On March 19th, more than 2,000 athletes shook off their cabin fever and participated in Boston’s Trimania Summit and Expo. Excited for racing season to begin, elite coaches and athletes arrived ready to work out, learn from the experts (including Flex Pharma’s Tom Wessel), and compete in the event’s many races. The highlight (of course) was the #ITSTHENERVE Triathlon. We got the chance to speak with Dana Breeden and Lindsey Wolfe, the first place male and female winners of the tri. They shared their tricks on pushing through walls, training past plateaus and how #ITSTHENERVE has made a difference in their overall performance. Read their stories below:
LINDSEY WOLFE, FIRST PLACE FEMALE WINNER
I’m a 30-year-old triathlete from Somerville, Massachusetts. I was a collegiate athlete, competing in soccer and lacrosse at a small Division II School, and I really missed competition after graduating from college. In 2012, I attempted my first triathlon, the Danskin Women’s Sprint Tri in Webster, Massachusetts. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I was left craving more after that first taste of an intense new competition! Since becoming a triathlete, I’ve learned that it’s a non-stop learning process. I am constantly researching or asking teammates about training tactics, the latest equipment, and how to fuel before, during, and after training sessions and races. I was lucky to learn about #ITSTHENERVE and added it to my endurance training and racing routine.
I first discovered #ITSTHENERVE in September 2015, when I raced my first Half Ironman at The Pumpkinman Triathlon Festival in South Berwick, Maine. I had recently been cramping during Olympic distance races, specifically in my hamstring and calves, when transitioning from the bike to run. Naturally, I was nervous about this happening as I attempted a much longer distance. At the Pumpkinman pre-race expo, I learned about #ITSTHENERVE and was offered a supply to train and race with. Hopeful that my cramp issue would be avoided with this new product, I did what most athletes would call a “No no” – on race day I tried something new! Not only was my race cramp-free, but I also crushed the goal that I had set for my first 70.3. My success can be greatly attributed to the last minute addition of #ITSTHENERVE!
I am currently training for several races, including the Boston Marathon (April 18). Around mile 23 of last year’s race, I experienced severe cramping in my quads and hamstrings, slowing my pace significantly. Luckily I finished in 3:31:08 and managed to re-qualify for the 2016 Boston Marathon, but I required a significant amount of recovery time after severe cramping caused lingering soreness. This year, my recovery time must be minimized since I am prepping for a 70.3 in just two months and a 140.6 in just three months post-Boston.
Throughout training for Boston and Ironman Lake Placid, I have been utilizing #ITSTHENERVE for all long rides and runs. During a recent 18 mile run I prepped by drinking a bottle prior to starting, then at mile 13 when I felt a sharp cramp in the right abdominal region, I drank another bottle. Within seconds, the cramps had resolved, allowing me to re-focus and finish strong. I was amazed at how quickly the cramp was alleviated and very thankful!
I look forward to continuing to train and race with #ITSTHENERVE, as well as share stories of how it has helped me to become a better athlete!
-Lindsey Wolfe, Zoom Multisport & Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Athlete
DANA BREEDEN, FIRST PLACE MALE WINNER
Racing in endurance-based events is a big part of my life. I’m currently training 8-10 hours a week with a focus on improving my weakest sport — cycling.
Of the three disciplines that come with triathlon, I’m most proficient in running. I began running in third grade while training for a travel soccer league and ran throughout high school and college. After finishing up track my senior year of college, I started to look for the next challenge! I started racing triathlons the summer of 2009 and was immediately hooked on the sport. What I love most about endurance sports is that I’m able to focus more on competing against myself than competing against others.
Since I began triathlons, I have completed two Ironman Distance Triathlons, five 70.3 races, and five marathons. This season, I am training for two Half Ironman triathlons and a few Olympic distances as well in hopes of setting some new personal records.
The Tri season in New England really centers around the summer months when it is hot and humid, so muscle cramping always seems to be an issue on long training and racing days. I’ve tried many different sports drinks and magnesium supplements to alleviate my muscle spasms, including the classic methods — salt tabs and bananas — all with mixed results. It doesn’t help that I also struggle to consume pills or solid food during races.
Leading up to the first event at the Tri-Mania #ITSTHENERVE triathlon, I had been having a lot of soreness and muscle tightness. (I hadn’t been tapering for this event.) After an intense indoor one-mile race, I was given #ITSTHENERVE to try. Following the run, we had a short recovery period and then went to an indoor bike TT of six miles. Despite fatigue and limited rest, I had no cramping or soreness issues on the bike! Even pushing off the walls during the 200-yard swim finale, I never had a hint of tightness or cramping. I was able to go 100% all day and never felt a flicker of cramping or discomfort. I now feel more confident in my cycling skills and am excited to continue training for my upcoming races!
— Dana Breeden
READ MORE
The Boston Marathon: “To be able to run without worrying about muscle cramps is a serious advantage for me.” Read Carol’s amazing story here.
6 Warm-ups and Exercises for Runners: We’ve assembled a list of six warm-ups and exercises that will help you be your best on race day.
Ironman 70.3 California, April 2, 2016: Before race day, though, we’ve got some tips on how you can act now to make the most of your Ironman experience.