The Basics

Last night after swimming I felt I had pulled off quite the feat. I had managed to complete my workout (2,000 yards, 43 minutes total, no biggie) without my head exploding (due to the ridiculously hot water), grabbing any children or the large floating animals they were riding right next to me (it must be family night at the pool at 6:00pm), or accidentally hitting any other swimmers (two guys in a non-existent lane with me at the far side of the pool). I was taking a hot shower (no idea why when I was so dang hot in the first place) when I heard one of the little girls outside in the public shower area talking about how she did swimming that evening.

She went on and on about how it was so fun and she loved swimming. Her Mother quickly brought her back to reality and had a little talk about "the basics." When Mom mentioned she needed to make sure she got better at "the basics" before she moved on to swimming in the deep end or with other kids by herself, the little girl politely questioned what she was talking about. She explained, "the basics are the things that you have to do no matter what to get better. You have to do them all the time, and that's what you build on so once you've learned them, everything else comes much easier. For example, one of the basics is holding your breath, you have to do that every time so you should get better at it before you move on."

I wondered if she knew I was in there listening and this talk might just be for me after all.

After I heard the dialogue, I thought a lot about the basics myself. I've been doing triathlons for three real seasons now and feel I am obviously much more proficient than I used to be at many things. I understand so much more about why we do things a certain way or what kind of time is required to excel. However, this time of year I have to come back to some of the basics. It's the only thing that makes any sense to me. I'm about to start into a full-years journey, but how can I be ready and keep improving if I neglect to think about the basics.

Therefore, I've made some decisions about areas to improve and work on as I begin my base building phase over these next few weeks:

1. Cadence. I want to check it continually on my trainer rides. I will be between 85-95 for the duration of the ride unless I am focusing on some strength work in the middle with bigger gears.

2. Swim Technique. I want to be analyzed again and really try to find things I can improve. Little things make all the difference in swimming and I am 100% positive about one thing - I am NOT doing everything right at this point so I need some stroke analysis and then drill work.

3. Staying within my heart rate zones. This is the time of year to swallow my pride. I was at the maximum aerobic of my heart rate the other day and I'm not even going to put my mins/mile on this blog but let me tell you, it was ugly...like just getting started running ugly..like you wouldn't have thought I was ever a runner ugly. So, if you're discouraged about this too, don't be, most of us are in the same boat at this point in the season. Swallow it, walk the hills, and move on. Believe it or not, that makes Champions (one name - Mark Allen, I rest my case).

4. Lifting. It's time to get serious. I'm not going to skip exercises. I'm not going to do them too quickly and I am going to learn to do each exercise as correctly as possible.

5. Nutrition. Let me say it again, NUTRITION! I know what I need to do, I have the skills to do it.. well then JUST DO IT! as Nike says! It's time to practice what I preach, buy the right groceries, increase fruits and vegetables, get enough protein, and even eat before bed (I know, some of you are wanting to gouge my eyes out with a toothpick right now, but I wake up in the middle of the night hungry and it messes with my sleep, something has to be done..like now).

So, there you have it. These are five of my basics that I want to improve and work on here at the beginning so that during the throws of training things are a bit easier because I put these in place early.

In other news, I have talked the swim coach into letting me swim with some of the "age group swimmers' that get to use the pool from 6:30-7:30pm. It's not ideal, but I'll take it. Next week, swimming at Clarion commences!

Have a great weekend!

Running for Sanity

It's a bit like bowling for dollars, but not quite as lucrative and way more important in my opinion. That's what I've been doing lately. If I couldn't exercise in some way shape or form I'm pretty sure I might loose my mind right now. I'm not sure what that says about me, and I guess I don't particularly care either. I might be able to make it a couple of days, or even a week or two, but right now, I need it more than ever.

This week is my first official maintenance week of Mark Allen Training. I put in the maximum workouts it would let me on the program (14), but I don't want to jump in too quickly, so I've been cutting the workouts a bit short and not worrying about it if I miss something. A creature of habit, that's me. I choose the exact same days to do everything as I did last year.

