New Website: Please go to http://www.tenillehoogland.com

Please go to http://www.tenillehoogland.com

My Wildflower Triathlon Experience

A fourth place finish at Wildflower is something I am very happy and proud of. After a really tough go at Galveston 70.3 I was really ready to show the hard work that has gone into my winter training. I was confident in every way once I had got to the race site and took in what was going to be a really tough days’ work on the course. I had perfect preparation, lodging, meals, and mental space. More than that though, I came to understand how well Zane had prepared me physically for this race. I understood all those hill repeats, final 3 mile run efforts, long rides… During the race I had a few ‘aha’ moments where I thought, oh this is why Zane had me do this, I have been here before and now I just have to do it again. It was awesome to be so prepared and confident.

The swim was solid. It was steady and relatively smooth. My nineteen wetsuit was great and other than super buoyant legs, I hardly noticed it. I came out of the water with the lead pack of girls and moved quickly onto the bike.

Right out of transition the bike is tough. It goes up, up and up. Cave, Ellis and Swallow quickly formed a little group and powered up the hills. I decided to hang back a bit and keep my power where I knew I needed to be – the brilliance of an SRM. I knew it was going to be a long day out there and there were lots of hills to come. Call me a pessimist but I also was waiting to see which of those three would unintentionally get a staggered or drafting penalty – they were riding too close. The officials really mean it when they say there is zero tolerance and you have to play by the rules. There is no room for slipping up. Swallow was the one who slipped and it was perhaps too hard to get back in mentally at that point. Samantha Warriner caught me and passed but for the remainder of the race I decided she was a great rabbit and never let her out of my sight. We were met with some pretty huge cross winds that actually threw some people off their bikes entirely. I was ok but was ever vigilant. Coming up the hill named “big nasty” I felt great, stayed in my seat and just kept things smooth. My nutrition was OK although I somehow lost 2 water bottles at different times. Guess I need to fix that. There were tons of aid stations though so I really was never worried or unable to solve what could have been a potential problem.

So although it is obvious that equipment makes a difference I can’t tell you how much faster by power numbers alone how much of a difference it makes. Zipp gave me the new 808s for the race and they were truly something. They demand better bike handling, fluid pedal stroke, and are just darn fast. That, in combination with my totally dialed Transition Pro (THANKS JEFF!), I could not ask for much better.

Coming into T2 was very nice and I was looking forward to getting onto the run and having only 1.5 hrs left. I was still feeling good and was in my rhythm. It was great to see my Specialized crew there and I think they were breathing a sigh of relief when I got in safely with a smile on my face… their work was done with me. I still had Warriner in my sight and knew that unless she put in a major surge, I would catch her. It took me 6 miles to do it but I reeled her in one step at a time. The course was very tough and whoever tells you that the hard part is done at around 5 miles needs to do the course again. I think that the hard part is done at 13.1 miles and not a moment sooner. The last hill before the last descent to the finish line was the hardest hill of the day. I once again was so glad for all the work Zane has been making me do and to Alan for helping me prepare mentally for that last mile.

What is next you ask? A am doing a wee little 10km race in a few weeks and then am stoked to return to Austin and race the Capital of Texas Triathlon! It will be SOOOO short in comparison.

Will write again soon.. stay well, healthy and happy!

Fourth Place at Wildflower!

An incredible day where I was able to put out there what I have been training to do. I am about to board a plane but come back soon and there will be details to this epic race! I do have time though to say that sharing a great race with awesome people makes it mean so much more. The people at Specialized and Zipp are truly top-notch.

My pre-race thoughts at Wildflower....

Wow. I am in another world of immense beauty. I was gob-smacked when I first arrived to Lake San Antonio, saw the hills, lake, and incredible work that was being accomplished by Dixie, Terry Davis and the whole Tri-California crew. A whole village of triathlon had sprung up amidst incredible natural beauty. This was going to be our playground for the weekend. Amazing. I had heard about “Wildflower” since I started triathlon but until you experience it and feel it, you really have no idea. The first thing I did was visit my friends at Specialized. I am still very green at the whole supported athlete thing so when I arrive with bike in hand, receive a warm hello, offered a drink, chair and then proceed to have my bike prepped, I think – this is it! Not only is my bike getting a tune-up, it is getting a new cassette which has an extra climbing tooth and new 808 Zipp super- fast wheels. Every time I race I get something that will make me faster. It is really just FUN!

