The Island House Tri

After the ITU Chicago Grand Final, ­ I took a mini break, traveled for sponsor and media events, and focused on my swimming and biking to prepare for my favorite race of the year: The Island House Triathlon. The Island House is a beautiful boutique hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas. The actual race took place on a different island, Highbourne Cay; however, thankfully, I was able to spend a few days at The Island House before taking a ferry to the race. The rooms at The Island House were huge and the environment was relaxing. It was perfect after a high-pressure ITU season. In the middle of the hotel, there is a 25m outdoor pool. I would jump in the water multiple times a day, often with Patrick and have races (he would do a 50; I would do a 75), and contests (who could hold their breath the longest, etc.)  

The hotel restaurant, Shima, served the best curry I’ve ever had. We were treated to endless sashimi, appetizers, pork, salads, desserts, and wine. I didn’t want to leave; however, after a few days, it was time to take a 90-minute ferry to Highbourne Cay. Highbourne Cay is a small island about four km long. Our cottage offered front row seats to the beach and ocean. 

There are no cars on Highbourne Cay; instead, you get around by driving golf carts. Typically on Highbourne Cay, you would drive on the left side of the road, but because we (the athletes, camera crews, etc.) were the only ones on the island, we drove on right side of the road because we were going to be riding in that direction for the race. It’s nice to be in a place so remote that we could change the side of the road we drove on. It was just one of many perks on Highbourne Cay. 

The race was a three-day event starting on Friday, November 6th. The first event was the prologue: 300m swim, 7km bike, and 2km run. We were sent off one at a time, one minute apart. In order to determine the order, we drew our start position. I somehow picked #1, so I got to go last in the prologue. I stood on the beach and watched my competitors go off one at a time and soon it was my turn. I ran in the ocean and swam as fast as I could. The 300m swim was over before I knew it and I hopped on my bike for a technical, hilly course. I underestimated the undulation on the island and it definitely took a toll on my body. I entered transition and had no idea if I was ahead or behind the others in front of me. Every second counted because our times from each day were added together for a final time that determined the winner. I pushed as hard as I could on the run, but I was going slowly because we were running on soft sand. When I crossed the finish line, Patrick told me I won. I laughed at him and said “Funny joke, honey.” Considering the format (non-draft, time trial event that is not my specialty) I never, ever imagined that I could win the prologue, but somehow I won the stage and surprised even myself.

The second day was an Olympic distance draft legal triathlon--something I love! However, it wasn’t a normal triathlon. This stage consisted of 3x(500m swim, 13km bike, 3.3km run). All the women started the swim together and I was in the lead pack of about five going into the first transition. We mounted our bikes and immediately had to ride up a hill. It was so hard that I had to start in my 39-19 and I still struggled to make it up. The bike was 3 laps per 13km and at the end of each lap, we had to do a u-turn right into the hill. I got off the bike in the front pack with Flora Duffy and Lisa Norden (who suffered a flat tire) right behind. We began the 3km run and it was by far the hardest run I’ve ever done in a race. There were multiple, steep hills per lap. By the end of the run on the first round, I was ready to run back into the ocean to cool off. I stayed with Flora and Lisa for most of the race and ended up pulling away from them on the last leg of the run.

That evening my body was a wreck. Patrick suggested I go out for an easy spin, so I went out for a bike ride and noticed all my competitors had the same idea. I rode for 30 minutes and Patrick had to literally push me up the hills.

I woke up on the third day and I could barely walk to the bathroom because I was so sore. I’ve never done a stage race before and I have so much respect for Tour riders after realizing the toll a multiple day race takes on your body. I kept telling myself that if I was tired, everyone else must be tired too. We started the third stage one at a time (not a mass start). I went off first, and the other ladies went off behind me at their deficits (so the first person across the line would be crowned the overall winner). This final race was a non-draft sprint distance triathlon. The bike was straight forward, and on the same course as the other two days. The run was completely different than the previous two days and we ran on the beach, sand, and the pavement. Lisa caught me on the bike and we started the run together, but I was able to pull away and come across the finish line in first. With the depth of the competition (in the various styles of triathlon) I didn't know what to expect and was shocked to place first, but I couldn’t have been happier to finish first in the inaugural Island House Triathlon.

