XRCEL: How did you first get started in running?

Maggie Poniatowski: I started running later in life at the age of 32, shortly after giving birth to my first child.  I had been struggling with weight gain and postpartum depression when my older brother, John, promised me that I would feel better and get in shape quickly if I tried running.  This sounded easy enough until he dared me to sign up for a marathon.  At the time, I couldn’t fathom running one mile, let alone 26.2, but I can’t resist a dare and I signed up for the Ocean Drive Marathon on one condition – John would have to run it with me.  I’m proud to say that six months later, I completed my first marathon in 4:17, which was five minutes under my goal.  Admittedly, it was more painful than giving birth, but crossing the finish line was amazing!  Happy as a clown, and 50 pounds lighter, I was a running addict.  I kept running and  competed in my first of many triathlons and even signed up to run the Philadelphia Marathon.

How did you morph into participating in triathlons? 

 I was a competitive swimmer in high school and college, but triathlon wasn’t a big sport back then.  At the start of my first marathon, I was chatting with a group of women who were running the race together.  It was my first encounter with a “running group” and I was surprised to hear that in addition to running marathons together, they also competed in triathlons together. They laughed when I asked, “don’t you have to be an elite athlete to enter a triathlon.?”  Back then, I’d never heard of a triathlon shorter that 140.6 miles.  I quickly learned about sprint and women-only triathlons and they assured me that if I could swim, a sprint triathlon would be a walk in the park.  Within a week I bought an inexpensive road bike and signed up for a three local sprint triathlons; Vincentown, the Philadelphia Women’s Sprint, and She-Rox Philly. In true beginner fashion, I bought a Book called The 12-Week Triathlete and followed a beginner’s training plan. My first event was Vincentown and I ended up placing in my age group.  I knew right away that I wanted to try a longer distance, so I signed up for two Olympic distance races. After the tri-season, I ran the Philly Marathon, but soon after, I ended up taking time off from racing to have another child.  I had my second son in September of 2010 and signed up for a half Ironman in May of 2011.  It was a great way to hold myself accountable to training and to getting back into race shape.

How do you balance racing triathlons and running races throughout the year?   

 I have a hard time saying “no” to pacing gigs and destination runs.  I am fortunate and blessed to have no concerning injuries to hold me back and I generally recover fast from ultras by incorporating a lot of yoga and strength training.  I am disciplined when it comes to Iron distance triathlons and 100-mile ultras because I stick to my rule of “one a year.”  Once my Ironman and 100 are scheduled, I will race just about any distance,as long as it’s not right before or after one of the main events.  Sometimes I feel lost on the few weekends I’m not participating in a race.  

How do you think racing triathlons has helped your running? 

I am fortunate to have found triathlon because the cross training keeps me free from injury.   After an ultramarathon, I can easily recover my legs and keep cardiovascular fitness by swimming and cycling.  For me, swimming and cycling drills are just as effective for my running speed as track-work!

What prompted you to run your first ultra race?

In 2015 a friend offered me a free race entry for a back-to-back marathon called Two Rivers in Lackawaxen, PA.  I would be running the same marathon twice in the same weekend.  I really didn’t think it was possible, but since it was free, I thought I’d give it a try just to see if I was capable of finishing. To my surprise, I ran the same time for both marathons (4:08 on Saturday and Sunday) and walked away feeling fine. I called my brother to tell him what I’d done and he said, “that’s great, now it’s time for an ultramarathon.”  He had already run several ultra’s, including the Rocky Raccoon and he assured me that a 50-miler in one day would be easier than back-to-back marathons. I started searching for my next challenge and ended up running a fatass in Phildelphia call the Turtle Trail 50 that started on the Philadelphia Art Museum steps and took the Schuykill River Trail 25 miles out to Valley Forge and back.It turned out to be one of the best experiences and when I called my brother to tell him about my experience, he asked, “ which 100-miler are you going to sign up for?”  And so, my search began for a good “starter” 100. 

What do you do to properly prepare  for a 100-mile race?

