August 25, 2012

Tomorrow I will be competing in Ironman Canada; my first IM in 7 years. The last one I competed in was The World Championships in Kona in 2005. I guess you could say that I'm starting all over in the endurance field. I am nervous, excited, and ready to see what I can do with the training that I've put in over the last few months. I think my average cycling miles per week has been around 150 miles, running around 45-55 miles/week, and swimming 15,000 yds/week. The training has been very different having had Gabriel, who just turned 2 years old two weeks ago, and I am fine with that. This trip is the longest that I've been away from Gabey and thank goodness for video chat!!

My dad decided to drive up with me, so we've had a fun adventure so far. It took us 3 days (2.5 days really) to make it up to Penticton, BC, Canada. The first night we made it as far as Redding, CA and stayed in a hotel there. Day two we drove to Bend, OR and met up with my client who is also competing in Penticton. We did some training in Bend, which is a great place for exercise. We stayed there for about 3-4 hours, had lunch then continued our journey up to Vancouver, WA where Scott G. from Oomph helped us with finding a place to stay (Thank you Scott). We ended up at The Heathman Lodge. A beautiful place to stay if you are ever in the Vancouver, WA area. Day 3 we make a little bit of a round-a-bout detour to meet up with my friend Erin F. from The Dalles, OR for a run. It was great to catch up with her and I'm so glad she had the time to meet us (Thank you Erin). After our run we continued our drive through the Canadian border and to our home stay's house in Okanogan Falls, BC. Diane and Doug are wonderful hosts and very nice individuals. They are also housing a male pro from New Zealand and another female pro from the U.S.; both are very nice and I'm glad I have had the opportunity to meet them.

The town of Penticton is lovely and the people very nice. The course looks great and again I'm excited to see what unfolds tomorrow.

18 Months

Well, I believe it's been quite some time since I've written here and I finally have found some time, pending Gabey doesn't wake up yet from his nap. We've started to ween Gabey from nighttime feedings...yes, I was still waking up anywhere from 1-3 and even 4 times per night to nurse, which isn't the greatest if you have to wake up at 5am! For the past two nights I've slept on the couch while Gabey and Jay sleep in our room...yep, lucky them! So far, it's going very well and I hope within a few more days, Gabey will be sleeping through the night. I still wake up when I hear Gabey stir, but at least he goes back to sleep very quickly. Even Jay is getting better sleep and I think Gabey is too! The past two days his afternoon naps have been better as well.

Gabey is saying so many words these days and even started saying "mail man" the other day!! So cute. He loves putting trash in the garbage and recyclables in the recycle bin and says both "trash" and "recycle." He loves music; he has a ukelele, piano, wooden drum and I'm eventually going to get him a kazoo...just because it's cool!! One behavior we are trying to curb however is running the dog over with his push cart. Sprocket isn't too keen on being chased around the house by an 18 month old wheeling a cart at her and neither are we.

As for me, training is going well and this past week I actually hit over 200 miles of cycling for the week and just over 50 miles of running for the week. I don't think I've done that in quite a few years. I must say, I'm pretty exhausted today though, so am taking it easy and getting things accomplished around the house.

Long Time

It's been quite a while since I've written anything here. So here's a brief list of what's been going on around the Smith household. Gabey is almost a year and a half and is a great little boy. He loves the outdoors, playing with Sprocket, loves the water, runs doesn't walks, enjoys playing musical instruments and singing and dancing. We are still not sleeping through the night however, I hope that will be remedied soon as I really would LOVE to get at least 6 hours of straight sleep; I'd feel like Super Woman!!

I am back to training and hope to have a much better triathlon season this year than last! I still don't feel like I have the speed back, but I have my endurance. I think some specific interval workouts (which I have recently started) will no doubt get me in to race shape.

Gabey 11 months old

I can't believe 11 months have already gone. Gabriel is getting so big and is learning to walk with support...actually, he took a few steps unsupported today!! I'm almost positive he'll be walking by his 1st birthday.

He has been better about trying different foods and likes watermelon, rice, black beans, chicken, pork, pita bread, and of course O's!!

We went to Denis the Menace park and he took his first swing

He has his two bottom teeth in and his two middle front teeth in and is getting two more uppers in now. Poor kid, he's chewing on anything these days to help his gums.

