Name: Dawn Dolobowsky
Age: 32
Involved in: Running, cycling & weightlifting.
This is my first year as part of a cycling team, and I'm having fun learning about bike racing (and being humbled by getting dropped off the back of the pack on a regular basis). I'm also training for a half marathon in June and lifting weights a couple of times a week to balance it all out.
Enjoying the ride
I started running about nine years ago for absolutely no apparent reason. I just decided I wanted to run a 5k. That was followed by a half-marathon which I was completely undertrained for, but I finished it anyway. I figured if I could do that, I could do a full marathon if I actually trained for it, so I did. I ran that first marathon in October of 2005 and followed it up with a few more. In 2006, I gave triathlon a try and spent the next several years running, swimming and biking in different mixtures. Each season, I base my training on what I feel like doing. In 2010, I felt like running, so I focused on that. This year, I'm developing my biking and running, so I'm training for duathlons as well as cycling and road races. I absolutely love to race, but it's not worth it if I don't enjoy the training. I honestly believe that finding the motivation to be fit is 99% about finding what it is that you like to do.
Staying motivated and challenged
GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?
Dawn Dolobowsky (DD): I love getting out and trying new things, and staying active and fit makes that so much easier. It's great to be able to head out on a hike or backpacking trip with a friend without worrying if I'm going to be able to keep up.
GGS: What sports or fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?
DD: In 2008, I completed a 70.3 triathlon, which was the result of several months of training and hard work. I'm proud of that because it's a constant reminder that endurance events come down to one thing: constant forward motion. This year, I've joined a cycling team and have completed my first bike races, which I'm incredibly proud of even though I'm finishing dead last every time. It's gotten me way out of my comfort zone and has forced me to learn new skills on the bike.
GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?
DD: I'm not afraid to set big goals and go after them. This year, my goal is to get the hang of bike racing and get back into shape after having knee surgery last year. Next year, I've got some big running goals, including a 3-day 60-mile trail race.
GGS: Are you currently training for a race or event? What's your workout schedule look like?
DD: Yes! I'm running a half marathon in June, and then I'm training for the Goofy Challenge (a full and half marathon in the same weekend). I'm also continuing with my bike racing, and aiming for at least one race a month. I'm running three to four days a week, lifting weights two days a week, and trying to get one to three bike rides in each week.
Tools of the trade
GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?
DD: I absolutely love fresh fruit, especially when it's in season. I go nuts over Honeycrisp apples, strawberries and Ruby Red grapefruits.
GGS: What's on your workout playlist?
DD: All kinds of things - some of my current favorites are "Adrienne" (The Calling), "Stronger" (Kelly Clarkson), "Rumor Has It" (Adele) and "Mr. Brightside" (The Killers).
GGS: What’s in your gym bag?
DD: Brooks Running apparel, weightlifting gloves, SparklySoul headbands, SnuggBuds headphones, NeoCell Collagen Herbal Mist, Larabars, Think Thin Bars and plenty of Nuun.
Live the sporty life
GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?
DD: It means being prepared for all sorts of active adventures and having fun doing it.
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