Ironman ALASKA Rockstar Triathlete; Rosa King

Ironman ALASKA Rockstar Triathlete; Rosa King

Coach’s Notes:

I was thrilled to be chosen as a part of Rosa’s return to triathlon after so many years. Her will to push through to the very end is so inspirational.

Last year we spent a lot of time on short course triathlon to implement some faster training and strength building to then go long on a very hilly course in Alaska.

Ultimate Tri Camp was also a key part of the journey in learning how to ride the hills with more efficiency.

Race day turned an already challenging course into an even more difficult event with the cold and rain.

Never did I doubt Rosa would finish, as I said, her will to fight is so strong! Even though it was not a PR (Personal Record) for the distance. It’s important to look at each part of the race and where you improved.

Her swim was the biggest improvement along with her nutrition. So now you can take these new skills into your next races with confidence.

Congratulations Rosa, once again you are an Ironman!

Age:

50!!!!!

Profession:

Pharmacist, Motivational Speaker

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?

I’ve known Erinne since 2000, she trained me for my 2nd marathon (Disney Marathon 2001) and 1st Ironman (Great Floridian 2004). Then I moved to Georgia for 12 years.  When I moved back to Miami, I knew who I wanted to train with again.  Coach Erinne knows her stuff and I knew that she would get me ready for my next Ironman.

What is your “A” race for this season?

Ironman Alaska 2022

Please share your BIG goals:

To finish this very challenging Alaska Ironman Course: Swim 2.4 miles in cold water 56 degrees, Bike 112 miles (5,825 feet of total elevation), Run 26.2 miles (1306 feet of total elevation) all within 17 hours.

Tell me about your successes so far:

After 21 years of racing, I’ve won 1st, 2nd, & 3rd places in all the different triathlon distances (Sprint, Olympic, and 1/2 Ironman) last year 2021 in my age division.

Last week, August 7th, 2022,  I was able to finish one of the hardest Ironman course under very harsh weather conditions.  A girl from Miami who only trained in the heat 80-90 degrees was going to go to Alaska to swim in very cold water, bike & run in hilly elevations, rainy and cold weather.  I was very nervous but I knew that I had trained the hardest that I could.  I finished!!

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following? Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Health. Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved:

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:

1. Nutrition = in previous races, I would bonk towards the end.  This Ironman, I had energy to finish the course and I could have kept going.

2. Swimming = I learned not to panic in the water, I stayed calm and found a rhythm, “Swim long and strong,”  “Bubble, Bubble, breathe.”

3. Bike = I was able to change my gears faster and pedal more efficiently

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?

Finishing the races.  Whenever the weather is not favorable, I’m always confident that my Full Circle Training will get me to the finish line.  I always finish!!

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?

Do not hesitate.  If someone like me with minimal swimming or cycling background can finish a very tough Ironman in Alaska, then anyone who really puts in the work can do it.  

Do not let your genetics, previous failures, body type, or financial status hold you back.  There’s no price in investing in your health.  You do not have to spend a lot of money.  Make a commitment and go for it.  There are local races right here in Miami to start your journey.  You can learn to swim like I did as an adult, buy an economical bike, and a good pair of running shoes.  

Our Full Circle Tribe will guide you to what nutrition you’ll need and even let you borrow their stuff (goggles, trikits, swim paddles, etc..) before you buy your own.  I chose to do another Ironman after 8 years because I wanted to challenge myself as I was turning 50, and I choose Alaska because I knew it would be hard.  I did it!!  I had never swam in cold water ever.  So I had to buy a full length wet suit, neoprene cap, and booties. I had only practiced swimming in my full sleeve wetsuit twice: once in San Francisco on a family trip 2021, and in Rainbow Springs, FL (72 degrees) a month before leaving to Juneau, AK.  I bought a new triathlon bike (BMC Time machine) and travelled to Clermont, FL several times to practice on the steep hills.  You do not need to buy a new and expensive bike, I still use my 18 year old Kestrel road bike when my BMC bike is in transport.  I did my long runs at night as per Coach Erinne at Key Biscayne by myself in the dark which came in handy when I was running in the dark rain forest in Alaska.  

