With that said…

Within purplepatch, we dive into the art of GETTING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE (“GCBU” going forward). Within specific (BUT certainly not all) workouts/racing, it is these raw, tender, gentle moments of discomfort where the magic actually happens. I have seen people question this “magic” if its deemed as ‘uncomfortable’ and while I RESPECT that mentality for some, what I can assure you is that if you’re an Ironman/endurance athlete especially, it is something to ponder and reconsider.

I can promise you that whether you are a sub-8 hour or 17 hour Ironman athlete, there are going to be several pockets of discomfort in ANY Ironman that you do. This is where GCBU shines.

There are a few ways to OUTLINE the true meaning of GCBU:

In Training:

Threshold work. You’re on the BRINK. The cusp. Zone 4/5. Wounded animal like. Barely able to hold on to the power..the effort is extreme..but tolerable. This is GCBU at its finest. I know in these crucial moments, fitness is being gained even if there is massive discomfort. Once again, this isn’t to say EVERY workout needs to be like this—NOT AT ALL. However, having a handful of sessions of this nature per week are crucial not only for your overall fitness gains..but also for your mental fortitude. You get through it, and it HURTS, but when it’s over—IT IS OVER and you’re able to recover and do it all over again.

You are not only training your fitness for incredible power but you are also training your mind to adapt to the efforts. It’s HERE where we find the most success as athletes.

In Racing:

Three Quick Examples:

1. Racing can often be 70% mental (in my opinion). Sure, you have to have the FITNESS but more importantly, your head + your legs need to have a massive amount of camaraderie and teamwork to prevail. Your muscle memory bank from GCBU training parlays into racing as one’s mind remembers the elements of being uncomfortable and mixed with adrenaline, it is all tolerable discomfort! This is why racing becomes FUN and also why the saying “PAIN IS TEMPORARY” evolved.

Hills recently wrote an amazing blog on the MENTAL GAME of the sport. I encourage you all to read it because she hits key points about how vital the mental side of the sport is...DAILY.

Her advice speaks volumes and I can tell you FIRST HAND, she is the most mentally strong person I know...VERY worth the read:

http://hillarybiscay.com/2012/03/24/qa-the-mental-game/

2. Racing when you’re not feeling your best. Like any job, there are going to be days where you may not be feeling 100%. ALL of us endure this in our day jobs and countless people rally through their days despite feeling unwell. As professional triathletes, since we RACE for a living, it’s not often an option to call in for “sick” days (I say this without complaint—I wouldn’t have it any other way) if you will– so you adapt to GCBU in that capacity.

I recently experienced this at Oceanside 70.3. Simply put, I felt foggy with a sore throat and  a VERY LOUD obnoxious cough that would not stop once it started. BUT—it was TOLERABLE..and it was RACEABLE. Clearly, getting in the cold ocean…riding in the rain and trying to sprint a half mary after wasn’t ideal…I was EXTREMEMLY uncomfortable (sick or not—trying to go FULL gas in a half is always uncomf no matter what!!) 100% of that race….and all I could think about to rally through it was GCBU…try not to cough, that I was lucky to have healthy legs AND that it would eventually be over. I was excited to get 3^rd and did the best I could in the moment. (A VERY IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: Congrats all around to Mel for her fantastic WIN, HJ, Rachel and LNC on their success there—a pleasure to get to race with these ladies).

3. For us women, racing on our PERIOD. Again, GCBU galore! This is sort of the unspoken word in the sport but alas, as women—WE DEAL even though we would rather be in fetal position with ice cream on the couch—clearly. It is never ideal to race during this period window but again, we mentally HAVE to adjust and GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORABLE with the extreme cramps, bloating, sluggishness et all.

There are ALSO a few cases where you should NOT be GCBU…especially if it involves your HEALTH. Being UNCOMFORTABLE should be taken literally only to a POINT.

I’ll never forget in high school when I was racing the 2 mile for track on my way to the State Championships. I had stress fractured my pelvis leading up to the race but my stubborn 16-year old self was certain that my mind could trump the pain my body was feeling and carry on with the race. Six laps into the 8 lap race, I ran right off the track and collapsed in so much pain that I could barely crawl out of the way of the other ladies running the race. My dad had to come down from the stands and physically carry me off the track. At the time, it seemed like the WORSE thing in the world..I could barely walk, was worried that my field hockey scholarship would be taken away as I was about to head off to college that fall to play….and I thought I was wimptastic for not enduring the pain in the moment.

17 years later… That MOMENT still radiates within me as the perspective I gained from that intricate crawl off the track…IT has helped me GREATLY as an adult athlete. When our bodies speak to us—WE MUST LISTEN even if we do not want to.