I grabbed a cyclo-cross bike from Specialized (definitely the next “sport” I will do for fun) and then rode the run course. It is 60% trails, 40% road which makes it a little slower but harder. The trail takes you right along-side the lake, meanders through some meadows, up steep hills, past a few deer… most beautiful run course I have ever been on.

Two days ago while I was riding on the Shoreline highway 1 in California, I was honing in on WHY I do this sport. I have spoken about this in past blogs as something that you can have absolutely no doubt about. For me it is simply to be the absolute best athlete that I can be, no holding back, no excuses. I aim to understand what I can do when nothing (mostly myself) is in the way of being what my best is. If this best puts a gold medal around my neck, fantastic. If not, then it is what it is. Sometimes that is hard to take. Rarely do people take the time or space in life and have access to resources to do this. I do. Being able to appreciate this fact is what makes my experience or journey what it is. Arriving to a race and feeling so privileged to be here is what propels me to go on, to continue the sacrifices and dig deeper when it counts. This is what will be in my head racing tomorrow – dig deep, this is my time, know it, appreciate it and love it.

Freedom in movement and loving the hills!

"In great works, by man or nature, a polar balance of physical and metaphysical principles exist, both fulfilling a function and expressing a meaning." Alonzo King, Choreographer of LINES Ballet.

Yesterday, I was treated to an amazing experience that reminded me of the power of the human body and mind while it is supported, suspended and captured in the environment which it is within. I was taken to see a modern dance ballet by Noreen, an incredible woman and friend. The dancers captured in artistic form and in physical strength what it was to shift, change, grow and be still in what was to be wind, ocean, and earth. I was taken into their movements.

It made me think of myself as a triathlete and particularly how I have been grappling with an assortment of health challenges, so many related to the environment (allergies). Alonzo says that "we are stuck, obstructed, when there is no flow and the mind/body isn't moving creatively." Before coming to California it really was like I was stuck, my body unmalleable, unable to move freely. I tried to force it into submission, kept wondering what was wrong, why it was like I was hitting my head against a wall... hard.

Since Thursday I have transformed back into myself. I am staying with an incredibly gracious woman who's home eludes peace and calm. It is surrounded by Redwoods, on top of a hill and smells of eucalyptus. I am in heaven. The air is cool here by Austin standards but clear. My body has responded both to this environment and to what Dr. Noah Moos has given me to fight the blockages in my body - essentially vitamins and minerals that I have not been absorbing through my own diet/nutrition. Each day I feel better and tackle the surrounding hills with exactly who I know my body to be - powerful, free and determined. I meet the challenges not with a fight against my body telling it to do what it does not want, but with a joy of being part of the experience. I have once again the energy and ability to relish in the experience of breathing hard and pushing harder up the hill, through the wind and rain. It is a gratefulness that I have to be out there in the trees, on the hills, and once again in my body and doing what I love.

The dancers had peace and control in both the movements and in standing still. They were completely absorbed. So this is what I will continue to strive for - to find a calm, control and freedom in my movements no matter how challenging. The environment will support me. Up next Tri-California Wildflower Long Course! SOOOOO EXCITED!

Fresh Air

Over the course of the last few weeks I have become heavy with frustration. I was angry with my body not being able to perform with how I know it can. I was frustrated that I continue to struggle to find air and manage digestion. I was frustrated that I couldn’t “figure it out”. Managing these frustrations made me also really face the reality of my profession which is so singularly focused on training, sleeping and eating. When the joy of the training is off it is all too easy to be derailed, negative and surrounded by the sense of loss and wonderment of why you are doing all this. It is a slippery slope…

At the track two days ago I was attempting to do mile repeats on a tough but manageable pace. I had done it before and this was just another hard training session. Mile 1 - legs felt ok, mentally was focused and was on pace. Mile 2 – started ok but then the tight feeling where my body works harder and harder to get air set in. Mentally I thought, not already it is only mile 2, please no, stay calm, breathe deeply, relax. I finished but by the end my chest had completely tightened and I knew what was coming. Mile 3 – lasted not more than 200 meters until I was trying so hard to get air down I stopped. I broke in frustration with my body.

