Start Lines and Swag Bags

214: Small race or big race; you decide!

Just off volunteering and running two races in eight days, this is solo episode where I describe experiences at two very different races from two completely different vantage points. Do you prefer big races? Small ones? To each their own, right? As always, thank you for supporting The Flying Pig Project and Start Lines and Swag Bags!

213: Are Marty and Rachael always the guests?

Big accountabilibuddy episode. Rachael talks about her experience at her 2nd indoor Tri and Marty updates about his training. Rachael was tasked with editing this one. Not sure that should ever happen again. LOL As always, thank you for your support of The Flying Pig Project and Start Lines and Swag Bags. You can show your support with donations or swag purchase at ko-fi.com/theflyingpigproject

212: Marty's F3 Half and Rachael's Naperville Indoor Tri

Well, we're back and we both have stories to tell! Big intermediate milestones for both but you'll have to decide which was worse: the wind of Lake Michigan or putting bike shorts on wet legs. Thank you as always for support Start Lines and Swag Bags presented by The Flying Pig Project. If you'd like to support us through membership or swag purchase, see our page at ko-fi.com/theflyingpigproject

211: Running 101 with Erin

In this episode, Rachael and Erin introduce the “Runner 101”; based on their shared experiences both running and volunteering.  They discuss their own personal experiences with their introduction to running and you won’t believe how different they are!   With humor and anecdotes, they emphasize that everyone starts somewhere and learning from experiences is key to becoming a better runner. The conversation covers practical advice on what to wear on race day, fueling strategies, and the significance of understanding race logistics.  And yes, you can always take a pin. Sound Bites * “Everyone has to start somewhere” * “It's important to remember that every race could be someone's first.” * “Don't wear anything new on race day; stick to what you've trained in.” * “Fueling strategies should be practiced during training, not just on race day.” * “Asking questions ahead of time can alleviate race day stress.” * "You can foster a community online." Thank you for your support of Start Lines and Swag Bags. If you would consider supporting The Flying Pig Project through merchandise or memberships, please see our page at ko-fi.com/theflyingpigproject.

210: Intermediate Milestones with Marty

In this episode, Rachael and Marty catch up to see where each other is with their training plans. Marty shares his enjoyable international trip, complete with running by the beach and a New Year's karaoke celebration, while Rachael discusses her two-week break from teaching, which she spent relaxing at home with her cat, Butter. They both emphasize the importance of structure in their routines, with Rachael noting how she missed the organization of her work schedule, while Marty struggled with maintaining his workout consistency during the unstructured holiday period. As they transition into discussing their training, Marty reveals that he has been compliant with his running plan, logging impressive mileage since returning from his trip. Rachael shares her mixed feelings about her training, particularly her struggles with running compared to her enjoyment of swimming and biking. They discuss both of their upcoming intermediate milestones; Marty with the F3 13.1 and Rachael with her indoor tri.   Sound bites: * "I missed the structure." * "It's a very good point about the holidays being unstructured." * "I think I'm 100% compliant with my plan." * "I have a high level of anxiety knowing that there are people watching me swim." * "It's all about no expectations, just moving." Thank you for your support of Start Lines and Swag Bags. If you would consider supporting The Flying Pig Project through merchandise or memberships, please see our page at ko-fi.com/theflyingpigproject.