Triathlon – Determined to Tri AND Run

March 18, 2025

Cool air, warm sun, and empty roads make for a glorious run!

Thank you spring break, for providing a tranquil run this morning! Florida has had some super gloomy weather as of late so today was just what I needed. And after a 2 year hiatus on this blog, I think I’m ready to come back again.

Life has managed to get super busy but I’m finally starting to get things in balance. Since 2023 I’ve battled some injuries, major life changes, and a few setbacks. But…I was also blessed with travels to 2 World Majors – Boston as a spectator and Chicago as a runner, in 2024!

Boston was an absolute blast! I loved every part of the trip, from the city itself to the race expo and culture of the entire city shutting down to celebrate and the intensity of attending a Red Sox game. The race itself was so magical, I really hope to return one day as a runner myself!

The famous Cheers bar, Boston Commons, and Fenway Stadium

Chicago definitely did not disappoint either! What an incredible experience, to see the city 20 years after my last visit which was not running related. The entire 26.2 miles of the race course was like a street party thru the city. Such a vibe!!

I’ve also still been racing triathlons and other smaller road races while working thru a back injury that unfortunately was sciatica nerve related and affected both strength and mobility in my right leg, knee, and foot. I went from nearly tripping and falling on every one of my late summer 2023 runs to placing on the AG podium in a handful of sprint tris and qualifying for USAT Age Group Nationals for 2024 AND 2025!

It took 4 months of physical therapy from October 2023 – February 2024, and I’m still working on things at home too. But I’m back in the gym lifting and fully able to do all things swim, bike, and run! Most recently I raced the same sprint tri that I did last March and improved my time by 5 MINUTES, scoring a podium spot in a fiercely competitive field!

I’m really excited to see what lies ahead! I have a race in the Florida Keys next month, a trail race in May, and some sprint triathlons planned for the summer. And I’ll keep showing up here too! 😉

March 13, 2023

#medalmonday

Sometimes it’s good to stop and think about where you are vs. where you started.

I wish I could say those podium spots consistently came sooner than 7-8 years into the sport, yet while they’ve been spotty, I’m still proud. Many understand the road I’ve travelled to get where I am today, and I can assure you it hasn’t been linear, or easy.

There have been countless barriers to overcome just to get started and many setbacks and challenges along the way. But, as I was told at age 12 by my dance teacher, I am determined to accomplish my goals (back then perfect left, right, and straddle splits)…hence the deteminedtotri Instagram handle.

When you want something bad enough, you learn to work for it. Yes, it may take time and, sometimes, sacrifice, but in the end it will be so worth it!

January 26, 2023

Understanding yourself

How often do you really stop and take the time to think about yourself, who you are at this moment and where you’d like to go? I know I don’t often do that, but way back in the day when I was an undergrad college student I did. One of our assignments was setting 5 and 10 year professional goals.

I randomly came across those goals I’d listed about 10 years later. Surprisingly I met every single one of the goals I’d laid out for myself! I hadn’t thought about that assignment since I turned it in,done and dusted, all those years ago. But I wonder… did that exercise unknowingly set me up for success??

Fast forward to now, where I think more about athletic and fitness goals. So, when I received a prompt from Honey Stinger to complete a couple goal setting activities at the beginning of this year, I figured I’d give it a go!

So, let’s see where I end up at the end of 2023. Will I meet and/or exceed these goals? I’d certainly like to think so! And, I’ve been back to running, building that base for a successful season ahead. Week 2 and feeling strong…

September 12, 2022

Last triathlon race of the 2022 Sommer Sports series

Saturday’s race was #4 out of – 4 race sprint triathlon series. I racked up 2 more medals – one for the race and a another for completing all 4 races (June, July, August, September) in the series. Also brought home a course 1:49 PR (5:32 improvement since the June race) 🙌🏼

There was a lady on my shoulder the for the ENTIRE run, and I wasn’t about to let her beat me! Best part – when we crossed the finish line she was 2 SECONDS behind me, and we congratulated each other, hugged, and are now friends on Strava! I love this community and how we cheer one another on! 🫶🏼

Even though I have raced better, faster, and stronger in each month’s race, I still remained a solid 4th place in my age group. The series, however, has their own awards with different qualifications, so now I will wait for the email with the series standings to arrive sometime this week. I might have a chance at placing, as I was 2nd AG going into this one!

I attribute my improvement to not only to more consistent bike workouts, but also to running more weekly mileage and hill training, as I prepare for my upcoming mountain 50k. I’m about 8 weeks out from race day and the excitement is definitely starting to build! I also have an accountability partner now who pushes me {gently} to be a better me!

July 19, 2022July 19, 2022

Pigtails and trails…

Well I’m still around, just focusing on many different things lately! It’s a case of runner/triathlete ADD. Local triathlon races (3 since my last post!), summer vacation, 3 times a week strength training, still base building the miles, and, once again, trail running.

3rd place AG at the Heartland Olympic Tri

4th place AG at the Sommer Sports sprint in June

4th place AG at the Sommer Sports sprint in July

Speaking of those trails – I had a great trail run this past weekend at a new to me venue, the Orlando Wetlands Park. I met up with a local trail running group and ran the outer 6 mile loop, then one of the inner 3 ish mile loops. Running with these peeps is always such a blast! Good people, good attitudes, with a “no man left behind mentality”!

In order to share all these unique outdoor adventures and spaces, I created a second Instagram page just for my trail runs. Check it out @pigtails_and_trails

Since I’m still Tri training, yesterday was a 1 hour swim and light strength training day using bands for hip and glute work. This morning I got in a solid 5 miles for #tracktuesday with 5x 400m + 2x 200m nailing those goal paces!

My total running miles for July will likely fall a tad short, but I’ve also been spending my Friday mornings stand up paddling instead of running which is a nice summer time treat! And then there was a vacation in the Florida Keys and new flooring in the house … July has been very productive and a whole lot of fun! Sadly, 3 weeks and counting until we’re back to the school year routine, so I’m trying to make the most of the summer days while I can! Still a couple more adventures to go!

February 13, 2022

Will Run for Chocolate!

The Run for Chocolate 5k, that is.

Another race in the books! Don’t snicker, I really did want s’more bling! 🏅 I didn’t have any fancy Twix up my sleeves tho, so today I took my sweet time crossing that finish line in 27:47. Not a bad Skor for racing 2 days in a row!

My left quad felt like I was running on a Rocky Road in the last mile. Maybe I bit off more than I could chew racing again, but it sure was choc full of fun! 🤷🏻‍♀️😁🍫❤️

It’s been a while since I raced back to back, but it sure did feel great! Another successful practice of those pre-race rituals – a decent bedtime, proper hydration and fueling, and execution of a race day warm up. You know what they say…practice makes perfect! And, while I’m far from perfect, I am one step closer to reaching my goals today than I was yesterday.

Later this afternoon I attended a ladies only bike skills workout with my local triathlon club. It was mainly focused on beginners, but it was nice to spin out the lactic acid in my legs with some easy brick (bike/run) sets. In between the morning 5k and this afternoon’s workout, there was just enough time to rest, live-stream church, refuel, and caffeinate on this Super Bowl Sunday.

Now, off for some pre-game gluten-free snack prep and weekly Sunday meal prep. I will also be planning out the week with my Happy Planner (love!) and packing tomorrow’s gym bag. Preparation is the key to success because when one fails to plan, they are really just planning to fail! Oh yes, and let’s go Bengals! 🏈

Smoked chicken baby bell bites with chipotle mayo

February 2, 2022February 9, 2022

A place to share all things running and strength training related!

Ok…maybe some healthy eating and triathlon tidbits too!

I’ve been a recreational runner since I was 13 years old, completing distances from the popular 5k to the entry-level ultra 50k and everything in between. In 2015 I entered the world of triathlon, competing first in sprint races and eventually working my way up to the 70.3 distance (x2!) in 2021. Along this journey, I’ve had many successes, but I’ve also hit a few bumps in the road related to injuries.

In the early days, I kept a running scrapbook with all my race bibs, course maps, and finish times to document my progress. Eventually that method transitioned over to the Garmin connect app plus Instagram, as life seems to have gone paperless these days. But I sure do miss the good ‘ol days! Now doesn’t that make me sound ancient???

Since I am “well seasoned”, I would like to share what I have learned along the way, as well as where I plan to go from here. In doing so I hope to inspire and help others in their journey to happy, healthy, strong running and every day life!