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.