The event was my favorite of the year. Mark Holowekso brought in ITU athletes, non-draft athletes, Kona superstars, and Xterra athletes. Being able to hang out with and get to know the non-draft athletes was a highlight. They are some amazing individuals. A special shout out to my roomies for the many laughs and good times: Javier Gomez, Anneke Jenkins, Tim Don, Cam Dye, and, of course, Patrick.  

There were a few things that got me through the weekend when I was so tired I could barely walk: the food and drinks provided by Xuma and Shima, the people, the weather, and the beautiful views. If you ever get a chance to go on a vacation, I highly recommend The Bahamas.

I need to give a huge shout out to Luke McKenzie and Beth Gerdes, the race directors. For a first time event, I was so impressed with the professionalism of the race. Luke would set up the course at 5am, hand out water during the women’s 8am race and then he would race himself one hour later. To say he was impressive is an understatement. Every athlete appreciated what he did to make the event a success.  

The race will be shown nationwide on TV, but the timeslots vary depending on where you live. 

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This was the final stage. Although I was the first across the line, Lisa was the one who won this individual stage. Photo thanks to Nils Nilsen. 

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Flora Duffy and me during Stage Two. Photo thanks to Nils Nilsen.

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Running on the island. 

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Flora and me dismounting our bikes. 

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This was the tight u-turn into a hill (Stage Two)

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This was Stage One 

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Running in the sand. Photo thanks to Nils Nilsen. 

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Photo thanks to Nils Nilsen. 

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How cute is Harry? 

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From left to right: Javier, Anneke, Patrick, Me, Tim, Cam. I had so much fun with this group! 

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Patrick grabbed this photo of me pre-race. 

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Anneke took this photo during Stage Three of the race. 

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Going for a spin after the Second Stage. 

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The pool at The Island House

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The women at The Island House Triathlon

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I love this picture from Nils Nilson of Flora and me running out of the Ocean

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Lisa and I battling it out in the final stage of The Island House Triathlon

Chicago World Championship

What does it feel like to win a World Championship title on home soil in an undefeated season?

SURREAL. I would never have ever imagined I would go undefeated this year and it is strange to sit here and find words to describe it. I don’t think it is something I will be able to grasp until my career in triathlon is over. Often Patrick and I will say to each other, “Can you believe this?” and the response is always a laugh…and a “no!”

PROMISING. Last year I debated quitting the sport after my race in Auckland. I thought I didn’t belong. At the time, Jamie and Patrick told me to take a week and just think about it and reflect on what I wanted out of the sport and if I wanted to continue. It was a rough time for me; but ultimately, I decided to continue. To go undefeated a year later is encouraging. And, I am relieved I decided to stay in the sport. My advice for anyone struggling with something they love: surround yourself with those who will make you better.

ORDINARY. The gun went off on race day and a little less than two hours later, I was crossing the finish line in first, winning my second World Championship title. While I was racing, I never thought about the WC title. It just felt like a race. It didn’t feel like a World Championship. And I still feel like plain old ‘Gwen.’

JOYFUL. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that I have to celebrate every single race! After the race, Red Bull hosted a party for my family and friends and me. It was incredible to be able to catch up with people I hadn’t seen since I left the USA in December of 2014. Thank you, Red Bull.  Red Bull also got me the hardest reservation in town at world famous restaurant Alinea! If you follow me, you know that one thing I love is food, so to be able to go to the best restaurant in the world was the perfect celebration after a year of hard work with my husband Patrick. My favorite course was a “hot potato, cold potato” – I put it in my mouth and there was so much amazingness going on I could barely comprehend it! It was perfect – thank you, Brent Beck and Red Bull.

SURPRISING. After the race, I met some amazing fans who traveled far just to see me race. It was surprising, but also exciting. I was blown away the following day at a signing I did at the Specialized truck. Fans stood in a line just to get a quick photo and signature. I’ve seen the sport of triathlon grow over the past years, and it is encouraging to see people passionate about triathlon. Thank you for coming out and amazing me.

COMPLEX. I can tell you there is no ‘easy’ button to achieve success and there is not one thing that gets me across the finish line, but what I do know is I have the support of the greatest people around me. 

