Thanks and Giving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Who doesn't love Thanksgiving? It is a time to get together with family, watch some football (GO HAWKS), and of course eat until the buttons on your pants pop off; it really is a marvelous day.  Not only is Thanksgiving a day where you can cheat on all those calories you may be counting or have that extra beer as you watch the Seahawks beat the 49ers but it is also a day to express your love and gratitude for those around you, the things that you have, and the life that you live. 

Yes, it may be said that often the spirit of Thanksgiving gets lost in the concept of the day being all about food.  If you look on the surface this may seem true.  However, the key is to look beyond the turkey, stuffing, and potatoes sitting on your table and at what those items brought together.  Most likely if you take a look around the table and past the food you will see family members that maybe don't get to see each other as often as they would like sitting next to each other.  You will see brothers and sisters who maybe spend most of the year arguing and fighting kindly passing the stuffing to each other as they know that is their favorite part.  You see the turkey that mom made, the pies that grandma baked, and the cranberry sauce that your neighbors makes and knows that your family loves.  If you look past the surface of the food what you'll find is something beautiful -- a day that brings together love, friendship, and family where differences can be put aside and for maybe just a short bit the appreciation for each other comes out.

There are a lot of things to be thankful about in life if you take the time to look at them and I know that I for one am very fortunate and blessed to have so much in my life.

What I am Thankful for:

My family:

Everyday I am thankful for the family that I have; for their love, support, constant smiles, and slightly tough exterior.  Without their love and support I would not have made it through any of the life's challenges that have been thrown my way.  They have always been their to pick up the pieces when I explode and to cheer and smile when it goes right.  I am blessed to be best friends with my sister whom I wish I could see more often, who's strength and courage has helped me to find my own strength.  It is through my parents that I have learned to believe in love, learned how to work hard and always strive to do my best, and to believe in myself as they have always believed in me.  My parents are my rock and in reality I can't even express how deep my love for them is.  

I am even more blessed because over the past year my family grew.  Being welcomed into Brandon's family is one of the strongest things that has happened to me.  It warms my heart to be a part of the love that this family shares for one another and a blessing to be a part of the friendship that Brandon has with all members of his family.  Seeing the belief that they all share in each re-affirms, on a daily basis, the strength that this is family.  I am so thankful to have them in my life and blessed by their care and support they give to me.

Brandon:

On January 4th this man walked into the clinic I was working at and from that day forward changed my life.  The best part of my day is every minute spent with him.  I am thankful for his support in putting up with / embracing my crazy workout and eating habits, for his understanding in the fact that I fall asleep at 9 every night, and for knowing exactly when I need him.  I am so proud of him and how hard he has worked this past year to come off of back surgery stronger than ever, keeping his blood sugar stable, being in the best shape he has been in in years, constantly striving to meet goals at work, and to be the best boyfriend, friend, and son he can be.  I pray everyday that I can match the support and love he has for me towards him and that he knows how proud I am of everything he has accomplished.  

Our puppy Gage:

Yes, sometimes he can be a pest and I want to squeeze his super cute fluffy little head off but I am so thankful to have him.  His energy, love, and warmth is a blessing.  I knew I was going to love him when we got him however I did not realize how much and am so thankful for him.

Being able to participate in the things I love:

I am thankful to be blessed with the ability to run, swim, bike, hike, and all around be active.  Many of these activities have molded me to be who I am to day and more often than not if it wasn't for running, lifting, or being active I wouldn't have gained the strength and drive that I have today.  I am thankful that I was given a chance to fall in love with being active as it is brought me joy, strength, and the confidence to believe in myself.

Education:

While I am almost four years out of being in school I am thankful that education was always a part of the plan.  Without the education I received growing up I wouldn't have the job I have today and wouldn't be able to participate in many of the things I do.  Despite being out of school I am still constantly growing and learning.  Everyday is a learning process and I am thankful for the chance to continue to grow throughout the challenges and drives that are life.

