Spider Attack

Tuesday afternoon soreness started to set into my right hamstring. I figured Sunday's race was starting to catch up with me.

Tuesday night I was really sore, and thought for a fleeting moment that it was odd that only one hamstring was affected, but went to bed.

Wednesday morning I woke up in agonizing pain. I finally determined that it was not my hamstring that was sore, but rather that there was some sort of issue going on on the back of my right knee. A trip to the doctor confirmed that a spider had attacked me and the bite had become incredibly swollen and infected.

Me: "I have a race on Saturday! What can you do?" (I am sure my mother is cringing.)

One cortisone shot later and armed with Allegra and antibiotics, I headed back for work. Throughout the day the pain grew worse and worse, to the point that Wednesday night I contemplated for over an hour if I should go to the emergency room. My leg was throbbing, the pain agonizing, I could not walk and it appeared that there was half of a softball underneath the skin on the back of my leg.

After some WebMD research I decided I was not dying and that if I was not feeling better in the morning I would head back to the doctor. (Fortunately, my doctor is about a 30 second walk from my office.)

I awoke Thursday morning feeling horrid and was so sad, as I was sure my race weekend was over. One hot shower later I could actually walk and was feeling 1000 times better.

I saw my doctor as I pulled into the parking lot at the office. It was nice to know he was in.

While not 100%, I continued to feel better throughout the day. I am hopeful that a good night's sleep and another dose of medicine will cure my ailment and allow me to race Tinley this weekend.

Santa Cruz Sentinel

What a race! I loved every minute of it. Well, of course I hated a few moments of it on the run course, but loved it overall, and that's why I do it, so it was GREAT! And, better yet, I posted a PR for an Olympic distance event.

I love a good road trip. There is something about them - the anticipation of getting away, looking forward to what the trip holds, and knowing you will have a great time because you chose those who you are traveling with.

It began with a half day on Friday after an incredibly stressful week of work that included business travel and the completion of a project that had been stressing me out for months. I couldn't wait to start the weekend.

Chris and I headed down to Santa Cruz early in the afternoon, as did Paul and Dian. Ashli was to meet us in town for dinner.

Once we arrived, we headed to Trader Joe's for supplies for the weekend. I don't know why, but I found shopping with Paul, Dian and Chris to be quite comical - likely because all of our personalities came through as we ran around the store with our shopping carts. It was fun to see that side of my friends, as sharing in everyday errands has such an intimate side to it. Of course we bought WAY too much food.

After setting into the house we rented for the weekend, perfectly situated a quarter of a block from the beach, we set out for dinner at Gabriella Cafe in downtown Santa Cruz, where we met up with Ashli.

The evening was quite enjoyable. Paul is on non-stop and I enjoy every minute. I also find great entertainment in watching Dian's reactions to her husband's comments. Chris and I spent a good portion of the evening laughing. Ashli and I hadn't seen each other in quite a while, so it was wonderful to catch up in person.

It was so nice to go to sleep on Friday night knowing that I didn't have to get up for anything the next morning. It has been quite a while since I had been able to enjoy a good lie-in.

Saturday morning I awoke to the sound of a blow-horn. Paul informed me once I surfaced that there was a surf contest in progress just down the street, which we all enjoyed at certain points during the day.

We all had a lovely breakfast together and then headed out for race-packet pickup. Thereafter everyone spent a leisurely day doing whatever struck his or her fancy. Jake came by and joined Chris in some qualify football viewing. It was such a nice way to spend a day, which concluded with everyone making a wonderful meal and sharing it together. My favorite moment was later in the evening, as we were all sitting together in one long row on the couch, reading, watching TV, relaxing... I looked both directions down the couch and saw the faces of my wonderful friends and was filled with joy.

We all headed for bed, and I attempted to sleep, but I must have been nervous for the race because I could not fall asleep. At 11:48 pm, I had a full-fledged panic attack about CarboPro.

I had told Chris he didn't need to schlep his "Powder Man" sized container of CarboPro down to Santa Cruz, as I already had one in my car. When we left, I had confirmed that I indeed had Cytomax, but had failed to confirm the existence of the CarboPro. What if I didn't have it? I would ruin Chris's race! I could give him my pre-mixed bottle, but I think I use too much Cytomax for his taste. OMG! I could text message Jake, who had gone back to San Francisco and ask him to bring some down. But, what if he didn't get my message? Or worse yet, what if I woke him up with the message? And my phone was in my car! I had to go check! But, I don't want to wake everyone up! Finally, I realized how ridiculous I was being, got up, confirmed that in my car there was indeed a giant container of CarboPro and thereafter was finally able to go to sleep. What a freak!

Race morning came early after my not-so-great night of sleep. After a quick rally, we headed out for the race, where we yet again met up with Jake and set up our transition areas. It was in transition that we spotted Scott, our Sunday morning swim coach. He is hilarious and was throwing out one-line zingers right and left on a megaphone.

I also ran into "Cervelo Doug," a mountain biker that I had met at Montelo Velo when picking up my P3 many months prior. It is a small world. I can't believe he remembered me.

