, transformed into an athlete I didn't think I could be. Again, it was a lot of hard work, sweat, guts, some tears, but a massive commitment to getting better every day that really paid off. The consistent training, world class coaching, and the relentless fighter in me was the recipe to creating some magic. My first ITU podium at the World Cup level was an incredible feeling, and backing up my race in Chengdu with another podium at our Continental Championships in Dallas was a personal confirmation that I was moving in the right direction, racing consistently, able to execute under pressure on the days that it matters. On to France I went with much excitement to continue working hard toward my goals.

Things got a bit off track after a few weeks in Europe, and despite some obvious signs that my body needed to slow down a bit, I kept fighting. No surprise here. "Don't give up," I told myself, "This will pass." It didn't really pass, but I still kept fighting. I had gotten through some tough times before, and I felt like I could get through them again. But progressively, despite a positive attitude, I didn't have much fight left.

Fast forward three months to avoid some of the uglier bits, and I am here in Hong Kong, where I am supposed to be racing tomorrow. After a period of rest at home with my family from early August to late September, I traveled out to Boulder to join Darren and some of the Dsquaders to train and prep for some end of season races, with the hopes that my overtrained body had moved on to happier days. There were some signs of good things, and glimpses of my early-season fit self, so I made plans to race the Tongyeong World Cup (an ugly bit) and Hong Kong Asian Cup (I am no longer racing) to finish out 2014. Turns out it has been a bit too much too soon.

Sometimes, even if you are inherently a fighter, you have to step away from the fight. Even if you really want something, and even if your goals and dreams consume your thoughts from sunrise to sunset, sometimes the best thing you can do is just relax, rejuvenate, and refocus for something better down the road.

Roller coaster riding and reflection

As we all know, life is a roller coaster. Cliche or not, it perfectly describes this journey.

You sit down, get buckled in, and have no idea what will happen next. But that is the best part- throwing yourself into the unknown, wholeheartedly. 

As the ride starts heading up toward the sky, you know that a drop could be around the corner, but you hope that if or when it arrives, it doesn't last long and isn't too scary. You crest the top and want to hold on to that moment forever...the views are amazing up there; it's exhilarating, yet peaceful. You look down and see just how far you've traveled to reach that point.

Then you start heading down, you fear the speed and the lack of control. After the fall, when you think that it is time to go up again, you are jolted left and right, and left again. You feel nauseous, anxious, crazy and completely out of sorts. But eventually, the momentum from the downfall and all the detours in every which direction drive you back up again. 

A roller coaster is what it is because of all of these parts. Where would the fun be if you traveled in a straight line forward on ground level? Without the turns and falls, there wouldn't be the incredible momentum to drive the coaster back up to the highs. 

I think a lot of athletes can relate to this metaphor in their careers. The ones who are on top now have overcome detours, highs, lows, twists and turns on their tracks to success. We all travel on different roller coasters, varying trajectories unique to each athlete.

I had a great Skype conversation with my coach earlier this week about the year so far. I am guilty of not stepping back and truly reflecting on how far I have come, and what I have achieved. I think that a lot of people can relate to this; we are often the  "go-getter," type, eager to get the most out of ourselves while lacking the patience and precision necessary to do that in the right way. Something I have learned is that it is okay, and also extremely important, to step back and just be happy for a few minutes, and think "wow, look what I have done! Look where I was last year! This is sweet !" Reflection is a key component of being an athlete; learning from our successes and our failures, and choosing to move forward with more knowledge because of it.

I am in the middle of detour at the moment, but one that came after some fantastic high roller coaster riding. In seeking those highs, and chasing lifetime best shape, I overcooked myself a bit and my body needed some time to rest and recharge. My coaster decided to go down at a less than ideal time, since it is the middle of the race season, but I am choosing to use this twisty section as a time to learn more about myself as an athlete, make some changes, and reflect on all the highs of 2014. 

I am incredibly lucky to have the support of my coach Darren Smith, the D squad, Chris, my family, USA Triathlon & OTF Multisport throughout all of this. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather ride a roller coaster with :)

Onward and upward.

BONJOUR!

I have been in France for five weeks now and I must say, I LOVE IT HERE! Time is flying by, training is going well, I celebrated a birthday (24!), and I am one happy chick. I think I have also finally figured out how to say hello (bonjour) properly. Well, at least I can say it better than when I arrived.

