Winthrop Winter Triathlon

Athlete: Erika Enloe

Date: March 3, 2013

Morning of race was sunny, crisp and WINDY!!  The wind was gusting out of the Northwest and knocking over the directional signs up and down the course.  It was a factor all day.  Made the decision to layer up a bit more and decided to wear my heavier gloves on the bike.  Wore ski boots for the bike portion, but had no over-booties.  Brrrrrrr.  No ice or snow on the road, so I knew that with the down-wind start, everyone would go out fast.  Took my gu about 5 minutes before the start. Gun went off at 9am.

Bike was 12 miles…or so…I think…

As usual, I ended up in my own lonely space, with the leaders way out in front (Rocky, etc.) and many far behind.  I was happy to realize that I was in my big ring and comfortable with good speed.  As I completed the last mile or so of the first 1/2 of the bike leg,  a big guy cam up from behind me.  I got on his wheel and drafted a bit.  As we made the turn into the wind, we agreed to take turns in front and went all the way back to the transition area with this strategy.  I think it was good for both of us.  I know it was good for me.  We reeled in two bikers.  Did not get a split for this section.

Ski was I think 8 miles total…

Transition to skis went pretty well.  Changed to lighter gloves, grabbed a drink (nuun, lemon lime), and took off.  Tried to remember to not go out too fast and build over the length over the course.  Down-wind was fast and I tried to use the wind and relax and let it help me along.  We did a 2 lap figure 8 course on the flat, so another ‘fast’ leg.  Against the wind was brutal, and a couple of times I got into the tracks and double poled for a bit thinking that I was more stream-lined in that position…just tried to not blow up.

Run 4.6 miles (I think)

Transition to run went pretty well.  Alison helped me get my boots off (my fingers were so cold!!!), and I put on my water belt (nuun) and off I went.  I looked at my watch at this point and it was 10:23. I was just thinking about getting into a good groove and hitting a pace I could maintain.  Course was out and back on the road due to soft trail conditions.  So I couldn’t tell really where I was in relation to the other women.  I knew there was a girl ahead of me that was on a team, and as I neared the turn-a-round, I saw another woman heading in.  Didn’t know if she was solo or team…seemed like she would have had to be as fast a biker as Rocky to have been a solo in that position, but you just never know, right???  So, I kept pushing mentally to not slow down.  I managed the hills around the turn-a-round and noticed that there was a woman behind me.  Again, didn’t know her ability, and didn’t want to be in 3rd potentially, so I kept pushing.  As I headed back toward the finish (with the wind in my face) I started just telling myself to keep my pace steady, breathe, and take the rest of the course in small bits.  I was going from power pole to power pole.  I began to feel the finish getting closer and the nuun coming up into my throat.  Yikes, my stomach was really not happy.  As I came around the final corner, I began to vomit, and as is now my tradition, fell to my hands and knees at the finish line and barfed up all the nuun that was in my gut.  There is no prouder moment for a racer than the glow of public regurgitation.

Total time: 2:09:39

COACH BARKLEY RECEIVES ALL-AMERICAN STATUS- TIMES TWO!

Sarah Barkley of SET Coaching has received the designation of All American by USA Triathlon. Barkley achieved All-American status for two sports: triathlon and duathlon. All-American status is awarded to the top five percent of athletes in both triathlon and duathlon each year. Barkley received the designations for the 2012 race season. In addition to receiving the designations, Barkley was invited to race for USA Triathlon at the Duathlon World Championship in Ottawa, Ontario.

“I’m honored to receive both designations for this past race season, and to have the opportunity to race for Team USA again. I enjoy taking what I learn through racing at this level, and applying it to the training and race programs of the athletes I coach,” explained Barkley.

As a triathlete, Barkley has achieved USAT All-American status for the past two years, received the coveted Best Overall Female Triathlete designation from TriNW in 2011, and took top honors as the Overall Olympic Distance Champion in 2010 and 2008. In 2009 and 2011 Barkley represented Team USA at the ITU Age Group Olympic World Championships, placing as the third American in her age group, and in 2012 qualified and raced at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas.

Barkley has been a SET Coaching athlete for several years, and joined the SET Coaching team in 2012. She works with a number of athletes to help them meet their competitive or recreational goals.

Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon serves as the National Governing Body for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with more than 455,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Summer Olympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

Coach Barkley joins Wattie Ink elite triathlon team!

Sarah Barkley of SET Coaching has recently been selected as a member of the Wattie Ink Elite Triathlon team. Barkley is one of 11 elite athletes selected from the Pacific Northwest to compete with the team.

Wattie Ink is a sports marketing agency focused on endurance racing. With 25 years of combined experience in the endurance sports industry, Wattie Ink prides itself on its huge network of close-knit contacts, as well as being versed in the most up-to-date marketing approaches. The elite team is sponsored by national-scale companies such as K-Swiss, Powerbar, BlueSeventy, and Fuel Belt.

“I’m excited to have been selected to be a part of this elite racing team. My time in the sport of triathlon has been an adventure, and has given me the opportunity to test my limits while traveling the world. I look forward to being a member of the Wattie Ink team,” explained Barkley.

As a triathlete, Barkley has achieved USAT All-American status for the past two years, received the coveted Best Overall Female Triathlete designation from TriNW in 2011, and took top honors as the Overall Olympic Distance Champion in 2010 and 2008.

In 2009 and 2011 Barkley represented Team USA at the ITU Age Group Olympic World Championships, placing as the third American in her age group, and in 2012 qualified and raced at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas.

Barkley has been a SET Coaching athlete for several years, and joined the SET Coaching team in 2012. She works with a number of athletes to help them meet their competitive or recreational goals.

Jason Jablonski is the owner of SET Coaching where he and his coaching team work with athletes to provide sport-specific coaching and biomechanical expertise. Through this, the coaches are able to match their experience, knowledge and talent with the goals of each unique client to create an environment where clients have been able to achieve results beyond their expectations. Jablonski is a certified USA Level II Cycling Coach and maintains a strong commitment to remaining on the cutting-edge of his field. He is a Retul, FIST, and Bike Fit Certified Fitter, and because of this commitment, he works with the Retul, Dartfish, and other sport-specific fitting and analysis systems to ensure athletes are training and competing at optimum levels. SET Coaching’s partnership with Black Diamond Sports Therapy brings a background of knowledge to the table that is second-to-none. The partnership between SET Coaching and Black Diamond Sports Therapy means athletes have a tremendous resource to help them achieve their personal best.

Coach Cosina invited to run for Team Oiselle

We’re pleased to announce that Coach Cosina has been asked to race for Team Oiselle! Oiselle is a womens’ running clothing brand that has started a racing team comprised of women who run, give back to the sport, and are engaged in their community. We agree that Coach Cosina is a perfect fit for Team Oiselle!

To read Stephanie’s interview on the Team Oiselle website, click here:

http://www.oiselle.com/athletes/stephanie-cosina

Coach Ongers Returns with New Certification from Specialized!

.- Shawn Ongers of SET Coaching has recently returned from an intensive certification process at the Specialized BG FIT School. The training was held February 21st-23rd in Morgan Hill, California, and culminated with Ongers receiving the Specialized BG FIT Technician certification. This certification allows Ongers to use the information and techniques learned to customize bicycle fit to the individual rider to help achieve athletic goals, or ride with increased comfort.  Shawn Ongers will be showcasing his fitting skills and offering fits at the Bicycle Barn in Walla Walla Washington.  Contact SET Coaching for more details.

Congratulations Erika Enloe!

Congratulations to SET Coaching athlete Erika Enloe.  Erika took first place overall iron woman at the Winthrop Winter Triathlon.  The Winter Triathlon is a mountain bike, cross country ski, and run.  This is Erikas first race of the season.  Great way to start off the year!  Good Job Erika!

GOOD LUCK!

To SET Coaching Athletes Stephen Ettinger and Kevin Bradford Perish (KBP).  Stephen is headed to South Africa for the first of the UCI world cup race held on March 18th.  Kevin is off to the Mellow Johny’s Classic held in Texas.  This race is one of the highest level UCI races held in the US.  Both athletes have been training really well and are looking forward to testing there legs against the best in the US and the best in the world!  Good Luck Guys!