All he wants to do is walk, walk, walk. I think even in his sleep he tries to stand up! Speaking of sleep, we still are waking up during the night!! Jay and I haven't been strict on having him sleep through the night and I figure he'll do it eventually. I don't think it affects his sleep much, but as for me I think I'm just used to it now! However, I still will be ecstatic when he sleeps through the night.
Gabey LOVES to be outside. Every morning he goes to the door and wants to play. He has a fascination with the garden hose and loves to help me water the lawn and flowers!! Maybe his thumb will be greener than mine.

Treasure Island Triathlon

This past Saturday, July 9th I competed in San Francisco at the Treasure Island Triathlon. This year it happened to be an ITU Pan American Cup, ie. draft-legal race. Mom, Erin, & Gabey and I drove up Friday morning; Gabey was a champ on the drive up! Erin was racing the age group race on saturday morning and I would be racing in the afternoon.

My last ITU draft-legal race was this particular race in 2009. I was hoping I'd have people to swim and ride with; during the first lap of the swim I was on the tail end of a pack but after making the turn around I lost the toes I was keying off of. I felt strong in the water and exited with two other women. I was the first out of T1 and was hoping to catch some girls on the bike. As I began my first loop, Mom and Erin yelled that I was in 17th place. Ok, I had some work to do! One of the women that exited the water with me caught me and for the next 2 laps we worked together. The wind was so strong in sections that I was glad I had her to draft from, however it didn't last long. This woman from Canada had more snap in her legs than I did and when she jumped to catch a small pack in front of us I couldn't respond. I was now all by myself! I continued to forge ahead and kept telling myself that if I could just push as hard as I could into the wind I would be able to keep moving up. By the time I finished the 6-looped flat with one small hill bike course, I was in 11th place. After a quick transition I was determined to at least be in the top 10. The Canadian girl I was cycling with was just ahead of me. The run course was 3 loops on very flat terrain. I knew I could catch her. By the start of lap 2 I had indeed caught and passed her and within a few more seconds I caught two more girls. I was now in 8th place and even though 7th place was just out of reach I ran the last loop like I was going to catch her.
I'm so glad that the finish didn't come down to a sprint as I had nothing left in my legs.

Escape from Alcatraz

I competed in my second triathlon since having Gabey, yesterday at the Escape from Alcatraz in San Francisco, CA. I feel "out of the loop" with the sport after taking a year off, but I think it's coming back to me. Jay, Gabriel, and I headed up to SF on Friday and had a relaxing two days before the event on Sunday. I am still nursing and poor Gabey had caught a cold on Saturday night, so we were up with him quite a few times; needless to say I think I got pretty good sleep (when I was asleep)! I was debating on whether or not to wear my HR monitor but once on the boat I decided to forgo the monitor and just race as hard as I could go. I felt choppy in the water and I think I swam too far to the right and had to back track to get to the finish. The time in the water seemed to go by quickly which was nice. I was looking forward to getting on my bike and seeing what I could do. I still haven't gotten on my trainer and am lucky if I get to ride my bike 2 times per week!! I felt comfortable on the bike and knew that I had to push as hard as I could on all the up hills. The weather was perfect, very slight breeze, sunny skies, and dry roads. It felt good to be on the bike. It took a few miles before i got my "running legs;" I didn't feel the snap that I was used to having. By the time I got to mile 3, I was feeling much better and pushing harder to run down any woman that I could. I was 9th coming out the water but heading out onto the run I was in 11th. I told myself that I could get top 10 and so I picked it up. With 2 miles to go I spotted a girl a few seconds in front of me. I caught her and kept on pushing as hard as I could. With 3/4 of a mile to go I spot another girl and caught and passed her! I ran those last 2 miles as hard as I could and it paid off. My first top 10 after having Gabey.

I'm motivated more now and will get my training schedule updated for my next event.

9 months of Gabey and my First Race

How quickly times goes by. Everyone said it would and I knew it would too, but it's still hard to believe...Gabey has been with us for 9 months!! It's truly amazing how quickly he learns new things. He can already walk while holding on to furniture or our hands. I'm sure in a matter of another month or so he'll be walking on his own! We've been baby proofing the house as he learns new things.