When I DNF’d my first two Ironman races last year, Dave Erickson taped this bit here talking about that experience and WHY it is so important to listen to your body. There IS a fine line with one’s health and when you are flirting with the demise of it—AGAIN you MUST MUST listen to your body when you are pushing past the brink and the UNTOLERABLE discomfort happens:

watch?v=yEloKZv-eAg

As we head off to Ironman St. George this weekend, my mentality is already set to fully embrace a lot of hours on Saturday ‘getting comfortable being uncomfortable…’

It wouldn’t be an Ironman without a little GCBU action…that I can say with certainty and I have some serious redemption to try to salvage on this course for sure!

BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE RACING ST. GEORGE, AUSTRALIA + WILDFLOWER!

Love,

MBK

I have always had the mindset that DREAMING IN COLOR was the best way to approach all realms of LIFE. I feel as if this thought process sets one up for success vs. the potential for any disappointment.

A basic example of this can even come into play when talking about a simple glass of wine…while I may dream of a brilliant glass of 1997 Marcassin Pinot, an average glass of say.. 2010 Gnarly Head Zin really doesn’t taste too shabby. Thus, while the Pinot may be something to keep dreaming about, the Zin doesn’t disappoint.

Win Win situation.

In ‘athlete’ goals, this could mean one dreams of anything from a PR, victory, finish, not falling off the bike, not getting a flat tire, not passing out, smiling throughout, nutritional race bliss—any and all of it. Very colorful dreaming.

Our trip to New Zealand was everything I dreamed it to be and I could not of been more thankful for the opportunity. While we had the vision of going there and racing a full Ironman distance, it was easy to adjust the dream of that to a 70.3 distance. The key was re-visualizing the SAME goals on a revised course no matter the distance. I was genuinely grateful to get to participate in any form of race at all especially given, at one point, we thought we may not be racing at all due to the weather.

While I’m well aware of the differences between a full and half Ironman race, I can say with certainty that Ironman New Zealand did a phenomenal job making sure everyone was taken care of more than ever. The race was treated entirely like a full Ironman and beyond with so much care and concern for ALL of the athletes. Special thanks to Jane and her team (Janette!) for making all of this happen for everyone! AND TO THE VOLUNTEERS who so graciously shifted their schedules in order to accommodate a Sunday vs. Saturday race. TRULY FIRST CLASS.

The Ironman Gods worked their magic over the span of 4 hours the night before the newly designed Ironman New Zealand 70.3 race. From howling winds, rain, high waves and cold to a near perfect, clear morning.

7AM was calm and smooth. You would have never known the hoops the management had to jump through to make it happen. It was business as usual on a new course. I slipped on the trusty ORCA Alpha wetsuit and was warm even in the chilly waters.

The swim was a giant washing machine of arms and legs until the first turn. I managed to lose my timing chip and goggles simultaneously about a minute into the swim but even with the chop, the water was so transparent and clean in Taupo lake that it was not distracting at all to go without.

Onward to our 400 m jog to T1..delayed to find my bag, trying to tell someone I lost my timing chip and proceeding to run to my bike on the wet mud/grass with my cycling shoes on causing mud to get up in my cleats –couldn’t clip in my pedals—reaching down trying to dig it out while pedaling unclipped — Very uncontrolled multi-tastking here! Thus, the beginning flow of my race was by no means was perfect. I made a lot of mistakes and technical errors if you will but I feel like this is par for the course for every athlete out there! It all comes together when you just stay calm and controlled.

I was pumped to finally get sorted on my Orbea Ordu, clipped in properly and pedaling! One of my new sponsors, Challenge Tires, had kindly rushed an order of their most durable tires to put on my 66/81 Reynolds Wheel Set. That combo was perfect for this course as was my ISM SADDLE on that chip seal pavement..so so money. THANK YOU!

Into T2..received a new timing chip to put back on for the start of the run, slipped on my Saucony Kinvara’s while slamming a Vanilla Clif gel and saw AK in all his glory. Seeing him alone is enough to make me want to do a full 13.1 mile sprint. Things were slowly starting to come together and now it was just time to run. I was well aware that it would need to be fast…just look at the amazing ladies in the field alone. I have been dubbed as a ‘weaker’ runner—a fair statement–and I have been working on that in hopes to not lose my luster going forward. I felt controlled on the run and the crowds alone were enough to distract one from the understandable discomfort. Thank you to the city of Taupo, spectators and fans for all the cheers and great positive energy!!!

To Mike Reilly—whether a full Ironman, 70.3, Duathlon or NOTHING…this thank you also goes to YOU for making each and every one of us feel special NO MATTER WHAT. Your energy radiates and your sheer passion for what you do never goes unnoticed.

Special congratulations to Kate, Jo, Jess and Gina. I think the world of these ladies and was just pumped to be a part of it with them all.