There are many things that I blessed to be a part of and am thankful for.  The list could go on and on yet that would most likely get boring and repetitive as they all stem from the same thing; the strength. love, and courage that I have found in those around me.  So with one last THANK YOU to all those who take the time to read my articles I will wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and may your holiday be blessed with love, happiness, good cheer, a wonderful meal, and family.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."  --Melody Beattie

Two Weeks Till Black Diamond 70.3

With only two weeks till the last triathlon of the season, for myself, and my second 70.3 of the year the Black Diamond Long Course 70.3 is sneaking up on me quickly.

Prior to Age Group Nationals, when I decided to sign up for one more triathlon--especially one more 70.3-- it seemed no big deal.  One more race; of course why wouldn't I??  Now with all the hype and excitement over from nationals I am struggling with the motivation for one more race.

There is a reason most people try to pick the last race of their season as their main event, their big goal, and their "peak" race; because once that main event is over it becomes harder and harder to motivate (or at least I am having a hard time).

I had been training for Nationals for nine months prior to actually racing in it.  Now with it over, I am ready to switch gears.  Ready to not be on a strict training schedule where I feel guilty if I take even a day and stray from it.  

Don't get me wrong I am excited for this upcoming race; I love to race and I am excited to see what I can do in another 70.3 in which I actually know what I am getting myself into.  It is more that the motivation and training excitement is much diminished.  Which in turn has me a little bit nervous to be racing.  

Swimming

With swim practice being over with Team Blaze I have very much slacked off on the swimming aspect of training, as it is my least favorite.  Despite this lack of training and open water swims the couple times a week I have been swimming still feel strong and my stroke appears to still be improving.  Strangely enough I am not worried as much about the swim as prior races; I know that I will get through it.    

Bike

Biking has been going well with a couple of long sixty milers in there complete with head wind and everything.  I believe this is probably the area of the race I am the most nervous for as it is where you spend the most time.  As I am usually at the back of the pack coming out of the swim the bike and the run are where I make up all my time so I am banking on a strong bike.  

Despite only biking once this pas labor day I am praying that my spin classes, and past long hours spent in the saddle will help out in the next two weeks.  

Trying to out run a thunderstorm.  Ended up getting caught in it!

Run

As per usual this is the area I have the least concerns about, as running is something that comes naturally to me.  On top of that I have been very motivated to run and have been putting in some good strong miles.  Now this is a great motivation to have as I am running in my first ever marathon about a month after the Black Diamond 70.3 in hopes to qualify for Boston--meaning I need to get my butt in gear and get some serious miles in!

 It may not be a "big" race but it is an important one as it is supporting the Wounded Warrior Project for Team Blaze Member Brenda Conner Day and I am proud to be racing to help support her and all other affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project.  So while the jitters, concerns, and nerves are present (as per usual) I am looking forward to the race and no matter what will be happy to have been merely been a part of something so powerful.  

What continues to motivate you to get back out there and keep pushing forward?

2014 Age Group Nationals ~ Olympic Distance

While Milwaukee isn't normally a city I would vote to spend a weekend, with Age Group Nationals taking place there I wouldn't have asked to be anywhere else.  And at 9:18 am I joined 150 other women from the ages of 25-29 in Lake Michigan for the biggest race I had ever been a part of. 

 Friday 08 August 2014

The day before my parents and I met up in Chicago, IL, them from Hood River, OR and myself from Spokane, WA, and made the drive up to Milwaukee.  It was a relief to finally check in at our hotel as it had been a long travel day filled with very early morning flight, small thunderstorm, delayed flights, and lack of food.

The day before a race is always a little hectic and this one was non the different.  With 3700 participants people were everywhere; athletes running around picking up packets, bikers and runners weaving in and out of the crowds, spectators milling around the expo, and officials trying to keep the schedule moving forward.

After packet pick up I donned my new Volt X-Terra sleeveless wetsuit and hopped in the water to check out the swim course.  The water was perfect! At least 70 degrees making my new sleeveless wetsuit the perfect attire.  My dad heard from a local that we were extremely lucky for if the wind had been blowing out of the west instead of the east the water would have been in the mid 50s instead of 70s. 

At that time it was time to get the bike all racked up, which as with many pre-race extravaganzas turned out to be more of a hassle than wanted.  When I went to add air to the tires I discovered that the valve to my back tire had sheered off and while it seemed to be holding air that was not a chance I wanted to take.  So off we go in search of a new tube/the tools in which to change it.  Fortunately one of the bike reps took pity on me and he quickly changed it along with giving my bike a good once over.  Thank goodness otherwise it was going to be a two hour wait, and by that time I was hungry, hot, tired, and I must say relatively cranky.  

