Always Learning

Always Learning

by Brooke Hanley Davison

I am on an airplane heading home to Boulder from Florida 70.3. This was my first 70.3 as a Pro, and I placed 7 th and had a rough, rough day. Of course, like all days, there were so many positive points and as always I learned a lot. I love that aspect of triathlon and the privilege I have to race in such a wonderful sport.

First of all, I managed to get myself lost in the Magic Kingdom prior to the race start. Apparently, the design of Disney is brilliant, yet funnels you into different “parks” that seemingly have no exit, and definitely no option to turn around or u-turn. What that meant for me, is that due to my lack of planning and maps, I made it to transition with 20 minutes to spare. A bit on the stressful side, especially since I had a few last minute “details” to tend to. Another rookie mistake. Don't ever leave anything to race morning. I still had water bottles to fill, and needed com e up with a plan for my salt tablets. Neither of these things happened. And certainly there was no time for any sortof a warm up.

The swim went well and felt great. I led from the start and was able to secure the swim prime, despite a few women tapping my toes throughout. I raced into transition and as I grabbed my bike off the rack, my seat and integrated seat post flew out of my bike frame and my bike proceeded to roll into the barrier without me or its saddle. Rookie mistake #2. Clearly, I had inadvertently forgotten to tighten the bolt to secure the post in place. Thank goodness, I ride a LOOK bicycle that has a system that actually has a stop in place so once you are sitting on the saddle, it secures the saddle in place. Just glad I didn't hit any major bumps!

The bike portion went well, despite my over zealous attempts to be stronger and faster than I was capable of today. I love to race, and I was “in the race” for 40 of the 56 miles. I went back and forth with another women and had great fun feeling my legs and keeping myself hydrated as well as keeping up up with my salt intake, which I knew would be key in the heat and humidity of Florida. At mile 40 mile, I was passed by a pack of 4 women and my current standing went from 2 nd to 6 th too quickly for my com fort. I fought to stay in the game and gave it my all, which turned out to be a bit too much.

As I came into the second transition, I dropped my baggie of salt (this was the best system I could com e up with 10 minutes prior to the start of the race – NOT a good system), and had a moment of panic. Yet, I raced out of T2 determined to run a solid half marathon and wanting to believe I would be alright for 13.1 miles without anymore salt. I was determined to make it a case of mind over matter. My mind is strong yet wasn't strong enough today and as I finished 7 th across the line, I went down and came to with a handful of faces crowded around me and buckets of water being poured all over me. A bit too dramatic for my com fort level! I like to fly under the radar. This didn't achieve that effect. All was not lost though, as I got my feet under me and was able to sneak away from the waiting wheelchair.

This race report is one I am proud of though, as I have had yet another day of learning and know how differently I can prepare for my next race. I need to have a plan in place in advance as well as be adequately prepared. I have much to learn and appreciate all the steps along the way. I like to think that it is days like this that enable me to be a better mother and to help guide my children …and how NOT to do things.

Brooke Davison - Ironman Champion, Undefeated 2008 Season (see race bio)
"Prior to taking MAP as part of my daily regime, I caught every bug that my children brought home from school. Now with MAP on board, my immune system is strong and I am able to keep most bugs at bay. Thus, I am able to maintain high intensity training sessions and recover in between, instead of using energy to fight off viruses. MAP supports my overall well being as a mother and as a triathlete.

I trust BodyHealth.com and MAP intuitively and wholeheartedly and recommend it to any athlete looking to achieve peak results as well as overall consitiutional health."

Articles from Brooke:
Brooke Hanley Davison - Success with MAP from 70.3 Ironman Amateur World Champion - Mothering and Triathlon - New Years Resolutions - Winter Training in Boulder - Adversity and Attitude - Triathlon Season is Upon Us – Give it a Try! - Always Learning -

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