I don’t have a specific training plan because I generally run long every weekend. However, Twelve weeks out from an ultra, I aim for a 70-mile week and run B2B long runs on weekends with limited sleep.  For instance, I’ll run a marathon on Saturday, but eat as if it was a normal 2000-calorie day, sleep five hours or less, and run 20-plus miles on Sunday.  I think it’s important to simulate the feeling a fatigue to prepare for the big event.  I follow an 80/20 diet – 80% clean, natural, and plant based and the other 20% isn’t perfect as I enjoy my post run beer, pizza, and chocolate!

How do you use XRCEL when you race an ultra?  

I use XRCEL during every race, regardless of distance and take my first bottle ten minutes prior to the start.  For 5Ks and 10Ks, one bottle is all I need, but for longer distances, I have enough on hand to take about one bottle an hour to keep the effects going.  I carry a 16 ounce flask of XRCEL during marathons and usually have a friend planted on the course with extras. For ultramarathons, I have a few bottles in every drop bag and carry a bottle in my vest at all times.   

What benefits does XRCEL have for you when you are racing and training?

At times I forget to take nutrition, which can be dangerous. Other supplements take a while to hit the bloodstream and are difficult to digest, but XRCEL is the opposite. It hits me quickly and is longlasting.  I almost feel the energy instantly and it lasts. The best part is that it digests easily, so there are no tummy issues with XRCEL!

What attracted you to racing the Devil Dog 100-miler?  

I wish I had a clever response, but I picked the race because it was close drive and I read that the course was challenging, but not sadistic.  I like to be able to “run” during ultras and there are a lot of races out there that make it impossible to run due to the technicality of the course.  Devil Dog turned out to be a lot harder than expected. It took  me 31 hours and every ounce of willpower to complete.  It is by far my best endurance accomplishment yet. The freezing cold, contsant downpour throughout the night nearly broke me. By the last 20- mile loop, the course had turned into a deep muddy swamp!

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced while racing or training for such tough races?  

 My first 100-miler prepared me well for future ultras.  I thought I was prepared in 2016 for the Pine Creek Challenge, but I went out way too fast and ended up with a knee injury at mile 62. It was also 100 degrees with no shade and I’d been unable to hold down food (my pre-XRCEL days). Determined to finish, I limped for 15 hours/38 miles and finished the run in 27 hours. I wouldn’t have finished if my brother hadn’t flown out from Washington state to pace me those last 38 miles.  He was the reason I signed up and finished the race. That whole experience tested my mind, body, and soul.  Luckily, I recovered from my injury, but any right-minded person would have probably stopped at 100km.  My challenge is my stubbornness and I’m afraid I’ll never know when I truly need to quit.  

What does your family think of your racing and how do they play a part in your success? 

My kids don’t quite get it yet because they are only eight and ten and they just know that I like to run. My husband understands that I need endurance sports to live. I cannot start my day without a run, swim, or spin class. Cardio has and always will be my drug of choice.  I get my training done before my family gets out of bed so that I can be there when they are awake. My husband is the most supportive person and even though he may not come out to all my races, he allows me the time the “do my thing.” If I’m traveling for a race more than two to three days, I bring my family with me and we make a vacation out of it!  My eight year old is starting to become interested in running, so I may have to give up some weekend races in the future to support him. Nothing would make me happier than to have another runner in the family!

How do you balance and juggle your family and personal life with your training and racing? 

To be honest, I get 6 hours of sleep on a good night. I have a bit of insomnia and I do a lot of cleaning and email catch-up in the middle of the night.  I don’t watch TV and I’ve swapped reading for audiobooks that I can listen to while training.

 What advice do you wish you had before you raced your first 100-miler?

I was given this advice many times and I didn’t take it initially, but don’t go out too fast. I know this now and live by it!

What is next on your race calendar?

I’ve signed up for the Georgia Jewel 100-miler in September 2019 in Dalton, GA.  The course is challenging as there is more elevation than Devil Dog and their swag is super cool. I will sign up for any race if they have a cool trucker hat!

What’s your proudest accomplishment to date and why?  

The Devil Dog 100-miler! Just finishing that race took everything out of me.  

What’s your favorite part about training or racing?

Every day I get a sense of accomplishment after my workouts and I always give it my all.  The endorphins are a nice bonus, but the best part is that I get to train with my best friends. Triathlon and running may be individual sports, but training with my best friends is a blast!