 FINALLY!! The bike was all racked up in rack J spot 2683 we could head back to the hotel, whew!

 Saturday 09 August 2014

So for time and your sanity I am going to skip ahead to race day. You don't need to hear about what I had for dinner and the process of scrambling around trying to find everything I had stuffed into my travel bag.

5:45 am and race numbers on!

Despite my wave not going off until 9:18 am we still had to arrive at race site by 7:00 am as transition closed at 7:30 am. This was something new for me as normally once transition closed I was jumping in the water within 15-30 minutes, not two hours.  Once all my gear was set up in transition I walked out and prayed that I hadn't forgotten anything. Now all I could do is wait and watch.

Swim

There was  definite buzz in the air during that long two hour wait.  You could feel the nerves, anxiety, and excitement radiating off the athletes.  After all the hours put into training for this it was time to see if it all paid off and everyone couldn't wait for their turn to see what they were made off, I know I had enough nerves for at least two people.  

At exactly 9:18 am the gun went off and my and 149 other young ladies my age took off in a froth of foam, waves, arms, and legs.  While it wasn't one of the most aggressive or brutal starts it was one of the most difficult starts I had ever been a part of.  People were every where and you could barely see in front of you (made sighting very difficult).  

1500 m never felt so long.  With each stroke I kept wondering if I was ever going to make it to the out ramp and worried that this swim was going to be one of the slowest I had ever done.  As the out ramp came closer I dug a little bit deeper praying that I wasn't as slow as I felt, turns out I had put in my fastest swim to date (which isn't saying much as I still came out of the water 91st).  

Bike

With no clue where I was in the field I struggled my way through T1--could not get my bike shoes on to save my life--and took off for a 26 mile ride.  The bike course was relatively flat with a three mile out and back to the north and then around an 8-9 mile out and back to the south.  When I came back around from the first couple miles and was about to head out for the meat of the race all I remember is my dad yelling at me to "bike faster".  He's such a wonderful cheerleader :)  

So I settled in and pushed as hard as could trying to make up the time I know I needed to make up.  I  kept my eyes on the person in front of me using them to pull me forward.  Each time I passed someone I would search for the next person in front and repeat the process.  

Run

By the time I got off the bike I was on track for my goal time and feeling pretty good.  I took off on the run at a steady 6:32 min mile pace.  At this time it was starting to get very warm and you could feel the sun beating down on your head.  After every aid station I would immediately wish there was another one right after.  I was able to maintain that 6:32 min mile pace for roughly three miles when all of the sudden I hit a wall.  My stomach started to growl, throat was on fire, breathing got ragged, and legs started to feel hungry.  I was feeling the affects of having taken my second GU much earlier than I normally do and was seriously wishing I had another one.  My 6:32 pace dropped to around 7:30 and while I continued to pass people it was at a much slower rate.  After running close to a mile at this much slower rate I told my self to stop being pathetic (my verbiage was much less politically correct) and start running.  

I was able to bring the pace back down to under 7:00 minutes and though I hated every minute of it started picking people off again.  It was a long long run.

With a mile to go the feeling of pain and hurt dissipated and adrenaline kicked in.  It helped that once again my wonderful cheerleader of a father was out at 1 mile to go yelling at me to "Run Faster" and "Pick more people off.  Pass more people."  At least he caused some people to laugh while they were out there, and I must say as always his cheering helped to spur me on.  

I want to say thank you to the guy on my left in the above picture, I don't know who you are but he kept me going in the last 500 m.  In fact at one point I think he even said "come on let's go" as we both raced in to the finish line.  I came in at a time of 2:24 and a 31st Age Group Placing. 

Despite coming in with my fastest time yet I was a little disappointed.  I believed I was able to make the top 25 and qualify for worlds and I was so close.  I needed to shave off two minutes and I would have done so.  I kept thinking to myself two minutes I could have shaved two minutes off, if I hadn't have had that slow mile or if I had pushed a little harder on the bike so many what ifs. 