Monday - Long Swim, lift


Tuesday - Tempo Bike, moderate run


Wednesday - Tempo Swim, easy run, lift


Thursday - Moderate Swim, tempo run, moderate bike

Friday - A big fat day off


Saturday - Long bike, moderate swim, t-run

Sunday - Long run (and maybe a bike)

So, that's the plan. It may have to change depending on what days work best for what here. I just realized since I've been home what a routine I was in last year. I knew everything that would work out well and how I would do it and where. I stretched after the pool workout in the steam room (I LOVED that) and it was a very well put together system with ample support and great facilities. It's no wonder the training was hard, but not nearly as hard as it could have been without.

I talked to coach about the hot pool (the 86 degree pool), and his thoughts were that it's basically like running in 90 degree heat so I need to drink water like it's going out of style. I also need to bring a ice cold towel and wrap it around me between sets. I'm going to give it a shot (towel in the freezer at night, then take it with me in the morning??). Who knows! Anything that will keep my heart rate down so I can actually do a little work while I'm in there would be great.

This morning I ran on two full inches of ice. The few times I woke up I could hear it pelting the window and I knew I was in for trouble. I had to keep one foot off the road in the snow and hope for dear life that the other wouldn't take me a completely different direction. It was probably the worse conditions I have EVER run in and I can't believe we CHOOSE to live here and train in these types of conditions. Marit may have a visitor back sooner than she thinks!!

This is what happens to your footprint when you have to jam your shoe through the snow to get to the road!!

The road where I run by our apartment - treacherous!

A close up - I put my left foot right at the edge as though to try to avoid spillage!


Finally, yes, it is me in the Ad for Mark Allen in triathlete this month. I don't know why they picked me, and the picture was taken by a graphic design artist in the grass outside my office so go figure! It felt very strange to see it in there but hopefully it helps people get to know about the coaching and they seem pleased with it so that's great.

No, you do not need a V8. The Christmas tree didn't make it very far. I convinced Kyle to put it on the porch because so I could still see it. It was pretty when it was upright and covered with snow. Something happened over the last week or so and I haven't bothered to set it back up. Our landlords probably think we are the craziest people ever me riding my trainer all the time making the whomp, whomp, whomp and now this.

Stay warm everyone!!

I Believe...

A Talk at Cannon McMillian Elementary last January

I believe there is a plan and a purpose for my life unique to only me.

I believe that struggles don't build character, they help reveal it. They peel apart the layers just like the onion I feel is peeled down on race day. They remind us to look inward and examine ourselves, our motivation, and our life.

I believe that no one is in this life alone, we are our friends, our family, the people who share with us and love us. We are a part of them just as they are a part of us. Each one influencing and impacting the other.

I believe triathlon isn't who I am, it's something that I do but that helps shape me, teaches me things about the world and about myself. It's something I enjoy beyond words.

I believe we are each given a very special set of gifts and talents. I know I've been blessed in many ways, I'm a singer, a choir teacher, a speaker and much more. When I'm out there, on the course, I feel I'm doing something I was born to do and that I wouldn't be the same without it, at least right now.

The last two months I've been questioned more about my motivations - why I do what I do, when I'm going to STOP doing what I do and "start my life", more times than I can count. I know people are not trying to be rude, or intrusive, or even make me feel one way or another about it. They're inquisitive, and why not be when you don't understand anything about why someone would put themselves into something that requires so much work, so much sacrifice, that is so physically demanding and even risky. It doesn't make sense. There are more important things to be doing, like starting a family, having dinner made each night when Kyle gets home, finding a house or building one. These are just plain the things that make sense for me to be doing. They don't say it quite like that (well, some do), but the meaning is fairly obvious.

Small towns are much different. I haven't been here since I was in high school and I was living in my own little world at that point in my life. Small towns have many benefits, good schools, knowing everyone, safety, our church.

They also have a very different mentality, and very few people that understand even one part of what I'm doing or why I'm doing it.

So, why I am doing it?

Because I believe.

I believe all the things I mentioned above, and I don't know how the plan fits together yet, but I know that I feel most like me when I'm working toward something, setting goals, getting stronger, fitter, training with friends, joking and laughing about the things triathletes talk about.