I had a race day experience I hope that is never repeated. While warming up for the swim, I was knocked down by the surf and lost my goggles. Not the best start to a race, and normally not that big of a deal, as I always carry a backup pair in my transition bag. Only problem - transition was a half mile away, I was barefoot and in my wetsuit! I didn't know if I would make it to transition and back in time for the start of my wave, but I had no choice and took off for an unplanned warm-up run. I had to laugh as I booked to transition thinking that the run was likely Torsten-approved.

I made it back, thoroughly warmed up and started the race. Ashli told me afterwards there was some annoying woman who kept getting in her way during the beginning of the swim -- me! Funny.

I felt good during the swim, but was disappointed when I saw my time. Something to work on. I had a good solid bike ride, and enjoyed watching my friends as they cycled along on the out and back course. My run was awesome. I felt so strong, with the exception of brief calf cramp and a bee sting, and found myself smiling every time I consulted my Garmin to determine my pace.

Everyone had great races with the exception of flat tires that interfered with the races of two. Regardless, everyone was smiling at the finish line and was still talking about the race as we shared one last meal at the house before we headed back to San Francisco and our respective homes.

I get to do it again next weekend! Can't wait.

Oh Canada

Business travel can make training difficult. I was thankful that a conference I had to attend this week in Victoria, British Columbia was scheduled during a taper, as I knew that it wouldn’t be as challenging to get my workouts in as it might otherwise have been.

Traveling in Europe last year I discovered that one of my favorite ways to experience a new city is to run through it. Travel by foot affords one the opportunity to journey to areas they might not otherwise see. I found Victoria to be no exception.


Victoria is beautiful. I always feel at home when near the water, as it reminds me of my childhood and growing up in Seattle.

I was excited to wake up and hit the pavement for a run on the second day of the conference. Having spent the entire day prior in meeting rooms had left me desiring some fresh air and physical activity.

For my first adventure I headed northwest towards Songhees. It was during this run that I came upon some local driftwood art that I found particularly whimsical and entertaining – the Fleet School Esquimalt Captain.

Running along the northern end of the harbor afforded all sort of amazing sights and views, including a sea lion who decided to accompany me for about a quarter of a mile of my run, as he swam alongside the trail at the waters edge.

I also spent a good portion of my run watching the sea planes taking off for relatively local destinations. Who knew that you could get to Victoria via sea plane from the Seattle area? I was pleased to learn this when my mother took the time to come up to meet her eldest for dinner. We had a lovely evening at one of her favorite local restaurants, Matisse. Thank goodness all this training affords me the opportunity to eat! The food was fabulous and the company perfect. It is always a treat to catch up in person, as I don’t get home as often as I would like.

The next day I headed south, which provided an opportunity to view the Capitol Building. The architecture was stunning. I would have liked to explore longer, but my run was relatively short and I had a ferry to catch.

Running has taken me places I would not likely have otherwise experienced. I am hopeful that my future holds many opportunities to discover and enjoy new locales and everything these yet undiscovered gems hold in store for me.

Whoo Hoo!

Me: "Whoo Hoo!!!"

Paul: "Jennie, don't say that!"

(Paul had a flashback of the last time I had yelled out 'whoo hoo' mountain biking and crashed immediately thereafter.)

I always have fun mountain biking.

Today's adventure was at China Camp with Chris, Paul, Dian and Christopher Kautz from PK Racing. It was fun to see Christopher in a social context, although I only saw him for fleeting moments.

Paul was so powerful on an assent that his chain ripped right off of his mountain bike! If there was a day for a chain to come off a bike - it was today. Thank goodness for Christopher, who taught us all how to use a chain link tool. (I was happy to discover when I got home that I too have one; however, it would probably be best if I kept it on my bike.)

No injuries today! It did, however, take me most of the ride to get 'my legs' back after my last disaster. I was often at the back, way behind everyone else, frustrated that I didn't feel confident on the trail. However, about 1:40 into the ride I finally felt good on the bike again and started rip-roaring (for me) down the trail.

My mountain bike apparently had been feeling neglected and decided to give me all sorts of trouble.

After catching up with Paul and Dian over lunch at the Dipsea, I dropped off my mountain bike at my favorite bike shop in Sausalito for some love. The tech was asking me for my pertinent information:

"Name?"
"Jennie Eddy"

From the back of the shop: "Jennie!"
What?!?

All of a sudden, there was Anthony Eng, a friend I met earlier this year at GGTC's Wildflower Practice Weekend, who was also part of the Marin Century GGTC contingency. It was nice to catch up for a bit. I love that Ant uses the same shop, as he is an amazingly strong and fast cyclist, and if he trusts my favorite bike shop to work on his bikes, I know I am in good hands.

The day left me excited for next weekend - for a weekend away with friends and the Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon.

A New Baby

Paul is on his way home with his new Cervelo R3!

We are going mountain biking tomorrow and Dian said that Paul is upset that he won't be able to ride the new road bike. I completely understand, but also am quite sure that he will be on it soon enough.

Paul, I can't wait to see it! Congratulations.

