Jenny Fletcher

2012... Interesting Start.

2012-01-25T17:55:00.001-08:00

Well.... I have to say 2012 has had an interesting start. A lot of highs and great moments as always... quality time with friends, some great training and many epic memories of certain training days that stick in my mind and make me smile BIG!! It's amazing the high that I get off of a great training ride or running up a mountain and standing at the top and looking down at the world beneath my feet. My passion for being an athlete has only intensified and blossomed and the very make-up of my core thrives on achieving this dream in my pursuit of being the best professional athlete I can be.

Thank you to those that are in my life that I get to share this journey with. Everyday I thank God for the people in my life that I can share life with... a ride with... a run... a cup of coffee... brunch... a glass of wine... or just some time to sit and talk about life and dreams and plans!! Nothing is better than time shared... even if it's just sitting in silence together. The presence of another is always very calming and comforting to know that we are never alone even when we are alone.

This brings me to talk about the parts of this year... only 25 days in...that make me reflect on how valuable life is and how precious each MOMENT we have is... Along with the highs there have been some crazy whirlwinds of time that seem to have just been a faint recollection of something that felt like a dream but I have pictures and proof it was reality.

Two weeks ago I was in a major car accident... I totaled and flipped my brand new Range Rover Evoque. Tragic... yes... but only the loss of a vehicle... for my life and the life of the other person was untouched. For what could have been the end in a instant was a moment of complete protection and safety that I haven't felt for a long time. Anyone ever known what it feels like to feel the hand and protection of God and all his Angels?? This was one of those moments. I was in complete calmness (or shock depending on how you want to look at it) but as I was hit and as I was flipping over I was just sitting there... hearing the crunch of my vehicle and the breaking of glass all around me but I just sat there UNHARMED... and felt totally protected. Do you know what it's like to get out of a vehicle that is totaled and looking at this vehicle that I just bought and knowing it also had a part in saving my life??!!

So here I am today 2 weeks later... AWARE that my time here on earth is such a gift. I still have a purpose. I still have a dream... actually more like many dreams. Having been through a lot of personal trials this month alone I stand in AWE of life and the gift it is. Cherish it. Live each day as if it was all you had.

I was laying in bed last night thinking about TIME... and how I am leaving in 2 weeks to go to Australia and as much as I am excited to go... I wish I had a bit more time here in LA before the year seems to sky rocket into the full speed of traveling and racing... but I was able to come to a calming conclusion that instead of getting overwhelmed about time and/or the lack of it and everything about to happen... I thought about moments. Time seems to tick away and causes me stress... but if I focus on the moments... I can make a million of them. One day although it may not seem like much has a million moments in it... This made time seem less threatening and this new focus even made me smile. Yes... it even helped me fall asleep.

I will focus on every moment... being present... and know this may be all I have... I want to soak up every second of it!!! SO even with the interesting start to the year I rejoice that I still am alive and well and able to enjoy life's precious moments. Here's to a great 2012... with all the highs and lows for we all know without the lows then how could we really appreciate all the highs!! :)

Reflections both Past Present & Future

2012-01-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

Life is a beautiful gift we are given... Within this life there is opportunity to dream... to learn... to grow... to change... to believe... to feel... to open our heart and soul to all that is behind us... before us... and yet to come. We really do have a choice to make our life a beautiful thing... no matter what the circumstance... the tragedy... the victory... the direction... all these experiences that are there for us to embark upon... wether the road is paved, gravel, or not even there yet. We... as most would describe it... walk by faith... dream with hope... aspire with purpose... REFLECT in depth of all that we have been opened up to... and continue the momentum like a swinging pendulum sometimes moving slowly.. sometimes moving fast.... we keep striving until the inevitable time has come to an end.

Reflections.... What would life be without them? Is it possible to just drift through life without purpose.. without direction... without focus... without reflecting?? My first answer would be YES of course... I can count numerous days where I have felt just that... a life going no where. But is it?? Maybe there are moments where we are just existing but not really living. But aren't we?? The pressures I have put on myself tell me this... but then wait a minute... I am... everyday... breathing... thinking... moving... doing... and I realized this... regardless of how we view our life it doesn't stop til it stops... and wether we are aware or not... everything has purpose. My life has purpose. Your life has purpose. We are here with purpose.

So in reflecting on my life and all that has transpired... I continue to press on... to dream... to breathe... to move... to be still... to believe... to hope... to walk by faith... and to live life to it's fullest. I take each day and whatever comes my way... knowing that there is purpose. In the times where I feel alone... there is purpose... in the times where I face my fears and learn to let go of them... there is purpose... in the times where I feel nothing at all... even in that there is purpose. What does this thinking do for me?? It causes me to breathe a deep breath and know that I've been given a beautiful gift... LIFE... and with all that is within me I desire to live it to the fullest... knowing that there is purpose in all I do.