Also, I attended the Full Circle 2022 Ultimate Triathlon Camp during Spring Break.  I gained more triathlon knowledge, skills, and made lots of new friends whom have been cheering me on all year long.  I love my Full Circle Tribe because everyone is there to help you get better.  They all genuinely  want to see you reach your goals.  My Full Circle Tribe has become like a second family, we swim, bike, and run together.  

CURIOUS ABOUT FULL CIRCLE’S TRIATHLON TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM?

You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of!
Schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session NOW!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Rockstar Triathlete: Rachel Mumford

Rockstar Triathlete: Rachel Mumford

Coach’s Notes:

Congratulations Rachel!

Over the summer I really noticed Rachel with a new sense of purpose and hitting her workouts in a committed way! It would only make sense she would end up on the podium at her summer Olympic distance race a few weeks ago.

Digging into her swim by attending Swim Essentials really helped identify some limiters in her technique and get to work on correcting them. But the key as always was the consistency in her training week after week!!

Way to go Rachel! Age Group Nationals 2023, here you come!!!!

You are a Rockstar Triathlete!!!

Age:

54

Profession:

Director of Payroll & Benefits Accounting

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?

-Wanted to be part of a team with other triathletes.
-Wanted a Coach whose main priority was triathlons and not just a side hustle
-where coaching is available every day.
-I believed that FCC could finally help me improve my swim.
-Also, I chose Full Circle Coaching because I knew that the team focused on more than just racing but also total mind and body, a holistic approach.

What is your “A” race for this season?

Originally Heartland Triathlon on June 5, 2022 but I had nutrition mishaps so now my “A” race is Miami Man International Distance in November 2022

Please share your BIG goals:

Qualify for Age Group Nationals

My perfect Olympic race goal is:

1500 Swim 00:41:01

40k Bike 1:11:00

10k Run 00:57:29

Tell me about your successes so far:

Swimming has been my biggest challenge. My swim threshold is 2:32 pace. At Key Biscayne Triathlon I swam a 2:27 pace in OPEN WATER! I would definitely credit the Swim Essentials class and the specific drills I received from my video analysis for improving my swim.

Training with a Bike power meter is a game changer. When I’m focused on the high cadence and my desired watts, I’m hitting speeds that I didn’t think were in my ballpark. Now I just need to bring all the components together such as distance, endurance, nutrition, etc. Eventually it will happen at a race.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:

1. Daily coaching either at practice or online through Training Peaks helps me stay on target and helps prevent me from getting injured especially with the recovery weeks.

  1. Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition!

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?

Triathlon has been part of my lifestyle for over 10 years. I began with FCC in 2018. Being part of a team brings excitement. My teammates encourage me.

My teammates are always signing up for something that I may or may not have thought of racing. They come back share their experience next thing you know I’m signing up for the race.

A prime example is, Key West Triathlon it is such a fun time. I have now done it several times.

Also, I had not planned on racing the Olympic distance at Key Biscayne until a couple of teammates encouraged me to sign up for this distance and it was that race I had one of my best swim times and got on the podium!

Even when I miss my goal I know that the next race will be better so I keep training.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?

Join FCC, it is an investment in you.

CURIOUS ABOUT FULL CIRCLE’S TRIATHLON TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM?

You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of!
Schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session NOW!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Use setbacks to strengthen your commitment

Use setbacks to strengthen your commitment

Life is hard sometimes.

You have so many responsibilities and so little time. Even when you stick to a schedule, circumstances can disrupt your plans and leave you scrambling. It’s enough to make you want to give up when everything seems to be working against you.

But don’t – please!

