California 70.3

I must admit that I was very nervous for this half about a week out. After my not-so-great marathon experience earlier this year, I was worried that I might again suffer from IT Band issues. However, as the race neared I became more calm and was actually looking forward to it the day before.

I enjoyed the event very much and finished without issue. While I missed my time goal by 47 seconds, I was still pleased with my race.

While waiting for my wave to start, I saw not only my coach but his significant other come ripping out of the water! That set the tone for a good day.

The water wasn't exactly warm, but compared to Aquatic Park it was steamy. The swim never excites me, but it wasn't too bad. I did realize that I need to spend some more time in the pool. Faking the swim during Ironman is not going to work.

While the bike course was a bit windy, I found myself feeling stronger and stronger as the ride progressed on, which excited me. At around mile 45 I started passing people right and left, and loved every minute of it. While I knew most would pass me on the run, it was still fun.

I was glad I hadn't researched the course before the race, as if I had known the run was an out-and-back and then the same out-and-back again I would not have been thrilled. I realized this was the set up about a quarter of a mile into my 13.1 mile run. However, the set-up allowed for me to spend the first lap watching for friends and teammates, which made the run almost fun!

I was thrilled to discover just how many GGTC teammates were competing and was able to say hello to everyone! I also had the opportunity of meeting a fellow Blazeman Warrior from back East who was so complementary of GGTC and our club's hosting of the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon that I intend to share that story with the Club's Board at our next Board meeting.

My favorite moment of the race was running with a gentleman named Marcus currently serving in the Army in Kuwait City. We ran together for about five miles. Marc made my race. It was his first half Ironman distance triathlon and I found his determination inspiring. Marcus' determination is something that I will keep with me as motivation in my Ironman journey.

I was so excited to see Paul and Dian as I neared the finish line. I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face and was ecstatic about my race when Chris found me shortly after my finish.

Chris and I were thrilled to discover that our coach had in come in 9th!

I am pleased with my performance and am looking forward to a season of personal success.

I would also like to congratulate Dian and Chris for their amazing performances!

Superheroes and Villians

One of my colleagues is famous for his annual costume birthday celebration. Last year's theme was Gilligan's Island and my friend Elisa and I went as palm trees.

This year's theme was Superheroes and Villains.

This is a highly competitive event. Trophies are given out for the best costumes. Last year our palm tree numbers won "most outrageous." The year before, at my colleague's 80's themed party, I won "most authentic" with my Madonna-esque number that included crimped hair.

This year's theme proved to be challenging -- what could we go as that would not be repeated by others? It came to us in a blinding flash! He-Man and She-Ra.

I have never had so much fun putting together a costume. Five stores over the course of a few days and we had the makings for greatness. Getting ready for the party was a mad-dash of assembly, as we were not allowed to engage in party-related activity until our workout was done (which was a long one!).

When He-Man put on his wig -- I laughed so hard I cried.

Walking down the street in Pacific Heights was entertaining, as many commented, yet when we arrived in the Castro for the party, no one looked twice.

The party was a success, as He-Man and She-Ra were awarded the trophy the Most Elaborate costume, and were also crowned the overall champions!

Next year we have a title to defend...

Solvang Century

Knowing that I needed to put some solid bike miles before California 70.3 later this month, I opted to participate in the Solvang Century this year. I had done it last year and enjoyed the ride so much that I was the 57th person to sign up for this year's event (which many had to point out while I was riding). I realized while riding this year that I had blocked out certain memories of last year's ride...

Planning to head down south for the ride turned into a fun mini-break adventure. We headed out for Santa Barbra early Friday morning. Arriving mid-day allowed for exploration, including a tour of some of Chris' old haunts, including visiting old friends whom I have had the opportunity to meet before and very much enjoyed seeing again.

Saturday began very early with our departure for Solvang. Chris met up with one of his old high school teachers who is currently training for IM Arizona and we set out for our 100 mile adventure.

It was SO COLD at the start. It was foggy in Solvang -- to the point that our helmets were dripping and condensation was visible on our clothing. However, about an hour into the ride the fog started to burn off and it ultimately became a beautiful, sunny day -- we have the sunburns to prove it.

The ride was beautiful. The hills were vibrant green and alive with wildflowers, including poppy's just beginning to bloom. I met some wonderful triathletes from the Inland Inferno Triathlon Club while riding and was saved by an athlete from the North Texas Team in Training Team ("TNT").

Before I share how I was 'saved,' (idiot lesson of the day), I have to comment on TNT. There were three TNT teams out for the Solvang Century -- The Northern Texas Division, the Greater Los Angeles Chapter and the Northern California Division. The Texas crew all had lone stars protruding out of their helmets and the Northern California folks had cable cars strapped to the tops of their helmets. The LA Crew didn't do anything. Now, the first few lone stars I saw made me chuckle, but by the end, I was thankful that the LA Chapter hadn't done anything. I didn't want to see anymore cable cars or stars.

Those who know me know that I am not the biggest fan of TNT. Before anyone gets upset - let me explain why. While I think TNT is an amazing program, I have, on multiple occasions, narrowly avoided what could have been grave bicycle accidents due to TNT athletes not exercising caution while cycling. I often express frustration that the TNT coaches do not appear to be educating their athletes (or the athletes may simply not be listening)on proper biking safety and etiquette.

However, that being said, I now must be more kind to TNT athletes and mentors. Idiot me failed to confirm that the extra bike tubes on by bike were long stemmed tubes, as I was riding on my 303 wheels. Imagine my frustration when I found myself with a flat tire and pulled out SHORT STEMMED TUBES from my bike-bag. The stems did not clear the rim of my wheels. I won't ever make that mistake again! A lovely woman from the North Texas Chapter of TNT took pity on my and provided me with a long stemmed tube -- bless her heart. Thank you kind woman! Being fearful that I would again suffer from another flat, I scored another replacement tube with a long stem at the next SAG stop from the mechanic on site.

After recovering from the stress of the tube incident, I enjoyed the remainder of the ride. Most of the ride was spent enjoying the scenery, as I refused to ride in a pace line. I wanted to feel the full effects of 100 miles, since I can't draft during Ironman.

While I was tired at the end, I felt like I could ride another 12 miles, however I wasn't all that keen on running a marathon. I don't quite know how I am going to pull that one off. Good thing I have a few more months to figure it out.

After the ride, Chris and I headed out for a BBQ at one of his friends parents' homes in the area. Chris' friend and his training group, Kain Performance Multisport, were in Santa Barbara for a training weekend. Imagine my surprise when in walks a dear friend, Fred, my former GGTC TAG training mate! I almost fell over! I think Fred did too. It was so random, yet so fun to catch up in person as I hadn't seen Fred in quite a while.

Sunday was spent lounging poolside and being a bum. Exactly what I needed.

Too bad I had to come home...

The 5:30 am Hoppers Hands Crew

This morning while out for an early run I realized that all of the usual suspects were back!

I have been missing the older gentleman with the beautiful golden retriever and the young 20-something that looks remarkably like me. (I think she thinks the same thing as we both always laugh as we pass one another.)

For the winter months there have been few runners out before 6 am. It's been only the die-hards, but that seems to be changing with the season. I will be curious to see what happens with the change to daylight savings time. I expect some will go back into hiding for a few more weeks...

Starter Wife vs. Sugar Daddy

Ashli and I spent a few quality hours today catching up over a manicure and pedicure. Long overdue and a ton of fun.

The best part - the names of our polishes - Starter Wife and Sugar Daddy. We were CRACKING up. Who comes up with these names?