Here's to reflecting on all that has been given to us so far in this life we live and all that is yet to come.

Here's to an amazing 2012!!!

and here's too more "Loving Life"

2011-12-14T19:44:00.001-08:00

THE OFF SEASON!! LOVE IT!!

2011-12-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

The "Off Season" is time to catch up with friends. I have to say I have been loving it. Great bike rides, trail runs, brunches, meeting up for coffee, wine bars, manicures and pedicures, shopping... I mean what's not to love about friends, laughter, food, drinks, and creating great memories!!! I wish these days would never end.... Who says they have too?!! I say celebrate life everyday!! :)

Despair and Deliverance

2011-12-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are close to me in my life, know I have been going through a lot for quite sometime now... For those who are not... you may not know my circumstances and exactly what I am talking about... and the details are not important... but what is important is that through everything I go through, every struggle, every failure, every high, every low, all the hurt, all the pain, all the disappointments... EVERYthing whether it be good or bad... absolutely everything I learn, fall short in, discover, gain knowledge in... I pray that all I go through may not be wasted on just my own growth or knowledge... but that in my writing... in my sharing... in my being open and raw... I hope that I can be relatable and touch your heart and lives. For life without sharing... is meaningless. God has put me here and although I may not understand all I go through I know that He has a purpose and a plan for me.

Honestly sometimes I feel I am on this "right" path and then there have been so many times that I have been so far away I can't even see the light at the end of the tunnel anymore. Lost in my own failures and darkness... running but going no where, hiding from the light of truth that could reveal my mistakes not only to you... but also at looking at myself in the mirror and seeing who I really am and have become.... how did I take the wrong turns... how did I get here... and when I get to this place... after fighting against my own self and pride for so long... I finally stop... breathless... and weary... and finally surrender and be still....

What is a life without mistakes and failures? Where would the depth be within me without trudging through the depths of despair? Feeling all alone and helpless....How could I grow without struggles... how could I change without the knowledge of how much I need to change... how could I feel alive without knowing what it feels like to feel nothing at all? And with all this in mind.... finally... I fall back onto my knees and look up into the sky and say "Deliver me"

Today was one of those days... I was at the end of just wanting to even try anymore... I wanted to shut myself up in my place and tell everyone to leave me alone and go away. I have a form of brokenness and a more than once broken heart and no one can mend it. I have to go through what I have to go through... "just leave me alone" was my thought... and then Mags convinced me to goto the gym and go for a run and let it all out in the run... so I did... instead of putting on my normal running music I put it on Pandora and onto a song I love called "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. Yep that's right I didn't want to run without pain... I wanted to feel it all... embrace it... and this is what came on.... Thank God for music... because as usual it stirred my soul!!!

Before you read the song as it wouldn't make sense to you... I have a little story to tell...

When I was a little girl I had this poster on my wall of a boathouse at a lake and by that little boathouse was a little canoe tied at the end of the dock... and the water was still and calm and the picture was so simple yet so beautiful.... I would stare at this picture and be at peace as I would read the words written on the poster...

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.

You see for me I am constantly on the run. Running from pain, fears, being let down, facing myself, and often running from God... but through all the running... I know deep down He is always there... and I could always hear Him saying to me all along... BE STILL. So when I finally stopped today and listened... I heard His voice.

"Word Of God Speak" by MercyMe

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay

Maybe you are going through something. Who isn't now a days?! I can say this with my whole heart... By God's Grace I can get back on to my feet and stand again and live with purpose (but I definitely can't do this on my own)... I WILL live my life with passion... for there is no other way... I will keep dreaming for it is what gives me hope! Have I been struck down and in despair... yes often... but always always able to get back up. Will I keep struggling... yes... but I know that I have one life to live and with all that I have within me I am going to make it one great journey! I will keep on fighting. Keep on striving. Keep on Looking up and keeping my head held high....

but as for today... today is a day for me to just BE STILL AND KNOW.

Kask Cover!

2011-11-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

WHERE OH WHERE HAVE I BEEN....

2011-11-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Time Flies... Literally.

Ok so it's NOVEMBER... and apparently I have gone M.I.A in blogging. So I am going to do a summary of the last 2 1/2 months.

After The Malibu Tri, the following weekend I raced LA TRI. It was a great race. Highlight- cutting off 6 minutes from last years time. That's called improvement! I was super happy with that.

Next up- My Dad flew to LA to meet me and we drove my... ummm well now his Mini Cooper Convertible back to Calgary! We had a great Father/Daughter time and the drive was absolutely beautiful. Nothing like hitting the Canadian/US Border and having the sky lit up with the Northern Lights. One of my favorite awe inspiring visions to see of God's amazing creation.

