Today I have a request and a giveaway. I want to make your questions the subject of a Q & A blog that I will do at least once per week. Damie’s questions about vegetarian eating and training made for the first official blog of this series. I will then file these Q&As here, under the “Ask Hillary” tab on my homepage.
So here’s what I’m asking: comment on this post and tell me what you want me to write about. Send me a question that I can answer for you sometime over the next few months in my weekly Q & A column. I may even do it more than once per week when I get bored of my own train-eat-sleep posts. By the way, these pics are from our rainy social ride on Sunday with our friend, the legend, Paul Thomas.
Everyone who submits a question here is entered to win one of my pink/star cycling kits from this year—pictured here, except what you will win is a short-sleeve cycling top and cycling shorts. Sorry, but they are women’s size M as that is all I’ve got! I will pick someone at random from all those who comment on this post. Deadline is December 26th at 9AM PST.
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Two part question:
1- Will you or Maik either be hyphenating after the big day???
2- Very interested in hearing your race plans for 2012, are we looking at the old Hillary of say maybe 8 IM’s or maybe more??? Your fans need to know so we can sign up so as to get to see you in person!!!
What makes a good IM course?
Have you thought about what you’d like to do post pro triathlete career? If so, what are you contemplating?
OMGGGGGGGGGGGG, I have loved loved loved your kit…wow! Drool..
Sorry, anyways here’s my question.
I’ve followed you through the years and always questioned how it is that you are able to do Ironman/Marathons so close together. Are you genetically gifted? Recover quickly? Nutrition? Is it that your training lends to this ability?
I’m sorry I have so many questions, but once again I’ve just marveled at your resiliency.
Oh I LOVE your kit!
Some questions:
-You have dealt with your fair share of injuries, how do you cope both physically and mentally?
-What is a “Day in the life of Hillary” like?
-I know you are a big fan of the Recovery Pump and ice baths but do you do anything else in terms of recovery (foam rolling, ART, chiropractor etc.)
-What are your favorite races (IM or non IM)
Do you bike and/or run by HR? How often and does it vary throughout the year?
Does your coach periodize your training? If so, how do you work that with multiple Ironmans in a year? Do you pretty much just stay close to Ironman fit all year?
How many calories/hour (intake) do you shoot for when training long (like 4+ hours)?
Women’s medium would be perfect.
About vegetarian eating…
Thanks, I really look forward to hearing your experiences.
My friend recently became a vegetarian. She has not been into sports that much but has began training for a half marathon that we will do together. She says that her training is going great, she does not miss meat at all and she feels great!
I tried to become a vegetarian a year ago and I was for three months!… the I gave in…So my question is, Is there a way in which I can transition from being a non-vegetarian to one? How and when did you become a vegetarian? What are the main steps that I should focus on in the first months of the transition? I am a triathlete, how does being a vegetarian will affect my training and energy levels? What supplements (if any) should I consider taking? What has been the greatest challenge for you, training and being a vegetarian? Ok, that was not one question, but it is all related I think
Your kit will fit me perfectly too!
What mental ‘games’ do you play while running your marathon on the treadmill?
As I explore my own initial forays into coaching, my questions center around that portion of your world.
1. How has coaching helped you as an athlete, and how have your athletic experiences shaped you as a coach? Both your professional athletic career and your days as an amateur.
2. How do you see the balance of gut feel and intuition as a coach when compared to certifications, science, and formal structure?
3. Do you think coaching makes you better as an athlete or do you think it adds additional challenges that can distract you from your own personal athletic goals? Perhaps a combination of the two?
4. How do you decide when to accept a new athlete and what types of thought processes have you dealt with when deciding when to let someone go?
4a. How much more difficult/easy is it to coach a family member and/or close personal friend?
5. What do you think you offer to your athletes that is in scare supply elsewhere? What is your unique specialty as a coach? How do you describe this offerring to your potential athletes?
6. Has marketing been a concern for you or does the blog and sponsorship and racing take care of getting your name out? How much time/energy does marketing consume?
7. How did you get into coaching, how did it first start, and what are some of the initial lessons you learned?
8. What types of certifications and training have you done to further your coaching career and which would you recommend as the most valuable?
9. Describe your greatest regret from your coaching decisions and how that affects your decisions today.
10. If you could coach 10 athletes, entirely of your own choosing, who would they be and which races would you target?
11. Why the F did you get a purse dog?
Do you watch your weight during your season and off season, or do you let whatever happens happen naturally? Is there a specific number you get to where you feel faster?
What advice do you have for a newer triathlete who is ready to go from the 70.3 distance to the full 140.6? Can you point me to some good resources for ironman training?
Thanks,
Pam McGowan
How much different was training for (and racing) Ultraman than Ironman? Will we be seeing you at Ultraman again in the near future?
Of the Iron-distance races you’ve done, which course is your favorite, and which race sticks out most in your mind as the best or favorite (regardless of course)?
