Per la serie “anywhere is possible” la nostra Erin corre il suo 70.3

Per la serie “anywhere is possible” la nostra Erin corre il suo 70.3

Maggio 1, 2020 allenamenti news 0

When my husband and I moved to Italy one year ago, I joined Torino Triathlon club.  I immediately felt welcome by all of the members of the Torino Triathlon club and have enjoyed training with the talented coaches and members.  Being a part of the club has made Italy feel like home for me.  I was looking forward to the club race in Candia and had just started the season’s training, starting with Granfondo Laiguelgia.  A few days after Jacky and I returned from the granfondo, my husband called to tell me that his company was sending us back to the United States temporarily because of the Coronavirus outbreak.  I had 24 hours to pack and get on a plane.  This was before the situation became very bad in Italy, so I did not think that we would be gone long.  I only packed enough clothes for a few weeks, but I grabbed the important things like my swimsuit, wetsuit, goggles, swimming cap, running shoes, bike shoes, helmet, and ToTri cycling kit.

We no longer have a home in the United States, so we went to stay with my husband’s parents in Charlotte, North Carolina.  I wanted to keep training for Candia, so I rented a bike from a local bike shop and started cycling with a group.  Pools were still open here, so I was able find a pool (but sadly, without a brioche or torta di mele to enjoy after).  I was missing Valentina’s early morning Wednesday swims with the group and Giorgio’s group runs in Valentino Park, but I thought that we would return to Italy soon.

 After a few weeks, the situation in Italy became very bad and I knew that we would not be able to return to Italy for a long time.  I was devastated to hear about all of the deaths that occurred in Italy in such a short period of time.  My heart broke for everyone that lost a loved one and I worried about all of the small cafes, restaurants, and markets that had to close.

A few weeks later, a large outbreak occurred in in the United States.  A “stay at home order” was issued for us in North Carolina, but we were still permitted to go outside for exercise.  I knew that I needed to continue to train to help me keep a normal schedule and to keep my mind busy.  I received an e-mail from a local triathlon race company that was holding a “virtual” 70.3 race.  It was to be completed one week before the date for Candia, so I immediately signed up.  I contacted Jacky, who has already coached me through one Ironman and three 70.3 races, and asked her to get me ready for this virtual 70.3.  She put a plan together, which included many cold 15-degree swims in the local lake, interval runs around the neighborhood, and long bike rides by myself through the countryside.

I came up with a three-loop swim around the lake, a two-loop bike course, and a one loop run through the neighborhood for the race.  My husband will act as “race director” and my in-laws will work the “aid station.”  I will not have to get up early for the start and I will already have my things in “transition” the night before.  I also know that this is the one time that I will get first place overall female!

I feel very fortunate to be able to continue to train outside and have been thinking about my Italian teammates a lot during this terrible time.  I have been inspired by the many pictures of ToTri members training hard at home.  Triathletes are a tough group and together we will get through this.  I will do this race by myself, but I know that one day we will all be together to race again soon. Forza Italia!