Flight back to LA to then drive another 7 hours upto Santa Rosa for Levi's Gran Fondo! So much fun. I don't think I have biked as hard as I did on that day. Long climbs, crazy descents and then repeat. The last 10 miles I wasn't sure if I would make it... My legs were shot... but I managed to get to that finish line!! I will definitely do it again next year. It's a must on the bucket list if ya haven't done it yet. Special thanks the Edward and P.J from Road I.D for inviting me to this amazing event!

And now onto Kona for the Ironman World Championships. And NO I didn't race... I will leave that to my team mates Rinni and Leanda who did an INSANE job of racing for us all!

Highlights

- Partaking with Garmin on the launch of the new 910XT watch! It's phenomenal. It does everything a Triathlete would want out of a watch most importantly being the open water swims including stroke count, pace per 100m, and then with the touch of a button on to the next event. This watch is a must.

-Paddle Boarding with the Garmin crew with the new 910XT

-Staying with the Oakley crew at the most insane house situated in Keahou. We would swim in the ocean, paddle board in the cove, have amazing dinners, events, and really just had a perfect time the whole week. Thank you guys for including me!!

-Of course.... LAVA JAVA!

-What would Kona be without a swim to the coffee boat to get coffee and cookies!

-I enjoyed some great training!

-photoshoot for Tri Mag (France)

-radio Interview with Pace Per Mile

-And of course... race day is like no other.... Seriously... If you haven't been to Kona to experience the Ironman World Championships.... GO!

-Watching team mates Mirinda Carfrae come in second and Leanda Cave come in third! You guys are so inspiring to me. It's an honor to train with you!!

-Nothing like heading to the finishline to watch the last 2 hours as the final Ironman Finishers cross the line!

KONA.... Was a great trip! I want to go back every year... and who knows one day I actually may venture up to that distance....

After Kona my sister visited! That was fun! We definitely did some shopping and of course she got to do a swim with my squad which was so fun to see her swim her heart out and I do owe her a big THANKS as she helped me find my new vehicle which I am absolutely in love with!!! Thanks T! Can't wait til you visit again.

I decided to add on a race Galveston 5150... so I was pretty much training until that event which took place on Oct 23rd! Finished 8th there. This race needs a whole other blog so might try and get that one done soon.

Until then... enjoying the off-season and getting lots checked off the TO-DO list!!

photo1) LA TRI

photo2) LA TRI shot by Kevin K from FLMS

photo3) Drive upto Calgary with Dad

photo4) Levi's Gran Fondo

photo5) Levi's Gran Fondo shot by Bob Cullinan

I will put Kona photos on another blog page!

Photo shoot with Yorick & Pingo

2011-09-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Finished my afternoon after Malibu Tri doing a photoshoot with Yorick Carroux (photographer) and Pingo Magduschewski (photoproduction) in Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney!

They are doing a story to be used in a European magazine for BMC (My Bike Sponsor) and Oakley (Europe) about a day in the life of Jenny Fletcher. We had a great time. They actually shot some of the race in the AM and then we ventured to Venice and area to shoot some fun shots. I had team mate and friend Annabel Luxford meet me for some of the shoot! We cruised around on our bikes and hit the cafes! A perfect Sunday afternoon enjoying one of the last days of summer!!

It was a long day but definitely worth it to shoot pics for my sponsors and loved working together with Yorick and Pingo!!!

Thanks for the fun day!!! Check out Yorick's website www.carroux.com

Malibu Tri

2011-09-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

What a fun race! Well I actually think I enjoyed it so much due to the fact that there was absolutely no pressure as I was just taking part in the Celebrity Relay and only had to do my favorite part... THE BIKE!!!

I was part of the LA ROX group and what a fun group it was. My team consisted of Rich Guzman (Swimmer and Founder of LA ROX), myself being the cyclist, and Jon Cryer (Runner from Two and a Half Men)!!!

A little preview for you.... I just picked up my new TM01 from BMC at Interbike on Friday. On Saturday I take it to my bike store TriLab to get it set up. About an hour after I am on the bike testing it out. I am SO IN LOVE with the bike.... I'm thinking I have to ride this thing tomorrow... even if I haven't been fit on it yet.

So here I am on a brand new bike. It is the most amazing bike I have ever ridden. Having the Di2 on it (automatic shifters) is a DREAM!!! It was the smoothest ride, and I felt like I was going from a stick shift in a normal car to cruise control in a sports car. This bike is FAST. I can't wait to race it again this weekend in LA TRI!!!

I rode that 18 miles as hard as I could and seriously had so so much fun. Did I mention DZ (David Zabriskie) was there??? Ummmm yeah one of the Worlds best definitely showed us all why he is as good as he is. He absolutely smashed the course (I don't think anyone was surprised)... but I have to admit it was kind of fun to be able to race the best in the world and then see the times after. Wow. DZ... Captain America. You. Are. Fast.

