Elizabeth Fedofsky, WPRO

naperville, illinois

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? Since F20 – 24. Now F30 – 34.  So, three age groups (which sounds much better than nine years). .

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com ? Do I have to pick just one? Rudy Project sunglasses, Power Bar products, Headsweats visors, Zoot clothes.

How did you get your start in Triathlons? I was a gym junkie.  I worked out all through college. Afterwards, I soon got tired of climbing the stairmaster and running around the indoor track. I said to myself – I need a goal!  There was a local women’s triathlon in town that seemed like a good goal.  Hired a personal trainer, did the workouts, then about a week before the race realized I forgot the most important thing – singing up for it!

What is your favorite workout? An hour long run with 30 x 20 second pick ups on the run followed by 40 seconds backing off. The key is to not allow yourself to recover on the 40 seconds so it ends up being a steady, hard run.  You end up going “hard” without thinking to yourself “I have to go hard”.  Then afterwards you realize “that was hard”.  That’s the best kind of run.

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” Coaching my athletes, spending time with family, caring for my killer Chihuahua, writing, traveling, listening to music, drinking coffee, putting away laundry – you know, the more exciting things in life.

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? My husband of course!  We would go somewhere that has endless, traffic-free roads, clean swimming pools and running trails.

If you could have one superhero power what would it be? The ability to drink tall cups of coffee in one single gulp.

Describe your biggest race disaster. The day before Memphis in May a few years ago I decided I didn’t need to drive the course. Had I driven the course I would have made mental note of the steel grate laying across the ride, the one I flatted at around mile 22.

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? First, wake up.  Then, drink coffee.  Next set up transition area.  Then go back to transition area 100 times to be sure nothing moved itself. Psych myself up in the porta-potty.  Show up at the start line. GO! 

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)? Dairy Queen Blizzard with cookie dough and peanut butter cups. 

Have you ever accidentally destroyed a very expensive piece of gear? (For example, have you driven into the garage with a bike on the roof, run over race wheels, etc.)Last year I broke three rear deraillieurs. Twice while trying to change out my rear wheel.  Resulted in a new law – Liz does not get to swap out rear wheels. Another time when I crashed inside while riding on my trainer.  I was talking on the phone with my mom (note: there should be a law against talking on the cell phone while operating an indoor bicycle) and all of a sudden I felt myself tipping over. Found myself on the floor, still on the phone telling mom “I’m gonna have to call you back, I just crashed.”  Realized I didn’t screw the bike in tight enough and in tipping over I broke my rear deraillieur. Needless to say I have done more damage to my bike indoors than outdoors. 

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? I try not to remember it – and I have never regretted walking away from it. Right now, I have the best job(s) in the world!

What adjective describes you best? Quirky.

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition? Enjoy the process, let go of the outcome; engage yourself the journey, learn more about yourself along the way.   

Recent Race Results: St. Croix 70.3, 10th elite overall; Eagleman 70.3, 8th elite overall; Subaru Women's Triathlon, 4th elite overall; Rhode Island 70.3, 6th elite overall.

VIEW ELIZABETH’S BLOG

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