What if I'm supposed to use all this in a way I haven't even fathomed. I don't put limits on the plan, I just try to listen to the voice that tells me if I'm doing the right things and staying on the path set forth for me. Could it be to speak to large groups of kids about nutrition, dreams, inspiration and encourage them like I'll do next month? Could it be to start my own business and help others get starting in the sport, influence them in a positive way? I don't know yet. All I know is that I can't stop, I won't stop. If they want to call it selfish, well, have at it...because that just goes to show you how little you really know about me.

Today I rode my bike on the trainer for an hour and forty minutes. I felt like myself for the first time in months and I soaked through my ironman towel while drinking two bottles of Gatorade. I have a confession to make Father, it's been three months since my last gel, and that does not make me sad. Ha! Actually, it tasted strangely familiar, and I won't say I liked it, but it did feel a bit like coming home.

So, that's it. That's why I do this, and that's why I'm not stopping.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the kind words left on my post from Friday (and the calls I received, you guys are amazing..thank you for caring so much about me). It was a rough day and I'm sure it won't be the last. I'm not afraid of the future. It might be incredibly hard, and I might struggle like I've never struggled, but I trust the plan. I have more faith in it than I do anything else. That, my friends, is why gets me through those times.

I just read the last lecture by Randy Pausch. The link is to the youtube video, but the book is excellent. One of the things that struck me is when he said that "brick walls are put in place to keep out those who don't want it bad enough". That's how I've been feeling lately, brick wall after brick wall and I just keep heading in full force. I'm coming to terms with what Randy said in my own way and trying to turn things around to look at the positives and make it through. I do want it bad enough, so watch for the girl with the chisel and the hammer, that would be me. Like Shawshank Redemption, it might take me awhile, but eventually I'll get to the other side.

So thank you again for the thoughts, and I will certainly keep you posted. We all have our reasons and I hope putting mine out there might make you think about yours. Not one reason or another is better, only different and unique. I'm so lucky to have friends who believe in me. You are a part of me...thank you for making this journey interesting, and fun, and better because you're in it.

There's no crying in triathlon...

They said that in the movie A League of their own in reference to baseball when one of the ladies burst out into tears during practice.

I kept thinking that this morning...tears streaming down my face.

No more hiding. It's been a tough road. Much tougher than I've let on in blogland. I'm not sure why I'm coming out with it now.

See sometimes there is crying in triathlon, and in life...

Sometimes you come off the biggest race of your life to leaving all your friends and the life you know to start all over.

Sometimes you feel all out of place and out of wack and nothings familiar.

Sometimes you push those you love away and the distance grows between you making you wonder how you're ever going to bridge the gap again.

Sometimes you just want to get yourself right and back to how you used to feel and what you know, and you try, but you keep running into brick walls.

Sometimes you try and talk to the swim coach and he's not there and in that same day you come to find out that in about a month the championship season is going to be over and they won't even open the pool until 9am leaving you in the same freakin situation you are now, swimming at 8pm.

Sometimes you just miss your friends, and feel alone, and want a routine and social interaction instead of spending every day in an office by yourself.

Sometimes you finally go for your first run in a week and your heart rate is off the charts and you end up walking a good bit of it while your tooth throbs and you feel so out of shape.

I know there are plenty of worse things out there..plenty of people who have it way worse and who have terrible diseases and have lost family members. It's not that you don't feel these things are bigger, it's just that sometimes you just want to take a moment and finally let the tears building up just come out so you can feel like you've had a good cry and you move on to trying to be the positive person that you usually are.

That's me. That's where I am. Life isn't easy. No one said it would be. No one has some perfect situation. No one has it easy, I don't care how it looks from the outside.

I'm going to keep praying, keep trying to get back to what I know and next week the schedule begins and I will swim wherever I can find a place and a time. If it's the hot pool, then it's the hot pool, if it's at 8pm, whatever, it's a 8pm. Most of all I just want to get back to some things that make me feel like me so I can start being the wife I used to be. Maybe with a few things back in place I can make some friends and not mind being by myself all day.

Sometimes it's just better to come clean, and let people know where you are so we all realize we're the same, we struggle, and life is hard. Luckily, we're in this together, and I'm thankful you're out there, and you're you and you share your struggles with me too. We help each other out of these places sometimes, and we're both the better for it.

Here Goes Nothin - to pool or not to pool!

Am I true salesman?

Can I convince someone with a stellar pitch?

We are about to find out my friends.