It happens to everyone. After all, there’s only so much we can control – and a whole universe of people, places and things that are simply beyond us. When you learn to EXPECT disruption, and to simply accept it as a fact of life, then you can begin to be free of it, and keep moving forward.

Here’s a super-basic example. If you leave 20 minutes ahead of time for any appointment. That would allow for traffic or another unexpected delay. If you arrived on time, you’d have a few minutes to kill; if the journey took longer than expected, you would still be on time.

I think about this little lesson all the time. It’s even easy to apply it to healthy goals.

For example, if you want to lose weight, then it’s not enough to start eating right. You also have to anticipate days when you won’t be able to, for whatever reason. Maybe you’re stuck in a work conference, or traveling, or just can’t resist your neighbor’s fried chicken today.

If you want to train for a triathlon then you have to accept that you’ll need rest days/ weeks, or adjustments to your training schedule. There might be bad weather. That you might have a family emergency that keeps you from completing your training.

Here’s my wish for you. When these circumstances happen – and they will – don’t abandon your goals.

Instead, remember that success takes consistent effort over time. And use each setback to strengthen the commitment you made to yourself.

It’s all in how you look at it!

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of! Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Hopping Drills for Running

Hopping Drills for Running

Finding your Spring; One great way to get faster and stronger for running is doing hopping drills.

These types of plyometrics increase strength and stability in your muscles and ligaments and find the spring in your step!

The goal is have quick light feet, with a very quick rebound off the ground which will transfer to your foot strike on the run.

Start with proper running form and posture first and start hopping with two feet. Think of your legs like carbon fiber springs- strong but supple!

Advance to the single leg hops with control. This increases your ability to balance on one leg and helps you learn to have less contact time on the ground. Running is all about being able to balance while moving on one leg to another… add these drills and see and feel how your technique and speed improve on the run.

If you’re struggling to hop on one leg, I suggest balancing with one leg first until you can maintain your balance without falling over, then move to double leg hops and finally single leg hops.

Also choosing a soft surface and natural running shoes or even barefoot can greatly improve your foot strength!

Happy hopping!

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program?
Want to learn more? You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of! Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Some of your thoughts are not based in reality

Some of your thoughts are not based in reality

Here’s a shocker: Not all your thoughts are based in reality.

Yep, it’s true.

Like that thought you have about not being good enough. (This is one of my limiting core beliefs.)

Or the one about how you’ll never reach your goal race time.

Or how you just don’t have the right mindset to reach your business goal or lose the weight you want.

See what I mean, now?

THESE. THOUGHTS. ARE. NOT. REAL!

They’re the nonsense lies you unintentionally tell yourself that keep holding you back.

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to keep listening to them. In fact, you can start to shut them down today.

Tell yourself – RIGHT NOW – that you ARE good enough… that you DO deserve health and success and love… that you ARE smart enough and creative enough to get where you want to go.

Say it as many times as you need. Write it in your journal every day if that helps.

Make a list of all your accomplishments- and there are many- to remind yourself that these negative thoughts are simply not true. Keep it handy to refer to when these thoughts creep in.

And every time that annoying voice breaks through again with one of your limiting self-beliefs, step up and defend yourself by repeating your positive affirmation.

You can overcome a loud, persistent lie with steady, loving TRUTH supported by action.

We’re all programmed with these kinds of hurtful self-messages. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept them as truth.

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of! Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

My New Relationship

My New Relationship

I’m excited to share about my new relationship.

I’ve actually known him for over a year but have not taken the time to truly get connected.

I was still really committed to 2 other relationships.

Despite hanging out a few times over the last year, this one was just too aggressive for me.

I was uncomfortable and did not have the time to commit to developing the relationship.

But all that has changed. I am ready for something new!

That’s not to say I will not be seeing my two other relationships occasionally!

I already know there is a lot of potential with this one, but it does take me some time to trust and fall in love!