Though I wouldn’t have thought of it myself, I like Dooder’s Q10 and am interested in the answer to that one.
Thanks! Winning a kit would be awesome!
What are your three craziest and most challenging workouts that you have attempted over the years…in each the swim, the bike, and the run? Thanks Hil!
I’d like to know how you deal with/entertain yourself mentally during long runs and rides. Not necessarily during tough efforts, just long.
What has been the highlight(s) in your racing career? What’s your ‘get-me-out-the-door-in-the-morning’ energy/incentive, year after year?
x2 on the weight question, or do you find it easier because of the type of foods you eat to keep level throughout? Favorite race course ever (any distance!)?
- How do you deal with injuries mentally and physically. Do you change your nutrition when you have to cut back training due to an injury?
- What are the top 3 qualities to look for when seeking out your first coach?
- What is a typical daily intake on a day with normal training?
- What is your go to cross-training when injured?
- What supplements do you take being a vegan?
Ok that is all:)
question:
new or used kit?
haaa great question–guess i should have clarified that. new thank you very much
Having had several different coaches throughout your career what has been the one biggest thing you have taken away from each experience?
I love your Skirt Sports stuff just as much as your kit, btw.
As a Physical Therapist ( me) I am always curious what people are doing for strength. Alot of athletes can get away with little or no strength, tailored to their imbalances, until we hit late 30′s or 40 yo.
TRX is great, but i have alot of athletes that are injured on this. CrossFit as well. Often we see a pro does ” X or Y” and we AG’ers try it.
Less glamour sometimes means more specificity to each athlete’s needs.
Your blog isnt a canvas for my thoughts, but rather i would like to know what you do and how you have evolved your strength piece as you have evolved as an athlete.
Do you work with a Physical Therapist?
Do you get regular massage and bodywork?
Thanks Hillary!
Your kit is super cute and way cool? My question:
1. As a coach, how do you help your athletes reach their goal weight while training?
2. How do you mentally prepare yourself for by the toughest parts of IM courses?
3. How do you balance your training and racing while supporting the GCM in his training and racing?
My injuries are usually tied to running speed. It will feel sooo good during the run, but come to find the next day I’m on the DL (this last time, tendonitis). How do you know just how hard you can push your body without injury?
Ok, I didn’t read all the previous questions so I apologize if this is a repeat!! You have raced over 50 IM’s to date and was wondering what one has stood out the most for you and why?
Also do you prefer to race the same races as the GCM or do you prefer to play the support role and vice versa?
Hi Hillary,
I’m looking to use more whole foods as race nutrition for my next Ironman. Do you have any suggestions on what to try?
Wishing you all the best,
Cat
What one thing have you tried repeatedly in training which really didn’t work/help improve you as an athlete? And why did this ‘thing’/method/workout not work for you?
Hi Hillary -
Why do you think you have been able to dig deep on races and in training? What have you done – mental and physical – that has gotten you there? I struggle with digging deep – i tend to stay on the surface when training and racing.
Thank you!
Lauren
Ps. I love your blog! You are such an inspiration!
I really want to win your kit…
Question – Running off the bike?
I have had a few coaches now and done 8 Ironmans (including 3 x Hawaii’s) My best marathon time off the bike was 3.41 but that was with a 6 hour bike and with a coach who had me running 28 km off a 160 km bike. (ie in training) My most recent Hawaii (2010) the longest I ran off the bike was 6 km and I did my best overall time and 2nd fastest marathon. I know there are many ways to “skin a cat” but would be interested to hear what you think, since your marathons are very consistent. Also enjoy New Years Eve – I am sure you will look amazing
Alice x
Wow. How cool is this?? So psyched I am a female AND a size medium. LOVE LOVE LOVE the kit and you are just super awesome. Double bonus!!!
QUESTION:
1) If I win, will you please autograph said kit with a big, black Sharpie??
ok, here are some REAL questions:
1) Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions? If so, care to share what they are?
2) What are a couple things on your “bucket list”?
3) If you were not a pro triathlete, what would you be doing?
Thank you!
Your kit is so fun!!! And I got to see the tri version in action at Cedar Point
My question is
What is your favorite swim workout?
Do you have an off season activity you like to do that is no S/B/R?
I have been a triathlete for many years and my swimming has been uniformly mediocre. I have tried lots of different programs and swum in squads etc with limited effect.
1. if there is one thing that a swimmer who is struggling (2.5-3 mins per 100m) should concentrate on, what would it be? eg kick, catch bilateral breathing etc.
A medium would be perfect…
As someone who has had multiple coaches with many different philosphies, which one has been your favorite? (not just results based but what you truly loved) and
Do you ever scratch something on your plan and put your own spin on it?
THANKS!
Where is the funniest place you have ever fallen asleep?
If you were in a rock and roll band, what would your job be?