Tomorrow morning I am all set to go in and talk to the Clarion University Swim Coach at 8:30am. This meeting has been a long time coming.

I've tried to swim in the 86 degree water at the Oil City YMCA for the last two months. Most of the time I end up jumping up and sitting on the side of the pool deck after each set, panting like a dog, and swearing at the lifeguards under my breath (well, not actually swearing, but wanting to swear). I know it's not their fault that 90% of the people using this pool are 75+, but it doesn't help people like me who are actually trying to do a workout and not pass out or need to be resuscitated in the mean time. So anyway, unless push comes to shove, I'm done with that pool.

Back to the Clarion Pool and the women's swim team. As a division II athletic program, they are actually fairly renowned within the conference. The pool is wonderful, except that as a recreational swimmer (i.e. not on the team) I can go between the hours of 9am-12pm and 8:00pm-9:45pm. I've gone at night a couple of times and the cycle usually goes like this after work - "I'm soooo hungry, dang it, I can't eat I've got to swim, ok I'll just have a little something, whoops! I just ate that entire bag of chips and all the hummus" and then during my swim I burp the entire time and have an upset stomach. I come home at 9:45 or 10:00 only to have to eat my last meal of the day at that time and I'm usually too wound up to sleep! Not cool, especially if you want to get up early again and workout.

So, this brings me to tomorrow. A good friend of mine is the coach of the women's cross-county and track teams. He has already broached the subject with the swim coach about my situation, and the swim coach prompted said a big fat NO. However, I'm going to go in tomorrow and give it my best pitch. Something like...

Top Ten Reasons why I should be able to swim with the Clarion Swim Team:

1. I am not a recreational swimmer, I am an athlete, in training
2. You will not even know I am there (unless you hear me breathing because I am dying), and I will swim last in the slowest lane and try to hang on for dear life
3. I will give sports nutrition talks and individual counseling FOR FREE to the team
4. I do not smell bad (most days)
5. I desperately need social interaction these days, and this will make me a better athlete
6. I will try and be a role model or something.. whatever, after school special type person
7. I did the Ironman (yes, I will pull this out if necessary to reinforce number 1)
8. Please, Please, Please with a big old fat cherry on the top
9. I am a very positive person and that will come through my personality (even though you won't even know I'm there)
10. I am an athlete, in training...and once again, please, please, please

So, if that doesn't do it. Well, I don't know what will. I guess we will see tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!!

The Pot Has Boiled Over...

Enough.

Enough already.

It's time to train. It's time to get into a routine, to get up early, to suffer, to find out about myself, to share with others, to sometimes get the hardest part of my day over with by 8am.

I feel like I'm about to rip someones throat out with my teeth (and I'm a fairly nice person I think!). So, I think that says something.

This year, and this off-season, has been much different for me. The previous year I tapped out about August, having trouble keeping the mental aspect of training going through the typical end of a season of say September or October. By late November, I was ready to come back and start in on the St. Croix training.

Instead of August, my year ended in October in 2008, and I'm one of those athletes who definitely needs a mental break from the day in day out routine of training. I need to shut it down, and spend time with friends and family. It's nice to be "normal" for awhile. I stay out late, I have a few beers or glasses of wine (or too many on occasion), and catch up on some of the things I've been missing throughout the training time.

I needed that time this year. To examine what the year had brought, the hardships endured, and the wonderful blessings I'd received. In addition, we moved, and with it brought all types of other challenges for me to overcome as a wife, and as an athlete. The training facilities, the support, it's all changed. Now it's just me. I would be lying if I said it had been an easy transition...and it's not over yet.

In fact, a part of me feels it just beginning as I start back into something I love and that gives me so much joy. In the mean time, I've been struggling to adapt mentally to the challenges this new place may bring, and trying to be thankful that it will give me new perspective and teach me to be tough while running alone, biking alone, and swimming alone this year.

All I can tell you is, it's time. I'm not going to think about where I was at this time last year. I'm not going to compare myself to other people who are months into this. I can tell you one thing, I am NOT a January national champion, not even close. I haven't really seen the pool more than ten times since October. I've run because I enjoyed it, without a monitor, and I've biked for pure enjoyment on a more than sporadic basis.

