ashley olsen TRIATHLETE

2010 underway and ...

2010-07-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Main goal of season accomplished!

I am very happy to report that in my first "A" race of the season - The Philly Tri - I accomplished my goal of qualifying for my professional status.

This is a huge accomplishment and I am very proud, however, it did not come easily, nor did I expect it to happen this early.
Rewind: April - home from Tuscon training camp, but deferred from St. A's with achilles tendonitis, not running, miserable. May - week in Paris (vacation with mom, gmom and sis) great mental "break" and amazing place to begin running again, no real workouts, just exploring the most beautiful city in the world on foot (and thrilled to have my right one not hurting with every step). Then home to realize this season is HERE and I need to be TRAINING. Two pretty disappointing "test (fitness) races." June - after deciding Philly is going to be my first "A" race, ready to work hard to address nutrition, fitness, and equipment issues that could be holding me back. Nutrition: Extra cals to fuel workouts, specific macro nutrient goals, coach's super shake (3x day) = energy UP. Fitness: with more energy, the head was in it, attacking workouts
Equipment: THANK you, Brian! My sponsor, Keswick Cycles, has been amazingly supportive - even to the extent that Brian, the owner, took the time (spent about 3+ hours w me one morning) to do time trials with me on the Philly course with two different bikes (one 650 wheels, one 700) to figure out which bike was going to work best for me. This has proven to be HUGE. Two more "test races" that were much more successful. An overall win at an Olympic distance race and a 2nd female in a sprint (no taper) and posting my fastest 5k time off the bike to date (also almost 2 mins faster than last year - same course)! Confidence back. Still nervous for Philly though.
I knew at Philly the competition would be a different level. Some very elite females registered. Nonetheless, I knew that I had to go into the race believing I was fit enough and ready to compete among them. Then, the twist came. At the sprint race the day before (which Mike competed in - last minute decision- and did amazing!) there was a tragedy. A man died in the swim and police the search for his body in the river was continued Sunday morning (our race day) so the swim was canceled. Our race became a duathlon (run, bike, run).
Most people would say, I should have been thrilled (swimming is my weakest leg and running my strongest). Although I knew this would give me an advantage, I also knew that no matter what, it was going to hurt! Running a 5k as fast as you can, then biking a very challenging (both technical and hilly) 40k bike course, THEN running another 10k as fast as you can, is no joke on the legs. There was no doubt that the second run, the longer run, in 90+ degree heat (thanks, mother nature) definitely tested the limits of all athletes competing that day.
Also, I knew a few athletes competing in the elite female field were some very strong runners that would have the same "advantage" I had. So, nothing was taken for granted. At the start, I mentally prepared - I'd have to hurt to place.
That is always the case, I've concluded. If you want it, you have to push harder, and for longer, than everyone else to get it. No win, or goal, or success will (nor should) ever come easy.
At Philly I pushed - everything I had on the bike (which was my biggest fear - not knowing what the last 10k was going to feel like/be) - then again on the run. I admit, I conserved a little (just enough) on the first 5 k - which ended up paying off. I had the 4th fastest 10k time (even among pros!) of the day.
After this race - I've gained confidence, definitely fitness, and most important of all - experience.
I was 2nd elite female (needed to place top 3 for pro qualification) and 9th overall - including the pro field - which had some top notch athletes in it.
I know the duathlon gave me an advantage, and I do not plan to take this for granted. I am very relieved to have the pro qualification standard met, but I will continue to race elite for the remainder of the 2010 season. I still need to continue to work a ton on my swimming. My bike and run also need to continue to get stronger and faster progressively. And with a new motivation (to compete among the professional field next year) I am ready and focused on using this season and next off-season to put in HARD, SMART work.

Thank you, always, to my support system - your confidence in me, inspires me to continue this journey, chasing my dreams.

the chase continues
:) A

It's been a while

2010-04-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

And a lot has happened. The short version: I endured and successfully completed a pre-training camp build through the month of therapy. This build had me thinking and feeling like I was in - or getting in - great shape. I was running splits I had not run in over 5 years. Although, by the end, I was really struggling mentally with training alone and almost always inside for a few hours a day, I was proud of the work I had put in and looking forward to training with PEOPLE and in a state I've never been to, with all sorts of terrain to challenge me/us.
And it did! Tucson training camp was ... challenging. I swam in an outdoor pool in 40 degree air temps (and rain).