The awards ceremony alone was worth coming to Taupo. One of the best I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of and thank you to those who listened to and recorded my speech:

Thank you my sponsors for the relentless support and for helping me keep dreaming in color!

To my family, friends, AK: You know personally how much you all mean to me and how much I love you–SO MUCH. THANK YOU!

We’re off to Oceanside next…looking forward to it!
Love,
MBK

It’s been a really enriching holiday season for us and we feel so fortunate. Even though I am grateful for what I have in life EVERY SINGLE DAY, I feel like it is magnified even more so during the holiday time.

I know I have this trend of posting way too many photos but I truly feel like that was the best way to capture the past few weeks! We have really enjoyed ample holiday parties with our closest friends, family time in Ohio and HPB/Cat’s wedding in Palos Verdes to ring in the New Year. These have been more than unforgettable highlights while being mixed in with quality gal dinners, AK date nights, out of town visitors, birthday celebrations and weekend getaways to Tahoe, Wine Country and Vegas.

Training has continued to roll on and been very fun and rewarding. AK and I are excited to tackle a new race adventure this year as I’m looking forward to starting off the 2012 race season with Ironman New Zealand. A new year, a new adventure…similar goals and dreams.

I’m equally excited for the adventures of my athletes goals and dreams for 2012. I know each and every one of them will shine and I can’t wait to be part of their journey!

The future for purplepatch is growing rapidly and continues to have SO much to offer. Matt + team have spearheaded many things for purplepatch to look forward to and 2012 promises to be an exciting one!

Whether you are looking for a swim clinic, run clinic, cycling adventure or a fully coached triathlon camp, you will be sure to find a first class experience within purplepatch.

Check out Matt’s latest list of purplepatch camps and clinics here:

http://www.purplepatchfitness.com/train-with-us/camps-clinics

Velo SF also has exciting things in store for 2012! We start by moving facilities next week (just around the corner from where we currently are) for which our amazing GM Kate and crew (Donald, Charlie + Mikey) are making everything seamless for all of us. Thank you guys so much! The quality program continues to shine with it’s effective and efficient indoor cycling workouts. As ever, if you have any questions in regards to Velo SF, please feel free to ask me anytime. You can check out the website at www.velosf.com.

I hope you enjoy the slide show with added commentary at the bottom to get a little color on the photos!

Thank you for reading and I hope all of you are off to an enriching 2012!

Love,

MBK

When I take a bird’s eye view at the 2011 season, I am very grateful to have experienced everything I did this year. I hit some rough patches in my opening races which left a lot of health issues in question but it was very important to me to use those mishaps to fuel the rest of the season.

As professional athletes, it’s easy to get trapped in the dogma of ‘whoa is me’ and focus on what one could of done better. For me, it’s more about getting to the root of the problem, fixing it and trying again and again…. and again. It’s that relentless fire that athletes have that inspire me to be a better athlete myself. I feel as though one can’t possibly have this fire unless you experience some individual pitfalls which are precisely what keeps us coming back for another try.

I was recently asked by Clif Bar to give my ‘top 5 words of advice’ for an article involving how athletes ‘PUSH PASS THE PLATEAU.’ I have used the following to help keep me motivated and encouraged especially this season:

•Believe. Believe that you have what it take to rise above the issues at hand and never give up.

•Limitless. Answers are limitless. Find the answers you need in order to prevail.

•Gumption. Every race isn’t going to be peaches and cream. I truly believe that it’s not about how you fall, but how you get back up — and that takes gumption.

•Simplicity. Keep it simple while figuring out what works best for you.

•Resilience. Remember that the body is resilient so you need to be too.

Ironman Arizona was a very rewarding way to end the season. Not only is it my favorite Ironman on the circuit, but it was spent with great friends and people very important to me in life.

It was really cool to share this race with so many amazing athletes. I raise my glass to Leanda Cave and Linsey Corbin for their 1-2 amazing (+ well under) sub 9 performances and for continuing to raise the bar. Congratulations! These gals are top knotch.

It really was a perfect day in Tempe. The weather, the crowd, the volunteers…the aura. It was awesome. The swim was surprisingly calm as I was very fortunate to get to swim in a 3-pack with Kelly Williamson and Leanda, both of whom I absolutely adore and LOVE to swim with in races if at all possible. It was smooth, simple, no drama etc…always a pleasure. I, of course, was hanging on for dear life like an annoying squirrel trying to get a nut thus I could not help pull some weight and wished I could have helped there (not that they needed it!). Kelly and Leanda kept rotating leaders which was really cool. It seemed like we had the whole lake to ourselves..no men around either.. which is a rarity! Very thankful. The three of us basically came out of the swim together and on to the bike we went.

A special congratulations to Amanda Stevens on her amazing swim (as well as a great race in general)..I’m pretty sure she had at LEAST 3 mins on us…she really is the best female swimmer, by far, in the sport. Awesome!