I want to be so tired when I hit the pillow I go out like a light.
I want to challenge myself with new workouts and start dreaming again like I did last year.
I want to achieve goals, meet new friends, encourage my fellow athletes and even help a few newbies get started.

I can't hold it in any longer.

This starts.. today.

Here We Go To the Superbowl!! Go Steelers!

What a game! The Steelers faced off with the Raven's tonight with home field advantage.

It was touch and go there for awhile. The first half we made some great plays but the second half started out a bit sloppy, but we seemed to bring it around once Palomalu caught an interception and ran it back for a touchdown!!

We were jumping up and down and yelling at the TV! So fun!!

To read more about the game click the link!! The exciting part is that in two weeks we will be facing the Cardinals in Tampa for the Big Game!

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/19/sports/FBN-NFL-Playoffs.php

Way to Go Steelers!!

Forest of Elves & Minus Four Teeth

Last Thursday Marit and I rounded out our exceptional week of spectacular triathlete fun, festivities and fantastic magic with a ride through Elfin Forest. I had heard many things about the forest, including stories about it's beauty, winding (and particularly rough at times) road, and most of all about it's little people. Ok, so I made the last part up. I waited for Elves, or wizards, or whatever mythical creatures may present themselves but to no avail. We did run into some massive road construction, but nothing else unfortunately.

Even without the creatures, it was still a magical day with some great riding that quickly reminded me that we had done Palomar only two days prior. Marit seemed to be a bit more recovered as we sped done the coastal highway, she dusted me on many of the hills. My legs spent the first thirty minutes screaming at me for even thinking about being back on a bike. I hadn't really done things the right way (no riding over an hour before arriving, then three hours of riding with over half of it being uphill on Tuesday) and my legs were mad, mad, mad.

It didn't matter though, I was riding outside in 50 degree weather with a very good friend and I was happy beyond belief!

Once we road into the forest we came upon some other riders stopped behind some construction vehicles. Marit had warned me about the road being very grated and rough, but it seemed that someone had finally conveyed the message and the guys with hard hats were out in full force. Good for those riders who are going to ride this road many times in a future. Not so good for those of us now who had to ride through a hot mess of muddy sludge while I had trouble clipping in while followed by a string of cars who just wanted me to get the $#^% out of the way.

We convinced some other bikers to within the group to stop and take our picture along the way, which they did graciously (thank you!!). We also stopped at Marit's favorite watering hole along this route, The Church of God (or La Igesia de dios).

Marit does some parking lot circling before we both took a potty break

During both pre-bike sessions, I reopened my wound when my hand kept shooting up forcefully as I aired my tire and released the pump off the value. Marit was kind enough to give me not just any band-aid to make me feel better. I stopped crying as soon as she put it on.. even though it looked mad.

The views coming out of the forest were beautiful

I pulled a Bree and Rachel Ross by taking some pictures while riding (hopefully my Mom is NOT reading this.. she would kill me). I did it as safely as possible. I promise. Marit rides in front as we decend into the Canyon of the Gods.

Finally, we road back up the coastal highway to home. I missed a gel toward the end of the ride and started complaining I might fall off my bike (as did Marit so we both talked about food for the last five miles before going hone to devour an Amy's Pizza!).

Finally, we made it home and the all-fun part of my trip was over. It was time to go to work (yes, I really did do a little toward the end of the week at the California School Show).

Yesterday, I had my four impacted wisdom teeth removed. I've eaten nothing but yogurt, ramen noodles, hummus, and mashed potatoes but I am one step closer to my coach FINALLY letting me start a training program..like, for real. He said no scheduled training until this was done and if me looking like a chipmunk, face stuffed with gauze and spitting blood is what it takes, then so be it.

Watch out other triathletes, I'm now four-tenths of an ounce lighter and ready to rumble! Ha! I can't wait to eat real food again so I hope by Monday I am going to be back on track and maybe even back on my bike (I hear running would be not so fun, probably no swimming either with flip turns).

Twenty nine years old, void four wisdom teeth, and I'm excited to see what else 2009 has in store! Have a great weekend everyone!

No Words...

Tabbithias Rex decides if she will or will not ride the Cervelo out today to do an easy 50.

There are times when you just know...

One of those times for me was this week at Marit's and Nate's house...