Me, happy in France with flowers from Chris on my birthday!

But first- an update on my last race in Dallas.

I had a great weekend with my Dad and Chris in Texas, and I guess third time is the charm. Two years ago I had a heat stroke in Dallas, last year I was affected by the heat and performed poorly, but this year I can honestly say that I am really pleased with my race.

With my Dad and Chris in Dallas.

I had a great two week build up to the race at home in Connecticut. Being with family is always such a treat. My parents would take off for work in the morning, and my little sisters would head off to school, and I would go about my daily routine of swim-bike-run-strength-eat well-rest-stretch-treatment etc. I spent a lot of time in the dungeon (basement) doing hard treadmill runs and bike-run sessions to prep for the Dallas heat. I think the pain and suffering paid off, so thank you Darren!

By the time everyone got back home, I was usually done with my training for the day, and got to spend some quality time with my parents, sisters and dogs. I hadn't seen everyone since Christmas, so I made the most of our time together. 

With the legend, Moo Moo at home in CT.

The race:

I exited the water at the front of a group of seven or eight girls, which would eventually become the chase pack, with three Americans up the road 40 seconds. We caught the group of three towards the end of lap 2 on the bike, and ended up forming a front pack of about twelve. The course was pretty straightforward- an out and back on a flat road, which meant not an overwhelming number of turns or technical bits to deal with. We entered T2, and besides the transition rack completely falling as I placed my bike on it, it was quite smooth! I came out of T2 a bit back after this chaos, but found myself at the front about 400m in.

Heading out of T2. Photo credit: Talbot Cox.

By the halfway mark I had opened up a gap of about 30 meters, and continued to focus on my checklist- what I needed to do each step to run well. Every time I came through the turnaround near transition, I could see my Dad giving me a thumbs up, and Chris was out on the run course encouraging me every lap. I took the run out hard in Dallas, which was quite different than the conservative approach I took in China. I got passed with just over a kilometer to go by an athlete from Mexico, and the eventual winner. I surged to get on her shoulder, re-passed her at the last turnaround, and she surged on me again on the slight downhill bit. With just under a kilometer to go, I dug as deep as I could, but didn't have the extra gear to go with her.  I definitely risked a lot on the run, and perhaps could have raced a little smarter...but I also learned a lot, which is part of racing and becoming a better athlete. I finished second place, tank empty, all smiles as I got to hug my Dad just after crossing the line. What a special day to share with him.

After my time at home, and a solid race, I felt recharged and ready to head to Europe and join Darren and the squad for our summer camp.

FRANCE:

I lived in Morzine for the first two weeks, then moved 12 kilometers up the mountain to the beautiful Avoriaz. It felt a bit like a ghost town for the first week, but families are flowing in now for holiday, shops are opening and it is certainly a special place.

Swim training in Morzine. Photo credit: Rob Holden.

After falling in love with New Zealand earlier this year, I didn't think a camp could top the one we had there. However, France is quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the world. I love the environment Darren has created here- simple and effective.

Running at Lac de Montriond. Shadow is Coach Daz.

Run session with the girls at Lac de Montriond. Photo Credit: TriDynamic.

I am currently in full-on training mode for my next race- the Jiayuguan World Cup in China on July 26. Back to China I go- hopefully it will be good to me again, and maybe I will get some more smiles this time :)

Lunch w Aileen and Jodes in Morzine.

au revoir for now!!

Jessica

Adventures in China

It has been nearly three weeks since I returned back to the USA after a few months away training in New Zealand and South Africa, leading up to my first race of 2014 in Chengdu, China. What an experience that was! I had never been to China before, so I was looking forward to traveling to a new place, and REALLY excited to race again after eleven months away from the ITU scene. 

Emly, Tony, Me, Anneke, Ingrid from left to right. Our homestay family in RSA.

I had a phenomenal four weeks in Stellenbosch, RSA, with an amazing homestay family (THANK YOU Smiths!). Great training, lots of sunshine, good coffees....happy days.  I took off for China on Tuesday, flying from Capetown to Johannesburg, Johannesburg to Abu Dhabi, and finally Abu Dhabi to Chengdu. I was quite exhausted when I arrived late on Wednesday night, which made it easy to get on cycle with the time zone. I woke up Thursday morning feeling pretty normal, and after a few coffees I was ready to get back into things with two of my Dsquad teammates, Anneke and Melinda, and the group of USA athletes.