He is such a good and happy little boy. We are working on giving him solid foods. So far we've tried avocado, banana, sweet potato, egg yolk, crackers, chicken. So far he usually gives us the same face: tongue out and eyes shut along with a whole body shudder, ie. he doesn't like it!

I have finally taken him to the pool and he LOVES the water. He even tries to put his face in the water all by himself.

He has his two bottom teeth already and it looks as though he's getting at least one of his upper teeth!





















On March 6th I competed in my first event since having Gabey, the Napa Valley Marathon. I needed a goal and I thought that running a marathon would be the "easiest" to train for. I was happy with my time of 3:36 especially since I just gave birth 6 1/2 months before this event. I followed my doctors orders too and didn't start "training" until he was 6 weeks old. My first runs started out as 11 1/2 minutes/mile. I couldn't believe how slow this was for me. It took a few months before I felt like I was actually running and now 9 months later I feel pretty good most of the time.

I decided to compete at Wildflower (long course, of course) as I would race myself into shape!! I had a time goal of 5:15 as I thought that this would be a time that I could do considering I'm still getting back into shape. I was happy to come in at 5:11 but my goal of top 10 was WAY off the mark!! Yep, an extremely lofty goal considering I was lucky if I got to ride my bike 2x/week. I guess an 18 mph average is okay for my limited riding. I have vowed to get on the trainer to improve my cycling for my upcoming events; however as of today that has yet to be accomplished! This was a very humbling race as my mind knows that I am capable of competing at a much faster time but physically my body is not quite ready. I'm sure the lack of sleep and nursing takes it's toll but I wouldn't change a thing!

My next race is the Escape from Alcatraz on June 5th. Wish me luck as I am going to need it!

2 Months and 1 week

Gabriel Cullen Smith was born on August 12 at 9:01pm! He weighed 7 lbs. and 13 oz. and was 20.5 in. long. After a long labor he finally arrived and was beautiful. He just had his 2 month check up and is doing great. I can't believe how big he is getting. He is now 13 lbs. and 4 oz and is 23.5 in. He is smiling more and making cooing noises and I can tell he is really trying to communicate. He is a happy little boy and is growing like a weed. He likes dancing to music and is a mover...we'll be chasing him around the house, no doubt.

39 Weeks

I've been pregnant now for 39 weeks and really can't believe how quickly it has gone. People keep asking me if I'm ready to have the kid yet, and I tell them that the first 7 months I was so busy with working, coaching, writing my thesis and trying to learn about what to expect that now that I've had some time to relax and enjoy the pregnancy, that's exactly what I'm doing and I'm in no hurry to rush things along. When our little guy is ready, he'll arrive. I do however think that he will arrive a few days late, which may be a good thing because 2 weeks ago at my Dr.'s appointment, I was informed that our doctor would be on vacation...anyone seen Knocked Up?!?! I not worried or concerned about it though. It will be fine; I just think it's pretty funny only because at one of my first appointments I had asked my doctor if she'd be the one delivering our child!

I wanted to give myself a pedicure about a week or so ago, but realized that I no longer could reach my toes! So, my sister Erin was gracious enough to come to the house and pamper my feet! Too funny. Also within this last week, it has been MUCH harder for me to put on socks and shoes; thank goodness for sandals!

I'm still walking 6-7 days a week anywhere from 2 miles which I did today up to 8 miles which I walked yesterday!! Boy does it take a lot longer to walk 8 miles than it did to run it; but I had company with my good friend Claudia. We take the dogs and ourselves for a walk. I was swimming 2-4 days per week and it was a lot of fun to get in the water and actually be able to breathe! Ever since baby boy dropped a little lower, I feel I am able to get a bit more oxygen in.



I have started to feel some Braxton-Hicks contractions, which feel like sharp, stabbing pains in my lower abdominal region. They haven't lasted too long, maybe a few seconds. I was thinking about contractions the other day; I'm not going to know when it comes on, I mean, I can't plan for it to appear, I just have to learn how to deal with them once they come. I'm a planner and organizer and like to have things under control (go figure) but with contractions it seems like I will just have to go with the flow!!