I knew I was coming to meet someone I'd never met before but that I had only had good experiences with via blogland and email. I knew I was going to encounter incredible drive, fortitude and determination. What I didn't know for sure, until it was proven, was that I was about to experience a heart of gold. That's a true friend. That's a blessing. That's Marit.

I don't want to get all sappy on the blog here, but I really have had such an amazing week. It wasn't just the hospitality, it wasn't just the blood sweat and tears of Palomar, masters swimming, running and hot yoga.. it was everything combined. Come to think of it, it was more the fact that I found someone so like me that I felt a connection from the very second I saw her hanging out with my bike case guarding it against all evil in the San Diego airport!! With one hug I knew that I had found someone of like mind and throughout the week it was only more evident that not only a fierce competitor, but a person of great character had been found.

I'm all done with the spiel...but I have to say that it's rare when you get to meet someone of such caliber and I'm telling you, I feel fortunate to say that I did.

She hauled my ass to Masters swimming again at 6:00am (he he.. sorry Marit, I know I wanted to go!)

The Carlsbad Pool pre-sun up

and I had a great swim of 3000 again which reminded me once again, I do remember how to swim and just because I haven't been doing it, doesn't mean I hate it (which I did feel toward swimming at one point early in my triathlon career!).

The Carlsbad Pool at 7:15am, yep, we're already done!

By spending some extra time with me after practice, I think Marit might have taught me how to flip turn correctly as opposed to some other weird practices I was developing over time!! Elbows in, push water up and out with hands extended at the end of the turn by your ears while pushing off the wall. We'll see if I can practice this at home and keep it going... I hope so.

Afterward it was a run on the beach (where by the way, we say Michelle Jones ride by covered in pink and black while I hit Marit and yelled "it's Michelle Jones, did you see that!!" - FYI, if you don't know who this is, you are not a real triathlete..kidding) and within ten minutes we had to get ready for hot yoga, which was a weird yet oddly cleansing experience to say the least! I sweated more than I have ever sweated in my entire life. My legs were making pools on the towel and every time I hit a downward dog sweat would drip off my temples. Luckily, I found the only person in the world who sweats as much as I do and she was a triathlete right next to me so I didn't feel so alone. I think scantily clad yogi's must be really in tune with their bodies or.. well.. just not give a ^%$@ because there were people wearing less than I wear to bed most evenings at home, by myself. It's all good though people, it's San Diego.. this is not only allowed, it's totally acceptable.

The scene of the crime.. hot freakin kick your butt but you'll feel way better yoga


I'm smiling because this is the sweatiest I have ever been in my life

After yoga it was a trip to the Witch Creek Winery to taste some of the best wine I have had in ages and get more than a little tipsy. The red was rich and the dessert wine was extremely sweet but infinitely enjoyable. We had a blast. We made quite the purchase when it was all said and done and I can say mine was slightly due to the intoxication, but I am pretty sure I'm going to thank myself later for this one when I'm sitting at home slipping on a great glass remembering my trip.

Yes, we made a small purchase, but we had no choice, it was exquisite wine.. at least it tasted like it by the 8th wine tasting glass.

We even convinced Jen (who works there) to take a picture in front of the barrels! Cheers!

Finally, it was off to dinner at a great Italian restaurant where we had more (surprise) great wine - hey - it's California - and a wonderful meal to top off the day.

I don't think I could have designed it better myself and mostly, I'm just so thankful that I had a chance to meet Marit and Nate, and have them be a part of my life from now on. I have a very good feeling we will be friends for the duration and I don't deserve these kind of people in my life, but somehow they just keep coming out of the woodwork anyway.

Nate, Marit and I at dinner, a great night of food, friends and fellowship


Tomorrow, it's my last day of fun before the work begins and I guess it's time to suck it up and realize you can't stay in triathlete Heaven forever. Regardless, I wouldn't have changed one thing and in fact, I'd do it all over again if I had the chance. Maybe someday, I'll be lucky enough to do so!!

Palomar

You Are Here - the Top of Mount Palomar!!

We did it. Not that I ever had any doubt that we would. I know myself, and if there was any way possible I could get up that mountain, I would. Regardless of the fact that I had not done any biking over an hour and every single ride thus far has been on the trainer was obsolete. We had been planning this ride since before I arrived and I had been looking forward to it since I could remember. Today was the day and as we said on our t-shirts in college "it's time."