I biked up a mountain that ascended about 6000 ft in elevation, then rode 30 miles home, I ran 1k repeats with the Elite National Champion and ITU pro racer, Jasmine Oenick -hung in for 5 at a crazy fast pace that she made look like a breeze. And swam more, and biked more, and ran more. And more, and more, and everyday - and always in HILLS. Apparently, there is no such thing as "flat terrain" in Arizona. Mountains are everywhere. If you're not going up, you are coming down.
Physically the camp was a challenge, but I was happy with my efforts. I knew I had put everything I had into each work out. I also found out that "what I had" was good - but not on the same level as the pros. At first this realization depressed me somewhat --- but then I realized how lucky I actually was - to be here (there), in Tucson Arizona, training with people with years of experience and tons of advice, guidance and support to offer.
Oh, did I forget to mention that one of the two coaches running our camp was the (only) US Olympic medalist in the sport of triathlon, Susan Williams. Not to discredit MY coach - the other coach leading the camp, Bob Seebohar - MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, USA Triathlon Elite Triathlon Coach, 2008 Olympic Sport Dietitian, 2008 Olympic Triathlon Team Sport Dietitian, Strength and Conditioning Coach. And, as I learned quickly during our trip - nationally coveted speaker.

Our coaches were only a tremendous reflection of the talent and integrity of the athletes at the camp. I can genuinely say that I learned something, if not A LOT, from each and every one of them. I thank all of you guys and feel blessed to have met and trained with you all! (an entire post, sometimes 2, could be spent describing each, and how they influenced me... yea, probably should have done that in camp, but honestly at the end of each night, all i could think about was "EAT, SLEEP." and "oh man. tomorrow!"

Yet I survived, and took everything I could from the energy, enthusiasm, instruction, correction, guidance, advice, support...etc. I could.
But then I took it too far.

My achilles tendon on my left leg started bothering me about the 3rd day into camp. I iced and ignored it as much as I could, trying to avoid missing any workouts. I continued. Endured pain. And was proud at the time.
LESSON LEARNED, amateur.
It was truly an amateur mistake. I spoke to many of my fellow campers and pros, since. I should have stopped. I should have been pro-active, especially in the pre-season.

I didn't, so now I suffer. Physically, yes. But mentally, much more.

I apparently have a severe case of achilles tendonitis at the insertion (where the tendon meets the heal). I know it is not torn, because I can walk, but I cannot put a shoe on a run. Anyone who knows me, knows that if you take away my ability to run, my confidence and - thus (which shouldn't coincide) - my enthusiasm toward my 2010 goals are .... a struggle. I am TRYING to see the positives - I am able to work/focus on the two weakest parts of my race -swim and bike.
But, every competitive athlete knows, you need those uppers/accomplishments to make the "hard" parts worth fighting for.

So now I am working on the "hard parts" (swim and bike) and trying to block out the thoughts that I might be losing any of my running fitness.

Luckily I have an AMAZING and supportive team of experts to help keep me from going totally crazy-or into a state of depression (given my anti-running situation). I have a P.T . who nursed me through an adductor strain this winter. I don't know what I'd do without her. She treats me with all of the latest and greatest therapies and technologies. I trust her with every fiber (literally) of my body.
My boyfriend, is also HUGE support that I rely on physically and mentally. He knows physiology, anatomy, and treatment (especially when it comes to athletics and rehab) better than most medical professionals I know. I swear I'm not biased. He truly is a wealth of knowledge and will be an amazing chiropractic, sports medicine, rehab doctor soon. For now, I am lucky enough to have him utilize his certification in ART on me and help with my daily aches and pains. He has also adapted my strength program to take any stress off of my left foot.
Check it out.

With Dawn and Mike's help I can feel my foot healing itself each day. Progress is slow but I know I need to be patient.

My friends, family and training partners have also been so inspirational, in there positivity and words of encouragement.
Thank you everyone.
And lastly, thank you, Mother Nature, for another beautiful day to go out and ride my bike.

The sunny and warm weather has been helpful in turning my spirits around, knowing that at least I can enjoy long bike rides outside. And thinking back to last year, I am genuinely thankful for this. Last year at this time I was in pain, and in a sling, immobile. Good Friday 2009, I broke my collar bone and wasn't allowed to do ANYTHING for 3-4 weeks. I raced and placed in June. So, this year, I'm not running (on land)- but still biking and swimming, hoping to race (and place) by the end of May.

