On September 30th, I sat in the hotel restaurant with my grandpa, mom, aunt and cousin recapping the events of the day. They asked me how I felt and if I needed anything to drink (I had just completed my first half Ironman). I wondered how they had entertained themselves for the nearly three hours I was cycling. Apparently, they hit the ground shopping. Read more →
Q: I have a hot 70.3 on my schedule. What do I need to know about hydration and fueling leading up to and on race day?
Brandon Marsh answers:
A: This is a common concern and a question we get often. First, it’s important to understand hydration and fueling needs are very dependent on the individual. However, there are a few universal “formulas” that can help you endure race day.
Q: What do I do when my monthly visitor, “Flow”, shows up right before my race?
Amy Marsh answers:
A: Ah, yes. Dealing with the menstrual cycle is a common challenge that female athletes face. Perhaps the biggest challenge is when your cycle falls on race day. The good news is you don’t need to stop training or racing because “Flow” reared her ugly head.
In fact, I’ve had some of my best races during that time of month. I can remember my first Ironman® in 2005, which was the Ironman® World Championships in Hawaii. “Flow” arrived the day before the race, and I was freaking out. This was the first long-distance race I would be doing while on my period – and it was the World Championships! Read more →
Q: How do you recover after a hard race?
Amy Marsh answers:
A: This question couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. Brandon and I raced just last weekend at IRONMAN 70.3 Vineman. Though not a full IRONMAN, we both raced hard and finished strong. After an event like that, the body needs some TLC. Below are take-away tips on how we recover from a race: Read more →
Q: If I get a flat tire during a race, what should I do? What’s the quickest way to change it?
Amy Marsh answers:
A: Ah, the dreaded flat during a race. No need to panic. It happens, but knowing how to change a tire can make the difference between finishing a race or not. First, you will need a flat kit that includes: a new tube, tire levers and a CO₂cartridge or handheld pump. With the right tools and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be back on the road in no time “flat.” Read more →
Q: I have a hilly race coming up, but there are no hills where I live. How do I train for this?
Brandon Marsh answers:
A: For athletes who live among flat terrain but travel to races with some elevation, hill training can be a common problem. Growing up on the Gulf Coast of Texas, the only hills I had were overpasses. When I traveled to Austin or other northern areas of Texas to race, I was bound to encounter hills on the course. So, how did I overcome this obstacle?
Q: Do you ever feel burned out? How do you beat the training blues and recommit to your goals?
Amy Marsh answers:
A: Swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and then running a marathon is a major feat for anyone. On top of that is the pressure to not only complete the distance but compete and place in a division. It’s an extreme request. So, the short answer is YES – I have felt burned out.
In fact, at the end of last year, I was debating whether or not to continue racing at the professional level. Read more →