On to the 3-loop bike course….I felt comfy on my Orbea Ordu (thank you Fits by Paul!) and did my best to stay controlled and consistent each loop. I was thrilled with my Reynolds 66/81 wheelset choice for these conditions and my CycleOps powertap was essential for this course thus to not get too out of control on watt spikes since the wind seemed to change each loop.

People view this course as a ‘flat’ course. While I agree that it is WAY less ‘flat’ then say Ironman St. George or Ironman Canada, it still has sneaky false flats each loop that can really ‘get’ you if you don’t stay composed. I find this course is best to try to get stronger each loop so that you don’t run out of gas by the final lap. In addition, its easy to get stuck behind or ‘in’ a pack on this course since there are almost 3000 people on a 3-loop bike course. Since I’m constantly in fear of getting a penalty (as most of us are), I probably also annoyingly played cat and mouse at times in order to avoid it at all costs. I found myself breaking a lot too which obviously slowed the momentum but it’s sort of just what you have to do at times to stay kosher. Something to learn from and work on going forward.

The run….GOD LOVE THIS RUN. The 3 loop figure-8 course allows you to see your ‘peeps’ at least 16 times = AMAZING. I had the thrill of running side by side with Leanda for a couple miles in 2^nd place. While I would have LOVED to maintain that for longer, I had to drop to a pace that was conducive to what I could handle in that moment and well, also so I didn’t blow like a champagne cork! I stayed in 2^nd for awhile after that until Lins passed me around mile 13. While in a semi-low moment as she passed, I was still very happy to see my pal having such a great race! My special needs nutrition started to kick in around mile 15 and I felt much more vibrant the second half of the run…finishing in 3^rd.

While I was 14 seconds shy (SHOOT!) of breaking 9 hours, I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to share the podium behind Leanda and Linsey who, simply put, were the better athletes of the day. The popular question lately has been “did you know you were THAT close to breaking 9 hours?” Ah yes, indeed, and I was gunning for it for sure! I must of miscalculated that last .2 miles as that bit seemed to go one FOREVER and I unfortunately ran out of real estate or rather, there was too much real estate left!

While I’m sure I could drive myself batty thinking about where I could of made up that precious 14 seconds, I tend to not sweat the small stuff. Perspective I probably got even more when I collapsed in my first two Ironmans of the season. When all was said and done, Ironman Arizona was my 42^nd Ironman…a 13 minute PR and most importantly (even if in the well of pain like everyone else during these things), I felt like myself and had fun doing it. I do not take a 9 hour performance or an ironman FINISH for that matter…for granted-EVER. I hope to have the opportunity again in the near future to tackle that sub-9 and most importantly, I am elated to have pushed passed the plateau and capped off my 10^th race of the season with another podium finish.

I owe ample THANKS to so so many—(noted mostly on the pictures attached as well):

To my Sponsors: Saucony, Arctic Ease, Orbea, Orca, Clif Bar, Reynolds Wheels, Recovery Boots, TriBike Transport, TRX, CycleOps, Shimano, Velo SF & Pacific Bikes...words can’t fully describe my gratitude. Thank you for providing me with the best products and services out there and even more rewarding, thank you for believing in me through not only the highs, but the lows as well. As professionals, we truly cannot do this sport with out your relentless support. It speaks volumes.

To purplepatch & Matt Dixon: Thank you for having faith in me 4+ years ago and for being an integral part of Velo SF. The journey from an 11+ hour ironman athlete to an Ironman Champion/9hr PR has been one that I will cherish for a lifetime. I’m also very thankful to be a part of the purplepatch family and to coach under the purplepatch brand which supports the balanced lifestyle I have always enjoyed having.

FK, DEBS, DEE: Who just jumps on a plane last minute to come support their pals during an Ironman—you guys do! We are so lucky. THANK YOU.

To LNC, CC, Ma & Pa P: Ironman AZ was a blast. Thanks for all the hugs and surplus of jumping jacks whenever LNC and I are in the same races! You are like family out there, thank you for that luxury.

Sue Hutter: Your passion on life is one to be admired. Thank you for sharing that wealth of love (wine and chocolate too ) with so many of us.

HPB&CAT: Even when you guys are the busiest, you make time for others which is only one of many positive qualities of your characters. Thank you so much. We can’t wait to celebrate you two next month and in the meantime, CRUSH it this weekend in Iman WA! We’ll be rooting for you both all day long.

To my family & friends: I love you all so much! Near or far..you guys are always with me every step of the way. I have said this before, and I’ll say it again…ALL of you fuel me to the finish! I treasure our time together always.

Lastly, to AK: From 14 years old to now 33…it only gets better and better in our lifetime together! Thank you for all you do for me to keep this dream alive. I love you!