This journey is a rollercoaster. Today, I'm on my way up. Swam with my masters group this morning (yey, for friends in the pool!) and looking forward to an awesome afternoon ride in the sunshine.

:) A.O

SNOW-DAY!!!

2010-02-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

For most people means "Yey! No school! No work! An excuse to stay cozy indoors, a do-nothing/bake/ read/relax kinda day."

But not for me! :)) while I was maxing out my heart rate (down my basement on my treadmill), the anchorman on the t.v was telling people, "Make an in-dent in your couch" (yes, his exact words). Warning people to stay off the roads and remain indoors. Granted, we are technically in a "state of emergency" and there are blizzard-like conditions out there right now, but I had to laugh to myself (in my head, because certainly laughing was not an option, as I was gasping for air).

drive-way (post 3 rounds of shoveling)

our back deck

So for ME, a snow day means... treadmill, and trainer... no pool (but my psychic coach decided to give me this day off from swim), and plenty of opportunity to get some good hard work in (jump squats and jump rope included). Add three roungs of shoveling the driveway... and there's my "strength session" for the day. So really, the workout component is not a-typical.

BUT snow day also means workouts don't need to be scheduled and squeezed into days also filled with work and normal every-day activities... So, YES!, I too have more time to ...

bake (cream cheese brownies, Momma O's special recipe!)

... blog

... board games/ RECOVER (w good eats, thanks to my gourmet Dad)

mahi mahi enchiladas w tomatillo sauce!mmmm...

... relax (AND RECOVER more)

(food coma) -- hey coach, notice the compression sox!

So I too like to lounge on snow-days. I am more than happy knowing I put in some hard training...to earn my dent in the couch!

Yey, for snow-days!
A

Wild Wild West

2010-01-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

So now I have the bug!

I think my trip out to Colorado for a little "pre-season assessment" was more of a clever marketing ploy used by my coach to convince me that I need to be living out West. Tricky, coach! You're a pretty smart guy.
I'll be the first to admit. It worked! Colorado (Littleton, specifically, where I stayed) is BEAUTIFUL. I'm surprised I didn't crash my cousin's SUV driving (up and down, and up and down - I swear I didn't drive, bike or run on one flat road) to the training facility each morning. On the horizon, right in front of me were gorgeous snow-caps, I swear it looked like someone set a backdrop of the most heavenly and enticing mountains one could image. I had to keep refocusing on *driving* and getting myself psyched for some *triathlon training* - when all my mind kept tellling me was to follow the signs to the ski resorts.

The air is so clear and clean. And the weather was perfect! I packed like I was going to the North Pole, little did I know, every day was above 50 degrees by noon. On Sunday, I ran in shorts! AND in the mountains no less. (So far my favorite run of 2010)

yup, those are the mountains I ran 13 miles in!

In addition to the beautiful scenery, I got to spend time with some beautiful people. I stayed and hung out with my cousins and their 3 adorable (soon to be beautiful;) girls. We had so much fun and they couldn't have made my stay more comfortable and easy. Coming home from a full day of training and sitting down for a game of crazy dominoes (a lil different from the regular domino game) or a heated fencing competition on the Wii was a blast! And finishing off the nights with some tivo'ed Cake Boss episodes (I credit my cousins with introducing me to my NEW favorite reality t.v shoe-- and it's not even on Bravo! (yes, I'm addicted to Bravo)) made for 100% fun-filled days and nights.
jen, john, and catie

julia, me and maren

Sadly, the time flew by, and since then I can't stop dreaming, day and night, about ways to get back.
My conclusion: keep working hard! Training, training, and more training until I reach the level I know I am capable of.

February is going to be tough. I know this, thanks to coach. He told me today, "Ashley, weeks 2-4 in February will be tough." Awesome!

I am definitely scared, yes. But I am definitely more motivated than ever because this intense training block is designed specifically to get me ready for when I go back out WEST! This time it will be Tucson. But I am more psyched than ever to see yet another part of the country that I never dreamed I'd have the opportunity to explore.

But before this whirlwind begins, back on the East coast, I am looking forward to next week (with a very special motivating force headed my way right when I need him) and a build up to get me ready.

Then the first of MANY tests.

