It seems like everyone has a different reason to train for months, devote 4 summer days, and lots of money to compete in a race that takes all day in heat and up and down brutal hills. I thought it would be a bit remiss to not share why I departed from the norm and relative comfort of the Olympic distance circuit. It probably came as a bit of a surprise to my coach, sponsors, competitors and triathlon community. But not to me.
Last day to enter contest: Monday Aug. 13, 2012
Win a case of ZICO coconut water!!
Laurel and I still train together every day, even though she’s working out longer and harder than ever to prepare for the New York Ironman, while I’ve scaled back since I’m 4-months pregnant. Our eating habits are wildly different now, too. Laurel’s 18-mile runs leave her hungry for thousands of calories, while I actually need to slash my normally enormous in-season calorie consumption.
Case in point: Our recent favorite smoothie creations, below.
Read them, try them, or just glance at the titles, then comment below on which one you like best or tweet your response to @athletefood. No need to leave your email address in the comment, we'll track you down.
We’ll select one reader randomly and reward the lucky Athlete Food fan with a case of ZICO coconut water.
—Bec
Not only are Kona qualifying points and prize money at stake in tomorrow's NYC Ironman, but the American pros in the race will be vying for a National title.
Here's a look at the ladies who will be competing in the 2012 US Ironman National Championship, in race number order:
Now that the Olympics are in full swing, it seems like everyone is paying attention to sports (other than baseball, basketball, etc). I have been asked many times this week, at the gym, on the street, at the deli, "Are you in the Olympics?". It's kind of hard to explain the complicated qualification process and that I didn't even get a chance to try out. Instead, I simply say, "No, not this time - the New York City Ironman is my Olympics". 
If you haven't gotten a chance to check out our recipe in last month's Triathlete Magazine, here it is!
The recipe is based on our original granola recipe, but we've added a savory kick and toasted coconut flakes.
