Ironman... Countdown is on!!!

A message from Coach Carla to her clients as Race Day nears.

Good morning!

We are getting close to game day!! One of you even closer with Ironman Canada on the 26th!! So with that in the back of your head, just some thoughts on the next few weeks.

EVERYONE has trained very hard, put in your time, family and social life on hold, the pay off is near. Being this close causes anxiety with your thoughts....did I train hard enough, did I do enough workouts, should I have done things differently....etc.... You now have to focus on everything from a daily standpoint. Each workout has specifics in it, stick to the plan. Mentally start to focus on all the GREAT workouts you have had, the amazing fitness you have achieved and picture race day in a VERY positive way.

Everyone has a bad workout here and there, take what you learned from them and move on. The postive days carry you when the going gets tough.

NUTRITION - Probably one of the most important components in putting all this together. EVERYTHING you do on race day should be second nature now. You should know exactly what you want to eat, drink and when. How many calories per hour, how much sodium (if weather is hot, that may change a bit) continue to practice this in all long workouts.

Rest and recovery is extremely important now. If your feeling very tired please let me know, I will change things around to try and get you more rest. Good foods in your normal diet are key, this will continue to help in recovery from workouts. Plus you always want good stores of fuel in your system at all times.

Everyone has a different goal for Ironman, keep that front and center, keep your goal positive and believe in yourself to get you there!!!!

Keep up all your great efforts and Happy Tuesday!!

Carla Hastert
USAT Triathlon Level II Coach

Way to Go Jen! Personal Record!

Another PR (personal record) for Jenifer Maggio! Shaving over 45 minutes off her last 70.3, Jen finished the Spirit of Racine strong at 6:29:13.

Her swim was slightly off, but considering the stronger than average current that she's used to, she did very well. Jen averaged an impressive 18.4 mph on the bike-she was very pleased. She continued to maintain an average pace on the run. Unfortunately she missed her overall goal for the day, which was 6:25 (her trash talking chiropractor's time last year. he he he) She blames this on her need to stand in line for a porta potty at mile 6 on the run. Nice job Jen.

All good times aside, we were temporarily alarmed when Jen experienced an asthma attack shortly after crossing the finish line. A steady walk and a hit on the inhaler brought her heart rate down and back to "Jen" spirits. We got back home Sunday evening and enjoyed some celebratory pizza!

Six short weeks to Ironman Wisconsin! Jen feels good, but has her work cut out for her to get ready to double the distance. Thanks to the readers and Jen's team for all of your support. Keep it up, and let Jen know you are thinking about her by leaving a comment on this post.

SORT Event Photos Posted. Check them out in the Gallery.

Welcome Sports Fans!

The Spirit of Racine Half Ironman went of without a hitch this morning. An absolutely beautiful day for racing! Jen and the other members of MSM looked good and ready for these ideal race conditions.

Jen hit the mostly calm water (for Lake Michigan) in an early wave. The point-to-point swim leg would take her approximately 1/4 mile out, then bank right for nearly a mile then back into transition. She came out of the water ahead of her estimates and had a fantastic T1 (first transition).

She is out on the bike course presently, hence the time to write this post. The bike leg is mostly flat, with a few hills mixed in to keep the competitors on their toes. Enjoy the early pics in the Gallery, then check back for the post race review and the complete library of photos later.

Hey There from Sunny Racine!

Beautiful weather graced the lake front today in Racine, WI as we checked in Jen's gear and prepped for the race tomorrow.

We hung out at Danny Delgado's lake house that conveniently faces North Beach--the area from which spectators can watch their competitor swim. Danny hosted a dinner for participating Multisport Madness members. Long day, short night. Its lights out at 10pm. We've got to be up and out by 5:30am. Stay tuned for more SORT (Spirit of Racine) race day news and picks. I'm planning to post mid-race photos, so if you are hanging out, bored on Sunday afternoon, check out the Gallery.

IRONJEN.COM is LIVE!

Its official, IRONJEN.COM is LIVE! Welcome to the home for friends, family and fans of Jenifer Maggio.

The pages of this site are designed to keep you up to date on Jen and her goal of competing in an Ironman distance triathlon. As many of you know she is on track to do just that-this year-at Ironman Wisconsin on September 9th!

The homepage of this site is in "blog" format. The latest post (newest info) reads from the top down. You may make comments on any blog post by clicking the "comments" link at the end of a post. To read the comments associated with a post, click on "links to this post". The rest of the content on the site can be found along the navigation bar (top), or the links to your right (sidebar).

Go through the site and let me know what you think. And be sure to show your support by signing up for the Jen-Report. (If you received an email informing you of the site launch, then you are on the list!)