The beauty is, to get me through each and every test, all I have to do is picture those snowcaps. All I have to do is picture the ability to open my windows and breath the fresh air every morning. Think about how wonderful it will be to train and live where training facilities, terrain, training partners and motivation are abundant and contagious. I hear the chiropractic practices out there are Wonderful as well! ;)

So, coach, Vitella's, Crazy!(you know who you are), and all of the magnificent friends I made out there in the Wild West, I hope to see you all again very soon! And for all my East Coast peps! I am --- and forever will be--- a Jersey girl (but Never referred to by any non-sense name like "Snookie" or "The Situation") . I can learn to pump gas, but if Bon Jovi starts to play I might pump my fist - be ware! (and hopefully I'll have a side-kick pumping his right there with me)

And fam, the Vitella's and I will do our best to move you all out there with us too. Part of our family has moved south as a unit, we can expand west-ward. right?
please say yes!

xo - A.O

It's here!

2010-01-13T12:33:00.001-08:00

2010 is here!

The year that I talked about in so many previous posts has arrived. And it seems, somehow, to be flying by. I don't know how, but we're already half way through the first month. And, for me, that means one thing - my first official trip out to Colorado for "pre-season assessment."

This trip has provoked a roller coaster of emotions. First, (back in December) I was SCARED, but with good reason, as I have been fighting with a rotator issue for a good two months now. The pain was bad enough to make me stop running (yes, that bad) for a good 6 weeks, in an effort to let it heal. When that wasn't happening, I began to get anxious, angry, discouraged... you name it. Every negative emotion that could creep into my head, was. And, in the back of my head, the clock was ticking. I knew I had/have very BIG goals for this year and I need each and every week of workouts to be effective in getting me closer to the level of competition I dream of being at.

I already blew coach's plan of starting the pre-season with a swim-run block (changed to swim/bike). But I fought with myself daily to make the most of the swim and bike sessions I was assigned. Like I said, the negativity was (self-induced, yes, but) a major challenge. I just wanted to feel GOOD! And RUN!

I am proud to announce, I made it through the running hiatus, it is now officially 2010, and feel GREAT today - after my second day of 10 + mile workouts!--- running, yes!

Now, don't get me wrong. I didn't go from 6 weeks of zero to 10 miles and more in a day (or even a week). And the loss of running fitness, from that break, was noticeable and alarming at first (another bout of negativity).

But getting back to this past week of a little "build" and a lot more running... I'm on a high.

My hands are in the air and I'm smiling ear to ear on this roller coaster.

Tomorrow I might be screaming and scared again (on my way down), because as excited as I am about going out west and hanging out with Coach for the weekend ;) , I'm scared too. I want my effort to show, I want to be able to hang in workouts with some very talented athletes out there, but I'm afraid that I won't. I know that I am not at my best right now (in terms of fitness). I also know that most triathletes, at this point in the season, aren't either. It could be detrimental, in fact, if they were. We need to be at our best in 4 months from now and maintain that ultra-high level for the 4-5 months after that. It is unknown (to me) where I should be right now. How fit, is fit enough? Where do I need to be right now? The unknown, to me, is the scariest.

But my goal right now, is to not let fear get the best of me. Rather I will use it to motivate me. It will be the crank, or the engine (not sure about the mechanics of a rollercoaster, haha) that gets me back to the top of the peak and smiling again. Ready to throw myself into a new (possibly scary) challenge.

And knowing the valley will always be there, I'll use them and the lessons learned down there to power me back up.

Cheers to what's bound to be a fun ride - 2010!
A

Winter

2009-11-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's coming. But no, I am not about to blog about the drag it is for us Northeast triathletes to have to spend much more time trianing indoors. Instead, I am going to provide you with the boost you, or ANYONE (traithlete or not) might need, on any given day.

If you are ever in search of some inspiration --- WATCH THIS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjZa0GWa-o4

Simply, Amazing. What a finish! You go girl!!

Things Happen...

2009-11-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

For a reason.

I'm a firm believer in that. From small, everyday occurrences to big, life-changing events. Some things seem to be blessings, helping push us along, or succeed. Other things might seem to be destructive, or hindrances to our success. The truth is that almost always, the former is true.

Today I needed no convincing that a pretty "random occurrence" - my Dad accompanying me to my pool workout- was definitely a blessing.