My hospital bag is almost packed; still need a few more items, but I'm surprised at the lists online and what they recommend you bringing...like you're going to stay in the hospital for a week (which I guess can happen, but the lists are exceptionally involved). I plan on bringing just the essentials, which again can vary from person to person!
The baby keeps moving and squirming and I'm sure he's running out of room, so it could be any day now. I now Jay is extremely excited and asks baby when he's going to come out and play!! How cute is that.
Back on July 4, mom and I trotted and walked the Spreckles 10k. Here is a photo:

5 Weeks To Go

I really can't believe how quickly the pregnancy is moving along! I'm still feeling good and am walking at least 6 if not 7 days per week with a minimum walk of 3 miles up to a maximum of around 7 miles! I'm also able to get to the pool 2-4 times per week, usually only for about 25 minutes due to my work schedule, but at least it's something. I'm also lifting weights (light weights of course) about once per week.

This 3rd trimester though I have been a bit more tired and have taken more naps than I did in the 1st trimester! Jay can usually tell when I'm tired and on more than one occasion he has made me take a nap and I was so very grateful that he did. I felt so much better upon waking. He's been taking such great care of me and I know he's going to be a GREAT dad!

It is definitely getting harder to put shoes and socks on and I keep thinking I may need Jay's help for that too!! We still don't have a name for our little guy, still working on it, but I'm glad we have a few more weeks. I'm sure the name will come to us when he arrives. We pretty much have everything we need, at least I think we do; and the nursery is coming along nicely. I still want to decorate a bit more with pictures on the wall, so we'll see how that goes.

Baby Smith is moving around quite a bit lately. Sometimes he moves quickly with a little jab or kick, but most of the time it's a slow turning type of movement. It feels especially good (not really) when he gets under my ribs and slowly presses!! Ouch.

We're just playing the waiting game now and I'm enjoying having some down time before he arrives.

Jay and I went on a short "babymoon" last month to Cambria and Santa Barbara. Even though it was only a few days away, it was nice that it was just the two of us. We took a tour of Hearst Castle and loved it and then spent the night in Cambria. We saw the elephant seals and took a nice walk by MoonStone Beach. We then continued south to Santa Barbara; walked down town, went to the zoo and had a picnic on the beach! We had such a nice relaxing time enjoying each others company.

Week 26

I finally hit the 6 month mark. I can't believe it. Baby Smith is moving around so much more and with more force; it doesn't hurt, but he sometimes pack a good punch. While laying in bed on Sunday morning, Jay was able to feel baby Smith moving and kicking!! It was the first time he felt the baby move. I think I was more excited than he was!

The weather had been nice for a few days and for a brief second I almost missed riding my bike!! I still miss swimming, however and am trying to find a way to make it to the pool at least a few times/week...haven't figured out a way yet, unless I call in sick to work every morning...I think they'd catch on pretty quickly though.

School related matters: Met with my thesis advisor and I have about 3 weeks to finish my thesis...yikes!! Need to get on the ball and get this thing written and off of my plate so that I can enjoy the last few months of pregnancy. Am looking forward to being finished with school.

Coaching track at RLS is coming to a close as well, which will offer more time for me to finish the thesis and hopefully workout.

I started to get the baby registry together and was completely and utterly overwhelmed by all the baby gear. I think I added two things to an online registry list and then gave up, argh...there are 50 something baby bottles and just as many different types of nipples, burp cloths, etc. Way too many items to choose from. Think I'll look for an 'essentials' list online and start there.

I'm very excited for this weekend as even though I will not be racing at Wildflower, I will be there supporting my team, Monterey Bay Multisport, and my individual athletes! Good luck to all of you. It'll be nice to get away for the weekend!

I hope to post pictures after this weekend, so stay tuned.

Week 23

I'm 23 weeks along now, almost 6 months! Time is really flying by. I'm doing well, just trying to manage 3 jobs and trying to finish my thesis as well as maintaining some sort of "fitness" along the way. I was swimming at 6am, but I'm just not able to swim fast enough to keep warm, so I have forgone swimming for the time being as 6am was the only time I had. I am still running, well, maybe not running. I think a better word is trotting! Whoa, am I slow!! It's hard to run every day now, but I'm still managing approximately 4-5 days of running (lately it's actually been running and walking) and the remaining days going for long walks.