Anneke, Melinda and I with some Panda heads in the lobby of our hotel.

The language barrier made things interesting to say the least, but I knew that China wouldn't be a walk in the park experience, so I approached each situation with patience, an open mind and a smile. Despite smiling at everyone I saw, I got very few smiles in return. I was convinced that this would change if the sun decided to make an appearance.

Hotel in Chengdu on a gloomy day.

Not much happened before the race. I ate lots of rice, watched several episodes of Suits in between pre-race prep, held up peace signs when locals asked for photos, and relaxed in our palace-like hotel room. We were well-prepared with insight from USA athletes Chelsea Burns and John O'Neil, who had been in China for two weeks scoping out the ins and outs of Chengdu, and USAT head coach, Jarrod Evans, who had been to Chengdu for the Continental Cup the previous year.

Anneke and I at the race site for some pre-race prep.

Over 100,000 spectators created an environment unlike anything I had experienced before. Jarrod had told us that there would be an overwhelming number of people attending the race, but I didn't actually understand what he meant until I arrived at the race site on Saturday morning. Holy cow! It took me about twenty minutes to travel the final mile into the park, where the road was bombarded by mopeds, cars, people and animals, none of whom understood "On your left," or "Excuse me!" The sun actually came out that day, but I didn't notice more smiles, so my previous theory was proven false.

Once in the athlete lounge, I went into my personal bubble and ticked off my check list for pre-race prep. And just like that, I found myself on the pontoon, seconds before my first race of 2014.

The swim consisted of 2 loops- one was 1000m and the second 500m. As I came out of the water after the first loop, I could see that I was at the tail end of the front group of 8 to 10 girls. I stayed in this position, exiting the water in 8th, with a trail of girls sprinting down the blue carpet in front of me. I heard the crowd roaring and used this momentum to run as fast as I could to get to transition. I knew that there would probably be a front group of 10-12 girls, which would be a great number to work with. I had a solid transition and found myself in the front group with 14 others. We never really got organized on the bike, but 6 or 7 of us rotated through the front and we moved along, increasing the time gap to the chase pack. With two laps to go, I experienced some mechanical issues and was unable to shift my bike..which made things interesting! I remained calm and had to muscle up the hills, but was able to stay with the group and enter T2 at the front. I exited transition in third and found a good rhythm the first lap of the run. I tried to stay in my bubble and focus on what I needed to do to run well, and found myself in second place by the halfway mark. I kept working at the time gap to first place, but was unable to get there and ended up second place overall. My first ITU podium- I am thrilled!

I was overcome with emotions running down the finishing chute- there were tears, smiles, a sense of relief, shock, and lots of pain. I was also thinking about how many amazing people I have behind me, and how this journey would not be possible without them.

I think this photo sums up all of my emotions on the day. Thanks Delly Carr for capturing it.

A big thanks to my sponsors Team Psycho, OTF Multisport, Revici and HUUB for your support. Thank you to Darren, Rick and the Dsquad for challenging me to be the best athlete I can be. And last, but certainly not least- thank you to my family and Chris. It isn't easy being away from you all, but knowing I have your support and belief fuels me everyday to chase after my dreams. I love you guys!

It was really special standing on the podium with fellow American teammate, Kevin McDowell. I may have cried during my post-race interview, but I wept while standing up there. I also struggled to open the champagne bottle, partly because my vision was blurred from tears, and partly because I am a total newbie. Despite the troubles, it was one of the coolest moments I have experienced in my athletic career. A big congrats to Kevin on a stellar day, and for never giving up in his incredible fight the past year.

Up next is PATCO champs tomorrow here in Dallas. An awesome group of women on the start list should make for a great race. Looking forward to it.

Jess

My 100th Post

Greetings from South Africa!