I hate even admitting this...but, today was the first time I seriously considered quitting in a workout. After such a good week of swim workouts, I just felt "off" in the water. I felt heavy, unbalanced, unfocused, and unable to get rid of any of these feelings throughout my entire 600 meter warm-up.
A 300 aerobic pull next. Ok, a little better - more able to focus, staying conscious of stroke. But still can't shake that blahh feeling - just not into this. No idea why.
100 repeats - This should perk me up! Orrrrr.... frustrate me more. I feel like death. Huffing and puffing (hard) after each one. Only swimming 1:30's. After my fifth, I decided I was going to call it quits. I didn't have a swim scheduled for Sunday. I promised myself I would re-do entire workout then. I told myself, "I just don't have it in me today. This just isn't worth it." Then I told my Dad and ...

Thank goodnes. He corrected me.

He asked me "What if you don't have it on a race day?" That's all I needed to hear.

I thought to myself - this is what training is for. Days like today are actually the days that matter most. They teach your body that it must obey your mind. And your body will. When your head is telling you that you are tired and you don't want to be doing what you are doing right now, as an athlete you have to be able to overcome those thoughts. You have to find a different thought - the thought that says on any given day, at any given time, this is what you want to be doing most. Or the thought that says when other people are stuck inside cubicles or watching and waiting for the clock to hit 5 so they can leave their job, I have the opportunity to pursue a job that will never leave me feeling confined or bored by. I want my job to be an adventure. I want my office to be outdoors on my bike some days. I want my desk to be a pool - or an ocean preferably. I want my time-card to be my watch. And yes, like other "normal" jobs, there will be days (like today) that I don't feel like sitting at my desk (aka being in the pool)- but the difference with my job is that after forcing myself to go and do so, I will always leave "work" feeling better.

So, I flipped a switch in my brain and repeated these thoughts to myself. My body was still rebelling, but my mind was now in control. The last 10 100's didn't feel good. But they got done- and with some hard aerobic work.

That's when the second reason for my Dad being there proved to be a blessing. Another 300 pull - this time with paddles.
Dad told me I swam so much better with the paddles- turning my entire body in the water rather than struggling to pull harder and faster, like I was during the sprints. So during my cool-down, without the paddles, I decided to try to mimic my stroke for the pull.
I was honestly shocked after the first 300 of my cool down I stopped and he told me that I had just swam each 100 faster (mind you without rest between and in what I considered a cool-down/relaxed/easy pace) by 15 seconds. I don't use my watch for my warm-up or cool down. If my Dad hadn't been there I would have had noooo idea, I was actually swimming faster??? I finished with another 100 of "easy" (yet again faster than my "sprint" pace, haha, still amazes me) swimming, and got out of the pool genuinely happy.

Not only did I finish my workout, but it was productive. If schedules didn't randomly align, and my Dad didn't decide to replace his normal workout with a pool run, who knows what the outcome off today's swim session might have been. But, you know what they say...
... things happen for a reason.

Thanks, Dad.

Ha!

2009-11-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

And I thought I had courage - doing what I do everyday in pursuit of becoming the best triathlete I can be...

this thing has COURAGE (check it out) : http://www.phillyburbs/news/news_detail/articles/678/2009/november/13/wild-turkey-plays-chicken-on-nj-turnpike.html.

Memo to "Tammy the Turkey" (yes, I named her): if you're going to play in traffic get a helmet !

Hmmm, now I'm thinking about turkey. Making me hungry. But first, I swim.
C'mon hip flexor!

So, Off-season

2009-11-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

I don't really get it yet. But, oh well. I only have a few hours left (and I'm not complaining about that, coach)
I've done lots of random, fun things ---- a lot of time spent cheering for my Phils.

I've also played racqetball with my uncle (who schoooooled me every time - yes, Diane, there is something that I stink at- ) I was able to run all over the court, but hit the ball,... and with any accuracy... ummm, no. The problem is (I am going to tell myself) is that I *think* too much. Every ball, I'm wondering: "How many times has the ball hit the wall?" "Did I hit it last?" "How many times has the ball bounced?" "Am I going to nail someone in the head if I swing at this ball?" ... wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much info for my brain to process in less than 1-2 seconds. I give TONS of credit to batters at home plate in the NLB who have a less than .6 seconds to react.