Austin is an incredible city. It is vibrant, rich in trees and green space, warm and full of incredible people. It is also notoriously bad for high pollen counts. This coupled with forest fires in west Texas, high winds, high humidity and no break of rain to bring the airborne allergens down a bit is a recipe for disaster for asthmatic and non-asthmatic alike. For me, it just has meant that I can’t breathe.

And so I am off to find fresh air. I want to be able to breathe deeply and have every cell of my body enriched with oxygen. I am off to California where the land is lush with evergreens and the air is clear. As I write it seems dramatic to me and very privileged. It is. Zane reminds me that this is what it is to be professional. Alan reminds me to trust myself and make decisions that will enable me to be the best athlete I can be and have no regrets. I just want to remind myself what it is like to be free in breath and in spirit.

Galveston 70.3

Almost a week later and I am finally sitting down to write what happened at the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 in Galveston last weekend. If I wrote it before now it would have been a little bit or perhaps much more “whiny” and woe is me oriented. Perhaps this is ok because it is in truth that I seek to write about my experiences as a triathlete. I still am sorting through emotions and the challenges of not having a race go the way I hoped but have things in perspective again and this is a very good thing.

I had the best pre-race preparations. I had incredible bike support from the guys at Bicycle Sport Shop and the Specialized truck. I had a quiet hotel room away from the anxiousness and hype of race prep. I ate well, hydrated and was able to totally relax. The morning of the race I knew I was ready.

The swim was brilliant. It was pretty windy so there was definitely a challenge in getting through the chop. All the better for me as the harder, the better. I came out of the water in second behind Mary-Beth Ellis who had a great swim as well. I got through transition without a hitch and was off on my bike.

This is where I had fun. The course is very flat, very fast but is deceiving in that there is a terrific wind that blows off the ocean the whole time. While riding in one direction I actually was doing a full lean into the wind to keep my bike upright. I kept the intensity up and steady. My bike was amazing and with the full aero gear I felt like I was flying. I held the lead for about 50km when I was passed by some outstanding cyclists. I actually didn’t even see Theurig pass me as I think she was going so strong. I took in my nutrition, drank and was super happy to get off the bike after 90km. I felt good and I was in fourth.

Immediately getting onto the run I started having digestive issues. This was not new for me as I have been struggling the past few weeks with keeping any sort of nutrition down. I have been playing with different gels, different levels of electrolytes, and varying combinations of solid food vs liquids. I knew going into the race that it was not sorted completely but I didn’t think that it would really get me. Heat has got me in the past in a big way but this was different and usually I am ok. But it did. Essentially what I know now is that I started getting and have been getting gastro-esophageal reflux. The sequence of problems was burping, reflux, irritation and inflammation of the esophagus causing difficulty in breathing. This triggered my asthma causing complete inability to breath and me walking. A 1:45 half marathon time is hardly what I have been working for.

I think what frustrates me the most is that it is another “thing” to get over, figure out and deal with. Some ask whether it is a stress response and thus a mental issue. I would say that it is potentially a bodily stress response that has been building – starting a long time ago with imbalance in hormones, developing exercise induced asthma, inability to fight allergens, becoming lactose intolerant and now not being able to keep nutrition down. So then the question still is whether I can change my mental game to stay calm and avoid all these “issues”?

My answer to this is that although I do believe I can strengthen my mental preparation – this was not a mental issue. This is what I am proud of in the race – I finished and not once did I give up trying to get going again after “problem-solving” throughout the race. My thinking was sort of like this - just drink more, try taking in more nutrition, sponges, ice, slow down and come around, form, get inhaler, Gatorade, and finally – just walk, no shame in walking. I was determined. I had two medical people follow me for 10km. I had an age-grouper tell me that I was a pro and to act like one. I had support telling me that I was doing great knowing that it was a complete lie. I had to fight my personal demons to keep one foot in front of another. It is this fight in me that pushes me in training, in racing and will get me to another finish line with a smile on my face. What I do know though is that I am just so thankful once again that I am not alone to do it. To my sponsors and my personal support, thank-you for sticking by me. Let’s climb another mountain.