Then I had to remind myself that I have only been racing for one year.  I have been doing all of the training on my own, making up workouts on my own, forcing myself to get out there and go for long rides by myself, paying for everything, and while I have an amazing support team I have mostly been figuring it out the process on my own.  I also had to realize that I was should be proud of what I had accomplished. I went from 91st place to 31st in a span of two hours.  I worked very hard the past year not only with my training but with work and life.  

Looking back this last year has been a crazy one.  In the past year there has been a lot of change; with moving, starting a new job, finishing some classes, applying and getting denied from physical therapy school, racing, and most importantly meeting the most amazingly wonderful man I could ever dream of.  I am grateful and blessed for the opportunities that I have had and the chance to experience them with the people that I love most.  

My AMAZING family who came out to cheer me on

So if I take a second and actually look at everything that I have accomplished I cannot say that I did not succeed; because in reality I have more than succeeded in the things that are important to me. If 31st is the best place that I ever accomplish then it is the BEST place there could be because I know I gave everything I had and did it with the people that I love.  I have grown and learned every step of the way and that is success.  Where I placed at Nationals is only a number, and while it would have been fantastic to qualify for World's I am not done yet and there is always next year.  So triathlon world you better watch out because I am coming for you.  

I know this was long one and if you made it all the way through it I hope I did not bore you to much. 

Next up for me is the Black Diamond Long Course 70.3 and my first ever marathon in Tri-Cities.  

Did you race this past weekend? How did it go? What is up for you next the rest of the season? 

10 day "You" Challenge: Seven Wants

                                     

As I sit here in the Denver International Airport watching the hustle and bustle of employees in bright yellow safety vest moving bags from cart to plane, as planes come taxing by my window, and the air tower gives the go ahead for the plane on the tarmac to take off I wonder if I can actually come up with seven wants.  While a much brighter subject than the eight fears of the last challenge sometimes it can be hard to categorize what you actually "want" versus what is merely a desire.  There are many things that I want, from new shoes to winning the lottery but when thinking of my wants I am realizing that what I actually want is more than just a new pair of shoes or nice dishes in the kitchen.  

So here it is..... my seven wants:

1. I want to take my dad heli skiing.  It is the one thing he has never done and has always wanted to.  Growing up he never hesitated when I needed new skis, a trip somewhere to go racing, and every year (sometimes twice a year) he and I would watch the weather find out where it was snowing, pack up the car and take off to go ski the steep and deep.  He has been my number one ski buddy since the day he put skis on my feet at the young age of two and since I can remember I always told him that when I made it big I would take him heli skiing.

     

2. Help my mom go back to school.  My mother loves to learn and grow.  She is constantly doing whatever she can to gain more knowledge and has ALWAYS wanted to go back to school. 

3.  Pay off my student loan.  Graduating from Gonzaga University left me with a decent sized loan, while I am luckier than some it still is large enough that I can't really afford to pay it off.

                          

 

4. Travel.  There are so many amazing places out there. I would love to be able to easily visit them.  To be able to participate in triathlons all over the world.  These events are held in some of the most serene and beautiful places and it would be my joy to be able to participate.

5. Spend the rest of my life with the people that I love.  Yes, this may seem silly and you are probably thinking well duh who doesn't want that.  But there are some amazing people in my life, people that every day I look forward to seeing and talking to.  Their presence has made my life better and I want more than anything to continue spending ever day with them.

                         

6. Continue my education and growth through my career.  I just recently started a new job that I love.  It is challenging, I am constantly learning and growing with it and look forward to continuing to do so.

7. Keep improving my strength and times in my triathlons.  I have put a lot of work into them and as I am still fairly new to the sport I want to continue improving.  Maybe stand on the podium with a 1st place in my hand.  Oh and also I want to complete an Ironman before I am thirty/before I have kids. :)

        What are some things that you want??  What are some goals that you have???

Four Days and Counting

A year ago this coming weekend, I believe it was August 10th, I shook myself awake at 5am and drove out to Couer d'Alene, ID for my first--well in actuality it was my second with the first being about 3-4 years prior in Portland, OR but I don't totally count that one as it what feels like many moons ago and right smack in the middle of my unhealthy life choice of an eating disorder--Olympic distance triathlon.

