Jessica Broderick is racing in both drafting and non-drafting events and competes for the University of Colorado and Team Timex. She finished 10th at Elite Nationals in 2010, but has loftier goals for this year.
Slowtwitch: How are your preparations for 2011 going?
Jessica: I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on 2010, and from that have established new goals for 2011. It really is hard for me to believe that 1/3 of 2011 has already passed by. I suppose the fact that I am a full time student along with the great passion I have for the sport of triathlon and training, make it no surprise to feel like the days just fly by. I thoroughly enjoy the challenges each week, as a student and an athlete, and this balancing act seems to keep me on my toes. In my preparations for this year, my most important consideration is to remain true to myself and appreciate all of my experiences in school, training, and competition. Remaining healthy both physically and mentally has never been taken for granted. I feel extremely fortunate to have had success in triathlon in past years and most importantly, continue to look forward to the experiences and opportunities that this sport affords me. I’m really mixing things up this race season and I am pumped about the challenges I will encounter in non-draft races, draft legal races and possibly my first half Ironman. I am excited about my role as a member of the Colorado Triathlon Team and my place with The Timex Triathlon Team. Being surrounded by great team members and role models is really what I most excited about for 2011.
ST: Well, we actually recently ran into you at the 2011 Timex camp and for you this was the second time there. Was it still as exciting?
Jessica: Of course! Being a part of the Timex team is a huge honor. It was really exciting to reconnect with all of the athletes on the team. I have had such a heavy draft legal race focus so although I really never have the opportunity to see many of these athletes at races, we do keep in touch. It is quite amazing that athletes from all over the world come together for such a short time and recognize our common thread- a passion for health and well-being and the drive to push ourselves. The weekend was packed with fun and excitement, offering great "training tips," and of course we all threw in a little training, too. Due to extensive planning of the Timex staff, it was another successful camp this year. Timex is truly a unique multisport team led by some of the hardest working and genuine people I have ever met. To be a part of this family is remarkable and I look forward to seeing some big results from all of the athletes this season. With fantastic product sponsorships from Sugoi, Powerbar, Orbea, Shimano, TriSwim, Orca, Nathansport, The Tri Shop, Headsweats, Native Eye Wear, Triggerpoint, Powerbreathe, Wigwam, Justin’s Nut Butter, Beaker Concepts, and Genuine Innovations, all fifty athletes are ready for lots of training and fast racing. It should be a great year for Timex!
ST: It seems to be a great team bonding experience. Did you make any new friends and were you able to give some advice to new members?
Jessica: There are nine new members on the team this year, and I made sure to introduce myself and get to know all of these individuals. Everyone’s stories are unique and spectacular. Interacting with the 49 other teammates is certainly a highlight of my year. As the youngest athlete on the team, I know I have a great deal to learn about triathlon, so the camp, just like last year, was an incredible experience for me. Not only are the Timex athletes my teammates, but they too are all great role models and ambassadors for the sport.
ST: What is next for you?
Jessica: My first race this year will be Collegiate Nationals on April 9th. I had planned on racing in Lake Havasu this upcoming weekend, but due to some recent health problems, I have pushed back the start to my season. The University of Colorado triathlon team is excited and ready to go this weekend. It will be great to see how our athletes stack up against other collegiate teams before the big day in Alabama. After winning Collegiate Nationals last year in Lubbock as a team, we are all excited to see what we can make of 2011.
ST: Talking about Nationals, at the 2010 Elite Nationals in Tuscaloosa you grabbed your second top 10 spot. Was that what you had hoped for?
Jessica: I was very happy with my result at Elite Nationals this year. I knew coming into this race that I would be much more competitive than last year. What defined that race for me was not only a top ten finish amongst the strongest females, but how I persevered through a mechanical issue resulting in a dropped chain and a solo TT effort to regroup with the pack. Draft legal racing is tough, and to have these challenging experiences in races only makes you stronger. Staying composed and calm in stressful race situations is an important lesson to learn. It was a tough day out there, but overall, toeing the line with the top American triathletes was an incredible experience for me. The Tuscaloosa heat and humidity certainly took its toll on many of the athletes, and you could see it at the finish line.