After a great nights sleep and four halves of English muffin with apple jelly I was all set to go. Well, let me rephrase that...after food and then forty five minutes of Marit and I asking each other if we had gloves, socks, a hat, arm warms, gels, wind vests, tights, drinks and toe warmers tucked into our jerseys and packed running shoes, shorts and bars we were all set to go.

We made the spectacular drive to Palomar and chatted it up non-stop from start to finish while listening to Autoslave and stained. I was as giddy as a school girl while we got our bikes ready to make the climb. We had so much packed in our jerseys that it felt like I was carrying a small child back there! We parked at the Harrah's casino and proceeded to pee in the parking lot between a small set of hedges like any true biker would do before a monumental ride.

After a 25 minute warm up on the flats it was time to start the climb. It began at a Taco place but as we came upon the official "start" we stopped for a moment and both decided that one last relieving of the badder was in order. To our dismay while looking around there was no place to go...normal people would have gone in the restaurant. Once again, another reason I love this girl, Marit felt the same way I did - why take all that time, I want to squat right here. So, in broad daylight, well, in the shade of a tree, out in the open, right by the side of the road, she squatted down while trucks road past and did her business. I held the bikes. Afterward she held the bikes while I attempted to go behind a small area of flowering bushes and a man came over to yell to her from the Taco parking lot "Hey, we have restrooms in here you know!" Marit, being the nicest most cordial person I know said what any polite triathlete who had just dropped her drawers in public would say, "thank you! I'll keep that in mind for next time!" I was laughing behind the bush as the conversation took place knowing that I would try to portray it here but would never do it justice. For more on this, check her blog, I'm sure she'll write!

The climb began slowly and we chipped away little by little passing groves of citrus fruit. At one point she told me it had been seven minutes. I told her no more updates as I know this climb would take around 90 minutes if we had a good day.

Pictures from the decent!

We made small talk occasionally to pass the time and by 30 minutes in I was already starting to be thankful I rode my 27 cassette. I hadn't maxed out the gears yet, but I knew it wouldn't be long.

We continued to climb and I followed close behind as the road went from fairly strait to switchback after switchback during the second half. Often times we talked about the good things that come from climbs like this, the confidence they build, the experience they give us to draw from when times get tough. The miles kept passing but often times, it seemed like forever to only go one mile. The elevation kept climbing to and I would see 3000 feet, then 4000 and with each passing thousand the view would be even more spectacular. I just couldn't believe we were that high up as we towered about the other mountains in the range. We would look down below from where we'd come and marvel at the fact that we were there not long ago.

Marit does the Napoleon pose along the decent!

When we passed 5000 ft it was a great sense of accomplishment and I was so glad we were riding right together. I felt like a team and I said many times how stoked I was to be riding on this day, at this moment and how thankful I was just to have the opportunity to do this!! Even in the worst pain when my legs felt like they might fall off I still said I loved riding my bike and I did, it was grand!!

When we finally saw the signs that signified the road around the top we were cheering and celebrating!! We did it!! It was a great feeling and we took some time to consume cliff bars and get our picture taken before making the long decent.

The decent was long and cold and we took the time to pile on the layers and thank heavens we did!! After only a mile or two down my hands and back were killing me from riding the brakes so hard. We took time to stop and take some pictures and when we finally arrived back at the car I was one happy girl!

After a 30 minute run around the parking lot at Harrah's we were talking about pizza and all kinds of other food we were craving. The Powerbars we shoved in our mouth the second we hit the car were nice, but not nearly what I was looking for to satisfy my hunger. When we finally arrived home it was time to throw a pizza in the oven and eventually get sushi this evening!! On the way I saw a beautiful San Diego sunset and I relished the moment for all it was worth.

What a day, what a climb, what an awesome training partner. I'm so grateful we took on the challenge and even though it was hard, it was worth every second.

I've Died and Ended Up in Triathlete Heaven

The Beautiful Beaches of San Diego

If you were wondering where it is, I've found it.. the promised land. The place where outdoor pools remain open all year and a crew of bikers comes by ever 10-15 minutes eagerly chatting about the spectacular ride ahead. Where the sun abounds and the ocean lulls you to sleep each night with the sound of it's peaceful waves..