I haven't been the best about keeping up with my blog, but I am here now! This is my 100th blog post since I started writing back in 2009. I hope you enjoy it. :)



Camp in New Zealand flew by- we were in the beautiful country for five weeks, and I really enjoyed my time there with the Dsquad. Living with the entire crew up at the lodge was quite different from our first camp in Cali, but I really enjoyed getting to know everyone better. We certainly have an amazing group, and I am really lucky to be a part of it. We shared the lodge with other triathletes, runners, and cyclists over the course of our time there, and it was awesome to be surrounded by so many professionals, getting the job done each day and working toward their individual goals.

Rainbow on our way up the mountain one day.

We drove down the mountain each day for training in Wanaka, which did get a bit old after a few weeks, but good music and company made the time pass. Wanaka has a lot to offer- AMAZING trails for running, beautiful riding around Lake Hawea, shops and quality cafes. The stellar views and clear water in Lake Wanaka made for some serene (yet cold!) open water swims.

Pre open water swim in  Lake Wanaka, staying comfortable and warm in my HUUB.

Overall, NZ camp was a consistent block and I am really proud of the progress I made there. Under the watchful eye of Darren and Rick, I worked hard, kept an open mind, and made smart choices, which resulted in five weeks of good work.

I had a few blissful moments while out exploring the trails in Wanaka that made me really appreciate this journey I am on. There are certainly good days and bad, but I have learned a great deal about myself through dealing with both. I have grown a lot both emotionally and physically, and am embracing it all. What an amazing opportunity it has been so far, and I am certainly going to make the most of it.


Next up was a domestic travel to Auckland with Darren and most of the Dsquad to spectate both the women's and men's WTS races. This was a great opportunity for me to watch and learn from the best in our sport. I found it extremely valuable to see both races unfold, while chasing Darren around the course and listening to everything he had to say about race tactics, technique, decisions, form, etc etc. It was a pleasure cheering on my fellow Dsquad teammates- with my American accent and tendency to talk loud, I know they definitely all heard me. Getting a hug from Jodie after she claimed victory was a special moment- it has been truly remarkable training alongside someone who is not only a top notch athlete, but a total class act and absolutely lovely chick. Congrats Jodie- so awesome to see you break the tape!

Sunrise cruise w Anneke + Jodie.

I have been in Stellenbosch now for about 3 weeks, and have only another week left before I leave for China! I am living with a wonderful family here and feel very welcome in their home. South Africa has been quite enjoyable so far, and I am bummed to be leaving here soon, but eager to toe the line again for my first race of 2014 on May 10 at the Chengdu World Cup.

Morning ride in Stellenbosch with Miss Norden. 

Keep smiling!

Jess

Hello, NZ!

I have arrived in NZ! It is my first time to this beautiful country, and I am excited for our four weeks here. The San Diego training block went well- I stayed healthy (thank you Rick!), and got in a consistent eight weeks of work, making progress in a lot of areas and taking new tools and knowledge with me onward to Camp #2. I am transforming as an athlete in a lot of ways, and changes aren't solely physical.

It was great to visit with Chris in Manhattan Beach, CA before flying out of LAX on Wednesday night.  Chris was flying in a different direction to Florida for two early season ITU races in Clermont and Sarasota (GOOD LUCK :)!!) Although it is tough to be worlds apart, we are incredibly supportive of one another, and I can't imagine being on this journey without his encouragement and love.

I am currently in Queenstown, a few kilometers from the airport, waiting for Darren and a few of the other Dsquad athletes to land this afternoon so we can make the trip up the mountain together. This camp will be at altitude, an environment I am familiar with after five years in Boulder, Colo. I am eager to get settled and take on new challenges in our temporary home of Snowfarm.

View from hotel in Queenstown, NZ.

Just a short post- mainly for friends and family who asked me to update my blog more often so they can keep tabs on me ;)

Love you guys!

Jessica

Handling injuries LAVA article

Got an injury? Check out my LAVA article to get some tips on how to handle it in a healthy way.

http://lavamagazine.com/handling-injuries-in-a-healthy-way/

Article for LAVA: Why do you do sport?

http://lavamagazine.com/friday-confessions-why-do-you-do-sport/

Thank you to Matt Reed, Joanna Zeiger, Cam Dye, Joe Maloy, Angela Naeth, Jimmy Seear and Jodie Stimpson for contributing!