I thought I had a thimble-sized bladder before I got pregnant, but now it's even smaller! On my runs I can usually go for about a mile before I have to stop and pee. I know probably TMI, but this is the reality of being pregnant!

I figure that if I'm trotting at a 12:30 min/mile, it's better to just walk! I had no idea I could move that slowly!! The belly is getting bigger now and it seems as though my belly button is just about ready to pop!! So bizarre all the bodily changes going on.

The baby has been moving around quite a few times per day and the feeling is so amazing. It's just about time to start looking into baby registries and getting the shower together, before we know baby smith will be here.

20 Weeks-The Halfway Mark

I am now 20 weeks pregnant and so far so good. Except for a few crazy mood swings and today being exceptionally tired. It's really amazing what hormones can do to a person!! Thank goodness I have an understanding husband.

A few things I've noticed...

1. My belly itches: I think that's because my skin is starting to stretch and expand. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, it means, my belly will soon be larger ( least that's what I'm thinking).

2. My ligaments are stretching: When I run, my lower abdomen is tender. It's not painful, but it just feels weird.

3. I'm not running with my usual gait: It's hard to stretch it out on a run. Legs don't want to extend.

4. It's hard to lift my legs when I run: Not because the belly is in the way, just because I think there is more weight to lift.

5. My hips & waist are getting larger: Yep, have had to purchase a few maternity clothes. But thanks to some friends who've had kids, they've loaned me maternity clothes (thank you girls)!

6. My grandmother is going to spoil our little boy: She started purchasing baby items when Jay and I got married...2 1/2 years ago!!!

7. We have extremely generous friends: They have let us borrow baby items, furniture, toys, etc. Thank you so much for helping us.

Here are a few pictures:
WEEK 10






WEEK 15


















WEEK 18

It's a baby...

Yesterday I went in for my level 2 ultrasound. The technician took about 20-30 minutes using this high powered ultrasound to take measurements of the baby as well and to count toes & fingers (yep, they are all there! She also checked the organs to see their development and little baby Smith gets a thumbs up.
The technician printed numerous photos for us and even was able to do a 3D scan of our baby's face. It's incredible what technology can do these days.

Jay and I couldn't wait to find out the sex of the baby and yesterday was definitely a surprise. With 99.9% accuracy, we are having a little baby boy! I knew it. We had an entire list full of girl names and I kept saying that even though I'd like to have a little girl, I just knew we were having a boy and I couldn't be happier!! Now the hard part, names!! Because our last name is so common, Jay and I are on the hunt for a unique boy name. Feel free to send in your suggestions!!

On a serious note, we decided to have an amniocentesis done as well. This is where a very small needle is inserted into the abdomen, though the placenta and into the uterus to get a sample of the amniotic fluid. I felt a small pinch when the needle was inserted (I closed my eyes of course, but Jay watched). The doctor pulled out just enough fluid so that they can grow the cells that are sloughed off from the baby to check the chromosomal count. The fluid is sent off to a lab where they will grow the cells and check to make sure that Baby Smith has 23 pairs of chromosomes and that they all look healthy. We should get the results back within a week to 10 days. This test will also confirm the baby's sex, like we couldn't see his umm, wee, wee (is that appropriate???) on the monitor!!

The doctor said for me to take today off from work today to relax and take it easy. So, no desk job nor coaching for me today. I slept in til 8:30am (can't remember when I did that!) and have been in my pj's all day (seriously, really can't remember when I did that last). I've worked on emails, getting volunteers for this year's Sea Otter Classic (if you'd like to volunteer this year at the VIP Hospitality Tent, the BEST volunteer job around, please email me. You will receive free entry into the event, a t-shirt & either catered breakfast and/or lunch depending on how many shifts you work...trust me, the food alone is worth it. Plus you get to meet some of the VIP's in the cycling world). Anyway, back to what I'm doing today, I will be working on my thesis here too. Oh, and I watched 2 movies while doing our taxes.

Once I scan the photos I'll put a few up so you can see our beautiful baby boy. I am at 18 weeks and 4 days. About half way through, which I can't believe! It's going very quickly.