Balance

How many times have I heard myself say to someone or someone say to me – how do you find balance? Up until 1 year ago I tried to balance work, being a pro-triathlete, relationships and life. Once I realized that I was on the brink of exhaustion I made being a pro-triathlete my work and my priority. The question remains though – have I achieved better balance? To answer this question I have looked to the dictionary and talked to several people. This is what I learnt in my quest to understand what it means to me.

Definition #1: An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady

To me this definition gets at the physical dimension of balance that triathletes struggle to achieve in their quest to strengthen three demanding sports. I, like many others, have not managed to stay “upright” or “steady” in training or races due to injury, poor mechanics, or nutrition. Lack of balance can be too much emphasis on motor development at the detriment of skill development. It can be too much time spent on one sport, leaving another to become the weak link. It can also be missing the recovery needed to keep going at such intensity, volume whilst meeting life demands. For me - there really is only one solution. Get a coach. Zane has taught me so very very much about the need to balance skill and motor development with recovery. He constantly is finessing my training schedule to meet me where I am at and where my body is at. Some say planning is the biggest job and execution is the easy part… to keep me swimming, biking and running healthily, I believe it.

Definition #2: A stable mental or psychological state; emotional stability

I had the incredible opportunity to listen and speak to Peter Reid at the Specialized Training Camp I attended two weeks ago (For interview go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir-qWuItgck). One thing that really struck me is how strongly he emphasized knowing why you are doing something. Triathlon is no easy undertaking. For me there are times when everything hurts, I am tired and that it takes everything in me to step out the door to go for that second run. These are the times that knowing why is critical. There are a million different reasons why each of us undertakes the mission to complete a triathlon. It is only your reason that matters though and that will bring joy to the training day and to the race. Know it and breathe it – it will bring stability just when you really really need it.

Definition #3: Something that is left over; a remainder.

I like this definition as it applies to life because it is often that we are cramming in lots of life into the “remainder” time we have after training, working, school, etc. Two friends of mine were talking about what balance means over dinner and the suggestion was that balance is meeting the must dos and being able to pursue the want to’s beyond that. Important to this notion is accepting that you likely can’t do or achieve all your want to’s. Skot Campbell, BG bike fitter at Bicycle Sport Shop said to me that balance is something that we all aspire to but rarely attain because we are, after all, asymmetrical. I loved this because it reminds me that it is the pursuit of life that brings balance and that it is human to be a little lop-sided.

Perhaps as we struggle to strike the right balance of work and play, family and friends we need to fundamentally remember that life is in balance when it is full of all those things that are important to us, that we are meeting those things that we have set as priorities and are enjoying once and awhile the nice to dos.

Brazil FAST Triathlon: Team Canada comes 2nd!

When you are sitting on your trainer for hours on end, have no pay cheque coming in, can't remember when you went out last, and constantly think that a nap would be great, you sometimes have to wonder... WHY?

When I finally did arrive at the hotel in Niteroi, Brazil (just outside Rio) all became clear. I was in heaven. It was blissfully warm, the salt from the ocean permeated the air, there were people out everywhere. I was immediately brought back to days past when I lived in Buenos Aires Argentina. It felt like I came out of a winter cocoon in London Ontario and once again was alive! I had only 2 1/2 days in Brazil though so I really had to make the most of it.

I met Rachael and Gabrielle Edwards whom I was racing with for "Team Canada". They were the youngest competitors by far but had maturity to handle the whole experience like pros. Saturday, the day before the race, we went to the ocean to have a quick swim. We stood on the edge of the ocean and looked up in the distance to see the infamous Jesus looking down from his perch. If that is not awesome I am not sure what is! We practised our starts and did one leg draining run exit on the soft white sand. We were miles away from winter jackets, layering our bodies with cloths, having our lungs freeze on a cold run. For Gab and Rachael it was a 60 degree difference in temperature. They had prepared for Brazil with steaming bathroom trainer rides... oh Canadians are a hearty bunch!

