NicoleWhile I’ve been very, very quiet in the blog-o-sphere, I certainly haven’t been lazy lately.
After the 2018 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships, I have been taking more personal time and scaling back on my business (temporarily). I’ve decided to apply to graduate school for a Master’s in Health Promotion (more on this in a later post), which meant taking the GRE again. Again, meaning I took it over 20(!!!) years ago when I got into graduate school (chemistry) the first time. Was it really that long ago?! The test is different from back then and who’d have guessed – spending three months studying for it specifically (thanks, Magoosh!) actually helps. My application is submitted for fall enrollment, so now I just wait. So what else is going on in the world of NEO Endurance Sports?
First, I’ve switched up my training to be running and cycling focused. While I do miss going to the pool, it’s a bit easier on the personal schedule to just run, ride, and strength train, and throw in an occasional recovery swim. My 2019 season started with the local Rescue Run 10k on New Year’s Day, where in 3 degree (F) temps, I ran a respectable race for me and ended up 3rd in my age group. It feels good to have some strength again. I struggled with anemia & low iron last year, but with that on the mend, I can hit paces closer to where I would like to be.
The next event is the Super Half Marathon on Feb 3rd. Super Bowl Sunday has significance for me, as it was that day in 2014 when I first noticed vision symptoms that would eventually get me to the doctor and get diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. So being able to run a race on that day, especially a half-marathon, is huge.
My race season will consist of mainly local races. I have signed up for the Colorado Springs Grand Prix of Running Long Series (longest events are 25k trail runs). I’ve also signed up for the Leadville Heavy Half Marathon (~15 miles all above 10,000ft elevation). And I will be cycling some century/long charity rides. I have America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride with Team Survivor to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society planned, as well as Bike MS Colorado and Bike MS Wyoming with my own team, Team NEO.
[If you’d like to donate, you can contribute to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society here: https://pages.teamintraining.org/rm/ambbr19/NEO
I’ve pledged to raise $2800 for this ride. Team In Training is how I got my start in endurance sports, and my MS medication is a modified blood cancer drug. The research for the original drug was supported by LLS. So in many ways I am grateful to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
And/or donate to the National MS Society for Bike MS Colorado here: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/NicoleTeamNEO19
I’ve pledged to raise $5000 for that one! This is my main fundraiser each year – the National MS Society is driven to create a world free of MS.]
Thank you!
Beyond running, and cycling, I’m working on refining my business plan. Stay tuned for more information on that later this spring. I will try to get in writing at least once a week. It might not be a “pretty” post with cool pictures, but I hope the content will be useful!
I still work for the National MS Society as well – Join in the fun at Walk MS and MuckFest MS, or join my Bike MS Team, Team NEO!
In the meantime, if you need a short-term training plan to kick-start your 2019, or just want a consultation to make sure your training plan is on the right track, I’m happy to help!
Until next time…
—Coach Nicole
Nicole
