QT2 Systems Podcast Center!

My First Triathlon. In this five part series, we are joined by veteran QT2 coaches Jackie Miller and Eric Kahl. Collectively, they have helped 100s of people get to the starting line of their first triathlon. Jackie and Eric share their insights on everything a beginner should know before lining up for their first race. Episode 4 focuses on the final weeks and days leading up to race day. This is the time to make your lists and pull together your plans for race day. It's also an opportunity for final race prep sessions, practicing your transitions and reviewing all of the course details and race rules. Come race day, there should be no surprises. Learn more about Coach Jackie at https://qt2systems.com/pages/coach-jackie-miller Learn more about Coach Eric at https://qt2systems.com/pages/coach-eric-kahl

My First Triathlon. In this five part series, we are joined by veteran QT2 coaches Jackie Miller and Eric Kahl. Collectively, they have helped 100s of people get to the starting line of their first triathlon. Jackie and Eric share their insights on everything a beginner should know before lining up for their first race. Episode 2 focuses focuses on the equipment you will need to train for and race your first triathlon. Coaches Jackie and Eric break it down by sport - swim, bike and run, walking through the must haves and the nice to haves. They also provide invaluable tips on how to kit up without breaking the bank. Learn more about Coach Jackie at https://qt2systems.com/pages/coach-jackie-miller Learn more about Coach Eric at https://qt2systems.com/pages/coach-eric-kahl

Want to race faster? Finish stronger? Stand on the podium? Tune into QT2's podcast series 10 Tips to Crush Your Next Triathlon. In this series, we will be joined by our coaches to talk about all that goes into performing well on race day. For Episode 10 - Keep Your Calm, we welcome QT2 Systems Coach Anne Basso. It's race time! Over the past several months, you have put in countless hours of training. You've made smart nutrition choices, invested time and money to support your goals, and likely made personal sacrifices to get yourself to the starting line. All of a sudden it's almost race time and the reality hits. With this often comes feeling pressure to nail the day and try to make sure that nothing goes wrong. But the thing is, in the world of triathlon, it's very unlikely that everything will go perfectly. The key is how to prepare for potential hurdles and how you respond if they happen. In this episode, Coach Anne provides some valuable tips on how to stay calm and minimize stress during race week and on race day. Learn more about QT2 Systems at www.qt2systems.com

Want to race faster? Finish stronger? Stand on the podium? Tune into QT2's podcast series 10 Tips to Crush Your Next Triathlon. In this series, we will be joined by our coaches to talk about all that goes into performing well on race day. For Episode 8 - Nail Your Race Fueling, we welcome QT2 Systems Coach and The Core Diet Registered Dietician Anne Rollins. On race day, you are in 100% control of what you eat and drink. Race fueling can make or break your day. Yet, for so many triathletes, this is a neglected area. In this episode, Coach and RD Anne talks about the essential elements of race fueling - fluid, electrolytes and carbohydrates. Why your body needs them, and what happens when you don't take in sufficient quantities. Anne also discusses the importance of knowing what's on course (so you can decide whether to use those products and/or carry your own), modifications to make based on temperature/race conditions, how to rebound if you are unable to/do not take in your proper fueling, and the importance of practice, practice, practice! Learn more about QT2 Systems at www.qt2systems.com Learn more about The Core Diet at www.thecorediet.com

Want to race faster? Finish stronger? Stand on the podium? Tune into QT2's podcast series 10 Tips to Crush Your Next Triathlon. In this series, we will be joined by our coaches to talk about all that goes into performing well on race day. For Episode 6 - Mastering the Run, we welcome QT2 Systems veteran coach Doug Maclean. Around QT2, Doug is known for his ability to coach athletes to run well off the bike at long course events. As Doug puts it, for an IRONMAN run, it's not about running fast, it's about not slowing down. Over the course of this podcast, Doug discusses the importance of building durability, frequently running off the bike, preventative maintenance, and running the hills - not just up, but down. At the end of the day "you want to prepare your legs to run when they are in terrible shape and build the confidence to know that you can run when your legs are in terrible shape." Doug also shares some valuable race day tips. If you have struggled with your run in the past, and are prepared to put in the time and maybe try something new, this is a must watch podcast. Learn more about QT2 Systems at www.qt2systems.com

Want to race faster? Finish stronger? Stand on the podium? Tune into QT2's podcast series 10 Tips to Crush Your Next Triathlon. In this series, we will be joined by our coaches to talk about all that goes into performing well on race day. For Episode 4 - Mastering the Swim, we welcome QT2 Systems' resident swim expert Coach Vinny Johnson. For many, the swim is the leg of a triathlon which causes the most feelings of discomfort, anxiety and stress. But does it have to be that way? Coach Vinny talks us through all of the steps you can take during your training to allow you to feel more prepared for race day. He also provides practical race day tips to stay calm, maximize your swim, and come out of the water with positive demeanor and ready to tackle the bike and run. Learn more about QT2 Systems at www.qt2systems.com

I toed the line in the "City of Runnerly Love" on November 21. I was, more than anything, grateful to be healthy and ready to run. As with any marathon, I had the nervous of energy of what might be. Would I be able to complete the 26.2 miles? Would I feel strong? Would I run fast? Would I run smart? I took a moment to pause, smile, reflect and find my inner confidence. In listening to the "We Can Do Hard Things" podcast the day before the race, Abby Wambach reflected on her first marathon in New York. She said, for inspiration she asked herself, "Who are you now?" That question kept playing on repeat in my head throughout the race. Who am I now? The answer shifted every time I asked the question. I am strong, I am tough, I am someone who perseveres, I am a mother, I am thirsty, I am a coach, I am a wife, I am a runner, I am tired, I am smart, I am patient, I am hungry, I am an Ironman, I am optimistic, I am sore, I am resilient, I am determined, I am leading by example, I am loved. I am so much more than one setback, one race, one goal. I am not defined by my challenges nor my accomplishments, and yet these same experiences shape who I am becoming.