But once I’m committed, I’m all in.
Let’s see if it will stand the test of time.

If you don’t know by now, I am talking about my BMC Time Machine triathlon bike.

HA HA!  Did I get you?

The other two relationships I mentioned above are my old 2013 BMC Tri bike which I absolutely LOVE and my Trek Road bike which I love too.

So, I wanted to share how I’m going to get to know this new super hot aggressive guy.

Easy Spins

I’m starting off with just a few easy spins; getting a feel for this new aggressive position in my aero bars. I’m much more aero dynamic on this bike which in the end can be faster but if my neck hurts too much I may have to get some risers for the aero-bars.

Bike Handling Drills

I’m also doing all my bike handling drills just like I did when I first started triathlon.

  • Riding with 1 hand for 10-15 seconds and switching so I am good with either one
  • Practicing sharp u-turns
  • Figure 8’s
  • Riding close to other cyclists and holding steady
  • Taking drinks from my water bottle holding a straight line and not wobbling all over the road.

Pedaling mechanics drills; both in and out of my aero position!

  • Single leg drills, 85 rpms and 65 rpms for 1 -2 minutes
  • Spin Ups
  • Shift Ups
  • Force Reps

These drills really help improve my connection to the bike and improve my pedaling mechanics so when I am ready to start doing testing and intervals I will have a great base of fitness and can really train smart.

I hope you enjoyed my little analogy.

I’m basically saying it takes time and practice to get connected to anything new even your bike!

So many of the athletes I work with have no connection to their bikes and wonder why they can’t go faster.

Besides a perfect bike fit (which we offer), these types of skills and drills workouts create a deeper connection between your body and the bike.

I have seen it time and time again after following my system for training on the bike,  power improves exponentially in short periods of time when there is a connection!

How deep is your connection to your bike? Looking for some guidance?

Set up your Triathlon Break through session here…..

See you on the road.

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program? We use mediation as a form of working IN to create energy to be able to train better, longer and stronger. Want to learn more?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of! Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Drills, Drills, Drills…

Drills, Drills, Drills…


Why do you need to do your drills?

I promise it’s not to annoy you, although many athletes think so…

It is actually to program a new neuro pathway from your brain to your body to help you swim, pedal your bike or run with better form and efficiency.

What does that mean?

Your brain sends messages to your body to perform the movements of swimming biking and running. If you are doing it incorrectly over many days, months and years the pathway gets reinforced over time, even if it is inefficient.

I’ll use swimming as an example.

If you were never taught HOW to swim with proper form and technique, you find a way to move in the water that is most likely incorrect. The more you swim with incorrect form the more reinforced that neuro pathway is.

When you decide you want to get a video analysis from an experienced coach- they should point out what you are doing well and also what you need to do differently to improve performance.

The patterns you learned by winging it, now need to be unlearned. And new patterns created doing it the correct way.

But just telling or showing you what you are doing incorrectly is only the first in a multi step process to correct your inefficiency.

There are so many moving parts that go into swimming well.

So that is where drills can greatly speed up the process of reprogramming those movement patterns.

There is a catch.
You must do the drills correctly if you want them to help you perform better.

So many of my athletes skip over the drills when they get to a certain level of confidence and that is a HUGE mistake.

Drills performed correctly as a part of every single training session can greatly improve the speed at which you become more efficient and get faster.

Drills are created by taking a small section of each phase of the SWIM, BIKE OR RUN. For example, with the freestyle swim stroke (which has so many moving parts) the drills allow you to isolate them so you learn how to do it correctly without getting overwhelmed.

Drills need to be performed over and over and over to perfect them so that you can then know and feel where that move falls into place within the freestyle swim stroke.

It takes a trained eye and years of experience for coaches to be able to:

-Assess a swimmer correctly
-Isolate what they are doing well and what needs work
-And then teach them the drills to practice to correct their form and
-Finally put it all together!

