Why This Ultramarathon Runner is Terrified of a Triathlon (And Why You Should Care)

What Scares Me the Most (And How I’m Overcoming It)

I’ve run multiple ultramarathons—50+ mile races that test every ounce of physical and mental grit. I’ve endured long nights on the trails, fought through pain, and crossed finish lines I once thought were impossible.

But here’s the truth…

An Olympic Triathlon scares me.

It’s not the 10K run or the 25-mile bike ride. It’s the 1-mile swim that keeps me up at night.

I love swimming. Always have. But swimming competitively in open water? That’s a whole different game.

When I trained for my first sprint triathlon years ago, I remember getting to the end of a short pool lap… completely out of breath. I thought, “How in the world am I going to do this?”

Now, here I am training for a 1-mile swim, and those doubts still creep in.

But that’s what growth feels like, right? Scary. Hard. Worth it.

Facing the Fear Head-On

Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of pool workouts, building up my endurance. And I’ve started incorporating open water swims—even though they terrify me. There’s something about the unpredictability of the lake, the waves, and the lack of walls to hold onto that pushes me far outside my comfort zone.

And yet, every time I finish a session, I feel stronger—not just physically, but mentally too.

(Pictures are of me practicing with a serial iron man competitor Mike Zoretic. He kicked my butt on the swim, but I got it done).

As an athlete and ultramarathon runner, I know how critical it is to prepare my body, not just for the event, but for the training itself.

That’s why I get adjusted regularly. It’s my secret weapon to staying injury-free and performing at my best.

3 Tips to Prevent Injuries During Triathlon Training

If you’re training for a triathlon—or any big event—here’s what I’ve learned from years of treating competitive athletes about keeping your body healthy:

✅ 1. Don’t Ignore Small Pain
That “nagging ache” in your back or hip isn’t normal. Left unchecked, it can turn into an injury that sidelines you. Get your body checked before it breaks down.

✅ 2. Prioritize Recovery as Much as Training
Your muscles don’t get stronger during the workout—they rebuild during recovery. Sleep, mobility work, and chiropractic care are critical.

✅ 3. Keep Your Spine in Alignment
Think of your body like a high-performance machine. If the frame is off, even slightly, it throws off the whole system. Regular adjustments ensure your nervous system and muscles are firing on all cylinders.

From 9/10 Pain to Race-Ready in 5 Days

Just last month, a triathlete came into my office with 9/10 back pain and thought their race was over.

We worked together using gentle adjustments, muscle testing, and soft tissue work. Five days later, they competed—and crushed it.

This is why I’m so passionate about helping athletes stay in the game, not just recover after the fact.