The afternoon was spent having a delicious Brazilian buffet lunch - rice and beans. Then we had an opportunity to ride the 0.6 km circuit. Yup - try doing that 6 times. If you didn't have bike handling skills, good luck. Honestly I was hopping on my new Specialized bike - I am still very much in the honeymoon period and wondering if it could get any better. Ryder (my bike) is amazing and I am sure our relationship will only get stronger with time!

The race was FUN. There was absolutely no pressure on any of the athletes and because GloboTV had paid for absolutely everything, everyone just seemed to be super stoked to be there and do what they love. Don't get me wrong - we were all out there to win but it was in a fantastic competitive spirit. I wish all races could be like this one. The format of the race was a super super sprint x3. The time between races was based on what GloboTV had for commercial breaks. Each race took about 15 minutes to complete. My first race was a little sloppy as I didn't buckle my helmet properly on the first try having to stop and fumble with it before leaving T1. I came back though on the bike to capture 4th. Gabrielle had a stellar first race placing 3rd. The next two races kept getting better for me. No more fumbles in transition and I took 3rd and then 2nd. Gabrielle and Rachael did awesome putting everything they had out there. It was enough to capture 2nd place as a team. I was super happy and proud of us.

The FAST Triathlon in Brazil is a huge event. After the race we were treated to full celebrity status signing t-shirts, scrap paper, giving away our swim caps, our disposable timing chips.. I have also never had so many pictures taken of me in my life. It was just fun.

The afternoon was spent going to an incredible beach with our fantastic and beautiful Argentine competitors and Jorge (lone and lucky guy!). It was awesome to be speaking in spanish again, sucking on a frozen coconut milk stick and wading in the ocean without a care in the world. I celebrated the 2nd place finish with a Quilmes and laughed freely. Oh South America how I have missed you.

And so went my weekend trip to Brazil. It makes me super excited for the season and racing. The work in between is hard but oh so worth it. And so it goes. Back onto the trainer until I get back to my beloved Austin. Soon. Very soon.

Ryder Amira Hoogland and life of late...

I have been wanted to write a blog post since Saturday when I first got on my brand new Specialized. First I should say that I am not a technical person. I could not tell you what is new in the way of carbon fiber, aero positioning, components etc. I am therefore not qualified to tell you the ins and outs of what makes up a phenomenal bike from a technical perspective. What I do know though is what riding feels like when you are trying to give that extra push up a hill, surge on a flat, and take a corner tight. I know when the bike is able to react to your slightest weight change from left to right. I know what it feels to be weightless. When I got on my new bike it was love at first experience. First it weighs almost 5lbs less than my old bike. That is ALOT! It is a lot stiffer and when I want it to go it just goes. An excellent bike feels like an extension of yourself. It is just that. I have never named a bike before and have issues with becoming attached to "things" but this will be an exception. After much thought I am calling it Ryder Amira Hoogland. Yes Ryder after Ryder Hesjedal. Last year many people came to learn of Ryder after his outstanding performance in the Tour de France. I certainly became a huge fan. He is Canadian. He is rather good looking but most importantly he is an incredible athlete with determination, style, and a whole lot of skill and power. After each stage I was amazed at how he managed the pressure on him and how he really stayed focussed on what he was there to do - ride well, ride smart and ride with fire in your belly. Ryder is riding the wrong bike but he can't help that - it is a team thing. And so my love affair has begun. Ryder and I. A perfect match.

Apart from getting my new bike, life has been busy lately. First to get a new bike takes a lot of work on the behalf of a few people. Ian at Specialized has been incredible and I have to say I am soooo super excited to be part of the family. Next is Bicycle Sport Shop. They have been awesome to me. I can walk in there now and know that all will be well - James and Tim in Service will get my bike build and tuned to perfection, Skot gets me fitted just right, and the other staff make sure that I have everything I need to race well. What more could I ask for!

Another thing that occupied my thoughts and attention is a visit from Joanna Brown, a junior on the Canadian National Development Team. Joanna arrived and immediately hit the ground running. She is a hard worker, trains hard and trains alot. It was amazing for me to see so much of my old work horse self in her. Unfortunately after 4 days of training she got very ill and a week later still had not made much progress to getting better. It was a real bummer for her I am sure.

