Rest

It is a recovery week. I can tell you honestly that I know I am ready for one. Day one- MONDAY- I decided to take the complete day off. We are talking sleep till I wake up, thanks to an eye mask and ear plugs. Today I made it till 8:30am and I only woke up because I needed to eat. I did my morning "quiet time" and ate, then crawled back into bed for almost another 2 hours. I told you- REST is KING this week.

I believe the mistake so many of us make is cramming in EXTRA within the recovery weeks. We have free time, that isn't designated to anything and we tend to do more errands, clean, or stay busy. Recovery means TRUE REST. Unplugging from the internet, allowing ourselves to recharge our emotional battery gives us the opportunity to be ready when we have to go to battle again in the next challenging session.

So- if you need me this week, I will be sleeping, napping, using the recovery pump, ice bathing, refueling with vitamin rich foods, and come the weekend- CHEERING ON MY LUNA PRO TEAM at the MELLOW JOHNNY CLASSIC MT BIKE RACE. (yes, there will be a little bit of training each day!)

Trying out a new suit

Orca Enduro One Piece Swim Suit

Made out of CI-Pro 100% Chlorine Resistant fabric.

Check out www.orca.com/product/cl-pro-enduro-swim-one-piece-female

A BIG THANKS YOU to Orbea USA for sending me a suit to try out.

After going through swim suits every 2-3 weeks I am on the hunt for the perfect suit. One that will not attack my family budget and will keep from breaking down. You definetly don't want saggy butt fabric when you climb out of the pool, nor do you want to flash your lane mates with a loose front when you push off the wall.

I have done 2 swim this week in the Orca Enduro. I have really enjoyed the comfort of the straps and was surprised because I usually go for thin strap suits, thanks to swim hickies that attack my neck from long swim sets. The paneling and material texture really is smooth and doesn't cause any rubbing etc.

The only problem I have found is that while the suit fits almost perfect, my inherited rear end from my Velodrome sprint cyclist Granny (which I am grateful- BIKE POWER OUTPUT) , seems to not want to stay within the fabric lines.

The hunt continues...

Detroit's Motto: Why my heart is still there...

In 1804, Father Gabriel Richard opened up a school in Detroit, but it was destroyed by the fire that leveled the city in 1805. This is when Fr. Gabriel Richard wrote the city of Detroit's motto:

Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus

WE HOPE FOR BETTER THINGS; IT WILL ARISE FROM THE ASHES.

A New Look

I have to give a big thank you to my new sweet friend Lee and my brother-in law for the help in giving my blog a new look ALONG with the design of a web page. I know- I am a wee behind in the times of being a professional triathlete. Finally, I completed the off-season task.

So new year, new look. The logo that my brother-in law put together is awesome. It represents HOME which for my family and I is Detroit, MI (more specifically a suburb of Detroit). My family's support, love and encouragement fuels my performance.

When I went back home with Zane and our super dog, Igby, for the holidays- I was hit by the magnitude of struggle and sadness that the city of Detroit is going through. I was moved by the fight that continues in those that want to save and grow our city. I desire to be a part of this fight. I have been trying to do some homework in finding a charity to support/donate to through my racing, but for now I started the webpage/logo/blog links etc.

The Joe Louis fist within the logo reveals the power of the punch inside and outside the ring and the city skyline within my logo reveal the Detroit I know and love- FIGHT and HARD WORK, .

Detroit was where my triathlon career was FORGED: definition - make or shape by heating it in a fire or furnace and beating or hammering it, move forward gradually or steadily

There is so much gratitude for the shaping and development that came from starting my racing career in Detroit, that it is time to give back!

My Valentine

My Valentine has been been my main squeeze for 12 years- almost 10 of those years we have been married. The years have brought a lot of learning, growing, lessons of faith, and unconditional love. AND lots of hugs and kisses. THOSE ARE IMPORTANT!

A few years in - my Valentine and I added to our family- IGBY! There is a story behind Igby- "Santa" wrote Zane a letter about how badly Igby wanted to join our family and be rescued from being "homeless". Now Igby is smothered with love everyday and honestly I couldn't imagine my days without my boy.


My Valentine has always believed in me, even in my darkest moments when I didn't believe in myself. He has been beside me through it all. My Valentine is willing to go above and beyond the duty of husband, friend, and coach. He is passionate about the sport of triathlon and I truly believe the Lord has blessed him with the ability to coach and help others as a teacher/mentor. No matter the conditions, the situation, the adversity, the mountain we must climb- HE IS THERE. I am humbly grateful.

My Valentine is adventurous and can be hilarious too. Many may see him as serious, focused etc. But I have been blessed with so many fun, silly moments with my valentine. In Idaho post Ironman in 2009, we went out to kayak in the lake and I had the brillant idea to try to fit in one kayak. Instead of protesting, he did it...And we sank, LITERALLY SANK into the cold water, fully clothed. To this day when I see the photos, I laugh to the point of tears. I couldn't pick a better person to live life's adventures with.

My Valentine has a big heart, though I think sometimes he doesn't realize it. He is always willing to listen to others and has so many times counseled dear friends at times of need. It doesn't matter the time of day, what he has going on- he is there for others. The intensity my Valentine has for life and the excellence he desires to reach motivates me as a person and athlete.

