On October 23rd, 2011, I packed up my bike and flew to Hawaii to compete in my first Xterra World Championship. An Xterra event consists of a 1.5 km ocean swim, a 30 km mountain bike and a 10 km trail run. It was the final race of my season, and a race that would challenge every ounce of endurance, strength and mental toughness that I possessed.
Standing at the start line, I was anything but confident in my ability to finish this race. Here I was, on the edge of the beach, with waves crashing into shore, surrounded by some of the most talented pro triathletes in the world. Most of them, who typically spend between 30-40 hours a week training were busy fighting off reporters and completing their final pre-race rituals.
Minutes before the gun went off, my mind was flooded with images of the hours spent doing winter spin classes, burpees, suspended lunges, vinyasas, and even the runs to the park up the hill and back. I suddenly couldn’t believe that I was doubting my ability to finish this race. I remembered how blessed I was to not only have the ability to compete in this event, but the knowledge and experience I had acquired from an incredible place. Despite the amazing twists and turns that have made my life interesting, my fitness club has always remained a constant, a place I know will prepare me for any challenge or experience I wish to conquer.
With a lot of sweat, blood, and an unfortunate bike mechanical, I managed to cross the finish line, completely dehydrated, and exhausted. This was a feat that even some of the top competitors weren’t able to achieve due to the intense heat from the sun, the grueling climbs, and the deadly downhills that demanded balance and extreme concentration.
It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child, and I believe the same can be said about an athlete. As I begin my second year of Xterra training, I now know that it isn’t just about the individual, or the bike, or the shoes. Every discipline; the swim, the bike, and the run requires specific training, a focus on functional strength, core work, flexibility, injury prevention, nutrition, and breathing. Most of all, training at an elite level requires the most innovative technology, dedicated instructors, and trainers that are educated on the most up-to-date research.
I believe The Club at White Oaks is a community that thrives on challenging us to fulfill our potential, and empowers us with the necessary knowledge to make educated and pivotal decisions about our own athletic endeavors, regardless of what our training plan looks like. As a Physical Education teacher, I feel like I have the best exposure to professional development imaginable, and in turn, my students become active participants and advocates of their own health. As an athlete, I am so fortunate to be able to embrace all aspects of my training at a place like The Club. I really am forever grateful for all of your support as I continue my exciting journey in the World of Xterra!
kristen, i know how hard you train. not just to keep a pace or two ahead of Louise ! , but because you know what the benfit of a healthy lifestyle is all about . we love your energy around here , be well, mw
Kristin, I love that I can say I do spinning classes with a world class Xterra athlete!
Your an inspiration to everyone, good luck this year!
KT, what are some of the strategies you employ to develop and nurture emotional and mental preparedness?
Wow, keep up the lifestyle- very impressive! Its worth the hard work. Keep those dogs healthy and always enjoy the training!
Hey Darius,
Insuring that I am both mentally and emotionally strong for a competition is very important. I believe that I am the only one who can control my thoughts, which in turn affect my emotions, and hence my performance. Perception is everything. My race results are entirely based on how effectively I have trained, and therefore they are controlled by me, and me only.
Goal setting has played a big part in my emotional readiness this year. Everything that I do in training and practice races has but one purpose: to qualify for the World Xterras. That goal is a clear vision in my head, and certainly motivates me through tough workouts.
I have also learned that every workout or pre-race should have a purpose. By setting an intention for a workout, I find it easier keep focused on that goal. If I know that I need to work on technical climbing, when I am on the spin bike, I do everything I can to simulate what that climb will feel like. Reflecting back on a workout, or a race also allows me to recognize whether I have attained that goal, and what I need to work on in order to improve. Journaling my workouts has helped me to put these thoughts into words, and allows me to monitor improvements, and performance patterns.
Positive self-talk is important as well. Instead of saying.. “geesh, my 100m repeats in the pool are horrible!” I have learned to say; ” I really should spend more time working on speed intervals.” We all have weaknesses, its whether or not you choose to work on them is the question. Its in that state of being “uncomfortable” that I begin to see change in myself.