alternative races that redefine endurance
For many athletes, the off-season or pre-season can feel like a lull in their competitive calendar. But what if this downtime became an opportunity to explore new challenges, build fitness in exciting ways, and rediscover the joy of movement? Alternative races and endurance adventures are the perfect way to shake up your routine while having fun, building community, and staying race-ready. Here at NYX Endurance, we’re thrilled to highlight some of the innovative events our athletes are tackling this winter and spring of 2025.
athlete win of the month:
Coach Shana: Gabrielle Lasker
After Gabrielle experienced the vibe of IM 70.3 Oceanside as a spectator last year, she set her sights on doing the race herself in 2025. Based on prior triathlons she identified her bike leg as needing the most work. During training she’s been building both physical strength and a mental tool kit to help push through discomfort as she gains experience on the bike.
This last weekend she had a BIG WIN – getting the fastest average speed yet while riding a hilly route! More importantly she was proud of herself and more confident for the next long workouts to come. I’m impressed with her determination, her openness to challenge herself, and her infectious enthusiasm! Keep up the great work Gabrielle!
what makes us better:
Coach Alison: Constantly Redefining Your Why
In line with Julie’s awesome article on alternative races, I want to talk about being open to redefining your “why.” Yes, many of us do triathlon and many of us will continue to do triathlon, but lives are a series of ebbs and flows and what excites us and fits in our lives one year may not be the same the next year. And that’s ok! If you drill down to your true joy in endurance sports, you will always find that it points you toward what excites you for any given time in your life. It may be triathlon, it may be an ultra-run or a long-distance swim or bike event, or it may be something completely different. Follow what excites YOU and you’ll hold onto the motivation and joy that can otherwise be elusive.
did you know?
Coach Julie: Power Meter Integration in TrainingPeaks Virtual
This exciting feature enables you to compare your power output with the resistance provided by a smart trainer, as well as with the power meter on your bike.
Real-Time Comparison: By running your power meter alongside your trainer, you can compare the watts between the trainer’s power meter and your bike’s power meter. This capability allows you to make necessary adjustments, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy in your training. It also helps you set appropriate power numbers for indoor versus outdoor cycling, ensuring that your training is effective and aligned with your performance goals.
meet a teammate:
Teammate: Grant Burkhart, coached by Coach Alison, resides in Longmont with his wife, Maureen. They have two grown children who are off living their own lives.
- Favorite race: Loveland Lake-to-Lake Triathlon
- Walk-out song: The Ride of the Valkyries
- 3 Words that family/friends would use to describe you: Dependable, dedicated, faithful.
- Worst style choice you’ve ever made: Caring too much about what people think about what I wear. Actually, the more correct answer is “I have no style to choose from.”
- If you could have an unlimited supply of 1 thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Trips to Maui. No, trips to Spain. No, trips to New Zealand.