Bun in the Oven

If you've seen me on the recreation trail running and I look a bit heavier than normal and am running exceptionally slow, there's a very good explanation...I'm pregnant. I am 17 weeks along now and am feeling great. The past 4 months have flown by with no morning sickness (thank goodness) and with little tiredness. I think I felt the baby "flutter" yesterday; not quite a kick, but a little movement. Haven't felt anything today, but I guess that's normal.

Jay and I are very excited for our new addition. We hope to find out the sex of the baby within the next few weeks. We wouldn't be able to stand not knowing. It will still be a surprise!

Happy New Year

January 7, 2010

As you can see, it's been quite a while since I've written anything here. I finished off my triathlon season November 1 at the Marin County Triathlon, placing 3rd. In addition to racing, I was the assistant cross country coach at Robert Luis Stevenson School in Pebble Beach. My girls team all ran PR's at the Central Coast Section (CCS) while my boys won CCS and went on to compete at the State Championship at Woodward Park in Fresno, CA.

I started a new job...not quite 9-5, but close, at a physical therapy office here in Monterey. I work the front desk 5 days a week. It's very different from what I'm used to, but change is good, right? I've been there now for almost 2 1/2 months.

I know some of you may know that I was getting a little burned out on training and competing for tris, so I decided that I would take a year off of racing. It's nice to be a bit more flexible in my "training" now that I'm working, however, like I said before, it is quite an adjustment.

I've ridden my bike twice since November 2nd...wow, how weird is that. I've been running almost every day and I plan to start swimming again soon.

I hope to update more often, so keep your eyes peeled.

Tri-Cal TV

Here's a link for a 3 minute video re-cap of the San Fransisco race at Treasure Island:

http://www.tricaltv.com/index.cfm/San_Francisco_Triathlon_at_Treasure_Island_96.htm

San Fransisco Triathlon at Treasure Island

Yesterday was the 9th Annual Treasure Island Triathlon in San Fransisco, CA. The night before the race, a group of us had our usual dinner at Barney's...gourmet burgers, yummy spicy curly fries and I decided that a glass of wine sounded good as well. It was a relaxing and enjoyable dinner with friends.




Saturday morning I slept in til just past 7am and then Shoz and I took a nice walk to Peet's and Noah's. My race didn't start until noon, so we had plenty of time to take it easy. I pulled up the start list for the race and noticed that I was the oldest elite female! Too funny. I was 14 years older than the youngest elite woman. I had my motivation...Show the young ones how it's done!!



We arrived at Treasure Island just after 10am and I proceeded to the bike check-in. Because this was an ITU Pan American Cup, all elite athletes had to make sure that bikes were legal (aero bars, helmets, etc). I felt pretty relaxed going into this race. My main goal was to feel good on the run as it has been a while since I've felt "fast." My other goal was to place top 3. I did a short run warm up with a few pick ups and felt okay.




There was no pontoon dive start this year; the in water start suited me just fine! We were called out by rank (not sure what ranking system they used) but as they called my name, I turned to the crowd and waved, then swam to my start position. They held us there for maybe a minute and then the rope was lifted and the horn sounded. I was surprised to notice that all 10 women stayed pretty much together until just after the first buoy. It was a pretty good start, no one hitting or kicking; however, I did feel fingernails rake across the left side of my cheek...oops got to close to! A little stinging pain that didn't last too long. After the second buoy I was able to get a draft and stayed with the girl until we made our turn to start the 2nd loop. I was feeling good, so decided to see if I could get ahead of her. I surged and noticed there was another girl just ahead, so set my sights on her. As I rounded the 2nd bouy of the 2nd lap, I passed the other girl and found myself alone, but with clear sights on the swim exit.