 How does your mental toughness play a role in training and racing for a 100 miler?

 I owe my mental toughness to my mom. I was never coddled growing up and grew up with her motto “suck it up buttercup.” I was raised with a mindset that nothing comes easy. While this may not be entirely true, I believe that ultimate bliss only comes from earning something. When things get rough, I envision the reward at the end whether it’s a medal, beer, pizza, massage, nap, or a hug from my boys.  All of these little things are so much more enjoyable after accomplishing a difficult task. Work hard, play hard, and enjoy the spoils when they come.  

XRCEL: What did your post-baby racing career look like to you before and after you had your baby?

I chose to have my first baby right at the height of my career and over the last five years, I have had two more children.  In between each of the kids I’ve been able to return to peak fitness, but not for very long before becoming pregnant again. The result has been that I’ve done more races with less than ideal preparation or before my body was back to normal. That’s made for some frustrating times, but also some nice surprises. Either way, my number one goal has always remained the same, which was to get the best out of myself each race.

What was your approach to exercise after the baby and what did you feel like in those first few weeks?

My approach to exercise after having Lizzy was to let my body dictate when to resume first exercising, and later, training. The first several weeks of exercise was not even a consideration. My top priority was to let myself heal from major surgery and make sure my baby was getting proper nourishment. Lizzy got the flu when she was seven weeks old, so I spent a few weeks, literally, nursing her back to health.

At what point did you decide to start properly training again?

Lizzy was born on January 5th and I started a very basic training program on April 1^st. Up until that point, I was focused on feeding Lizzy and figuring out a schedule of when I’d be able to get out of the house to work out. From April to the end of June, I focused on waking up my muscles after such a long layoff by just doing easy swims, bikes, and runs. Running was difficult because every time I ran, a different body part hurt. I’d have to take a few days off to readjust and then try again. On July 1st I started adding more training volume with a little bit of intensity mixed in. The half Ironman in Ireland was my first “real” workout.

What were the biggest differences you noticed about training pre-baby vs. post-baby?

The biggest difference is scheduling and child care. I can’t just go out for a bike ride without figuring out the logistics of who is going to watch everyone. Time is more limited now too, but it has forced me to become more efficient. Also, I’m still waiting for a full night of sleep. I’m hopeful, but I realize with three kids and a dog, that may never happen!

Were there ever moments where doubt about returning to triathlon would sneak in and how did you handle those moments?

The third day after Lizzy was born was my low point. I definitely questioned if I was going to recover and, if I did, how I was ever going to take care of three kids and train. However, things improved once I got home and settled and was able to see how much support I have. There were also days at the pool when I thought I was ready to swim with other people again, but I would blow up after the warm-up. I had to remind myself that despite feeling like the slowest one around, my natural talent and ability as an athlete did not disappear. The changes that your body has to deal with after having a baby are a real thing and not just an excuse for having a bad workout.

What’s been the hardest part about juggling motherhood with being a professional triathlete?

These first few races have been hard because I’m coming into things right when my competitors are gearing up for their end of season races. I was nine months pregnant and haven’t exercised in months when most people started their seasons. It usually takes me a few races to remember what it takes to push myself, so I’ll catch up soon!

At what point after having the baby did you feel you were ready to race again?

I started feeling mentally ready to toe the line at about five months post-baby, but my body wasn’t quite there yet. I know from my previous comebacks that it’s taken me between eight and nine months to be back in fighting shape.

Why did you pick Ironman 70.3 Ireland as your comeback race?

I chose to do this race because I’ve always wanted to race in Ireland, I’m half Irish, and it was an easier race to get to. I’ve been in New Paltz all summer and our local airport, Stewart Newburgh, just started direct service to Dublin. I found a cheap ticket and decided to go. I traveled with a friend from NYC, rookie pro triathlete Nicole Falcaro and we supported each other throughout the weekend. Nicole had a great race, just missing the podium. I’m so glad I got to be out on the course with her and witness her success because I’ve seen the work she’s put in and the progress she’s made over the last year.

How do you feel your first race back from having a baby went and where will you go from here?