I had signed up for the race mostly for the hell of it.  At the time I had been going through some "stuff" trying to figure life out and mostly feeling as though I floundering.  Barely able to make rent, having to borrow from mom and dad every month in order to pay bills; that constant feeling of no matter how hard you worked it wasn't enough.  I was starting to wonder if I was ever going to make it and in reality starting to wonder if I would ever "feel" again.  So to counteract that I figured why not see how hard I can push, lets see how much I can handle--and I signed up for a triathlon.

So back to August 10th at 5am: it was the first time I had ever gone to something like this by myself.  Previously I had either been on a team or my parents had been there, but being on your own means you have to figure it out yourself so I did.  I got myself to packet pick up the night before, arranged and set out my gear the night before, and set my alarm.  

Now you should know a little bit about the gear I had: no wetsuit and/or swim suit I just wore a sports bra and nike running shorts, a bright blue helmet from back when I believe I was in middle school, and best of all my mother's old motobecane touring bike from back when her and my dad spent summers cycling across Europe.  This bike was older than me and probably weighed as much as I did with crotch rocket gears and baskets instead of clip ins.  Lets just say I made an impression.

There I was standing at the start line with my toes in the water putting my swim goggles on upside down (yes that happened) with no clue as to what I was doing yet it was a fantastic feeling.  As the "gun" went off I threw myself into the water and took off for what was the start of an amazing journey.  Something in me changed that day, in fact I can remember the exact moment.  At about mile 10 of the bike as everyone started climbing (for those of you who have done the Couer d'Alene Olympic Triathlon you know exactly where I am talking about) this feeling came over me.  I don't know that I can give you an exact description of the feeling but it was as though a calm settled down upon me.  Weight came off my shoulders and everything that had been going on the last couple of months became irrelevant.  This smile spread across my face and joy seeped into my body.  Nothing mattered any more because I knew I was going to make it, I was going to survive, I was going to come out strong and you know what.... I sure as hell did.  

That day everything changed I was hooked and most importantly my self confidence came back.  I began to believe again. 

Not the fastest time but still a 2nd place

  So here I am now almost exactly one year later preparing for the biggest race of my life (hopefully not my last) and writing to you.  I have come a long ways in the last year;  I am strong, confident, healthy, and most importantly unbelievably happy.  I met the most fantastic man who has made the past eight months some of the best I have ever had the experience of happening.  His love, support, and all around presence has helped me to continue pushing myself and striving to constantly be better.  I am blessed and proud to be a part of his life. 

In four days and counting I will be standing at another starting line this time on a much bigger stage and with a much different out look on life.  I am not sure I can tell you exactly what is going through my mind, excitement, nervousness, anxiety, thrill, and many more emotions run through me on a constant basis.  I want more than anything to perform well not only to show that yes I did it, I made it, but also for those who have been out there supporting me; my parents who are making the journey with me, for my sister who always believes in me even when sometimes I don't, for Brandon whose love and support continues to amaze me, for his parents who have embraced me as a part of their family, and for everyone who continues to cheer from wherever they are.

I am blessed to have the chance to race with some of the best in the nation and I wish all those who are racing with me good luck and to all those racing this weekend at Coeur d'Alene have good luck, have fun, and I hope that maybe it will change your life as it did mine!  

If you wish to follow the race you can with the link below, I will see all of you at the finish line!!!!!!

USA AGE GROUP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS OLYMPIC COVERAGE

ChelanMan Olympic triathlon

Despite the 200,000 + acres that are on fire in central Washington 800+ people managed to gather on the shores of Lake Chelan for a fun filled multisport event of running and triathloning known as the CHELANMAN.  

I am not sure that I can tell you if it was nervousness or excitement that I had been feeling the week up to the race; most likely it was mostly  nerves though I was excited to race again. It had been six weeks since I donned my tri-suit and competed.  For most people that six weeks may not seem long however for myself it allowed me to much time to think and over evaluate.  That being said with a mix of uncertainty,  nerves, and excitement I lined up with the other age groupers and waited for the gun to go off.