Nonetheless, I don't play in the NLB, I torture myself MINDLESSLLY apparently --- which makes it crazy and understandable all at the same time ;)

I wish I had pics of racquetball because the attire is ammmmmazzing (must wear safety glasses) but no such luck.

For now you'll have to be bored with pics of me resuming my training.

Time to get back on the horse... slowly but surely.

BIG goals for next year, means BIG efforts.

Stay tuned. Promise there will be lots of BIG stories of living, learning, and everything in between.

But just before we get at 2010,

MUCH love to the people that have inspired me and made 2009 possible, which include:

http://www.keswickcycle.com/

http://www.mix1life.com/home

http://www.racesox.com/

http://www.direct-logic.com/

- AO

The (happy) ending of a chapter

2009-10-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

First a quick race report: This weekend I returned to the race that was my final (and at that time, only third) race of 2008 - Orlando Womens Triathlon. I did it then for the same reason I chose to do it this year - an excuse to visit my boyfriend and have him at a race without (him) having to hop on a plane. This year's race also had an additional motive: to end the season with a second and*complete* Olympic distance race. The DNF in Dallas left a sour taste in my mouth, and I didn't like it. After working so hard, especially in the second half of this season, I did not want to let a negative race experience tarnish the memories of 2009. Nor did I want it to discourage me from going full-throttle into 2010. I love the feeling you get when you cross the finish line of a triathlon, one of ultimate achievement, fulfillment, success! I needed to feel that one last time.

I did. And I enjoyed every second of it!

the 4 am car ride...

who wouldn't want to swim in this lake at dawn, gorgeous!

exiting the swim...

and the finish!

That's me running toward the finish line. I won the race, which was nice considering last year I came in second by less than a second.

More importantly, I had my best swim, bike and run splits. All were significantly faster than my times in Chicago (my only other Olympic distance race) and allowed me to win by a gap of 15 minutes! - ahead of the second place girl.

It is very satisfying to know that all of the hard, new training is definitely paying off. It has propelled me onto another level (as demonstrated by the 15 minute win margin).

That next level is where I want to be! So, off-season, here I come!!!

But not before a little fun first ;)

some post race pics:

still sweaty, but a happy finish.

then clean, and happy. Time to have some fun!

and so I play!

and play some more!

it was a lonnnggg day of happiness and playing.

But soooo worth it. Couldn't imagine a better commencement to an eventful season :)

This weekend marked the official end of my 2009 (first full) race season. It was a great season filled with TONS of new experiences. I've made so many new friends - expanded my ever-growing support system- traveled to two new parts of the country, learned so much about the sport and soooooo much about myself.

It is hard to imagine only 5 months ago I was still just recovering from a broken collar bone and considering not racing at all this season!

Now the plans are to put in an awesome effort over the next 5 months and go in to 2010 season as fit as ever and race among the elites, with the goal of professional racing by 2011. This seems like a very accelerated and pretty ambitious goal -especially among triathletes, who know that triathlon is a sport that requires time and maturity (in racing). The name of the game is longevity.
And I intend to race in triathlon for decades. Yet, I know that now is the time in my life that I can really push my body and my mind to their maximums and have fun chasing my dreams.
Right now I have the fitness, time, support and drive. Right now I have the confidence that my dreams are attainable.

Here's to the next chapter.
Cheers!

A.O.

"Opportunity...

2009-10-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

often comes in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat."
- Napoleon Hill

So Dallas... was not what I expected, nor hoped it would be. But that's life. And if I want *this* to be my life, I will have to deal with it, learn from it, and move forward with the same attitude I have had since I began this journey.
Let's face it, that's what this is - a journey. If I earned my M.D and became an ER doctor and decided to quit after my first patient died, I'd be ... broke and lost. Or, if I decided to start my own company - which I did- and decided to quit after I saw my first tax return was going to strip me of half of the money I earned that year, I'd also be ... broke and lost.
Thank goodness I went through that first, right?!?!? Haha

Now, I have the maturity to savor these moments

I was definitely way more confident in my swim, in this race. And my legs had it. My body said "no." So I listened to it (at least I can say that). And I am not discouraged (today - two days later... I know, Jasmine, I took a little more than my allotted 10 mins).

Coach and I have decided to give me the opportunity to end the season on a positive note and race once more in Orlando - has to be above 60 degrees there right?!?!?
After Orlando, it's a brief re-charge break, and then full-throttle into this off-season. Then, the next city on my mind will be Tuson, where hopefully I will get a true taste of professional training among a roster of amazing professional athletes.