ST: Lauren Goss managed to get past you at the end and thus also took the U23 title. Did you realize that when she went by?
Jessica: I am proud of the effort I put forth on that day. I suppose the heat and overcoming a dropped chain and solo TT back to the pack on the bike had an impact on me. At an Elite National Championship the competition brings out the best in all athletes. I know that I was pushed to my limits and beyond.
ST: How about the rest of the season?
Jessica: Following Nationals, I will be competing at the Wildflower Triathlon. The first bit of my season will be a non-drafting focus, and then I plan on doing a mix of draft legal and non-draft races for the rest of the season. My race schedule is not completely set in stone yet, but I know that this year will be much more balanced than the last with the two racing styles. I am hopeful that I will be able to make it back East for a bit to compete, as well as, to spend time with my family. I look forward to getting the non-draft experiences and continuing to develop in the elite Olympic draft legal format.
ST: Why Wildflower?
Jessica: It is a race I have wanted to do for a few years now. After experiencing Collegiate Nationals, I saw that Wildflower also has a Collegiate Division with some great competition. Also, the course looks beautiful and challenging. From chats with other athletes who have raced there, it sounds like there are tons of fans, a great race announcer, and there is lots of fun to be had! I am looking forward to it.
ST: You also mentioned possibly doing a Half. Is there any race in particular you are looking at?
Jessica: I don't have any particular race in mind yet - possibly the Rev3 Half Ironman, simply because it is in my hometown of Middlebury, CT. I plan on going back East to do a few races and visit family, so it might work out well to do this one. It seems like a very difficult course, and I would love nothing more than experiencing my first half ironman with friends and family on the side lines in the place where I grew up. We will see if I decide to race this half, or possibly another one. As I mentioned before, the season is still a bit up in the air based on where I am, and how my races early on in the season go.
ST: Quite a bit of time has passed since we last talked to you in April of 2009. Do you think you have learned much?
Jessica: I can’t believe it has been nearly two years! I think I have learned a great deal since then. Living in Boulder, I am surrounded by athletes and individuals who are constantly offering guidance and knowledge. I find this extremely valuable. Whether a nutrition tip, or technique help on my swim, or someone just asking “how's life?” I find myself with people who invest their time for the betterment of others. It is a great community.
Since last speaking to Slowtwitch, I have learned a lot about myself as an athlete. I used to think that more is better, and that all that mattered was how much training I was doing. It is easy to get wrapped up in numbers, especially when you are surrounded by some of the top athletes in the world. What I have come to realize is that the best way for me to improve is to follow a plan that works for me. Quality over quantity is key. I haven’t trained as many hours this off-season as I did last year, but I feel fitter and am performing better than ever. I am so lucky to have a core group of athletes on the CU Tri team that not only push me, but remind me of the main reason we do this sport- because it’s fun! Of course, I take triathlon seriously, I work very hard, and I have big dreams and goals for myself. But, at this stage in my life, as a 20-year-old student athlete, I hope to sustain a great balance between my studies and sport, and see where it all takes me.
ST: Where would you say you still could use a bit of improvement?
Jessica: I could use improvement in all areas of the sport. I think that is an important lesson to learn as a young athlete, be open-minded to continual development. I think that coming to terms with this can force an individual to be patient and smart with training, giving them the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. I still consider myself pretty new to triathlon, and this is why I try to absorb all the information I can from other athletes, coaches, and all accessible resources.
ST: Is there anything else we should know about you?
Jessica: I am so very thankful for the people in my life. I feel like I can never say thank you enough to my amazing friends and family, so here’s to all of you! Thank you, thank you!! Many smiles have been brought to my face because of the people in my life, and competing in this sport would mean nothing if I couldn’t share it with all of them. As I continue to swim, bike and run, your love and support will fuel my journey. Last but certainly not least, Go Buffs!!!
