Do Things That Scare You

Coach Allison doesn’t just tell her athletes to challenge themselves; she lives by that principle and leads by example.

Most recently Coach Allison took on the @xtremetri. The two mile swim begins in the dark, the 100 mile bike ride takes place 5,700 feet above sea level and climbs up over 9,400 feet altitude, and the run starts at 8,000 feet and peaks with an elevation of over 10,700 feet above sea level. THERE IS 7,543 feet of vertical climbing...and it took place in a windy and cold thunderstorm. This would be Allison’s first triathlon. Months prior Allison was learning how to swim.

What motivated you to take on the Starvation Xtreme Triathlon?

Why swim 2 miles in the dark? Ride 100 miles of 10k elevation gain and run a marathon up and down a mountain in Utah in a windy,cold thunderstorm? Am I crazy? Maybe!

All jokes aside, I wanted to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone by facing my fears and dedicating myself to cycling and swimming. As a first-time triathlete, I decided to tackle one of the toughest Ironman distance triathlons globally because I believe in the motto "Go big or go home!"

What was your experience like learning to swim?

My initial swimming lesson was with one of my clients who taught me the fundamentals in an apartment pool. I discovered a fantastic facility nearby with 50m lanes that offered ideal training conditions. Initially, I doubted my ability to swim more than 800m, even with frequent breaks every 50m. Mastering the breathing and balance aspects of swimming demanded intense focus and repetition. I dedicated 6-7 hours per week to pool training and gradually felt a surge in my strength and confidence. Eventually, I reached a milestone where I could swim 2-3k continuously at a steady pace. The unwavering support from my community played a significant role in my progress. While I acknowledge the need to enhance my skills in open water swimming and sighting, I managed to grasp the fundamentals well enough to navigate the swim course successfully.

How do you cope with uncomfortable situations?

In challenging circumstances, my initial response is to focus on controlled breathing using the square method – a technique involving a two-second inhale, two-second hold, two-second exhale, and two-second hold. I prioritize aspects within my control and reflect on the things I am grateful for.

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." - Marcus Aurelius

This quote serves as a reminder to cherish the gift of life and adopt a grateful mindset during tough times. Embracing life's trials with resilience and gratitude empowers us to navigate challenges with strength and determination.

Aside from breathing, what strategies do you employ to stay focused?

During prolonged endurance events like the Starvation Xtreme Triathlon, I maintain a balanced mindset by avoiding the extremes of despair and elation. I remind myself to persevere through both peaks and valleys and stay committed to progress. The mantra "Just don't stop" reverberated in my mind throughout the race, emphasizing the importance of continuous forward movement. The lessons learned from enduring physical and mental strain in endurance sports transcend beyond the racecourse, offering valuable insights that inspire and uplift not only myself but also my clients and community.

Allison is the lead coach of the HYBRID program at CrossFit Central Downtown, a CrossFit Coach, and Private Trainer.