Brandon and I arrived in Chelan plenty early the night before, as I needed to check in and wanted time to done my wet suit and hop in the water, only to be blessed with screaming winds ripping across the lake.  Despite the white caps rolling in onto shore I shoved myself into my wet suit, tearing a hole in it in the process, and took off for a planned 3/4 mile light swim.  The waves were HUGE.  I am pretty sure I spent more time trying riding the waves than I did swimming.  When one actually broke on top of me, causing me to roll just a little more than enjoyable I decided it was time to turn around--turning 3/4 miles into around 1/4 miles.

RACE DAY

The 5:00 am wake up call came quickly and while on a normal training day I have a hard time getting myself out of bed at that obscene hour race day is something different.  Having racked my bike the night before made it a much faster process getting all the gear packed into the car to head for the race. As we were  not coming back to the room before golfing after the race, yes we played (or rather Brandon and my parents played--I drove the cart) 18 holes of golf after the race, I had to make sure I had everything for the entire day.  

Swim

This was one of the most physical swims I had ever been in.  I am not sure what was in the water but apparently it made for some strong attitude.  Sandwiched between two people I had no choice but to take a beating from the competitor to my left who did not enjoy me being right there.  Finally I was able to maneuver myself a little further ahead and away from swinging arms.  While one of the easiest swims, as the water had calmed down and the water was crystal clear it sure felt like one of the longest.  Despite that I came out of the water in my best positioning to date and I believe one of my fastest times (though that is not something for me to brag about).  

Props to Brandon  Bowker for his awesome photography skills

Bike

One thing I love about triathlons is the setting they are usually in, and Lake Chelan fits the bid.  The pristine lake backed up against the hills made for a gorgeous setting and a perfect place for a bike ride.  The course took us right along the southern edge of the lake for an out and back that boasted some decent hills and flat sections.  At one point I glanced over my right shoulder and was astounded by the beauty that I was surround by; realized how blessed I was to even have a chance to race in places like this.

 With an average rate of 21 mph it was not one of my fastest bikes ever though I sure felt like I was pushing harder than I had pushed in a while.  As per usual I came out of the swim fairly far back place wise and took off in the bike with the goal of picking people off one by one.  I believe I went from the 15th woman to the 8th woman (however in the end the wave start messed up my placing) by the time the 26 miles were over.  

This ride made me realize that I have some serious work to put in on the bike, as I can push hard through around 20 miles and then those last six miles I often get dropped by the people I am chasing. 

Coming down the finish line

Run

Now it was time to do what I do best, RUN!   This is always my favorite part of the race.  As I take off out of transition there is something in me that gets all excited, or as my good friend Cathy likes to put it where "bitches go down".  Apparently at one of my more frustrating races I got this look on my face as I took off on the run that, in her opinion, was a look of "everyone get out of my way I am coming for you!" or rather "time to take some bitches down".  It is true though there is something about pulling out of transition on the run that flips a switch in me; it is my time, it is where it becomes my race and where no one can get in my way.  I guess in saying that excited is not the right word but rather something in me becomes fierce and even more hard than I often can already be.

This run started out fantastic, with around a mile long hill!!! Who doesn't love that?! Luckily it wasn't a steep hill but rather a very very long incline and I was able to keep my average pace of just under 7:00 min/mile.  To bring me through the finish line 1st in my age group by about 20 minutes and 7th overall out of all the women--not a bad day.  

Post race recap--what I need to work on

Transitions: I have yet to master the art of moving quickly through transition.  I am notoriously 30 to 60 seconds slower than the top women.

Maintaining pace during the bike:  While I can maintain for the first 20 miles I always lose it during the last little bit costing me a lot of time and place.

Swim: This is an easy one I just need to get a little faster.  Swimming will never be my best leg however I sure could make it stronger.

What's your favorite portion of a race?  Do you have an area that needs more work?

Any tips for fixing some of my week spots?

Bear Mountain Golf Course

For those of you who do not know my family we are a little bit crazy.  Most people after participating in a race of any sort go out to eat, go get drinks (maybe even one too many), and/or go home and lay on the couch.  My family does things a little differently.  After my race we hung around for awards than went to Starbucks so that I could clean up in the sink (Yes I did wash my hair in the Starbucks sink), grab a coffee and drove out to Bear Mountain Golf Course for our 2:30 tee time.  Yes this may seem a little nuts but let me tell you I wouldn't change it for the world.  

