by Haley on February 13, 2013
Happy Valentine’s Day! And what a perfect opportunity for me to express some serious L-O-V-E for a few of my 2013 Sponsors!
Moving up to the pro ranks meant “professionalizing” some of my previous sponsor relationships and seeking out some new ones. I’ve learned a TON about the triathlon industry and sponsorship in general. It’s a tough landscape for a rookie pro, but between my coaches, training buddies, family and friends, I’m surrounded by some of the most brilliant and generous people on the planet. Thanks to them I’ve solidified some existing relationships, ventured into a few new ones, and I’m extremely excited about my triathlon future.
TYR
I freaking love TYR. The people, the products, the people who wear the products. It’s a good crowd.
I’ve been racing in TYR wetsuits, swimskins, swimsuits, and goggles for years now and their products have definitely played a huge role in my swim course success. And TYR is more than just world-class swimwear! My favorite TYR product just might be the Convoy Carry-On Wheel Bag. Bye-bye baggage fees. Hello style!
Mizuno
I started my post-collegiate running career with a mile run out, followed by a mile walk back home. My running has come a long way in the past few years and that’s thanks in no small part to my crazy fast (and crazy colorful!) Mizuno running shoes.
I have my whole family hooked on Mizunos. When we all get together it’s like a running Chura rainbow!
110% Play Harder
What’s better than taking an ice bath? Pretty much everything. Thankfully 110% offers compression gear with pockets that hold re-usable ice inserts. How cool is that? (Haha, I crack myself up.) I also love how the company’s marketing campaigns are as innovative as their products!
I am so thankful for my partnerships with all three of these great companies. I still have a few more sponsors to highlight, including a couple that are still in the works, so stay tuned!
And to all of my awesome blog followers, Happy Valentine’s Day from me (and USA Swimming). XOXO!
by Haley on January 28, 2013
The wait is over! I’m proud to announce my 2013 Race Schedule! (Or at least the first part)
That’s right folks! I’m headed back to the Lone Star State not once, but TWICE this spring, with a little party in the Crescent City sandwiched in between.
Now it’s time to buckle down! Spend some quality time with my goggles, bike, and running shoes and get ready for fast racing in Texas and NOLA!! Can’t wait to see everyone out there!
by Haley on January 22, 2013
The Hogpen Hill Climb is my favorite road race in Georgia. What makes Hogpen so special? Check out these splits:
In what other road race could I take it out in a 5:29 first mile and still be proud of a 10:13 at mile 9?
This was my fourth year running Hogpen and every year I love the race a little more. Mother Nature might have had a bit to do with my optimism this year. After the misery of the Houston half followed by a week of pouring rain here in ATL, the sunny blue skies and perfect running temps on Saturday were a real treat.
I headed up to Helen, Georgia with the Dynamo Multisport crew. We were a mixture of Hogpen verterans and newbies, all set to conquer the 18k race with 2500 feet of climbing, with most of that elevation gain squeezed into the last six miles.
The race starts with a blissful downhill out of Unicoi State Park. I tucked behind the lead group of guys and just let my feet fly. Once the road started tilting up, the pack got strung out, and soon I was running pretty much solo. Every now and then I’d catch of glimpse of Coach Diablo up ahead and I would try to keep him in sight.
Thanks to the gorgeous weather there were a ton of cyclists out on the course and they made great cheerleaders!
After one hour and 23 minutes of running I made it to the top of the Gap. I was the first female finisher, but immediately I noticed something wasn’t right:
I’D LOST MY LUCKY GREEN HEADBAND!
Thankfully, it was Kathryn to the rescue! She’d actually picked it up on the ground at mile 3! I have the best teammates! Thanks SpK! And congrats to all the GREEN!
View From the Top!: Linda, Matthew, Erin, Mark, Scott, Micki, Me, Kathryn
by Haley on January 16, 2013
Freezing cold. Pitch dark. Pouring Rain. Relentless Winds. Sounds like perfect conditions for running a marathon, right?
Not exactly. But those very less-than-ideal conditions did not keep my little sister, Hannah Kait, from running her very first marathon last weekend!
HK still smiling at mile 24, with super-pacer Faroukh!
Hannah crossed the finish line at the Houston Marathon in a very respectable 4:29 and she is already planning her next race!
But wait – cold weather at the HOUSTON Marathon?! Hard to believe, but yes! It was FREEZING. And guess who didn’t pack a single article of warm clothing? Rookie mistake! I really think I might not have made it to the start if not for the Good Samaritan who took pity on me and gave me his extra “throw-away” T-shirt in the start corral. Runners are definitely the nicest people EVER.
My mom and I survived the half marathon, thankful we had hot coffee and dry clothes waiting for us after just 13.1 miles. Ebeth threw down a 1:44 to win her Age Group and I somehow managed a solid 1:25. It was a good day for the Chura girls!
Ebeth, me, Hannah
Overall, I was very impressed with the Houston Marathon. The race was well organized, the course went through some really cool neighborhoods, and despite the rain, the crowd support was unbelievable! I think there’s a good chance I’ll be back, but next time I’m packing my winter hat! (And convincing my dad to join!)
by Haley on January 11, 2013
HANNAH KAIT!
HK enjoying some "Pac 'n Cheese" (great for mid-football game, not recommended for mid-marathon)
That’s right, my little sis is running her first ever marathon this weekend! Lucky for her, the Houston Marathon weather forecaset is calling for perfect 50 degree temps. And lucky for me, I get to be there to cheer her on!!
But wait! Me? Pass up a chance to race in Texas?!?! NEVER!!!
Before I break out the pom-poms, I’ll be testing my footspeed in the half marathon. And it may be early in the season, but don’t think I’ll be running easy. It’s going to be an all out battle for Chura family half marathon bragging rights between myself and my MOM!
Don't let the smile fool you, this woman is a VICIOUS competitor!
A weekend full of family-style running, racing, and cheering? Sounds like a good time to me! Look out Lone Star State, here I come!!