I can say for 100 % certainty I have that skill and can help you identify your limiters and give you the drills to correct them, but YOU have to do the work, repeat the drill over and over and over to create the new neuro pathway in the brain and the body so the correct form is the default move!!!

So, if you want to improve your swimming, biking or running or any sport, you must do the drills and do them correctly over and over and over again.

Even the best athletes in the world are doing their drills on a daily basis to reinforce good technique!!

Happy drills training!

Want to see how we can improve your technique?
Reach out to learn more about our a 1-on-1 video analysis.

Save $50 off your next video analysis in person or virtually Space is limited.

CLICK HERE to secure your spot for a Swim Video Analysis now!

OR, Contact me now to schedule a call and I’ll save you a spot for a session!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Yes, You Really Can Meditate – and Here’s Why You Should

Yes, You Really Can Meditate – and Here’s Why You Should

Of all the loving, nonjudgmental and supportive methods we can use to practice self-care, maybe the most misunderstood and underused is meditation.

It seems like every time I mention it in conversation, someone says dismissively, “Oh, I could never do that! Stop my mind completely and just not have any thoughts at all? I don’t know HOW you do it!”

Too many people misunderstand the idea of meditation. So, they don’t even try it. So, they don’t ever get the benefits.

What are those benefits?

Ah… Let me share some…

  • Better focus and concentration
  • Improved confidence and self-esteem
  • Lower stress, depression and anxiety
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improved circulation 
  • Less pain
  • Better memory and sleep

Sounds great, doesn’t it? All from a practice that requires no equipment and no money. Plus, you can do it anywhere – while walking, riding a bus, or sweating out an endless work meeting.

During meditation, you sit or lie comfortably and focus your attention on one simple thing – commonly your breathing as you inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth or nose.

When your mind wanders or you remember an errand on your “to do” list, that’s fine. It’s going to happen. Our minds are CONSTANTLY generating thousands of thoughts. The goal is not to stop that process, but redirect yourself back to the breathing focus.

Just gently pull your focus back to your breathing, over and over, without judgment. I like to count to 25 and start over again.

Breathe in (1) Breathe out (1), Breathe In (2), Breathe out (2) and so on to 25.

Or, you might repeat a thought as you breathe – “Joy in…Anger out…”

It’s that simple. You’re not trying to reach ultimate enlightenment or control your thoughts. You’re just tapping into an ancient practice that has helped countless people pause during a busy day, take a few deep breaths, and slow it down for a few minutes.

You can do it.

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program? We use mediation as a form of working IN to create energy to be able to train better, longer and stronger. Want to learn more?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of! Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Are you missing something in your training?

Are you missing something in your training?

I have been in somewhat of a brain fog for the last week since completing RAAM, Race Across America. Riding your bike 75-100 miles a day for 8 days with less than 8 hours of sleep total can have major negative affects on the brain and body and recovery for myself and the whole crew is a priority.

It’s a good reminder that if you want to be able to perform at a high level, It is not just the training that makes it happen.

You must include a supportive lifestyle so you can achieve the results you desire and be functional in your life outside of triathlon.

So, I’m asking you to look at your day-to-day routine.

Are you recovering from your training on a daily basis???

Do you take the time to SLOW DOWN after a workout and do some breathing and stretching, and speak some words of gratitude to yourself for getting up and hitting your workout and intervals.

Are you fueling your body with good, clean nutrition and fresh spring water every day so that it can show up for you?

Clean nutrition is needed before, during and after training to get the best out of your body.

Your mind and body will certainly let you know if they are not getting what you need. BUT, are you paying attention to the signs.

You can only ignore the messages your body is sending for so long. After that illness or injury will occur so the body makes sure it gets what it needs!

I love that.

Sometimes we are so focused on the outcome, we forget that the most important thing is the journey, the day to day, and the details!

If you are always pushing and struggling and not enjoying, smiling, laughing and having fun… WHAT”S THE POINT!!!