Happy Holidays to all!

Love,

MBK

]]> http://www.meredithkessler.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1137 0 http://www.meredithkessler.com/blog/?p=1110 http://www.meredithkessler.com/blog/?p=1110#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:57:01 +0000 admin http://www.meredithkessler.com/blog/?p=1110

Heading into ITU LC WC, I was still on a high from my sister’s wedding the weekend before and those memories were certainly still heavily and fondly on my mind. I was really excited to be a part of a ‘world championship’ and to represent the USA. In addition, I was PUMPED for the particular distance of this race: 4k swim, ~80 mile bike, 18.6 mile run = longer swim, shorter bike, shorter run than a full ironman which was very attractive!

I was truly “rejoicing” to have finished third behind the amazing Rachel Joyce and Leanda Cave in this race. It was a very impressive field and challenging course so when I found out the swim was cancelled, I thought, “UH-OH!” as the dynamic completely changes without the swim especially when the swim is your favorite part of a triathlon. That said, I could hardly complain here as I’ve been lucky in the past that I have never experienced this during ANY race to date so my mindset quickly shifted to “OK, Plan B it is!”

With the time trial start, Plan B was really to just make sure not to go ‘hero to zero’ on the accumulating bike leg by going out too hard. It is so easy to want to go FULL FULL GAS 110% at the start but then blow like a champagne cork- which I have done far too many times before! The goal was to stay as controlled and consistent as possible, else it is so easy to lose your luster once you hit the run. I *think* I needed this semi-composed mindset to help reserve the running legs that I definitely needed to KEEP UP + run into 3rd place. That said, swim or no swim, I still would of been running ragged trying to keep up with Leanda and Rachel who ironically too both love the swim as much as I do!

It was a real honor to represent the USA at this event and even more rewarding that our women’s USA team (including Amanda Lovato, Malaika Homo and myself) took home the GOLD as the overall women’s world champions for this Long Course World Championship! Massive congratulations also to USA’s Jordan Rapp for taking home the title and for Nick Thompson’s top five performance. USA really represented on both sides. WE WERE PROUD!

I was equally as proud for both Leanda and Rachel. Leanda has had the most amazing season that I have ever witnessed and I know this is just the beginning of a continued successful journey for her. As for Rachel, this girl just SHINES as well and is so worthy of this victory. Having placed 6th-5th-4th in Kona the last 3 years respectively, I can see her rising trend slowly moving towards a victory there VERY soon.

It was a very PURPLEPATCH-ey day in Henderson. You can check out Matt’s Dixon’s take on the race here:

http://www.purplepatchfitness.com/news/itu-world-championship-very-purplepatch-day

Thank you MD for having Rachel and I ready to go for this event–even sans swim!!

Many thanks to our USA triathlon manager for this race, KT White, who was instrumental in helping our team with the specifics and race details. Having never been a part of an ITU managed race, KT was pivotal in helping us learn the rules of this particular style of triathlon union. It was so great that she kept us all in CHECK. THANK YOU KT!

Meanwhile at Ironman Florida, one of my athletes, Bethany, was crushing the course there with a 30+ minute PR AND A KONA SLOT! This made my day as well. Congratulations Bethany! We are so happy for you and cannot wait for your 2012 season AND your 1st Kona appearance! YOU WILL BE GREAT.

We are off to race Ironman Arizona this weekend to bring the 2011 season to a close. This is my favorite event on the Ironman circuit as IMAZ is one of the most spectator friendly courses that I have had the pleasure of doing every time this race has been offered. I love the 1-loop swim, 3-loop bike and figure ‘8′ run loops where you can see your ‘people’ and the crowds at least 16 times = great stuff! Always great to see your family and pals when you are deep in the well during an Ironman.

We have many purplepatch athletes + friends racing or coming to Tempe so I have no doubt that it will be a GREAT day for everyone!

If you ARE in Arizona especially, please take time to read about Sally Meyerhoff and SMASH IT FOR SALLY.

Linsey Corbin and Hillary Biscay have so kindly spearheaded wearing/racing in pink SM bracelents in order to honor Sally and to raise awareness for Sally’s foundation.

You can read more about this amazing movement on their blogs:
Linsey’s: http://linseycorbin.com/blog/view/are-you-a-professional-triathlete-racing-ironman-arizona
Hillary’s: http://hillarybiscay.com/wordpress/2011/11/10/10-november-11-smash-it-for-sally/

Thank you HPB & LNC for making this happen, it speaks volumes for so many.

All the best,
MBK

The end of October was a very special weekend for my family as it was Kelsey and David’s wedding weekend!

Pictures DEFINITELY have to do most of the talking as words cannot FULLY express what a FUN, PRICELESS and PERFECT week this was–we had an absolute blast.