My Valentine understands the love I have for family. He has opened his heart to my family and embarks on the annual Detroit road trip each year, with no complaint. AND HE DRIVES THE WHOLE WAY (probably because I fall asleep 5 min into trying to drive!) Don't think My Valentines quieter shell means he doesn't care etc, HE DOES and it runs deep.

My Valentine continually reminds me to grow my relationship with my siblings. He spends time with me praying for our families, and is always willing to listen to my siblings if they need to talk. He is in their corner and that means the world to me.

My Valentine has love that runs deep. It is what will make him an amazing Dad someday (when we are ready for kiddos...) And I am excited for the many Valentine's Days to come. Every year we learn more about our love and it grows deeper.

Here's to many MANY more Valentine's Days!

Time with my Dad

Austin Farmers Market. For me: Coffee and yummy gluten free brownie and cookie as a treat post long run. For my Dad: his first ever breakfast taco thanks to TACO DELI and then first ever Tamale. We enjoyed the sun and time to lounge listening to music though a bit chilly/brisk out.

We explored Barton Springs

A glass of wine and gluten free pasta at Macaroni Grill.

The new book I got last night at church. VALLEY OF VISION. It is a book of Puritan prayers. Powerful and motivating to use throughout my day. You see, my Dad reminded me over wine at Mac Grill, that the diligence of daily prayer is so crucial. He shared how he prays daily for Me and Zane. To hear him with such passion talk about that- it meant a lot and drove me to get this book to more diligently cry out daily- OUT LOUD. There are prayers for morning, night, for any current situation you are going through. THANK YOU DAD for reminding me of the passion you should have for prayer.

Find a GOOD FIT

Today is a Double Ride Day- first for 2012. The morning bike session is a 1.5 hour Max Interval session on the computrainer. The second bike is 4+ hours later, steady aerobic in nature, on water only, straight into a transition run of specific heart rate.

As I was cooling down this morning during session one, counting the minutes till my Dad arrived for his weekend visit, I couldn't help but be thankful for the help COBB CYCLING (http://www.cobbcycling.com/) has given me in regards to my bike fit. For the first time in a long time, there was ABSOLUTELY NO FIDGETING DURING MY INTERVALS.

I would say I am fully adjusted to the new fit. This is key because the changes you get during a bike fit, you must give yourself ample time pre race season for adaption. I made that mistake once, racing Wildflower after quickly receiving a new bike. Let's just say, it wasn't my greatest day. My back wasn't prepared for the changes. NOT A SMART PROFESSIONAL DECISION.

I have been working with John Cobb and Zane for a few years now, starting way back in the day when Cobb owned a tri shop in Shreveport, LA. My first custom bike, a pink Javelin with blue flames, was based on his measurements from that fit. Fast forward to this year, and thanks to a healthy/more stable back, I am able to get a bit more aggressive fit (still a work in progress because we wanted even shorter cranks, but I use a SRM powermeter that only allows for 165 cranks).

The moral of this story is- bike fitting is a great way to enhance your cycling, but make smart changes and commit to the process. And definetly communicate if you are having any discomfort- maybe keep a little journal to note the feelings each ride for a few weeks to see if things improve etc. And definetly check out http://www.cobbcycling.com/ for information on fitting, saddles, etc.

My Dad

Christmas 2009

My Dad is in town this weekend. He had a quick business trip to Dallas for GM business, which is funny seeing as this is TEXAS not MICHIGAN. So, I am blessed to have time with my Dad, Thursday till Sunday.

I have a whopper of a training day tomorrow and Friday- BUT SATURDAY IS COMPLETELY OFF = ADVENTURE TIME! The plans thus far is a hike on the Greenbelt, a trip to the Farmers market and a big Salt Lick Dinner.

Really all I want is a hug from my Dad and time to talk over coffee. Sure do wish my family lived closer. Sacrifices we make to achieve our goals.

Let's Get This Party Started

2012 Racing season started today... okay well sort of. My sweet friend Vicki and I adventured today out to get out of our "comfort" zone. Nothing like a 5k to dust off the cobwebs and get your body jumped started for the year.

I have been doing so much "low" heart rate, strength based training, I was interested to see where the leg speed would be. Not a PR day, but a fun, "zippy" way to get in a quality run.

The best part- having brunch at Monument Cafe. A cute, local restaurant that was packed full of locals and many 5k runners. Georgetown, Texas caught my attention today and if we decide to stay in Austin, Texas area to raise a family someday... we may have to relocate 30 miles north. A lovely downtown plaza with a local coffee roaster, book stores, boutiques and restaurants. The historic houses and cottages a few streets over were picture perfect with porches, gardens and the white picket fence (with a splash of Texas "spice").

So the Party has started. 2012 has begun. Excited for the road ahead. It is brightly blessed. Thank you Lord.

Rumor has it..

That the 2011 UCI Mountain Bike World Champion is coming to stay in the Castro Cottage for the Mellow Johnny's Classic in March. Can't wait to see my friend and team mate. This is her year to be OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST.