QT2 Systems Podcast Center!

Want to race faster? Finish stronger? Stand on the podium? Tune into QT2's podcast series 10 Tips to Crush Your Next Triathlon. In this series, we will be joined by our coaches to talk about all that goes into performing well on race day. For Episode 4 - Mastering the Swim, we welcome QT2 Systems' resident swim expert Coach Vinny Johnson. For many, the swim is the leg of a triathlon which causes the most feelings of discomfort, anxiety and stress. But does it have to be that way? Coach Vinny talks us through all of the steps you can take during your training to allow you to feel more prepared for race day. He also provides practical race day tips to stay calm, maximize your swim, and come out of the water with positive demeanor and ready to tackle the bike and run. Learn more about QT2 Systems at www.qt2systems.com

Crossing the finish line, I was overcome with joy, emotion, gratitude, and relief. It was more than the end of a race; it was proof that I am stronger than my fears. I push hard but race smart. I don’t give up! I am so grateful for the lessons I have learned through the trials and tribulations of this beautiful sport called triathlon. It is so much more than a sport to me; it is a representation of how I like to live my life. I wanted to set this example for my daughter that she will face hard obstacles in life. She will feel fear and anxiety. These are all normal and acceptable feelings and experiences. What truly makes you strong is your ability to find your focus, lean on others, stay the course, believe in yourself, and push further than you ever thought possible. Because in the end, we won’t remember the race results, but we will always remember how we became stronger throughout the process.

I toed the line in the “City of Runnerly Love” on November 21.  I was, more than anything, grateful to be healthy and ready to run.  As with any marathon, I had the nervous of energy of what might be.  Would I be able to complete the 26.2 miles?  Would I feel strong?  Would I run fast?  Would I run smart? I took a moment to pause, smile, reflect and find my inner confidence.  In listening to the “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast the day before the race, Abby Wambach reflected on her first marathon in New York.  She said, for inspiration she asked herself, “Who are you now?”  That question kept playing on repeat in my head throughout the race.  Who am I now?  The answer shifted every time I asked the question.  I am strong, I am tough, I am someone who perseveres, I am a mother, I am thirsty, I am a coach, I am a wife, I am a runner, I am tired, I am smart, I am patient, I am hungry, I am an Ironman, I am optimistic, I am sore, I am resilient, I am determined, I am leading by example, I am loved.  I am so much more than one setback, one race, one goal.  I am not defined by my challenges nor my accomplishments, and yet these same experiences shape who I am becoming. 

Want to race faster? Finish stronger? Stand on the podium? Tune into QT2's podcast series 10 Tips to Crush Your Next Triathlon.  In this series, we will be joined by our coaches to talk about all that goes into performing well on race day. You have a season plan, so now what? To be able to race your best, you need to be able to get to the starting line healthy. That takes consistency - not just in training but also in taking care of your body. In Episode 3, Coach Bob Richter explores the stress bucket. What steps can you take to stay on track with your training? What can knock you off track? When is it not only OK, but necessary to adjust the plan?  Learn more about QT2 Systems at www.qt2systems.com