Big Changes

It has been awhile since I have posted a proper update on my blog- since late September to be exact! A lot has happened in the past four months, so I will try to keep it brief and use photos to distract you from the less exciting paragraphs of text.

My apartment may have been a goner, but the silver lining was that I got to spend the next three months with the amazing Hoops Family, who soon became family to me. With the help of Rich, Traci, Lexie, Payton, McCall and Remi, I emotionally recovered, got some new clothes, and went on with my life. The love and support that the Hoops showed me during this time is something I will be eternally thankful for. 

In the midst of this transition, I wasn't really sure what my next move would be. There was no exact date on when the remodeling of my apartment would be finished, and as much as I would have loved to stay with the Hoops forever, I knew that I would need to make some decisions for the upcoming year.

After communication for several weeks, I received an email in early November from Darren Smith, an Australian triathlon coach, welcoming me to his international squad of athletes. I still remember the incredible mixture of emotions I felt when I found out, mainly pure excitement. I knew this was going to be the start of the next chapter of my life.

Came home to find this from the Hoops in my room. One of the many gestures that made me feel so loved!

Traveling home for Thanksgiving was next up on the schedule. Seeing family is always a treat, and I embraced our time together. My parents and sisters have been my biggest supporters from the start of my career, through the highs and lows, and everything in between. Celebrating the news with them was very special and I could see just how excited they all are for me and the journey ahead. 

With all my sisters on Thanksgiving day.

Before heading back to Colorado for my final two weeks, I made a stop in Arizona for a few days to meet Darren for the first time. Both Lindsey Jerdonek and I were invited to spend a few days shadowing world-class sprinters, vaulters, hurdlers and jumpers training at Athletes Performance in Phoenix, AZ. We met Dan Pfaff, an incredibly wise and experienced coach, who has worked with nine Olympic medalists and five world record-holders during his 39-year career. These three days with the athletes, coaches, and Darren were a peak into the sphere of high level sport, and the attention to detail and focus it takes to be absolute world class. 

Dan Pfaff in the center with some amazing athletes surrounding!

The two weeks following flew by- I packed up all of my belongings into my car, trained, met up with friends for one last coffee or lunch date, shipped boxes, and celebrated Chris' birthday and graduation.

Birthday boy. Coke and cake- combination of champions.

Proud of my graduate! 

I also came down with the flu (Yes Mom, I should have gotten a flu shot) during my final day in Colorado, which made an already emotional goodbye even more painful. The Hoops organized a farewell breakfast the morning of my departure, and despite waking up with a 104 fever, I refused to miss it. Chris's mom, Cindy, and sister, Brittany were in town as well, so it was a great gathering with lots of people I love. As I sweat out my fever, tears filled my eyes while hugging everyone goodbye- I was an absolute mess! The photo below is prior to the emotional breakdown.

Traci, Rich, me, Payton and Remi after farewell breakfast. 

If there is anywhere I would want to have the flu, it would be at home. My fever was often so high that I could barely walk, and I missed out on some holiday fun. My sisters took good care of me, bringing me new blankets to sweat through and water to chug down. By the time the holiday was over, I was starting to come around, just in time for my departure on New Years Eve to California. 

Christmas Eve, before Santa even came!

And here I am now in Chula Vista, Calif., less than two weeks away from heading off to New Zealand. Camp here has flown by and I am learning so much from Darren, Rick (our physio master), Nico (our Swiss physiology intern), and all my D squad teammates. I am seeing improvement every week, and continuing to tick away at the job. Consistency is key, and I know that I am doing the best job I can at getting better every day. 

Run session towards the beginning of camp. Photo credit: Kevin Koresky

Overtraining article for LAVA

http://lavamagazine.com/overtraining-a-self-monitoring-system-is-key-to-prevention/

Goal-Setting

Need some tips to help you reach your goals in 2014? Check out my first article for LAVA magazine.

http://lavamagazine.com/set-your-goals-how-to-get-results-in-2014/#.UtbpwKBU3zI

LAVA magazine contributor

I am excited to announce I will be a contributing writer to LAVA magazine starting January 13th. I will be posting once or twice a week on a variety of triathlon related topics.

Here is a brief Q+A about me :) Enjoy!

http://lavamagazine.com/introducing-jessica-erin-broderick/#.Us4wD6BU3zJ