But for now, I am focused on getting through this BIG training week. And keeping my eye on the prize - one last good race + one GREAT weekend!

Final Race Prep

2009-10-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

The day's on the deck are finished (for now). So all that is left to do before taking off for Dallas tomorrow morning...

My hair of course!!! and mom's too ;)

why do I look like I'm in pain? I'm in a chair, not on my trainer?!?!?

ahhh, that's better.

and the finished product...

alll peeertty :)

now it's off to yoga, to ... ruin my do, but give the legs a good, last stretch before the plane ride and give me the zen I need to calm the pre-race nerves.

namaste.

Sushi says it all

2009-10-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

To top off a weekend of great training efforts, some great recovery grub - sushi!

Now I could list all of the things I love about sushi, but anyone who is a sushi fan would be bored, and all those who aren't would probably be disgusted. One thing, I think everyone likes- and are intrigued by- are fortune cookies.
And tonight mine was perfect: "Be the labor great or small... Do it well or not at all!"

Whenever I train, I try to stay positive and motivated by repeating quotes. The sources of the quotes are diverse. But this is definitely one worth repeating. During those times on the trainer in the basement, when you're not sure if you'll make it back up the steps if you do another interval, during that time during your run when you only have a mile or more to go, but your legs suddenly say "no" and begin to fill with lead, while you stare at the clock quickly tick away those 10 seconds of rest between 100 meter sprints in the pool, when you feel like your heart might pop out of your chest if you push for that last meter/mph/negative split.

Whenever it may be for you - tomorrow when you train think to yourself:

Do it well or not at all!

This week will be a bit less intense for me, getting ready to head to Dallas on Friday. This week will be all about mental focus, controlling nerves and staying present in the moment. It's going to be a challenge- on all fronts - I know, because I am already struggling with the "present in the moment" piece missing the temporary training partner - who also provided lots of non-training fun to keep me balanced and so happy last week.

Nonetheless I will use these positive thoughts to keep me going, focused, and reminded of why I do this. Watching kids in the stands with Jimmy Rollins jerseys on cheer as he makes the play at first base, is so motivating. That kid is thinking he wants to be "just like Jimmy Rollins when he grows up" and may be someday he'll be able to run as fast as him, or hit as hard as him. I want to inspire people interested in triathlon in the same way. I want them to think, "if she can do it, I can do it." Truly, I believe, anyone can. Follow your dreams - whether they involve sport or not. If you are true to yourself and true to your discipline, you will inspire someone!

--- and then you can create the quote that someone might repeat to them self. For now I'm sticking with my "fortune"

Onward

2009-09-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Made it through a full week of hard (harder than I've ever attempted) training, and ready for another. Each day is a new challenge, each day is a new opportunity.
I challenge my body. Sometimes it responds favorably, sometimes (like today) not. I learned today that I cannot "sprint" to save my life. I have no speed. Which means I DO have a challenge to conquer. That is the beauty of this sport. It's is completely humbling.
I might have thought that running was my strength. Today I found that I am a decent runner, but I lack a major component - short-burst speed.
This humbles me, but does not discourage me.
All of the success I can and (I believe) will have in this sport will be earned through a lot of intense, hard work. Too often, in life, people believe that they do one thing correctly, or well, and are therefor entitled to reap the benefits. Hence, the state of our current economy, but that is another topic for another blog entirely.

Earned success is the most rewarding. The harder you work, the better it feels when the goal is achieved.
I intend to feel AMAZING when I can consider myself successful in (and along the way) in this journey.

To more hard work tomorrow.
:) AO

Anticipation

2009-09-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the day.

My biggest training day, by far, to date. Hoping for some big results.
But anticipating my biggest and, by far, BEST reward to come at the end ;)

hasta manana!

AO

changin perspectives!

2009-09-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Exactly one week ago today I completed my first "real" swim workout. When I saw it on my training schedule, I almost fell over. Then I saw 2 more workouts - similar in yardage later on that week- and knew I was reading correctly, and would have to get use to spending more than 30-40 minutes in the water "training" for the swim.
Prior to those workouts last week, my "workouts" consisted of swimming laps in my grandmother's pool - for a time/distance that I thought (total estimation) equaled 1500 meters. No mixed strokes, no drills, no sets --- just laps.
Pretty pathetic, I know, but when it came to racing, my goal for the swim had still been to "just survive it."

