Episode 92: Alyssa Godesky

Why would a professional triathlete decide to take on a Fastest Known Time 5-day challenge of the Long Trail in Vermont? We had Alyssa Godesky on to talk about why she did it and to talk about the challenges she faced. As a professional triathlete and an ultra-marathon runner, Alyssa was no stranger to pain, but the pain of covering 273 miles and over 63,000 feet of elevation is something different.  How did you get your start in athletics? Did not do a college sport, played soccer competitively through high school At Naval Academy joined Navy Marathon Team - Ran JFK 50-mile to qualify for the team Transferred schools and started trail running Moved to Baltimore after school and joined Baltimore Running Crew group Tried triathlons and stayed with them You race many triathlons and ultra races. How do you train for both of these at the same time and remain competitive? Had years of base miles with ultra racing that can build on Ironman training is harder effort training and running more endurance easy miles What is the difference between Ironman and long Ultra on your body? Early on Ironman was just finishing Now impact is comparable because goes hard in swim and bike When did you get to the point about leaving your career to pursue triathlons as a professional athlete? 2009 started thinking about it Started working with Hillary Biscay in 2011 Started getting serious about the idea in 2013 Jan 1, 2014, officially left the job to train and coach What did parents and friends think of leaving a good job to go after this dream? They were worried but supportive Let’s talk about your latest adventure and your quest for a fastest known time on the Long Trail in Vermont. You just spent 5 days conquering the trail, before we get to the how, let’s star with they why? Always looking for challenges Was on the bucket list and wanted to get it done before the end of career Always fascinated with records 2011 became aware of the FKT's Scouted pars of the trail in October and had doubts How long is the trail? 273 miles plus need to hike in and out so longer Why specifically the Long Train in Vermont?  Out west more elevation but east coast are more rugged so wanted to do east coast Vermont in summer sounded good What is the terrain like on the trail?  Almost all single track No switchbacks, straight up and down mountains Elevation gain about 63,000 feet total The first two days had longer climbs What is the key to a long effort like this, are you paying attention to heart rate, pace, just how you feel? How you feel Much of the training was hiking Trying to stay relaxed and upright How much sleeping did you get? First day 4 hours, about 17 hours total over 5 days Anything you did to be prepared for sleep deprivation?  Not really much you can do More important to train self to sleep anywhere, anytime What was the biggest struggle you had on this FKT? The last day Weather had made trails towards end slippery and on top of lack of sleep made it hard Would you do another one of these again? Yes, this one was supported, next time maybe do a solo You also have your own podcast, IronWomen, what types of guests and topics do you have? Started to give a voice to professional female triathletes and what they are doing Third season Final Surge 5 questions in under a minute Favorite endurance/running book? - Pursuit of Endurance  Current trainers you are wearing? - Brooks Ghost 3 Favorite race? - Ironman Wisconsin Favorite recovery meal or recovery drink? - Rehab 3:1 FTC Your favorite workout - Hill Repeats Resources Website http://alyssagodesky.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alyssagodesky/ Twitter https://twitter.com/alyssagodesky FKT Site - FastestKnownTime.com Podcast IronwomenPodcast.com