Any time I cross the finish line in one of these long races, it’s a win no matter what place I’m in. For this race, overall I’m happy with it. I had a great swim and was first out of the water by two minutes. I handled the cold water and the chop easily, which was a surprise. The bike threw me for a loop as it was one of the hardest courses I’ve experienced second to ISRAMAN. I hadn’t done any rides over 40 miles and only a few truly hilly rides.  I ran exactly what I thought I was capable of based on my training. I hadn’t run more than eight and a half miles before the race, so I took the first nine miles at a comfortable pace and then tried to build the last four. I zoomed through the last lap! I just needed a few more weeks to be ready to tackle the Wicklow mountains in the rainy fog. I’ve now resumed training and am continuing to build a base of miles.

How did you use XRCEL throughout your race and what do you feel are the biggest benefits of using XRCEL during a fast 70.3?

I had an XRCEL 15 minutes before the race start and continued to drink XRCEL every 45 minutes throughout the bike. I grabbed an XRCEL in T2 and drank it in transition before starting the half marathon. I felt amazing on the run and I was in the mindset to push myself the whole way. I finished the race and immediately thought “wow! XRCEL really works!”

XRCEL: What initially attracted you to racing the New Jersey State Triathlon Championships?

Brian Norling: Since I started racing triathlons, the NJ State Triathlon has been one race I’ve done almost every year starting back in 2009. I’ve only missed it when the race conflicted with other races. It is one of the largest race in the area and gets great racers from all over the area, which makes for great racing. You have to always come into the race in great race shape because the race is very fast right from the start. I used to race the Olympic distance here, but the last two years, I have raced the sprint distance.

How did placing 3rd overall in 2017 fuel your training and focus for returning to race in 2018?

Placing 3rd last year was a great feeling, but it also gave me the drive to try to win the race this season. I knew I had to be faster at 43 years old than I was at 42, which was not so easy. I had to look at what I did in 2017 and find where I could make up some time. The months leading up to the race I did a few more sprint triathlons than I normally would, which gave me the chance to work on the race as a whole and see what I needed to change. In sprint races, every second counts, so I knew I couldn’t have any race hiccups if I wanted to come out on top.

At 43 years old, you were competing against guys nearly half your age and still won. How has fueling with XRCEL in your training and racing these past few years elevated your overall performance and allowed you to beat some very fast, and younger, opponents?

I use XRCEL in all of my training sessions, which gives me the edge because I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to feel during the race. I know that I’m not going to have any cramping or stomach issue when I use XRCEL, so it’s one less thing to worry about during the race. XRCEL gives me the fuel I need to race to the best of my ability.

What do you see as the biggest difference in using XRCEL when training and racing compared to the products you have used in the past?

XRCEL is easy to use as I can easily fit the easy-to-grip bottle in my jersey pocket when I train and race. You can drink half of a bottle and put the cap back on without a problem. There is no ease like that with a gel. Also, the amount of nutrition is always the same, so I don’t have to worry about measuring and mixing of a powder to make a drink.

Once you realized you were the overall winner of the sprint race, what emotions did you feel?

It was a tough race for me. I went from thinking the race was over for me to “wow, I won!” in under an hour. I didn’t have a good swim at all, coming out of the water two minutes down from the leader, which is not where I wanted to be.  I had to put in a great bike leg and run to make up  time and I ended up with the fastest bike split of the day and a top five run time. Coming down the finishing chute and raising the tape was a surreal feeling. The energy was so high and I was so stoked to win the overall race and become the NJ State Sprint Champion. It was such an awesome feeling!

How do you use XRCEL in shorter, faster triathlon races like the NJ Tri Championships?

In a short race like NJ State, I drink one bottle of XRCEL, followed by some water, about 15-20 minutes before the race starts. I’ll also have one bottle of XRCEL on the bike and drink about half of it with a few miles left in the bike portion. This strategy helps me stay fueled up for the entire run.

With consistent success and wins in your races, who inspires and drives you to continue to push yourself at such a high level?