OVERWHELMING. I’m not sure if any other athlete feels this way, but the off-season is sometimes harder than in season. In season, I lead (in my mind) a very ordinary life. I train, eat, sleep, do emails, and watch Netflix. Other than that, I really don’t do much and much isn’t demanded of me (besides showing up ready to go at every training session). Now that the season is over, I need to adjust back into ordinary life and balance normal activities and sponsor engagements with training, which can be difficult. I love triathlon and I train for triathlon--what I don’t prepare for are media engagements. Over the next few months I will be traveling across the country multiple times for media and sponsor events. Thankfully, I’ve convinced Patrick to join me for most of the trips, and the trips usually include some amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as us going to the Bahamas later this year with a sponsor, The Island House.

GRATEFUL. I have so many people to thank. I would never be able to accomplish what I do without Jamie, Patrick, the Wizards, my sponsors, my physios and massage therapists, and my family and friends. To prepare for Chicago, Jamie along with Adam Radford (bike data specialist), tailored workouts specifically to prepare the Wizards for Chicago. Chicago’s unique bike course included many u-turns, so Jamie and Patrick went to an empty parking lot two times a week and swept away glass and put up cones to mimic a crit course. They would come home sweaty and with hands full of blisters, but they would never complain. The little things like that make it possible for me to perform. I would arrive at a cleanly swept parking lot with the other lady Wizards and we would push ourselves and test each other’s limits. It was an event that caught local Basque people’s eyes. I don’t think there was a day we did crits that we didn’t have at least one person stop and watch us – they were probably wondering what these crazy, English speaking people were doing riding in circles in spandex.

EAGER. The season is over and it’s time to spend time at home. I am eager to spend time in St. Paul, MN, where I hope to go to new restaurants, do some cyclocross, go mountain biking on the river bottoms, and catch up with family and friends.

:)  Thank you for documenting this photo and for letting me post it Delly Carr

:)  Thank you for documenting this photo and for letting me post it Delly Carr

Getting a pre race swim in with fellow wizard Natalie  

Getting a pre race swim in with fellow wizard Natalie  

Riding the course preview with Pat

Riding the course preview with Pat

These two help me more than anyone will ever know. Thanks Pat and Jamie! 

These two help me more than anyone will ever know. Thanks Pat and Jamie! 

This is my run warm up an hour before race start  

This is my run warm up an hour before race start  

Race photo! Thanks Paul Phillips for the photo  

Race photo! Thanks Paul Phillips for the photo  

Photo thanks to Nils Nilsen

Photo thanks to Nils Nilsen

Love this photo and love racing against Non. Photo thanks to Paul Phillips  

Love this photo and love racing against Non. Photo thanks to Paul Phillips  

:) Photo thanks to Rich Cruise  

:) Photo thanks to Rich Cruise  

The team! 

The team! 

Some of my family members who came to cheer me on ♥️ 

Some of my family members who came to cheer me on ♥️ 

Mom, sister, Dad 😍 

Mom, sister, Dad 😍 

This was a signing I did at Specialized. Photo thanks to JB

This was a signing I did at Specialized. Photo thanks to JB

The line at the signing - something I never would have imagined. Photo thanks to JB

The line at the signing - something I never would have imagined. Photo thanks to JB

Photo thanks to Specialized

Photo thanks to Specialized

A Q&A I did post race  

A Q&A I did post race  

After the Q&A we went for a run  

After the Q&A we went for a run  

:) sister and mom  

:) sister and mom  

I love being back in the USA seeing my amazing sister Elizabeth  

I love being back in the USA seeing my amazing sister Elizabeth  

wow!  

wow!  

Dinner at Alinea 

Dinner at Alinea 

my best friend and her beautiful baby girl  

my best friend and her beautiful baby girl  

😍 

😍 

Jamie  

Jamie  

Patrick and Jamie  

Patrick and Jamie  

My pre race dinner  

My pre race dinner  

A photo shoot in San Fran with Visa after the Grand Final 

A photo shoot in San Fran with Visa after the Grand Final 

Rio Test Event

On August 4th, 2012, I sprinted down the blue carpet in 38th place at the 2012 London Olympics. I crossed the finish line and had one thought: How can I win gold in 2016? I researched coaches and joined Jamie Turner and the Wollongong Wizards and the four year journey began. The work has been harder than I ever imagined and although there are days I wonder what in the world I got myself into, most days, I pinch myself in disbelief of how far I’ve come and the life I’m able to live.

I’m in awe of the support I have, and of the patience Jamie and Patrick have with me. I’m fortunate to have them both in my life, leading me on this journey to Rio. This past weekend, I made a huge stride towards my aspiration for gold in Rio: I qualified for the Olympic Games! I am excited, honored, and cannot wait to represent Team USA in Rio next year.

