My Blog: My Triathlon Adventures
Hey Roxnation! So keeping in the theme of health related topics we are starting Training Tuesdays. Every Tuesday we will highlight someone that is training for a race like a 5k, triathlon, marathon, biking event ect. Hearing the stories of people in training is really what inspires my workouts daily. I will admit, when I see a face book update or a tweet about someone who finished a training session and I haven’t done mine yet I get a little envious. So to kick off training Tuesdays I will give some insight to my own training experience:
Khaleeqa Rouse
Age: 26
Occupation: Media Consultant and Blogger
Location: Tri-state area
What event(s) are you currently training for and what does that include?
I am currently training for my main event this October which is the Pocono Ironman 70.3. This consist of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run. I also am going to compete in Steeelman triathlon and do the Olympic distance which is a .9 mile swim, a 26 mile bike and a 6 mile run.
What is your goal for this year?
My biggest goal is to finish Pocono Ironman. The task seems really daunting right now since I have had to take several weeks off but God willing I will be able to make it across the finish line. One of my biggest goals was to do a marathon this year (26.2 mile run) if my body is in great shape after the half Ironman I will have a better idea if this is possible.
What does your weekly workout out look like?
Weekly the plan is to do each sport (swim, bike and run) at least two times in the same week. Usually on my schedule I do a swim run on the same day and then bike days are solely focused on the bike for now. In addition I do one brick workout where you do all three or two in the same day. I am sure the intensity will change the closer I get to the race. Also I end up training in the evenings because of work activities but I need to start transitioning that to early mornings so I can get it out of the way.
What do you think is the hardest part about training and doing an endurance event?
The hardest part about training for any endurance event is the actual training. You must stay consistent with your training in order to be prepared. Also knowing when to push yourself and knowing when to rest. Lately I have been having a dehydration issue and so it has been hard for me to retain water, this put my training on halt for several weeks but it was necessary because I really could have become ill if I pushed myself.
What benefits/rewards do you get from competing?
I have become a bit of an adrenaline/adventure/fitness junky so just being on the open road or in the open water is enough of a reward for me. I just love the feeling of training and the vitality I get from it all. It definitely helps to stay in shape. Also I love the community of endurance sports athletes is AMAZING they are some of the best people I have ever met, and we are constantly encouraging each other and pushing each other.
What advice would you give someone looking to compete?
I would say GO FOR IT! Don’t second guess yourself or tell yourself you cant do it because you can. Two years ago I was a coach potato. I could barely walk a mile much less run it and my life is completely different. Secondly I would start training with a team. I decided to do team in training because they provide you with resources and support while you raise money for cancer.
If you are an endurance athlete I would love to hear from you! Please email three photos and the answers to these questions. Along with your name, age, occupation and city to paparoxi.com@gmail.com! Happy training