Brandon and I hanging out on the green

My family more often than not gets up at the crack of dawn and drives many many hours just to support me racing, the least I can do is go golfing with them in the afternoon.  If anything the views from the golf course made it 100% worth it.  Bear Mountain Golf Course is something special, with unique holes, wondrous views, little baby deer prancing around on the edges, and in our case 50 mph gusts of wind.  

With a great another great weekend, full of fun, family, memories, and a little bit of hardware, in the books I am putting my sites towards Nationals in three weeks.  Three weeks to fix any issues I have and get ready to lay it all out on the line in Milwaukee!

What has been your favorite race so far this season? Do you have any big ones coming up in the near future?  Let me know about them I would love to hear about your accomplishments!!

Ten day "You" Challenge: Nine Loves

Happy Friday Everyone!!!  It's supposed to be a hot one here in the Pacific Northwest; hope everyone has fun plans to beat the heat.  We are headed to Lake Chelan as I will be competing in the Olympic distance ChelanMan Triathlon.  While it is not really beating the heat, or the smoke for that matter as Washington seems to be on fire right now, I am looking forward to racing again since it as been six weeks since the last one.  Actually looking forward to it might be an understatement.  Training has been a little lax the last couple weeks, with a week long trip to Mexico, quick weekend jaunt to Hood River, starting a new job, and just life in general. But that is the way it is when you are training and trying to maintain a resemblance of a social life; I shouldn't complain as I have it pretty darn good. :) 

As promised here is this week's challenge; nine loves.  As there are many more than just nine these are nine of the ones that stand out and/or have made a huge impact in my life. 

1. Running.  I love to run.  It is my escape, my safety, and my release.  There have been more times than not where a run has brought me back from whatever darkness was threatening to overrun me.  It's the feel of the pavement or trail beneath every footstep, tingle of oxygen pumping through your body, even the tightness in your chest as you breath earth's atmosphere in and out that nothing can compare to.  Its emotionally, mentally, physically, soul cleansing and I LOVE IT!! :)

2. I know that it was mentioned last week in my ten secrets but it can't be left out here either; reading.  I love to read.  Stick me in a bookstore or library and I could get lost for hours.

3. The home that I grew up in.  Some may say it is to far out there, to secluded, but for me it's perfect.  Up in the hills and woods of Hood River with Mt. Hood casting its brilliant shadow over the valley I couldn't ask for anything else.  When all the lights go out for the evening the stars dance brightly in the sky and the crickets sing their nightly song providing a calm sense of peace that is hard to find.  

View of Mt. Hood and the upper valley from the deck at my parents house

4. Please forgive the materialistic statement I am about to make but I do have to say that I love my new car.  On Tuesday this week Brandon and I went out to the subaru dealer just to look.... four hours later we were driving away with a beauty of a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek.  This is my first new car EVER and the first one that I personally bought myself.  I love everything about it, but especially  love the feeling of accomplishment and pride I have for having bought it on my own.

5.  Triathlon and training.  At the time I had been going through some "stuff" and was starting to wonder if I would ever "feel" again so while I said I was doing this as a way to see how much I could physically push myself I believe deep down it was a way to see I how much, or if, I could feel again.  About 45 minutes into the race everything changed: a smile broke out over my face, I could feel it all the way down to my toes--almost like the chills you get when something wonderful crosses your path and guess what I did feel.  I felt everything!  To this day I can't tell you exactly what it was but let me tell you it was fantastic.

Bike and gear I used for my first triathlon

6. My crazy, and amazing family. I have the most amazing, though slightly crazy, family in the whole world.  Their love and support has shaped me to be who I am today I know with every fiber of my being I could not have accomplished anything I have without them.

7. My amazingly wonderful boyfriend. Yes, the last two have been a little sappy but I can't talk about my loves without mentioning my family (above) and my fantastic boyfriend Brandon.  When he walked into my clinic for the first time I was kind of in limbo; unsure of what I wanted to do, hating my apartment, and just a little bit cynical.  His support, love, faith, and all around zest for life reassured my love of life and the beauty that surrounds it.

