RTA Triathlon
  • Home
  • SERVICES
    • TRAINING PROGRAMS
    • 1 ON 1 SESSIONS
    • TRAINING CAMPS >
      • Lake Placid
      • Chattanooga
    • CLINICS >
      • Open Water Swim Clinics
      • Triathlon Transition Clinic
      • Bike Skills Clinic
    • Triathlon Starter Package
    • CORPORATE / CHARITY
  • TRI CLUB
  • ABOUT
  • BLOG

​BLOG

Repeat Offender

7/28/2018

 
Picture
Meet Catherine – one of the kindest and most caring people you will ever come across.

In 2000 she had back surgery and was restricted with activities. However, as she recovered she stopped smoking and slowly started exercising. Then, 9/11 happened and she was in the mix of the chaos in NYC.

Following the events of 9/11 she promised herself she would always try to be fit in case she ever needed to physically help herself or another person.

In 2015 Catherine hired RTA to coach her for her first IRONMAN. She busted her butt and was ultimately successful.

After a few years off, she decided to she wanted to return to Lake Placid in 2018 for IRONMAN. She wanted to test her limits again. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to help guide her and over see her triathlon training program once again.

Below is a short Q & A with Catherine regarding her IRONMAN journey.
Fitness Gains for the Year
Here’s a quick glance at Catherine’s 2018 progression through the lens of her periodic test results.

Regular testing throughout training provides an accurate snap shot of current fitness in each discipline. The data from these tests help the coach and athlete dial in workouts to elicit greater fitness gains. It is also helpful when determining race day pacing strategies.


January –> March –> May

SWIM: 2:22  –> 2:05 –> 2:02

(500 yard test)

Race time: 1:27

BIKE: ??? watts –> 140 –> 160

Functional Threshold Power (FTP)

Race time: 8:07

RUN: 10:32 min/mi –> 9:55 –> 9:45

(3 mile test)

Race time: 5:10  — NO WALKING!


FININSH Time: 15:02
Catherine’s IRONMAN Journey – Q & A
How did you get into triathlon?
In 2003 my friend Trish had a crazy idea. She wanted to run the NYC Marathon. So I started running.

I ran the NYC marathon in 2004 and 2005, but had trouble with injuries. A friend suggested I start to incorporate some cross training. Ultimately I learned how to swim and started doing sprint triathlons.
Why did you sign up for IRONMAN?
When I was younger I saw the cover of a magazine and the picture was an aerial shot of the swim portion of an IRONMAN. I was intrigued by the EPIC nature of an IRONMAN and always thought, ‘how cool it would be to be an “IRONMAN?”‘

I like the idea of setting a goal, working hard at it and then achieving it!

Ultimately, I wanted to do something that would push myself outside of my comfort zone – both physically and mentally.
Why did you decide to hire a coach?
I hired a professional triathlon coach with lots of experience, all the best certifications, and stellar athletic achievements. At first I was drawn to RTA because of their professionalism and detail on their website.

When I had my first phone conversation with Coach Elizabeth, I her passion for coaching was very obvious. Her personality was a perfect fit for me. I could see Elizabeth would give me the confidence to do things that I might not do on my own. I really trusted her.
Finally, I appreciated the fact that Chris and Elizabeth coach triathlon professionally. They don’t do this on the side like most coaches. Since coaching is a big investment, I wanted to make sure I was a priority.
What was going through your head just before you jumped into the water and started swimming?
I felt gratitude, joy and thanked God.

As I entered into Mirror Lake, I looked at the sea of people and got the feeling that IRONMAN is just so much bigger than me.

IRONMAN is a community of like minded people ready to push their physical and mental limits. I felt fortunate to be there to celebrate all the months of hard work.
Ironman Swim
Catherine, focused and determined as she completes her IRONMAN Swim
What was the best part of the day?
Seeing my family and friends out there cheering for me and the other athletes. Their faces warmed my heart and kept me going.
What was the worst/hardest part of the day and how did you overcome it?
The first loop of the bike was like nothing I have ever experienced. For four hours it rained, it was windy and there were wind gusts. For this, I was fortunate we road the course in the rain during Triathlon Training Camp one week prior.

Mile 16-26 of the run was also difficult! However, I DID NOT WALK ONCE! This was one of my goals.
What will you do differently next time (if anything)?
Ha! Well, I would wear a rain slicker during the bike portion when rain is predicted. I had one packed in my bike gear bag, but for some idiotic reason, I chose not to wear it. Lesson learned!
What was going through your head when you crossed the finished line and Mike Reilly called you an IRONMAN?
Oh gosh! So many things went through my head, but mostly gradtitude to be able to have the mental courage and physical strength to sign up for, train and finish an IRONMAN.

And, of course, having the support of my family and friends.

All those feelings bubbled up in the last 60 seconds and hit me in such a euphoric way. I get choked up thinking about it now.
IMLP Finisher
IMLP Finisher!
IRONMAN Lake Placid is a community.  The volunteers are just wonderful. No amount of thanks covers how special they made me feel on race day. – Catherine

Picture
Are you a woman with dreams of doing a triathlon?

Do you aspire to maybe some day finish an IRONMAN triathlon?

You’re not alone.
RTA Triathlon is a proud Grant Recipient of the IRONMAN Foundation’s Women for Tri Grant. We have a wonderful group of women within our community who help one another along their journey to be the best they can be.
Learn more about Women for Tri.

Learn more about Team RTA.

Comments are closed.

    Categories

    All
    ANNOUNCEMENTS
    BEGINNER
    BIKE
    Cross Training
    Mental Fitness
    Notes From Coach
    Nutrition
    Racing
    Recovery
    RTA Virtual Rides
    RUN
    Strength & Conditioning
    SUCCESS
    SWIM
    Team Challenge
    TEAM RACES
    Team RTA
    TRAINING
    WEBINARS
    Women In Triathlon

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    September 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    July 2016
    June 2016
    January 2016
    September 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2013

    RSS Feed

RTA Triathlon

RTA is a comprehensive triathlon coaching organization and fully supported USAT sanctioned triathlon club. 

We are based in Ridgewood, NJ and coach triathletes of all abilities from across the country. 
 

​Our mission is to make you a better triathlete.

Contact us when you're ready to take your "game" to the next level.
ABOUT US

    Become a Better Triathlete

    Free tips and resources on training, racing and recovery to help you conquer your next big race.

    ​PLUS we'll send you "6 Proven Ways to Perform Better" (infographic). 

    No spam, we promise.
Sign Up

    Contact Us

    How can we help you? What are your goals?
Submit

Quick Links

FREE TRAINING CONSULT

COACHING PROGRAMS

1 ON 1 TRAINING SESSIONS

TRIATHLON CLUB

TRIATHLON TRAINING CAMPS

TRIATHLON CLINICS

ABOUT US

​BLOG

CONTACT

Let's get social

Picture
RTA Triathlon
​Copyright © 2022
  • Home
  • SERVICES
    • TRAINING PROGRAMS
    • 1 ON 1 SESSIONS
    • TRAINING CAMPS >
      • Lake Placid
      • Chattanooga
    • CLINICS >
      • Open Water Swim Clinics
      • Triathlon Transition Clinic
      • Bike Skills Clinic
    • Triathlon Starter Package
    • CORPORATE / CHARITY
  • TRI CLUB
  • ABOUT
  • BLOG