I ask you to pause today and assess your lifestyle, nutrition and recovery process. See where you can then give yourself what you need that may be missing.

Perhaps after a workout, you lay under a tree and look at the clouds and gently stretch and breath slowly; Before a training session you make sure you are fueled with good clean nutrition to get the job done to perfection, and then sit in mediation after and be grateful for your strong successful body that does everything you ask of it; Or schedule a massage, spa day, or fun outing with friends.

Let’s create some joy and bliss for ourselves around all this training!

What would happen if you took a whole week to nurture your body and mind surrounding your training????

Curious about Full Circle Coaching’s Triathlon Transformation program? You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of. Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

I will never leave my nutrition in anyone else’s hands again!

I will never leave my nutrition in anyone else’s hands again!

“Let thy food be thy medicine” Hippocrates

As most of you know I just completed RAAM- Race Across America, The toughest bike race in the world. My sole responsibility on paper was to ride my bike as fast as I could as part of a team of 4 cyclists. We would have a support crew that would take care of everything else.

Although we did have the ability to list all the foods we wanted to eat during the journey, actually getting the food we needed was another story.

Our team were all rookies at this whole adventure and our RV broke so many times the food preparation really didn’t happen as I had hoped.

It nearly cost me the race!

Lack of adequate nutrition (carbs, fat and protein) along with 2 desert rides in the heat of the day between 10am – 3pm, where I got super dehydrated, followed by two massive climbs up to 8,000 feet and then 10,000 feet wiped me ALMOST out!

I was left pretty useless!

I was letting my team down but I had no gas in the tank. I think a little bit of Altitude sickness at 10,000 feet also didn’t help.

To their credit none of the crew were athletes or ate very healthy, so when I was asking for my clean food, I got blank stares looking back at me!!

I had to explain real food; “You know, protein like chicken, steak, turkey; Carbohydrates like potatoes, gluten free pasta and rice; And yes vegetables. I need these foods every single day without training and even more so on this non-stop 8 day race!

Of course I ate my sports nutrition during my rides but it got old quick.

My main source of nutrition on the bike was Vitargo plain, with watermelon Body health electrolyte powder, Go Macro Bars, Clif Bloks, Organic Baby Food, Endurance Tap Maple Syrup and Perfect Aminos.
(If you’re a member, please visit the website for links & promos on some of these products)!

Off the bike, eating drive thru food like McDonald’s was not an option for me, during RAAM or EVER!

I don’t eat gluten and if I did I would not be able to ride! So I had to take my power back and start getting what I needed to complete this race.

Once I started educating the crew a little more about real food, my energy came back and I got my power back. I actually got stronger every day we rode.

It was very tough and dark in those first four days being so nutrition depleted and sleep deprived (no sleep at all the first 3 days- and about 7 hours total for 8 days)

I really don’t know how I survived!! (Yes I do! I have an IRON will and I am a BADASS!)

I’m so grateful I know what real food and clean nutrition is and what my body responds to.

That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others learn what foods work for them and their metabolic type and lifestyle with my 6 week Nutrition Essentials Course.

Because of this clean nutrition, I was able, along with my 3 other team mates to do the unthinkable and ride 8 days non-stop in a relay style race format, 3078 miles to raise awareness and money for 4Kids. (www.4cyclsits4kids.org)

It really is so simple to eat healthy but I’m always so shocked how few people know how to do it!

Anyway, my first big meal when I finished was a 5 Guys Cheese Burger (no bread) and french fries and a chocolate milkshake!

So yes, I eat fast food every once in a while, but only in rare occasions.

The next day a I ate a huge steak and tons of broccoli and an amazing creme brule’ – Lord knows I deserved it!!

Want to learn more about my nutrition essentials program?? The next 6 week course starts soon!

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program or NUTRITION ESSENTIALS Program?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of! Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon/Nutrition Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.