The Olympic Test Event and US Olympic Trials was on August 2nd, 2015. I didn’t know what to expect from the venue as we were told Rio may not have everything completed in time; however, I was pleasantly surprised. The race was extremely professional and the roads we cycled on were in mint condition. I think the biggest thing everyone is talking about is the water quality. The AP published a report saying the water was unclean and dangerous to swim in. I’m told the area we swam at for the race (Copacabana Beach) is the cleanest of the bodies of water that will hold Olympic events in Rio 2016. When I swam in the water, it seemed clean, but you can’t “see” viruses and bacteria in the water. Something that gave me confidence in the water quality was the thousands of tourists and locals swimming in the water daily. Water quality is not a new issue for triathletes. Every major city we race in is going to have some concerns with water quality; however, it’s not something we worry about. The ITU and the USOC conducted water quality tests, like before every race. The results met the standards in order to race. Our health is a priority and the ITU and USOC conduct tests to make sure the standards are met. I don’t waste energy wondering what if. Instead, I prepare for the race and am extremely excited to race. I was impressed with the Rio Test Event and look forward to coming back next year. Not only did I feel safe, but I also loved the crowds. I was amazed with how many people came out to watch the triathlon.

I arrived in Rio on the Monday before the race. Race day arrived quickly and it was hard to believe the biggest race of my season was finally here. I felt prepared, but I was still nervous. I tried to just put it in God’s hands, as I knew all the work was done and there was nothing more I could do but enjoy the race. The race started at 9am with a run into the Ocean at Copacobana beach. The swim was physical and rough for me. I could tell I wasn’t in the position I wanted but I continued to stay in the moment and move up spots. I exited the water in the top 20, and thankfully made the lead bike pack. The bike was eight laps with two hills per lap. I really enjoyed the course. The hills mentally broke up each lap and added an extra challenge. We started the run and it was hot with barely any shade on the 10km course. When I hit the finish tape, I had so many emotions: happiness, joy, excitement, relief … To work towards something for four years is a long time, and I knew I had just accomplished the first step towards my 2016 Olympic dream.

After the race, I hung out with my mom, dad, and sister Elizabeth who I hadn’t seen since Christmas. I also had one of the best nights, thanks to Red Bull hosting a party for me and my supporters and friends. We enjoyed drinks, food, and music on the balcony of a restaurant in Ipanema. It was perfect – thank you, Red Bull! Specialized and Oakley were also at the race providing support.

I flew back to the Basque Region after the race. Patrick and I rented a car and drove to France to have a celebration holiday. We rode some Tour de France climbs and made time for good food, wine, and relaxation. I haven’t been this relaxed in a very long time, and I’m going to enjoy it for as long as I can. I won’t race again until the Grand Final in Chicago on September 18th. Thank you for following and thank you for all the support and the kind messages. The smile on my face is still there and I am looking forward to representing team USA for a second time. Thank you.

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Photo thanks to Paul Phillips

Had a great time on the beach with NBC

Had a great time on the beach with NBC

Patrick took this photo pre-race...it is almost like he knew who was going to be on the podium

Patrick took this photo pre-race...it is almost like he knew who was going to be on the podium

We forgot to take a picture of my dinner the night before the race so here is a picture of my dinner two nights before the race

We forgot to take a picture of my dinner the night before the race so here is a picture of my dinner two nights before the race

All smiles post race

All smiles post race

:)

:)

This photo is dark, but it's one of my favorites. It is me, Coach Jamie, and Aaron Royle who also qualified for the Olympics!

This photo is dark, but it's one of my favorites. It is me, Coach Jamie, and Aaron Royle who also qualified for the Olympics!

This is me and Patrick enjoying some cheese in France on our celebration holiday 

This is me and Patrick enjoying some cheese in France on our celebration holiday 

Me and my family post race :) love you all

Me and my family post race :) love you all

Thanks Welchy for all of your support! 

Thanks Welchy for all of your support! 

My sister and me enjoying some food in Brazil  

My sister and me enjoying some food in Brazil  

My family and Jamie pre race in Rio

My family and Jamie pre race in Rio

Post race selfie with the family while watching the men race  

Post race selfie with the family while watching the men race  

The Jorgensen Family  

The Jorgensen Family