I flew to Cbus a week before the wedding to help out with the final wedding prep + my matron of honor duties. So much thought, prep and (especially) LOVE goes into planning and preparing for a wedding and it was so much fun to be able to do it all together as a family. Mom-you are amazing for all that you do. I’m also fairly sure my Dad is now a professional bow tie-er…he jumped right in as always to do all those types of details. Dado…you are a trooper! Thanks for putting us with us women-guess you have adjusted to this however for 33+ years! THANK YOU BOTH FOR ONE OF THE BEST WEEKENDS OF OUR LIVES!

MANY MANY THANKS also to the Boole, Kessler, Smallwood & Spolter families as well as Evelyn. You all were instrumental in making all the fun details come together to make everything flow smoothly for Kels+Dave. AGAIN, just the most memorable times ever…we will all never forget!

Training rolled on-cbus style-wedding week.. with two more races still on the docket in November. As ever, the midwest pools were first class and my CycleOps pro powerbeam came into handy thus bringing Velo SF to Ohio.

I’m looking forward to racing the ITU Long Course World Championship next in Henderson, NV.
From wedding weekend to race weekend, it will be a fun two weeks.

All the best,
MBK

It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to race another half Rev 3 triathlon in Anderson, South Carolina. Once again, Rev 3 delivered unforgettable memories for all of it’s participants. As I experienced while taking part in Rev 3 Portland earlier in the summer, this company is truly FIRST CLASS. Their attention to detail is unparalleled and their ability to make everyone feel like a priority is endearing and genuine.

I came to Anderson after a wonderful east coast frenzy of travel the week prior and was really looking forward to capping off the week racing this particular race. The professional field was a potpourri of talented athletes ranging from veteran olympic to full distance A+ triathletes.

The swim was a non-wetsuit rectangular loop, pretty straight forward. It is SUCH a luxury being able to start 3 minutes after the pro males which organically is FAR less hectic. The phenomenal swim by the amazing Jasmine set the pace from the gun….I believe I came out about 30 seconds back from Jaz with Tenille and Lauren not too far behind.

I was thrilled to move onward to my Orbea Ordu and get cookin’ on the very fair, technical and rolling bike course. It was rewarding to have taken the lead the first few miles and the goal was to just keep it simple and ride consistently with the help of my CycleOps powertap.

Things were rolling, I was having fun riding, enjoying the moments…and then boom, uh-oh my saddle is moving. Hmmm my saddle is really loose. Ummm..my saddle is swaying side to side! SHOOT- I cannot get off my saddle or IT WILL FALL OFF. CRAP! The whole contraption is tilting thus my drink holders are rubbing my back wheel! OK-you’re going to have to stop and get this sorted MBK. ARGH– Does anyone have any duct tape? HA! Whelp, I’m going to need to yank this saddle off entirely and go without..no other option at this point. KCCO!

SURE…this was a bummer…losing the lead by several places and momentum etc. BUT-it was one of those “LIFE COULD BE WAY WORSE” moments. When you look at the big picture, it’s just a bike seat, and even with 20 more miles to go, I still had legs to use to pedal so opted to just put them into standing mode the next hour and try to get to T2! Indeed, I will never take aero position and/or my adamo saddle for granted ever again. It is certainly a different dynamic standing up for that long but I thank Velo SF for mentally helping that time seem familiar.

Alas, T2 came and I spent the first 3 miles trying to just get some calories back in and settle into a groove, stay calm and just run the best I could muster. I thought the course was pretty tough with some subtle false flats and (like the bike course) a very honest, fair, turn-ey course around town. Of course all the Rev 3 race support team was out there making sure everything was flowing smoothly at aid stations for everyone.

Rev 3 Anderson was a great day. The best part about it was trying to overcome the unexpected–and RALLY RIGHT. I am a ‘meant to be’ person so I know that I was meant to experience this so I could learn something from it. Sometimes we just never know what is going to happen in these things (and in life!) and we all just have to try to roll on, adjust and forge ahead. I was happy to run into 3rd place and I feel lucky to have been a part of the inaugural event.

Congratulations to all of the ladies that raced—what a deep field of dynamic gals. A big shout out to Magali on her absolutely fantastic win! To Tenille as well for a solid and well earned 2nd place finish. Malaika for yet another top 5 finish to cap off her amazing breakout season. Lauren for using that vibrant collegiate speed in her first half distance race—impressive.

Rev 3 does such an amazing job with their media coverage—it’s really unbelievable!