What movie can you quote word for word?
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
When in your life have you had a “now or never” moment?
Medium works for me:)
What is your favorite swim/bike/run workout?
Bucket list race?
Are you bringing your bikes on your honeymoon?
maybe you could write about how new triathletes should transition from sprint to olympic to half ironman distance?
also, how do you train in winter?
cross training?
and of course we’d like to read about the wedding extravaganza!
and yes, a medium will fit great! looking forward to it
You are amazing! I love your kit! I love your blog. I was reading your Ultraman blogs the other day and wondered if you ever just hurt. I know you talk about being sore and smashed. But, do you ever just hurt so much that you need to stop a training session?
Would you ever consider writing a vegan based book for athletes? Just as something to help us out! Your tips are great.
What is your favorite movie? And your favorite author?
Thanks, Hillary! You inspire more than you know.
Yes! I would look awesome in that kit I am sure I would fit in women’s medium.
my questions.
1. between you and GCM who picks up more dog poop?
2. does the pup eat vegan dog food?
3. when is the next tucson riding, espresso drinking, vegan cooking training camp?
How and when do I begin to train for a sprint tri next summer? (500 m swim, 14 mi. bike and 5k run) ( I already swim with a master’s group so I feel comfortable with that part). Thank you.
My question is also about strength training.
For the AG athletes you coach, what kind of strength training do you prescribe? And with what frequency? Does they type/time change over the course of the season? What kind of benchmark testing do you do to know where to start, strength-wise, for them?
Thanks! Would love the kit!
Hi Hilary. My question is : what kind of quality and quantity difference s have you made to your running training recently to help improve your ironman marathon? Did you add more intervals. More tempo. More race pace runs off the bike? And on a weekly basis – what is an ideal workload to help improve someone’s running? Thanks soooo much
Britni
my #1 question is why you feel the “more is more” philosophy is right for you? i’ve found that it’s been right for me in all of my serious athletic endeavors, but i can’t quite figure out the “why” yet. keep kicking butt, Hillary!
Love the Q & A idea and love your blog!
1) Injury management…. how do you know the difference btw just an annoying little pain that will work itself out over the course of a few weeks vs. an annoying pain that is going to turn into an injury?? Or, do you treat all minor aches and pains as a major injury waiting to happen??
2) Fueling….. do you feel hungry all the time?? If not, what foods do you find really quench that desire to e-a-t…..especially after a big training week?
3) Is there anything you wish AGers were more aware of during races that would make racing safer or more enjoyable for pros??
Can you tell us about the vitamin deficiencies you experienced? the symptoms and how they tested? How was it treated?
Also discuss the allergy testing you had? What were the allergy symptoms you had?
Were you treated/tested by a naturopath or MD?
Would also like to hear about any strength training you do
What are your race plans for this year? Looking forward to see your comeback.
Always love your energy! You are an inspiration
Hi Hillary,
Love your site.
I live in your GCM’s home country, so I’m a bit late in reading this and so many questions have already been asked !
Will Maik and you be competing in Germany next year ?
Cheers,
Marianne
Geee! Not much left for me to ask either
Do you ever do spinning classes?
Do you think there is a place for them in an Ironman training plan?
Also, have you ever done (bike) road racing, criteriums and TT’s?
Can we take any lessons from the roadies?
I would love, love, love to win your kit!! I would really liek to hear more about how you recover fromthe smashfest workouts on a daily basis, more about the products you use for recover (nutrition, compression etc) and how much sleep you need?
I know we all like to smash ourselves silly when we race. But! On training days that call for easy to mid level efforts, it is very hard to go “easy”, especially in the running department.
My tri friends tell me to cool it every once in a while, but I find that going easy isn’t fun or challenging. I feel like when I am cheating myself by going easy. I even get downright kranky on easy days, as I feel like going “easy” hurts my goal of getting faster.
I’m not saying I go at a race effort, but it is just below it.
I have always taken the same aproach as you, more is more.
What things do you do when “easy” efforts are required during training to keep you from going into the next level of intensity?
Your thoughts on my dilema?
Craig
M would fit perfectly!
Question:
Since you race a lot of Ironmans, which is very demanding on a body, what are things you do to stay injury-free?
During an Ironman or marathon..at one point the pain becomes unbearable..how do you stay focused and smash it without slowing down?
During an Ironman or marathon..at one point the pain becomes unbearable..how do you stay focused and smash it without slowing down?
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(reposted with correct email address
Oh, I love the kit! I’m vegan as well and I always struggle with traveling for racing since I cook so much of my own food at home. So, how do you keep good nutrition habits while traveling? Also, with your “more is more” training philosophy, what do you think of over-training? Can you tell if you ever get over-trained, and how do you guard against it while still trying to do more in training?
Is it possible to train for 100 mile run while still training for IM? What about 70.3 & 50 mile run? If so, how?????
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