It was right here all along.. in San Diego.

So, maybe I embellish a little, but honestly, not that much. I'm sure my spectacular time here is also a direct result of the warm welcome and amazing fun that my hosts Marit and Nate have provided since I arrived yesterday. How lucky am I to encounter people with such warm hearts and who go out of their way to make you feel at home.

After being promptly picked up at the airport by Marit by the time we got the bike case in the car and hi-tailed it home my father had arrived from the Northern part of the state to spend a few hours with me before heading home. We had a great time walking around this cute eclectic place with ample shopping, restaurants and low and behold.. JAMBA JUICE. Now I see what all the fuss is about.. Where else would you pay 4.00 for a glass of antioxidant supercharger and not think a thing of it because we all of course NEED those super powers as triathletes!

Today started with an awesome pool workout with the masters team in Carlsbad at the high school pool. Marit isn't lying about how hard it is to go outside when it reads 41 degrees and we are wearing a swim cap and tight Lycra!! I sprinted out and hopped in a a rapid rate but was greeted by a lane of very nice people who were not afraid to have a random person swimming alongside! We did about 3300 before calling it a day and for the first time in months, I remembered that I actually know how to swim.. After swimming in the geriatric pool of 86 degrees sporadically, this was a MUCH needed session to say the least.

The day only got better as we came home to eat breakfast, put together the bike and head off to the bike shop to pick up her brand new sexy scott with pink accents and then make sure I didn't forget to tighten some screw that would send me flying off the Palomar tomorrow.

I can't remember the name of the beach we headed down to check out while our bikes were getting tuned but I pulled a Vanna White anyway...

Two crazy girls who had to take their own pictures since no one was around!

After the bikes got to know each other well (it was instant friendship), we headed to lunch at Noodles.. once again, I'm in love. Everything was healthy and tasted so delicious I didn't want it to end. If you haven't been, find one.. they are exceptional, and not to pricey either!!

They started out as aquintences and ended up friends... See.. even bikes of different worlds can come together!

Finally, it was home to nap and then do some functional strength which I am pretty sure I might be cursing Jen about tomorrow morning when I can't even get on the bike. Ok.. Ok.. it really was a great workout, but for someone who has been on the long off season plan.. this could hurt tomorrow!

Tabitha gets some loving and likes it!

We played with the kitties and I think both House Monster and Annabelle are warming up to me slowly but surely.

Mostly I just love the place, adore the people and think I should be paid indefinitely to train and hang out. If anyone knows how I can do so, please, speak up... Oh.. and by the way, I'm not coming home so if you need me...you know where to find me.. San Diego.. AKA Triathlete Heaven!

San Diego or Bust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Kids, it's time.

I can't tell you how excited I am to travel for work. Ok.. let me rephrase that, to travel for work and for play!

Every once in awhile a career that requires me to travel brings me to places in the country that I actually want to go and low and behold, where there are people I actually know! When in early December one of the regional managers asked me to come out to San Diego and help with the CA school show, I made out like it wasn't a big deal, but inside secretly I was like "YES, YES, YES!" I decided breaking out into song would look like a little much, so I held it in until I talked to Marit and she was so kind as to invite me to stay for a bit and train prior to having to work.

This is the perfect example of how some amazing friendships and really good things can come from communicating with people in this manner. I respect the blog for what it is, and it's fun, and cathartic, and inspiring, and interesting, and even a chance to learn from other people. It's the connection...it can be real and you can meet wonderful people that you would have never met otherwise and I'm thankful for that.

With that said, the bike is packed...

The weather looks unbelievable!

Sun Jan 4
Sunny
61°

Mon Jan 5
Sunny
59°


Tue Jan 6
Mostly Sunny
63°


Wed Jan 7
Sunny
67°

And we have an exciting week of swimming, biking, running, hot yoga and wine tasting planned!!! Yes, I put that last one on the schedule myself ( Jen - Marit had nothing to do with it I swear!). I will be riding my bike outside for the first time since Kona so I hope I remember how to descend a mountain at mock two!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year and a great start to 2009. I have a great feeling about this year, and I can't wait to start it off with a bang in sunny San Diego. Now, if only the flights cooperate I will be so happy!!