REAL Blog
Helping Ordinary People Become Extraordinary Athletes
Want to Do a Triathlon? Here’s Exactly Where to Start
So, the idea of conquering a triathlon has sparked something in you, but the starting line feels a little… blurry? You’re not alone! I remember those early days, just like the athletes I now coach. Questions swirl: How do I even begin training? Can I fit this into my life? Will I actually be able to finish? The doubts creep in – open water swims, the right gear, that final run… Will I look silly? Am I capable? What if I don’t measure up?
Her Body, Her Rules: Training for Strength, Stress Relief, and Longevity
Remember that old saying, “Never be afraid to try something new”? While there’s truth in that, stepping into the unknown, especially in fitness, can feel daunting. For too long, the world of exercise and athletic training has operated under a “one-size-fits-most” approach – and that size has overwhelmingly been male. But guess what? We, as women, deserve fitness advice that actually considers our unique physiology and needs.
The Power of ‘Together’: Women Educating & Inspiring
As International Women’s Day approached this year I wasn’t sure how to contribute. Sometimes coming up with something for these “big” days feels like such pressure and less authentic than how I show up everyday to support women in our quest for visibility, acceptance and equality.
Ditch the Resolution: Embrace More You in 2025
The idea that you need a NEW you makes it sound like you need to replace yourself and implies that you don’t belong the way you are or there is something wrong with you. It’s another way that society is sending a message that you need to look a certain way or act a certain way in order to be accepted. That unless you change people aren’t going to like you or that you are not good enough as you are.
Shark Safety, Mental Skills, and Dry Land Strength: Advice for Swimmers and Triathletes from Beyond the Breakers
Imagine an entire day dedicated to swimming! The first annual Beyond The Breakers conference combined everything from technique, training and mindset to supporting marathon swims, safety in open water and avoiding sharks. With 15 sessions to choose from it was a day full of inspirational stories and unique experiences. The conference united and educated swimmers, coaches and open water enthusiasts from around the world.
Recharge and Refocus: A Triathlete’s Guide to a Successful Off-Season
It happens every time…after you hang your shiny new medal (or medals) on your wall, you get this surge of excitement to sign up for another race. You feel compelled to keep training at the same level. No way you’re going to lose fitness or slip backwards, right? But your next race is far away and you don’t want to burn out.
More Than Just a Number: 23 Reasons Why Age is Just a Milestone, Not a Limit
The universe gave me an early birthday gift. I usually love my birthday, but this year it was lacking the typical Adina energy. If you spend any time following me on social media you know that one of my favorite things is to Celebrate Everything. And a birthday is all about celebrating you.
Swim to the Moon: A Stellar Open Water Experience
Imagine swimming in a beautiful lake, surrounded by hundreds of other swimmers all striving for a personal goal. That’s what happened at the Swim to the Moon by Epic Races! This amazing swim festival brought together swimmers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to world-class athletes for two days of fun and challenge.
Embracing Safety and Fun: The Quackpacker Tow Float Review
When I started training for triathlons I was told to get a swim buoy, also called a tow float, for safety. I questioned why a strong swimmer would need one. Someone quickly explained that it allows kayaks, surfers, boats, paddle boarders, fishermen and anyone swimmers share ponds, lakes and the ocean with to see you better.
Building Bonds and Finishing Strong: A Team B*REAL Race Report
One of the most important aspects of being part of a team is the connection. Humans join teams seeking a sense of belonging, camaraderie and the chance to connect with individuals who share similar interests. On Team B*REAL all of that exists in our online community year round.
Conquer Your First Triathlon: Take Action to Overcome Fear and Become a Successful Athlete
The quote says: “Never be afraid to try something new.”
This might sound surprising, but trying new things can still be scary. As humans we naturally fear the unknown and crave the protection of our comfort zones.
From Frustrated to Face-to-Face: My Whale Shark Encounter
Did you ever feel like you were failing at something you loved? I almost let a bad start ruin a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with whale sharks. Here’s how I overcame my struggles and ended up face-to-face with these gentle giants.
Stop Focusing On Weight
Stop putting so much emphasis on your weight and size. The more you focus on it the more it defines you and causes stress.
20 Tips to Celebrating 20 years of Triathlon
20 Tips to Celebrating 20 years of Triathlon By Marci Goldberg Celebrating 20 years in triathlon isn’t just about finishing the race in a certain time; it’s all about learning invaluable lessons that help you grow as an athlete.
Unleashing the Extraordinary in Regular People: The Story of Team B*REAL
Fitting in was never easy for me. I have been involved in teams and clubs since I was a young girl. I got along with everyone, but still felt alone. I saw others sharing inside jokes and making plans outside of the group. I really wanted to have those connections, too.
Endurance Exchange: Unpacking Science & Strategies for Beginner Triathletes
Continual learning is a core value in my personal and professional life. Each year I choose one conference to attend where I can enhance my skills as a coach. When I read that USA Triathlon’s Endurance Exchange is “a community-driven platform that fosters collaboration, innovation, and inspiration” it aligned with my goals for this year so I was all in! I’m excited to share what I learned with you.
How I Succeeded by Failing
How I Succeeded By Failing Have you ever wondered how people say things like “I ran 10 miles by accident”? In reality they are saying it wasn’t their goal. Trust me, nobody runs 10 miles by accident.
20 Tools To Help You Get Started And Keep Moving Forward
Master Your Motivation 20 tools to help you get started and keep moving forward. Every athlete will face a time when you don’t feel like lacing up for a long run, doing sprints in the pool, powering through an FTP test on the bike or lifting weights.
The Right Way to Ride Your Bike Indoors
As a triathlete or endurance cyclist there will come a time when you’ll ride your bike indoors. I know, half the fun of being on a bike is going outside to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views. However, sometimes Mother Nature or everyday life has other ideas. Riding indoors can be safer and more comfortable during cold winters, hot summers, rain or wind. Sometimes your child’s soccer game or a last minute work meeting trumps the group ride. Or maybe you live in an area where roads are too busy or not maintained well.
My Thoughts On The Impact of Society’s Body Expectations
Being an athlete in a bigger body is not easy. People assume you are not fit based on how you look. Actually people will find a way to judge your body no matter what size it is. Even if you are confident and feel comfortable in your body, those judgments will have an impact on you. I have lived in a bigger body most of my life. I am pretty tough; my size doesn’t stop me from doing anything.