My kids and family are my inspiration to keep going. I like that the training and racing is teaching my kids a healthy lifestyle. Now that both of them are getting older, I do some training with them as they are both into sports. Getting a couple runs in with them is the best time.  I try to do most of my training early in the morning so I don’t take away from the family time. I have to keep an open mind about my training schedule because with family and running a business, things can change at any time. I do believe in quality workouts, which is why I make them all count.

What are your racing goals for the rest of the year?

I have a few more triathlons on the schedule for the year. Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City in September and another late season sprint in my hometown. After that, I will do a few fun cross country races and a six-hour mountain bike race to end the season in November.

XRCEL: You had the second fastest marathon time overall, 2:45:59. After what you considered not to be your best swim and bike, how did you pull off such a fast run?

Scott DeFilippis: It’s been a long time since I’ve had a marathon like that, but with nearly a year of uninterrupted training, I knew no matter what happened in the first half of the race, I had that sort of effort in me.  I carried two XRCEL’s out of T2, drinking the first immediately and then sipping off the other one during the first 21 kilometers. The Nice course is a four-lap run, so I was able to stop on laps two and three to get the other two bottles I had left in my special needs bag.

Last year you were injured and watched Carrie Lester race Ironman France from the sideline. How did spectating last year propel your personal goals for this race?

This race is very special for me as it’s the site of my very first Ironman finish. Ever since that day in 2010, I’ve dreamt of running like I did this year, but I was zero for three in previous attempts, completely melting on the run. This year, my main objective was to have a good marathon.

Watching the race last year was motivating, but it was also very educational to watch as I saw how the race unfolded and witnessed many of the guys buckling on the marathon.  Coming off the bike this year, even though I had lost a good 15 minutes more than I had expected, I knew if I could nail the run, I’d finish in the top 10.

Why was it important to you to not give up heading into the run, knowing you weren’t having the best day, when many times pros will save their bodies and not finish a race if they aren’t feeling “on?”

First of all, my entire family was there. They came “across the pond” to celebrate my parents 50^th wedding anniversary.  Trust me, I contemplated pulling out nearly the entire bike ride as I had not had a bad day like that on the bike all year, but I kept thinking of my nephews and I didn’t want to have to explain to them why I quit.  Secondly, I knew with a top 10 finish, I would earn a paycheck and, as a professional, as hard as it is to make a living in this sport, I was fighting to cover some costs of the trip. Finally, in terms of beating up my body, I knew the distance of the Ironman, and the marathon, wouldn’t beat me up as it has over the past few years when I didn’t have such a big base of fitness.

How does being a coach to your KIS athletes play a role in how you react during your races, whether things are going well or poorly for you?

This is a special point in my career because I am still racing at a high level while I continue to hone my coaching skills. With every training block and race I learn something new.  Ironman France was no different and hopefully I proved to my athletes that triathlon is three sports, it’s not all about the bike, like many think. At the end of the day, the marathon makes or breaks your race.

You have lived and trained in Switzerland regularly over the years. What makes training and racing in the region so special, in your opinion?

This is my eighth summer in Switzerland, so naturally it feels like a second home. I absolutely love riding my bike in the Alps as it makes me feel like a little kid when I ride here. There’s nothing like coming to the crest of a mountain and then flying down the other side. You get that same sensation of skiing, only on a bike.

Racing here is also very special!  So many races around the world have become too easy, with two and three lap bike courses without a hill in sight.  This may sound harsh, but some of these races should be called “Easyman” not Ironman, but not in France. The French people are not afraid of a challenge.  Every weekend, all summer long, there are races where the organizers found a body of water and then looked for the biggest hills or mountains to make the bike as challenging as possible. They are passionate about suffering, that’s for sure!  I think their country’s history, having fought two World Wars here, could have something to do with this mentality, and I plan on racing in Nice again next year!

What’s your next big goal for the season and what will you take away from this race?

I’m pretty certain I felt so terrible because of how I tapered for this race, so I am currently working this out. Next up will be Alpe d’ Huez Long Course in early August, followed by the “Grand Daddy” of all full distance racing, Embrunman in mid-August. I also plan to race Ironman Chattanooga at the end of September.  I’ve recovered well, so I know I have a few big efforts left in me this season.  I’ll be swinging for the fences in every race I start until the end of the year!