The day after Joanna left I was on the plane to London ON. I was supposed to have 3 short days until I left for Brazil. Unfortunately 3 short days turned to 4 as a plane delay caused me to sit tight and leave a day later. The good news was that in those 3 days I got to see Sam (RMT) at the University of Western Ontario. As mentioned in my last blog, I did something to my back. It was actually my ribs that attach in the back but I will save the whole description of that freak injury for another time. Dr. Z of Advanced Rehab in Austin worked his ART magic for the past 2 weeks getting me mobile again where I was absolutely stuck. Like my favorite massage therapist Kevin in Austin, Sam has a unique ability to find, maneuver and release troubled areas without me really knowing that that spot was the problem. I think that one quality that is critical with RMT is patience. Kevin has it. Sam has it. The ability to let ones body sense where tension lies, to stay with it and allow it to slowly release. If I were to try I would find a spot, dig hard and fast and move on. Not always helpful. Anyway, if in London ON for some really odd reason and you need an awesome RMT, call Sam at UWO. He'll get it done.

And so, I am waiting for my flight to Brazil to start my season at the FAST Triathlon. Wish I could say more about it but to be honest, I don't know a thing! It is 3 sprints with commercial breaks in between each one. And that is what I know. We'll see how it goes after having one whole day to acclimate to weather that is 50 degrees warmer than what it is here. dohhh!

I'll write all about it after... until then though I am going to do my best to stay hydrated!

Labral Tears: A year later

I had someone email me the other day asking where I am at now almost one year later... so I though that I would give a quick synopsis and update on how Zane has helped me get back on my feet and running. My first MRI showing a labral tear on the right hip was in November 2009. This MRI showed that it was due to the way the bone was structured (FSA) coupled with poor running technique. In February I started having significant problems with the left hip . No amount of ART could fix it. I had a second MRA completed in March. At the same time as the MRA I had a cortisone injection. The results showed an extensive tear on the left hip. The MRA did not show FSA. The cortisone shot finally allowed my hip to stop freaking out to protect it. I was told at that time to not expect to be able to run that season let alone race.

After two consultations with Surgeon I opted to not undergo surgery. The outcome is not guaranteed. The only guarantee was that I would be out for at least 6 months. I was encouraged to learn how to manage the labral tears if possible. Zane started the process 5 minutes at a time to have me relearn how to run. He also incorporated a lot of core work to solidify my hip movement. I also had to really work on my flexibility in my hip flexors.

It has taken me a full year of complete diligence to say that I have completely changed my running form. I honestly wouldn't know how to run like I used to anymore. I am absolutely a forefoot/midfoot striker at this point. I have increased my turnover and am leaning forward more. Zane reminds me that I have not got it perfect especially when I start to get tired but I don't collapse in the core nearly as much. I do think about it though on every run.

The other key to my success in 'managing' labral tears is the work I get done by Kevin Trybalski, my massage therapist. I notice it tremendously if I miss one week of massage therapy and don't having my gluts worked on. I really can't do without. While I was in Canada I missed Kevin tremendously as did my body. Due to very bad weather I missed 3 weeks of massage therapy (that is some bad luck). My body is still trying to recover from some issues I developed - plantar. Again if Kevin is not on it then I start to fall apart...

So a little luck to have a coach who just knew I could do better, an incredible team at Advanced Rehab to rehabilitate me, core work, a whole lot of Kevin and complete diligence on my part to run with good form and I am still going. This year we will see the results of actually being able to run in the base period of my training. Thus far though it is looking really good, really really good.

On another note - back is better and I am up and running again. Thank goodness.

The ups and the downs...

This week I am being tested on my ability to be patient. I had a freak thing happen to my thoracic spine on Wednesday and since then have been rather immobile. It was one of those twisted the wrong way and it just went out sort of things... Now I just have to wait. That is the boring part. But this is what it makes me realize:

1) I love what I do. I wake up thinking that maybe today I can run again, maybe hop on my beautiful bike. Can you think that about your job? If not, get a new job :)

2) I have awesome people around me. Zane of course... How does he know so much about everything! I am seeing Dr. Noah J. Moos for Chiropractic/voodoo magic like care. I also have my favorite Kevin Trybalski (RMT) on call... Tanner is putting up with my absolute grumpiness. I really am not that much fun when I can't move.