Check out their PRE-RACE show which can be found here:

http://rev3tri.com/videos/rev3-triathlon-south-carolina-preview-show-2011/

They also do a PRO POST-RACE RECAP video which can be found here:

http://rev3tri.com/videos/rev3-south-carolina-2011-pro-race-recap-3/

Rev 3 also had an Olympic distance race going on at the same time. I am proud to announce that Hilary placed 2nd in the 30-34 age group. Umm, Hello?! This is a mother of two * 3 year old twins who is SO busy yet busted this out like it was a cake walk on a Sunday morning. So impressive Hils! It was so special to get to spend the weekend with one of my closest friends from growing up and her family. It was a win win weekend all around.

I would like to thank the Rev 3 team for their amazing support and efforts to produce such a solid and rewarding race. The evolution of the Rev 3 series is only beginning and I have no doubt that we will be seeing all their hard work parlay into even bigger things in 2012 and onward.

All the best,
MBK

I’m REALLY delighted to be a part of the Arctic Ease family and could not ask for a better sponsor!
I recently had the opportunity to visit them in Providence and it was an unforgettable experience.

Be on the look out for this innovative, authentic and unique product…it’s going places. It’s supported too by a management team who cares about their customers and WANTS to set each and every one of them up for success. A win win situation if you ask me–I am thrilled to be a part of their growth.

So what IS Arctic Ease? Their tagline says it all…BAG THE ICE, EASE THE PAIN…

We’ve all heard that we should apply ice to an injury to reduce swelling, inflammation and the resulting pain – the earlier the better. The beauty of Arctic Ease is that it is convenient cold compression at it’s FINEST.

Arctic Ease is a form of Cryotherapy (cold therapy) which works in three major ways:

1. It reduces inflammation by causing a slowed metabolic state. This reduces the amount of cellular damage to injured tissue and decreases edema (swelling).

2. It decreases hematoma formation. Hematoma is bleeding under the skin, which is what results in bruising. Constricting blood vessels through the use of cold decreases blood flow and therefore reduces bruising.
It induces numbness. Cryotherapy reduces the firing of inflamed nerves and reduces swelling which decreases painful muscle spasms.

3. The benefits of using frozen gel or ice packs end when the temperature of the tissue being treated drops below 59°F (15°C). If your skin gets colder than that, it can cause lymph tubes to flow backwards toward the injured area, actually increasing the swelling and pain. It also increases the risk of frostbite and peripheral nerve palsy.

Arctic Ease makes it so you CAN “bag the ice, ease the pain” with a remarkably effective and convenient product that is already READY to go and EASY TO USE. All you have to do is open the resealable package and apply. Arctic Ease will stay comfortably cool for hours, with no fear of damage to muscles or tissues. It’s completely reusable – just add 2 tablespoons of water, seal it up and it will recharge (rehydrate) and be ready to go when you need it.

What I love MOST about Arctic Ease is it’s versatility. It can be used anywhere from prepping for a race TO recovering from a hard training session TO preventing injuries TO helping to heal existing injuries–a dynamic product to say the least.

Professional athletes, avid runners, and people living an active lifestyle are discovering this product in droves. For marathoners to busy Moms, this product tucks in a bag or purse, can be carried in a gym bag or even kept in the car and is ready to go whenever you need it. What could be better?? It’s the smartest thing in the biz.

Get on the Arctic Ease train, you will not be disappointed!

Check out their website:

http://www.arcticease.com

Feel free to ask me any questions about this product…I’m really excited to share the wealth of knowledge about it all!

All the best,
MBK

The Dixon Double proved to be as hard as it’s sounds…albeit a wonderful experience that I would not take back for anything. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and I was not surprised with how IN THE WELL I was (especially) the second half of that marathon! GUH! Will continue to work on this. While I didn’t do anything magical, PR or feel vibrant, I was just delighted to finish 2nd in a very hot (for me) and technical (in my book) Ironman race. Ironman is an Ironman so win or lose, I’m just happy to prevail through the challenge….that is what I COMMITTED myself to…and that is the GOAL.

First–AMPLE props to Jesscia Jacobs on her Ironman Wisconsin victory. Simply put, when she FLEW by me at mile 18 on the run, I was in that raw “place” where I could not respond (LITERALLY) to any sort of faster movement. She did outstanding and her victory is so well deserved–CONGRATS JESS!

Ironman Wisconsin is a very unique race. Lots of energy and a surplus of fans around the course–so nice. The transitions are so different than any other Ironman in that they are literally, INSIDE the convention center..in a ballroom! You run up this HELIX situation (parking garage swirls, ie: I was DYING) after the swim and ride round and round up it after the (114 mile bike = a bit too long this course is!). They make it work. The run is full of people cheering through that capitol and as ever, Mike Reilly at the finish line is priceless.

The 2-loop swim course was simple the first lap and like a giant washing machine the 2nd lap for sure. It was great to lead out of the swim and stay afloat in that position on the bike. When I hit the run my body hit breakdown mode (hot, cramping, no 5th gear in legs etc) and unfortunately, it got the the point where it was just “left foot in front of right foot mbk–get to the line!” I was so happy to cross and see my family and friends there in my usual delirium.