Hiding in the trees at Manito Park

8. Summer. It is hard to compete with summers in the Pacific Northwest.  Temperatures ranging from the 80s to the 100s the sun rarely stops shining.  With the sun constantly beaming its golden rays down on us people's attitude seems to improve and smiles tend to be more frequent.  Hiking, biking, golfing, running, boating, laying out in a hammock in the yard, or sitting by one of the many lakes that the PNW has to offer it is wonderful time of year.

Mom killing it on the golf course

9. My girlfriends. I may not have a gaggle of best girlfriends, or in reality even that many close friends, but I do have a couple really close girlfriends who I have been blessed to label so.  Despite all living many many miles apart we still keep in contact every week even if it is just to say "Hey! How was the week?" really quick.  These are the girls that even though we may not see each other very often when we do get together it is as though no time has passed.  I love these girls very much and so thankful they are in my life.

Thank you for letting me share my loves with you. These are some of the nine most important aspects of my life and I am proud to say I love them.

What are some of your loves? I would love to hear what makes your heart beat a little bit faster, or puts a smile on your face!!

Stay tuned for a recap of the ChelanMan Olympic Triathlon: pray we don't get burned out!! :)

Ten Day You Challenge: My Secrets

While searching the blogging world one day trying to gain inspiration not only for an article but myself as well, I came across Glitter and Dust inspired by Kristen.  Upon discovering she was a fellow Oregonian, myself growing up in Hood River, and a fellow triathlete I was drawn to her story.  One of her most recent articles was the beginning of a challenge, The Ten Day You Challenge, and I instantly thought this is brilliant!  What a fun way for others to get to know you a little more, and maybe for myself to discover a deeper meaning to whom I really am.   That being discovered I will now be joining Kristen in posting, as regularly as possible, a little something besides training, triathlons, and exercise.   

Day one: My Secrets

1. I love to read. I can sit down in get lost in a book for hours.  Growing up we lived 20-30 minutes outside of town so when I would have off-site during high school it was pointless for me to go home just to turn around and come back down for after school athletics; so I would go to the library pick a book off the shelf open it up and start reading. There is something calming about opening up a book and taking a deep breath of their pages.

2. My younger sister is one of my biggest inspirations and motivators.  She is so strong, independent, and beautiful.  I strive every day to be as strong as she is.

3. I despise wearing jeans.  If I could do everything in work out clothes, yoga pants, and sports bras I would be one happy camper. :) 

4. I used to despise riding bikes.  My mom would always ask me to go on rides with her and I complained the entire time, usually I wanted to stay home and finished whatever book I had my nose smashed into.  I chalk it up to having fallen off one to many times when I was a kid.  Luckily as I grew up that changed and have now fallen head over heels with road biking (good thing too as that is one of the longest sections of a triathlon).  

5.  The Food Network is my favorite channel. Whenever I get a chance to control the remote that is all I watch.  

6. Skiing is my favorite hobby (though running comes in a VERY CLOSE second).  Even though ski boots are extraordinarily uncomfortable I never feel more at peace than I do when stepping foot in the mountains. And if it is in the middle of a snow storm it is all the better.

7. Up until high school, maybe even college, I had an extreme fear of staying the night at other people's house.  Sleep over, unless at my parents place, were a no go.  Thank goodness for my fabulous parents who with stood my constant calling to have them come pick me up.

8. The best part of my day is going to the gym with my hugely supportive boyfriend.  Despite the fact that our routines are completely different, we often won't talk to each other for the two hours we are there, nothing makes me more happy than our daily gym session.

9. I prefer quiet night in much more than a rowdy social gathering any time.  Don't get me wrong I love getting together with friends, and saying no to happy hour is never fun;  but between work, training, and life spending time with my boyfriend, looking a pictures, and relaxing on the couch is par to none.

10. My family is my everything.  I am more than blessed to have a mother, father, sister, and boyfriend who's constant love, faith, and support keeps me going every day.  I love them more than anything and look forward to every day I get to spend and/or talk with them.

  

Thank you for letting me share "my secrets" with you.

I would love to hear ten things about you!!

Stay tuned next week for "my nine loves" and recap of the Chelan Man Olympic distance triathlon