3) I have time to contemplate random thoughts like whether there is a difference between those that like crunchy peanut butter and those that like smooth, how humour differs, what makes some people tick and others to run for their life, how 80's music makes me laugh...

4) I am learning about yet another possible injury. I suppose being an elite athlete also means that you get to learn about all the things that also can go wrong. I never really had this problem before so will have all sorts of advice on it in a few weeks.

I will keep y'all posted. Meanwhile I am going to get absorbed into my new book 'What the Dog Saw' by Malcolm Gladwell. Should be interesting. I just finished 'Room' by Emma Donaghue which will be hard to follow - very very good book.

Later....

Blueberry pancakes and easy mornings

I am listening to CBC, just finished blueberry pancakes and had my morning coffee. It is an easy morning of just sitting back and relaxing. Soon I will have to start my training day but not now and not yet...

I had a great weekend of training which continuously surprised me. Zane has been working to build my volume in my run lately and getting my body to handle distance better. I, like any athlete, have had to progress from 8miles, 10-14miles and now 16 mile long runs. The first time I did 16 miles, my longest run ever, I really just got myself in the door by the end. It wasn't pretty. I really wondered how marathoners do it let alone people training for ironmans. Now though I am pushing those last few miles into a faster pace and thinking that my legs are good. It is an amazing feeling. I also did my first brick this weekend. It was after the Saturday (ATC) morning ride where Paul (stellar rider/person) dragged me through the dam loop. I will admit I was hurting. I was even riding my hot new Specialized bike and thinking that it was ready for me to just fly up those hills but I kept looking back to check if my brakes were rubbing (they weren't)... I finished the ride, got in the door and said my mantra 'just keep going just keep going, don't think, just do'. As soon as I started to run it was like I checked in my old body, got a new one and just ran. It was a totally bizarre and awesome feeling. Not bad for my first brick.

So yes this weekend was good. Very good. It has put a hop in my step. But not yet... I am still chillin. Have one more hour until this training week begins. Going to enjoy it!

Because I have seemingly been horrible at keeping up my blog I will get right down to the important happenings in my life...

I had a wonderful Christmas season with my mom, Ted and brother in London Ontario. Can't say I loved the cold but I did love the warmth of being "home", a constantly full fridge, swimming with my mom and coming home after a morning training session to a huge hug from my brother. No price on that.

I now have the best sponsors anyone could ask for. Specialized is now my official bike sponsor which is so super cool I am not sure if I can even express how awesome this is. I have been in and out of Bicycle Sport Shop getting all fitted up by Skot who has been truly great. I think they are even starting to recognize me. Rogue is also an 'official sponsor' and they continue to support me in every other way - running, product, emotional support.... that is just to start. Powerbar is going to supply me with carbohydrates, sugar, protein and lots of it.... I have to say I really like their new gummy things but have to remind myself that it is not candy and not meant to be eaten as such. Darn it. Good thing I train so much.

I am now 33 (as of today). Really wish this meant I felt wiser. I don't feel any older. I continue to be amazed at my life (Bob - that is for you), the people that I have in it and the path that I have chosen. I rarely settle for anything comfortable (actually will run the other way if I sense it), always am looking for adventure but mostly want to be a better person and better athlete. As far as being a better athlete - I absolutely am learning and making leaps and bounds. That is pretty cool.

I have moved again to a lovely place called Pflugerville which is just outside of Austin. I am staying with Daniel and Fernanda, two amazingly wonderful people with huge hearts. It is certainly different from my awesome digs with Mark in downtown Austin but it is good for me and the riding out there is great!

I am running very well. It is wonderful to be building a base and learning to just run. I am not worrying about injury or standards and believe it or not, am running most often without looking at my pace, heart rate or times. Very very liberating.

Finally and importantly, I am happy. I am really excited about this year. I am still living out my dream and loving it. I have overcome so much and these challenges have made my everyday reality so much more rewarding. Although I often wake up sore and thinking that it is way too early - I wake up knowing that I wouldn't want to be doing anything else.

Not bad... thanks friends out there for being patient with me. Back on the blogging bandwagon. Stay posted.