Finish the race like rockstar triathlete Lisa Aikin: Member of Miami’s Best Triathlon Training Program

 

Meet Lisa Schejola Aikin, Full Circle Coaching Rockstar Triathlete
Age: 46

Coach Erinne’s Notes: Lisa and I started working together several years ago and she is an awesome dedicated triathlete. She is in the VIP custom program where she works one on one with the coaches on a weekly basis. From bike fit, to bike selection, overcoming injuries, managing life with a busy family and business schedule we work with Lisa’s life, to help her accomplish her goal of a sub 6 hour 70.3. Well, she did it and it was no fluke, she trained hard, had moments of struggle but persevered as I always knew she would. We are extremely proud of this Rockstar Triathlete who is leaving us in Miami to go to Spain for a year. You will be greatly missed but the journey is not over! Challenge Madrid is calling your name, and this is your year! Wishing you nothing but the best over there, and oh, by the way, we are coming to visit!

Read about her triathlon journey below.

Profession: Mother of 8 and 10 year old bambini, wife, Director of Foundation.

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?  I’ve mostly worked one on one with Erinne and Dennis. 

I’d have to say I chose FCC and have stayed for these many years because of it being so comprehensive and with a holistic approach. I continue to learn. Erinne is an incredible resource, on all aspects. Her theoretical knowledge of all technicality in all three sports is impressive. 

Dennis is more the practical side which covers both side of the coin. Dennis has incredibly elevated my cycling skills and confidence.  Safety on the bike for me is essential. With Dennis I know we are covered. 

What is your “A” race for this season?  This past Chattanooga IRONMAN 70.3 

Was going to actually do a full but had an injury and could not get all the training necessary in. I also know I like to perform well and doubted I would be satisfied with my results of a full. 

With this race, my first official branded IRONMAN, I improved my time by 40 minutes and was in top 15% in my division. 

Please share your BIG goals:

My BIG goal is still to do a full IRONMAN although I have to say I like the 70.3 distance. I think I can perform better. 

My BIG goals for this past race were to:

  • Not bonk on the run
  • Use my mental strength to pull me through anything
  • Improve my times in each sport
  • Have a great time through it all and remember to say Be. Here. Now. To be present and enjoy

Accomplished ALL :))))

Tell me about your successes so far:  See above LOL!  Basically, I feel like a strong confident athlete! 

I tend to perform better at each race. I’ve been slowly accumulating experience in the sport. I know what to expect. 

A huge success was to have been able to recover from IT band injury. It was physical and mental. 

I recognize my mindfulness work together with my training immensely helped. 

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following?

Swim: This one amazes me. I thought it was my strongest sport. These past few months I have learned so much about my stroke and efficiency in the water. You would have thought I would know by now. The shift has been from going for a nice strong leisurely swim during a race to actually competing. The work at camp and with Erinne one on one made the difference.

Bike: Kept 20 miles/ hr average for 56 miles in hilly course!!!!  Improved confidence and strength.  I had the right nutrition and focused on breathing (yes, thanks Coach Dennis!!!)

Run: I think of myself as slow but consistent. Here is where the mental work came in. Mantras essential. I was extremely pleasantly surprised by my ave on the half marathon portion of race.  Rolling and stretching in training  essential!!!

Nutrition/Health: I was a pretty good student the last couple of months – mostly stayed gluten and dairy free. Low sugar (?!?). No alcohol. 

Erinne’s words… when in doubt pick a NUTRITIOUS meal – ha ha!  Took my vitamins/ supplements religiously. Even Perfect Aminos daily. LOL.

Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved
Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:

  • Confidence 
  • Mental strength 
  • Interest in continuing to learn and grow as an athlete
  • Supportive family 

 What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?  I love how the three sports balance themselves out. I find it amazing how much more sore I was at the end of a marathon compared to the end of a 70.3.   I like the camaraderie- I learn so much from the other athletes and can totally see the advantages of the “group effect” sharing a common goal.   I’m a geek. I like to continue to learn the technicalities of each sport. Analyzing the swim stroke, the bike circle and the run stride!  Consistently sticking to the right nutrition continues to be a challenge but it’s a journey. 

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program? Jump in! You are in excellent hands. You won’t regret it.

As I’ve been given my time to SHINE as a ROCKSTAR, I’d like to use the spotlight and stage to thank a few people. 

Erinne, Aka E-Rock, you are a rock, you’ve been my rock and teacher and advocate and cheerleader for all these years! Not to mention a great friend. Thank you. 

Dennis, I’ll continue to try and keep up with you — at least by drafting!!! You have been so encouraging and always consistent- I’ve really learned a lot. Thank you!

And the FCC athletes that I’ve mostly spent time with lately who have been so helpful and inspiring and supportive- Jessica, JJ, Adriana, Beda, Andres, Terri, Armando, Miguel, Meredith, Elyse and Steve. Wilman also!  ;))) 

Ok, I think I can move to Madrid for a while now! Arrivederci, ciao!!!!!!

 

P.S.  This could be you!  If you are interested in learning more about Full Circle Coaching leave a comment, check out our website www.fullcirclecoaching.co, or follow us on your favorite social media:

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