Shortly after arriving home from camp, I was contacted by a Team Timex sponsor; Nathan Sports . They sponsor triathlons around the country and occasionally do hydration presentations for the athletes. I had done this previously in Tempe, AZ last September and Nathan was looking to do one in Miami. Well, the calender was open.. and I’ve never been to Miami, so I jumped at the opportunity.

When I arrived into Miami yesterday afternoon, I thought how funny that the day before I was snowshoe racing above 11,000 feet and now I’m about ready to combust in my jeans with the heat and humidity. I didn’t know if I was going to make it to the hotel alive with the way my taxi driver was driving… but I was hoping I would so I could get those jeans off!

I arrived at Footworks for the event and met a lot of really nice people; Bob, JP, Tachi and many others. They called on me to lead the 60+ runners in a warm-up prior to our 5k fun run… that was fun! We then headed out for a run. THIS WAS CRAZY… I thought the taxi ride was bad?! I truly feel it is a hazard to ones health.. or LIFE to run in Miami. I think drivers try to hit runners… it was the craziest thing I have ever experienced in my life!

Upon our return to the shop, I presented on hydration to the group and afterward we had a great Q & A sesson. Teaching athletes the important role that hydration and nutrition play into training and racing is critical.  It helps us make the most of the investment we make in ourselves.

Enjoy your training =)

www.tristafrancis.com

Timex® Ironman® Global Trainer™ Bodylink® System with integrated SiRFstarIII™ GPS technology measures pace, speed, distance and more in real-time, allowing athletes to measure, review and advance their performance.

Customizable displays show up to four windows of information, and advanced online training log software analyzes uploaded data across several dimensions.

The water-resistant case and long-lasting rechargeable battery prove this is the only GPS-enabled watch worthy of the Timex® Ironman® name.

http://www.timexironman.com/Products/Global_Trainer_GPS.htm

-Performance and Route Data Downloads to Online Training Software Powered by
-Advanced Desktop Software Manages Users Settings for Easy Customization.
-Battery Recharges when Connected to USB Port or AC Adaptor.
-Compatible with Windows® XP or Newer and Mac® OS X 10.4 or Newer.
-Compatible with Timex® Heart Rate and Bike Sensors Using ANT+™.
-Compatible with Third-Party Bike Power Sensors Using ANT+™.

Available at many specialty sports and sporting goods stores in September 2010.

This is my 4th season coaching for the Southern WI region of Team in Training and after our kick-off meeting last night I am excited for another season with such a great organization!!

Team In Training (TNT) is the signature event of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and is the largest endurance training program in the world!  Since 1988, more than 420,000 TNT participants have raised over $1 billion for life saving cancer research and services to help blood cancer patients live longer, better lives.  These days everyone is affected by cancer in some way, and it is through the fundraising that we can raise the money needed to help.

I am currently training a team of athletes for 3 different marathons/half marathons (San Diego, Vancouver, and Seattle).  Many of the runners or walkers have never done a race or ran more than a few miles before, so it is quite a challenge for me as a coach and for them as aspiring marathoners. 

I am so glad to be involved with TNT and be able to help make a difference in the lives of people suffering from blood cancers.  The survival rate has increased dramatically and I know each season that the money we raise is making a difference.   It’s great to be running for a reason!

For more info:       http://www.teamintraining.org/

10. Giving up Mike Lavery’s round food diet
9. Running and riding… even in the rain…
8. or on the trainer if it is wet and cold - with inspiring riders (Carmen (pictured) and Kelly, Colavita Professional Cyclists kicking some computrainer butt).
7. Running or cycling for more than an hour…
6. or just do a race that takes more than an hour (I came in 100th place — try to repeat that)
5. Sleep
4. Prep (e.g., ensuring gear is in working condition, nutritional products aren’t expired, etc.)
3. “No more hobbies, no more volunteering” mantra (imposed by my spouse)
2. Finding more time to work in order to support racing habit
1. Calling it “training” instead of “working out”

 But, back to commitment. When I ran for Boulder City Council this year, I jumped in with both feet, both arms, and my entire body and soul. Unequivocally, no candidate worked harder than me; although, some may say that was because I had the most to learn! Regardless, I was committed!

Two weeks ago, it was minus 7 degrees here in Boulder. Wednesdays have become one of my 2 long runs each week, and my goal was to run roughly 16-18 miles on this day in order to see whether I should attempt a 50K run in January. Well, I did it! Throughout the run - on hardpacked snow and in absolutely frigid temps - I kept thinking about making that commitment. It is what kept me going, and the satisfaction of the result was enormous. The picture here shows me at the end of the 2:21 run. Funny - when it’s that cold, the first part of the run is a cool down, and the end is a warm up :).