Triathlete Carolyn

Carolyn was introduced to me in 2006 by a common friend in whose wedding we later both stood as bridesmaids.  At that time, conversations with her would usually revolve about our common love for online shopping, make-up and bags.

Some time later, she became interested in running and it is an understatement when I say that she has inspired the whole Tuesday group to follow her lead and take up the sport, as well.  She has run alongside some of the best local runners, and has given not a few boys some bruised egos by leaving them in her dust, so to speak.  Her interest in the sport has her going around the globe to run...

She joined the Nike Women’s half marathon (21k) in San Francisco

 

After which, she did a full marathon (42k) in Big Sur, California.  

She also joined the Singapore Sundown Race, and was qualified to join the prestigious New York Marathon scheduled last 2009, until she got sidetracked a few months before the race by her fourth pregnancy.  In spite of a bulging tummy, she still found time to run for charity.

Race to Shine, Charity Run For Autism

This young mother of three, with the fourth one ready to pop anytime now, did not find triathlons interesting at first, brushing aside this elite sport as something that she could never do.  This notion began to change in 2007 as she started running and realized that she enjoyed the sport immensely.  The next thing she knew she was doing biking and swimming, as well.  She acknowledges that the variety of the three sports has made working out a lot more fun and less monotonous.  She started joining mini sprint triathlon, gradually moving up to doing the full triathlon.

She has earned my admiration for showing determination and a strong will to excel.  For not only has she pursued running, she went on and finished a marathon.  Not only does she train her hardest when she joins a triathlon, she shows how to finish one with class.  I was reading one of my favorite running blogs and saw a triathlon result posted here.  It was a happy surprise to know that Lyn finished in the top four.

Let’s sit down and talk with her.

Tina:  Given your multi-sport training, can you share helpful tips with young athletes who are interested to join traithlons/aquathlons? 

Carolyn:  To just do something everyday.  Whether you go for a swim, bike or run, just set aside the time to do at least one activity a day.  Usually after a hard run, you can easily bike or swim the next day since you are using different muscles. I find one of the most effective method is the brick workout, where you first bike then go for a run right after.  Then hopefully on the race day itself you won't feel 'jelly' legs as you make the transition.  Do your weakest sport the most. Spend time doing light weights at the gym, do your core workouts too.  For swimming use paddles, kickboards and fins.  Practice, practice, practice!

Tina:  Knowing that transition plays an equal role in the total race time, can you share any tips to make for a smooth transition?
Carolyn:  For smooth transition just have everything ready to go on your station.  Caps, shoes, watch, socks, sunglass, helmet, race belt w/gels etc.  These must all be laid out so you're not rummaging unnecessarily in your bag and wasting precious minutes!  I usually lay it all out flat on the ground.  Except my sunglass, don't want anyone to be tempted to steal them!

Tina:  Can you give us some behind-the-scenes detailed account of what actually happens in a triathlon, during the race and transition?
Carolyn:  I've seen stage moms screaming at their kids to 'kick harder!' while swimming.  People slipping after getting off the swim part (not very glamorous!)  People asking for directions while on the bike and/or run, and being given the wrong information - very annoying!  LBM from unsanitary water coming out of buckets and dippers.  Luckily this hasn't happened to me but it's happened to friends. 

Tina:  What is the best part of the race?

Carolyn:  Best part is meeting new people and making friends you would not have otherwise met.  


Well said.