Madison is the home of CycleOps Power which I’m fortunate enough to be a part of so I was excited to get visit with them the Friday before the race. Riding on power has been instrumental in my cycling and since I do so much cycling training indoors, the way it simulates outdoors specifically is invaluable.

Speaking of sponsors…many thanks to all of mine who have been such a valuable influence to me in so many ways. I REALLY AM FOREVER GRATEFUL. To my family and friends: I LOVE YOU ALL …and YOU ALL are what I think about during these events.

Upon our return home from Madison, we had a great couple weeks in town catching up with pals in the city. We love where we live and our network of friends here..we are so lucky.

We hit up an EAST COAST FRENZY the end of September: Visited NYC to throw my baby sister’s couples shower. She and Davo are getting married so so soon! It was a blast. From NYC, I hit up Boston to spend time with Arctic Ease (cold compression sponsor I am so pumped to be a part of)…popped in Ohio from there to see family & friends before I head to South Carolina for Rev 3 Anderson…GREAT TIMES ALL AROUND!

Thank you all so much for reading and being such influential people in my life.
Love,
MBK

It was an amazing experience going back to Penticton this year. I love the city as it reminds me of Lake Tahoe and wine country all wrapped up into one. A happy place to be. Having the Kesslers, Sterlings and AK there, as ever, was priceless. There is nothing better than seeing people you love on the course. We had a blast!

Congratulations to Mary Beth Ellis on a dominating performance as well as Kim Loeffler who can run like the wind…amazing! Best of luck in Kona ladies, you DESERVE to be there.

While I was hoping for a bit better of a performance in Canada, I am very grateful to have crossed the finish line for #40. The 3rdtime must have been the charm. It was great practice to try to keep learning how to race in the heat and I wouldn’t take the experience back for anything…even when I was deep in the well on the 2nd half of the marathon (aren’t we all!). What I do know is that I did the best I could in the moment, so as much as I hoped to run much more fluid and certainly faster, I know that I gave it ALL that I had. In this sport, in my book at least, that is all we can ask of ourselves: TO GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT.

I also want to make mention how VERY proud of my athletes, Katy (@imc) and Bethany (@imlv), for their stellar ironman performances….it’s only UP from here ladies, keep it up.

We’re off to Madison this weekend to race Ironman Wisconsin. I’m excited to experience a race that I have never competed in and I have heard nothing but fantastic things about this city and course. I’m even more excited that the entire Kessler family + will be there (again! SO NICE) as well as some of our closest pals from growing up….I cannot wait to see you all out there..thank you in advance!

Within purplepatch, we use the term “DIXON DOUBLE” (DD) quite a bit. Whether its Matt’s DD Wednesday morning power-based cycling classes at Velo SF or a ½ ironman race on back to back weekends. Many of us dabble in it all. While I have enjoyed doing the aforementioned, I have yet to punch 2 ironmans out within 2 weeks. I will let you know how that pans out on Monday. HA! All kidding aside, I trust the purplepatch plan and I’m fortunate to have this amazing opportunity right in front of me to compete in the Dixon Double…so I’m going to take it!

BEST of luck to another set of fantastic ladies that I’m fortunate enough to coach: Kathleen & Carrie.

Kathleen will be racing for Team Wild (www.teamwild.org) whose motto is: “We inspire life with diabetes.” Kathleen has been a type 1 diabetic for 15 years and this is her FIRST ironman. Her grace with handling yet another thing (the most important one) to think about in ironman training is astonishing…it’s just PART of her day and she makes it all happen. I can’t wait to see her cross that line.

Carrie just recently was 2nd overall amateur at Timberman 70.3 which I personally think is foreshadowing of things to come for Carrie on Sunday. This is Carrie’s first ironman as well but she already seems like a seasoned veteran with her willingness to follow the plan, work hard, be smart and then…execute. Basically, I’m hoping to get to the finish line before Carrie…strictly so I can see her finish! Carrie is a force to be reckoned with and the beauty is that she doesn’t even know it.

A continued thank you to my sponsors for their relentless support. A special shout out to TriBike Transport for magically getting my bike from Penticton to Madison safely….to the dynamic Reynolds Wheels & CycleOps power combo for rushing a new Eighy-One rear wheel with CycleOps hub built in so I could ride on power…to Tony @ Saucony for speeding over a new pair of pink MBK kinvaras for race day. I‘m so grateful to be on all of your teams…A GENUINE THANK YOU.

Best of luck to everyone racing this weekend around the globe!

If by chance you are in Madison and around the merchandise tent at 1:30pm on Friday (9th), please stop by for a chat!

Love,

MBK