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My 2018 season recap

My gut instinct to describe my 2018 season is "fail". I DNF'ed my first triathlon, wasn't able to race the ultra trail ragnar in Zion, and I didn't toe the start line for Ironman Chattanooga. Really, nothing this year went the way I thought it would! I didn't get to run at all for half of this year and am STILL battling this lingering hamstring injury.

It's not in my nature to be negative for too long - I am hard on myself but never dwell on it for too long. In reality, reflecting on the few short course races I did get to do - I placed higher overall in each race than I ever have (despite having NO run fitness). My run times were terrible (to be clear, I was thrilled to just be ABLE to run, it was a gift to get to a finish line), but my bike and swim were way better. I have a whole new relationship with my bike. Even though I felt cursed this season and was so upset every time I re-strained my hammy (which happened like 4 times), maybe in the long term this wasn't the worst thing for my tri future. My power on the bike increased a lot and I finally started trying in the pool again. I actually looked forward to my trainer rides (most of the time). Thank goodness, since I train 99% of my rides indoors...

 I'm starting to race plan for next year. I'm thinking a couple/few 70.3's and for sure a full. After spectating the World Championships in Kona a couple months back, I am fired up to do another full. I'm thinking:
70.3 Cour d'Alene
Ironman Mont Tremblant
70.3 Cabo?
Hopefully some fun short course stuff in between

 There are a lot of local races I'd love to be able to race/participate in, but we'll see where those fall. This year I'll be working with a new coach still through D3 Multisport (cannot recommend them enough - if you're looking for race plans or coaching) and racing with a new team! #wattieink I'm hopeful I can get this hamstring healed/way better before February when I start structured training again. 

 Some highlights from this year - despite my injury, had some great times with my running/tri friends and still had a really great year! Thankful for all of you!
Zion Ultra Ragnar - <3 these people!!


Wattie Ink After party! Kona was amazing, hugely in part to our Wattie family!

love getting to train with friends!


Wilson won his first 5k - first dog! :)
So thankful for my nuun friends!!! #runch

Some racing pics:
always check the garmin

RTB local tri

Bonney Lake Tri (AG 3rd)
AG 2nd at Lake Meridian

my only trail race this year! (unless I get some in before EOY!)

You know, overall I think I did the most I could this year given my injury. Thankful for my run and tri friends for helping me stay positive and for racing/training together! Hopeful for a 2019 season that better matches what I'm hoping to accomplish, and to get to race hard (and fit)!!!

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