Not any moreee!
Now I'm focused on actually learning how to swim well, how to swim fast, and how to compete with the "swimmers" in the sport.

So after a week of workouts of twice the normal yardage, today I was granted an "easy" swim workout, just 2500 yds.
And - here's the crazy part- after only a week of doing real workouts in the pool with real distances, today's workout DID feel easy! I was almost tempted to stay in the pool and do a little more (I had the time- I finished this workout so quick) butttt then remembered what my training schedule looks like for the rest of this week and decided to conserve each and every ounce of energy I have.

But ME actually wanting to stay in a swim workout longer than required is unbelievable/amazing/INSPIRING!

I hope I have the same motivation on hour 3 of my brick on Thursday (after a big swim)
:)

Hi!

2009-09-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

A little about me before I start: Life has been good to me. I am 26 and have my own business. I have a big, loving and supportive family. I have a best friend that has been the most amazing influence in my life, makes me feel the happiest, makes me want to do, see, be more, and I would love nothing more than spending each and every day enjoying life with.
I also have a name that is the same as a half of a famous pair of child-star twins, but those jokes haven't bothered me since pre-high school.

This Ashley Olsen loves hard work, but loves having fun! That is why triathlon is a natural fit for me. Triathlon actually started as a way to take my time and energy away from missing that best friend I mentioned, when he left last year for chiropractic school in Florida.
Another friend of mine that was racing and training for them told me to give it a try, that she thinks I'd like it.
I ran track and cross country in college, so I knew I could do the run. But bike and swim? Well, I got on a bike once a year - for a charity bike ride that my family created in memory of my cousin (check it out http://www.kellysride.com/) and I hadn't swam since I quit swim team at age 10 after two seasons of realizing that torturing myself every morning in cold water and then dragging my parents around south jersey for meets on their weekends was not worth watching me loose (probably, holding their breath the whole time, hoping I wasn't drowning, rather than swimming), I figured... ahhh, why not?

Like I said, I like hard work (esp physical) and I like challenges. I've matured since my swimming/drowning days and maybe I had now the brainpower to teach myself really how to swim with any degree of efficiency. And the bike -- well I had a bike (thanks to Kelly's ride). All I have to do is pedal... hard- right?

I could do it.
And I did. Last August 30th I completed my first triathlon. It wasn't any award winning performance - actually, I did take 3rd in my age group, but that certainly was not the goal then. I - honestly - just wanted to finish. But that finish got those competitive juices - the ones I hadn't felt since college meets - flowing again.
I was hooked. I managed to get in 2 more races last season. And gave competing (rather than completing) a shot. Each time the results got better - placing 3rd and 2nd (by less than 1 second, photo finish!) in my last two.

This year the results have been rewarding as well. And wow how perspectives change! After training in the off-season and then breaking my collar bone right before Easter, I was crushed - thinking that my season would be ... well, non-existent having to remain virtually sedentary for 4-6 weeks.
I was running in 3 (weeks). I healed amazingly well, and amazingly fast - doc said due to my fitness when the fracture happened, and I decided not to give up.
In addition to completing my first Olympic distance race (Chicago!), I have placed in all my races. Thus, I have done *relatively*well for myself up to this point - racing mostly local/regional sprints, but "relative" is the key word and ... I want more.
Moreover, I see the possibilities.
So I have decided to take the plunge. I got myself a coach! And subsequently got smacked in the face with a training regimen I would have never dreamed of!
BUT I LOVE IT! haha. Yep, that's me. Give me more, work me harder. I love everything about this sport, the training, the racing, but more importantly the people, the places and the camaraderie and enthusiasm that seem to be contagious.
So this blog is starting as my season is concluding.
I am racing my last race in Dallas at the US Open. I am very excited to make this my second Olympic distance race and my FIRST race in the elite division.
I am hoping to end this season on a high note! And goals are long term.
This blog will take me through my last race and right into my first year of *real* training with *real goals* Here's to my second week of *real* training! with no letting down.
Thanks for the day of recovery, coach, and tomorrow's gift ;) But can't wait to see how my body responds to some big efforts later on this week.

Keep ya posted - on all things "3" - the good, the bad, and the ugly ;)
(mostly, hopefully, the good)

A.O