Anyone who has taken Jennifer’s class knows she’s an amazing athlete (and has some crazy sweet abs)! We’re super excited for her to compete in her first full triathlon on March 5th in San Dimas! Read on to find out more about her motivations, workout regimen, and unexpected aspects of training!
When did you decide to do a triathlon?!
I decided that 2017 was going to be my triathlon year. I am currently registered for four races with my first one taking place in March. My goal is to finish within the top 3 of my age group of the LA Tri Series races and successfully complete the Malibu triathlon at the Olympic distance in September.
Those are some amazing goals. Have you completed a triathlon before?
I did one sprint triathlon in the summer 2012 and finished 5th in my age group. Since then I have wanted to do more, but as everyone knows, sometimes life gets in the way.
What does a typical week of training look like for you?
Trying to fit triathlon training into a 60hr work week can be tough but a perfect week for me would look like this. I dedicate two days a week to cross training to build my cardio base and muscle strength. I do two days a week of swim workouts and I reserve one evening a week to do 90 minutes of yoga to stay balanced and flexible (this really helps me in avoiding injuries). On the weekend I fit in a 20-40mi bike ride and at least one long run a week. As the race gets closer I will also begin to incorporate some brick workouts, which include pairing up running and swimming as well as biking and running in a 90-120min workout. Also I make sure to set one day a week aside to rest and recover. Here’s what my schedule look like when paired with work…
- Rest Day (So important)
- Morning: Run and/or Bike Ride
- Morning: Run and/or Bike Ride
That’s an insanely busy week – no wonder you have those abs… speaking of…what does a typical week of eating look like for you?
I stick to 5 smaller meals a day to stay energized and fueled. I listen to my body and eat when I am hungry. I do not strictly avoid any food groups (except the ones that I’m allergic to…BANANAS) but try to reach for those complex carbs instead of the simple carbs. I am not a coffee drinker, so when I need an extra boost I reach for a cup of English breakfast tea. And it is OK to have a glass of wine (or two) at the end of a hard week. It’s all about balance.
How do Speedplay classes help with triathlon training?
Speedplay helps in so many ways! If you’ve taken my class you know that I am fond of pairing the rowing and running together when possible. This simulates a brick work out that is crucial to make a strong transition from biking to running. It helps avoid what I like to call the “noodle legs run” which sets back a lot of triathletes. Speedplay has also played in an important role in helping me build a strong endurance baseline.
If someone is deciding whether or not to do a triathlon, what are the factors to pay attention to?
Three things to keep in mind…
1. Everyone starts somewhere and everyone has a weakness whether that is the swim, bike, or run. If you have never competed in any kind of race start with a 5k run and work your way up. While participating in those, work on your weakness. Eventually it will become your strength
2. Triathlon equipment and registration fees can be really expensive so hooking up with California Triathlon – a nonprofit organization to assist new triathletes is a great place to start. www.californiatriathlon.org/
3. Find a buddy to tackle the journey with you! Speedplay helps with that too!
What's a result you didn't expect out of training for a triathlon? Terrible tan lines!
Haha!! We noticed some of those on the Olympic athletes…
And finally, what music keeps you pumped during your workouts?
A great song that I like to put on towards the end of my workout for that final push is “Not Dead Yet” by Tommie Sunshine Feat. Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. The second song is the song that plays in my head when I get up for those dark and early workouts “I Don’t Get Tired” by Kevin Gates Feat. August Alsina
Thanks, Jennifer! You can catch her classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in DTLA at 6am!