Windy City

Certain points of our long ride on Saturday were so windy that I literally thought I was going to fly off my bike riding through Sausalito and then again as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. It was gusting. However, the wind provided ample opportunity to watch those who were out sailing as we rode through Sausalito.

Paul and Dian, bless their hearts, waited to ride until a bit later than usual so I could join them, as I had an event in the morning. We had a very social ride, which made it a lot of fun, with the exception of a little one who decided to wound my recently healed legs when she and her bicycle toppled over onto me as I rode by. We called an ambulance... Ha! Just kidding. I still can't figure how she managed to fall over, as her bike had training wheels on it.

My reaction to the crash, as well as Paul's, was immediately to assess the damage to my tri bike, rather than me. A sure sign we have spent far too much on our bikes.

Post ride, we headed out for Sushi and a movie, where we met up with Chris, who had cycled earlier in the day in the South Bay with his friend Wes.

Sunday began with a 90-minute trail run at China Camp, followed by my first swim with our training group at Terra Linda High School in Marin. (I am the only slacker who had not yet made it to a Sunday swim workout, as I had been scared to go after hearing horror stories of a mad coach reacting to tardiness with insane sprint sets.)

The run was amazing... again, trail running. I LOVE IT. (Rick, are you taking note? It's starting!) I spent a lot of my run thinking about our GGTC teammates and friends racing Big Kahuna and became very excited for Sentinel and Tinley. I can't wait!

The run/swim brick was followed with lunch at Fish, as we were famished. Yummy food, fabulous company and a good weekend of training -- I can't ask for much more.

Motivation for CIM

I had the pleasure of meeting former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee at a political event a few years ago.

Everyone who spoke with him asked about his intentions of running for President in 2008. You could sense his surprise when we met and I commented on how inspired I was by an article that had recently been published in Runner's World about his commitment to improving his physical health and his subsequent loss of 110 pounds.

The Runner's World article addressed the fact that then-Governor Huckabee had been diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes and that if he did not lose weight, he would continue on the fast track to death. That diagnosis, along with the obesity related death of a former Arkansas Governor, promoted Governor Huckabee to make changes in his life to both his eating and exercise habits.

Governor Huckabee started walking, then running and ultimately became a marathoner.

The article resonated with me, as at that time I had recently begun running again after years of my own unhealthy habits and had, a few months prior, trained for and completed my first half marathon.

Governor Huckabee and I sat down and had a long chat about running. He told me about how the first time he tried to "run" -- he made it a few steps and had to stop. Eventually, he was able to run around the grounds of the Governor's Mansion -- once. Then he found he could do it twice. He surprised himself when he discovered that the grounds were not enough.

I had personally experience this phenomenon, as someone who had run, a lot, in college and then fell away from it during graduate school and the first few years of my career. Getting back into running had been challenging and we talked about how to motivate oneself.

Governor Huckabee told me a story about his first marathon -- and how he motivated for that race. He explained that he had made a wristband, as many do for pacing purposes, but rather than listing goal paces and times, his wristband listed 26 numbers with 26 corresponding names. He continued that he dedicated each mile of that race to an individual -- someone who had inspired him, touched him, or motivated him. The Governor stated there was no way he would stop running until he crossed the finish line knowing that he would be quitting on whomever that mile was dedicated to. How would he live with himself if he had to explain that he had deserted that person?

That conversation has stayed with me for years. I recently shared it for the first time and upon reflection, decided to follow suit for my first marathon -- California International Marathon. I find motivation and inspiration in the little things.

I have started to think about those who inspire me, those who motive me and those who I live for. I can tell already that it is going to be quite difficult to put together my list...

The Triathlon Community

The Golden Gate Triathlon Club, and triathlon in general, has afforded me the opportunity to meet some amazing people.

I met Paul, Dian, Ashli and Elisa through a GGTC program, TAG, training for Wildflower in 2006. Over the course of training for that race, and races thereafter, our relationships grew into friendships - friendships that I know will continue to grow and that have become very important to me.

My friends have become part of my extended family. While we are there to celebrate the joyous and happy times together, I know that they care about me no matter what - even when I am tired, cranky or sad.

GGTC has also brought other fabulous people into my life that I would not likely have otherwise met. People like Rick Gaston, who entertains me to no end and who I have gotten to know not only in person, but through his blog. He inspires me to be a better athlete and to train harder, knowing that he pushes his body to no end competing in his ultra distance running events. (Actually, I have seen Rick after a 100 miler and he puts everyone to shame... it's like he didn't even race!)

This year's Vineman 70.3 HIT program allowed the opportunity to meet another incredible athlete, and a very kind man, Jake Martini. Over the past few months Jake too has become a friend, through HIT and TMF workouts, as well as at early morning swims at the JCC.

Jake, bless his heart, took pity on me when my training mates were all missing in action over the holiday weekend, due to travel or illness, and joined me for a heart rate restricted ride. Long aerobic rides are not fun by yourself.

Jake and I had a great ride. It was a beautiful day and the conversation was lively and entertaining. I enjoyed learning more about Jake and his triathlon goals for the next year. I know that we will all be seeing a lot of him over the next year, and I look forward to it.