Slippery steps were set in place and I crawled up the first one, which was submerged in water. I felt a bit dizzy as I ran into T1 and just hoped to regain my sense of balance.The wetsuit came off quickly as I put on the sunglasses and helmet, grabbed my bike and was out. I noticed that there were a few girls in T1 with me, but as I mounted my bike, there was no one in sight. I didn't know where I was in the scheme of things, but figured I'd find out somewhere on the one small climb; as I was going up, I'd see who the women were ahead of me and how far. I felt great heading out onto the first of 6 flat, fast loops; each consisting of 29 turns. A technical course which suits me perfectly. If you know how to corner, then you can make up some time on those who don't. Friends and family were cheering frantically for me and all i could do was smile, knowing full well that no one could out bike me! At least that was what I was telling myself. By the end of lap 1, I could see 2 girls in the lead, then a few seconds or minutes behind then another set of 2 girls and then me. Okay, lap 2, chase the closest set of girls. Just prior to the end of lap 2 I cought those girls. I'm now in 3rd. Next mission, catch the 2 leaders. I think by the last lap, one girl broke away and left the other. I was able to catch 2nd place and the two of us worked together. I knew she was a little weaker and tried to drop her a few times, but she was tough and was able to hang on. We got to the final climb and I made my move and was able to get a head of her and put a few seconds on her as I made my way to T2. I must mention, that each consecutive bike loop the wind seemed to pick up and no matter how hard I tried to keep up my cadence and speed, the wind made it difficult.




Pulling into T2, I has just a few seconds. However, a quick change to running shoes and I was out; I was apparently 30-35 seconds down on 1st place and could actually see her. I kept my eyes on her. The run course if flat as a pancake with a slight wind and 3 loops. After the first loop I had gained on first place and my goal was to catch her on the second loop at the far end turn around. A couple feet after the far end turn around on lap 2, I cought the first place girl and passed her. She was breathing heavy and I knew that she was givin it all she had. I picked up the pace and eventually I couldn't hear her anymore. The third place women looked strong and I know she was gunning for first. I only had a loop and a half to go and so picked up the pace. I came toward the turn around near the finish and everyone was cheering so loudly for me, I couldn't help but smile and keep up my pace. Only one loop to go; must hold off 2nd and 3rd place girls. Once again I rounded the far end turn around and there was a new girl in 2nd place. I didn't think she'd be able to catch me with only a mile to go, but you never know. With approximately 3/4 of a mile to go, my right hand started to cramp. I tried to relax and keep breathing, hoping that that wasn't a sign of more cramping to come. As I made the right hand turn to the straight away leading towards the finish, I glanced back to see if 2nd place had made any progress. No one is sight. I kept pressing as hard as I could go. One more glance back with about 400m to go, still no one in sight...I did it!! I ran my way into 1st place at the ITU Pan American Cup at Treasure Island!!!










One more cool item, I shared the top podium spot with the 2000 Olympics Gold medalist Simon Whitfield!

Alcatraz & San Jose Pro Challenge

The Escape from Alcatraz, held June 14 started with a very choppy ocean swim. After jumping off the boat, I was unable to stay with the pack and within a few minutes I found myself bobbing through the swim alone. I drank mouth full after mouth full of nasty ocean water as I couldn't get into a rhythm in the swim. I must have swam futher than I would have liked to, but was glad when I reached the shore. I started the 800 meter or so run from the swim exit to T1. Sharp shooting pains in my lower abdomen restricted how fast I could run; I was just hoping that they would disappear once I was on the bike...and they did. I wasn't sure where I was in comparison to the other women, but knew that I would catch a few; at least I was hoping to!




My Felt DA TT bike fits me perfectly and is one of the best bikes I've ever owned. I feel extremely comfortable on it and was able to pass a few women. The technical and hilly course suits me. I have yet to get on a consistent training program, but thought that I could somehow ride a faster time than last year; however, that was not this case this day. I came into T2 in 7th place and headed out onto the run.



The sharp pains once again presented themselves and all I could do was to keep relaxed as best as possible and keep running. The wind had picked up slightly, but wasn't enough to pose any sort of problem. I wasn't sure who was in front of me or how far ahead they were. This run course, with it's turns, up hills and down hills, doesn't lend itself to seeing vary far ahead. I finally made it down to Baker Beach where I coud count some of the girls. I saw Jasmine O. in front of me, but I think she was just enough ahead that unless the run was longer I wasn't going to catch her.



I held on for 7th place, however my time this year was approximately 14 minutes slower than last year...partly due to the swim currents this year and also not being consistent in training and speed work.



There's always something to take home, learning wise, after a race!!




