Vegan Triathlete » 2009 CDA

Reflections on the 2009 season

Crystal Clarke — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:58:17 +0000

The past two racing seasons have been challenging ones, both physically and mentally. I felt due for a great season after 2008′s disappointing one. While I did have some great races and overcame some great hurdles, I feel a little disappointed about not having completed my second Ironman race.

The season started out really fun [...]

Race Report: Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2009

Crystal Clarke — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:09:52 +0000

Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2009 did not go as planned. Medical difficult prevented me from finishing the race. Some say it's because I don't eat steak, the doctors disagree!

Today we wait, tomorrow we race!

Crystal Clarke — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:06:57 +0000

We got to Coeur d’Alene a few days ago and are settled into our rental house nicely. My training buddies, Trevor and Navarra, are here and we have a great team of support people that are helping keep us sane and fed. We’re staying in a house in Post Falls, about 10km from downtown CDA.

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The Second Time Around

Crystal Clarke — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:41:18 +0000

On Sunday, June 21st, I will be completing my second Ironman. This one will be in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I'm excited and scared all at the same time.

Sleep is for the triathletes!

Crystal Clarke — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:02:56 +0000

What I have noticed about training so much lately is how much sleep and food I need. They are two parts of triathlon that often get overlooked or undervalued, but are extremely important. After a bit of a weird week for sleeping, I realized that for me to train I must get around 10 hours [...]

Hills shmills, how about this wind?

Crystal Clarke — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:37:56 +0000

I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: hills are a walk in the park compared to the prairie wind! This morning I embarked on my first outdoor ride of the season. That’s right, it’s April 18th and I’m riding outside for the first time this spring. It’s just the way it is [...]

My “You Know You’re a Triathlete when…” moment

Crystal Clarke — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:55:29 +0000

Today I was in my bathroom and I had my first unique “You know you’re a triathlete when…” moment. Mine is this: You know you’re a triathlete when you realize that you have not showered in your home for many weeks! I realized this when I saw that my “home” towels have not moved from [...]

Race #1 of the season coming up!

Crystal Clarke — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:37:36 +0000

This year’s season is starting a bit earlier than I’m used to Feb. 8th will be my first race. As I mentioned in my last post, I signed up for a 10km run in a race called The Brain Freeze. The name says it all. However, it looks like the weather will be very nice [...]

Happy New Year to all!

Crystal Clarke — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:39:52 +0000

Right. So it’s been a while since I’ve updated. It’s also been a while since I have trained. My two weeks “off” for the holidays turned into four. This was mostly due to my health being very poor. Not my physical health, my mental health. Usually I can work through one of my “downs” quickly [...]

Things that Get in the Way of Training for Ironman

Crystal Clarke — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:31:13 +0000

As I was laying in bed, listening to my alarm clock sound at 5:30am I couldn’t help but swear at the Triathlon Gods who have cursed me to love this f-ing sport. I promptly turned off the alarm clock, swore at the Pool Gods, and slept for another hour and a half. When I finally [...]