The day before alcatraz, I was reading my email and was happily surprised by an invitation to race the San Jose Pro Challenge a week after Alcatraz, June 21. I gladly accepted.

I drove up to SJ on saturday afternoon for our pro meeting. There were 7 women who would be competing. The format was what intrigued me. It started with a 40k bike TT at 7am. We started in a very small trailer, resembling the Tour de France start, except on a much smaller scale! Athletes were sent off 90 seconds apart. My goal was to catch the woman who started ahead of me. It was pretty chilly when we started, so I opted to wear my Sport Beans/NTTC cycling kit with arm warmers. The course was mostly flat with a head wind on the way out. After the turn around on Santa Teresa Blvd. the head wind turned into a really nice tail wind. There was one hill about half way through which was a welcomed change...I was able to get out of the saddle. I had no idea how fast the other women were going, I just rode as fast as I could. I never did catch the women in front of me; bummer.



After our TT we had around 4 hours to wait around. My friend and elite athlete, Kelly C. hoped on our trainers for a cool down. The amatuer athletes completed their olympic distance race prior to the elites getting ready for their second round of competition...an 800m lake swim, 2.5 mi run, 800m lake swim, 2.5 mi run. Yep, that's correct, one event right after the other!!



The elites opted to start the swim in wetsuits. The swim also began in time trial fashion with the person who had acheived the fastest bike split. Then in the order of fastest bike split to slowest, each of the male and female athletes were sent off to start their first swim. I started the swim in 5th place and was hoping to swim/run/swim/run my way into 3rd!! I felt good on the first swim. I took off my wetsuit and proceeded to quickly put my running shoes on and tuck my cap and goggles down the front of my suit! I would need these for my second swim.



The run course was 4 loops with a small gradual up hill then down the same hill, onto a bit of trail, through the finish line and around again. This multi-lapped course was nice as you could see who was in front and who was behind. After 3 laps, I was able to catch the 4th place girl. As I was completing my 4th loop, I grapped my cap from down the front of my suit and tried to run and put it on at the same time, a sight to be seen I'm sure!! As I ran into the transition area, I took off my shoes and put my goggles on and ran into the water to start my second swim, sans wetsuit. I had managed to create a 30-40 second gap between me and the 5th place girl.



However, once I hit the water and started to swim, my arms felt like bricks. I no longer had the bouancy of the wetsuit and worked hard to find my own flotation! I saw the 3rd place girl just ahead of me and I thought I was gaining on her at the first buoy. However, once I round the second buoy, she had made time on me. As I took a breath I looked back and was suprised to see someone gaining on me! With approximately 300m to go, she passed me and I was unable to hang with her! I exited the water, ran along the beach to transition and there was the girl, still getting her shoes on. I quickly put the running shoes on and threw down my cap and goggles and I and 4th place headed out for our final 2.5 mi run together. Within 6 steps I passed her and knew that she would not be able to hang.

Next goal: catch 3rd place!! Gina K. was running well and I was unable to catch her. I ended of 4th. This was such a fun format and I would love to do this again.

If you can access this album:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=9dml6snd.4tf3jdll&x=0&y=ricfoa&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_button

there are more photos here

Stand up Paddle Boarding

Every friday night here in Monterey, a group of us get together for our FNOS (Friday Night Ocean Swim). I will admit that this year I have yet to get into the frigid waters of the Monterey Bay. To be honest, I'm so tired of being cold!

It was a warm sun-shiney day today here and the water temp could have been nice for all I know; and by nice I mean a balmy 55 degrees, but I didn't want to take a chance. So, instead of getting "in" the water, I was "on" the water, stand-up paddle boarding.

Dad has been doing it for quite some time and even made his own board. The one that I was on, however, is from Surf-tech. It is a wide board and probably around 12 feet long. Balancing on the board was no problem and I seem to have picked it up pretty quickly. What a different perspective being "on top" of the water. I even had people on shore waving to me, which of course I had to wave back!

After trying the Surf-tech board, I "graduated" to dad's home-made board. It was lighter and not as wide. It took a bit more concentration to balance on this board, but it moved through the water a lot quicker.

After triathlon training, 40 mile ride followed by an interval run workout, I'm going to meet dad for another paddle board session. Hope to have photos up tomorrow evening.