Back to the relay... It was so fun being on the relay with Rich and Jon. They both did amazing and we managed to do ok! All of Team LA ROX had a great showing!!! Here I thought I had a crazy life as I had to head to a photo shoot after... meanwhile Jon had an even crazier couple days as he had to race to the Emmy's, Two and a Half Man had their season premiere on Monday and then he was also getting a Hollywood Star. Just a normal weekend??? perhaps....

Malibu Tri is definitely worth doing next year if you haven't and this is one race that is all about having fun and the most important thing is... it's for a great cause. I believe over $1.1 million dollars was raised for the LA Children's Hospital.

Well next up is the LA TRI this weekend. It's gonna be a tough one but I am looking forward to it.

Hope everyone is enjoying the last day of summer!!

Special thanks to Go Shiggy Go for allowing me to post one of his photos on my blog!

Interbike 2011

2011-09-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Just enjoyed a couple of fun days in Vegas at Interbike. For those that haven't experienced it, here's a little insight to give you an idea of what it's like...

You walk in to this massive expo area to 1000's of cycling and sports related vendors all showing their latest ware. You will find almost every bike ever made, every component ever needed, every health related product, everything and anything related or not to the cycling world but even more so related to the fitness world. I don't know what this show started like but I know what it has become... and it is every athletes or fitness or health conscious persons dream. You get to see all the latest and greatest of what each company has and even more so what is about to come out!! It's actually a bit overwhelming but I would always find relief as I would locate my sponsors booths and feel like I was a bit at home or at least in a safe place.

These are my highlights.....

After hitting the gym in the AM I headed to my sponsors booth "KASK" to sign some posters. They made this beautiful poster from the photo shoot we did in Italy in June! I have a few extra soooo anyone wanting a signed poster let me know! ;) Thank you KASK for providing me with the best helmets and also for a great dinner the night before. EVERYONE check out KASK helmets they are the BEST helmets in the world.... and they are Italian... what more could you ask for! ;)

I also headed to my sponsors booth GARMIN. Oh boy... I can't wait for the Vector to come out. A pedal based power meter that reads not only the wattage and cadence, but the % of power from the left leg to the right leg. I LOVE tech stuff and this new gadget has it all. Garmin you are a dream to work with and we all know that you have the best tech products in the world. From my Edge 800 to the Forerunner 610... I am one happy athlete.

Next up.... My incredible sponsor HINCAPIE SPORTS!! What a year they have had. Talk about being the cycling gear supplier of the winning team at the Tour De France. The BMC team looked the best out there on the road and I'd have to say (and not because they are my sponsor) they wore the sharpest looking kit. I love Hincapies custom apparel. I'm already trying to plan my new kit out for next year! Everyone get on board. Create your own custom training and race apparel. I'll work on a code for next yr. Stay tuned.

Also had a good time at the booth during the Hincapie "Wine" hour. Got to love that at the end of the day. George, and Rich.... next year you have to do the Malibu relay! Make it Team HS!

Which brings me to my bike sponsor BMC. Talk about having the most talked about new TT bike. I had meetings at the BMC booth regarding next year and also picked up my new stealth like... amazing... fast... gorgeous.. TM01!!! It's seriously the most insane bike I have ever been on. I am in LOVE. I walked out of the EXPO carrying my TM01 on my shoulder and felt like I was a rockstar as everyone stopped and stared at... the bike!! :)

The colors are new for me. I have always been a black red and white girl... but no problem I took the paint color into my wheel sponsor AMERICAN CLASSIC at the Expo and we are hoping to custom make the rims with the BMC blue.... So for those of you who are looking at buying the BMC TM01 (WHICH YOU ALL SHOULD BE DOING)... you might just have to check out the wheels that Am Classic is creating. If interested in these wheel colors. Please email me or Am Classic and we will know how many wheels to order. Hmmm thinking my signature on the wheel could be an added bonus. Ellen... what do you think??? Am I getting way to ahead of myself?? ME?? Never........

Eugene... from Kask.... what about the helmet.... can we make it in BMC Blue as well?? :)

Also sat down with Clif Bar... well at first downed a tone of Clif samples to keep me content while walking around the expo. So love having Clif Bar as one of my sponsors. Looking forward to next year with Clif! Dylan see you in Kona!

ROAD ID... the reason I now feel safe on the road... thanks for the invite to Levi's Gran Fondo next weekend and so fun hanging out with you on Thursday night. See you in Santa Rosa.

Special thanks to my Tri store TRILAB for dinner on Friday and for also looking out for me at Interbike and helping me transfer my new TM01 safely home!!!

Talked to various other new potential sponsors and met many familiar faces which was fun.

Interbike is def something to experience if you haven't. Well I'm writing this post Malibu Tri... which happened the day after I got home. Good thing I was doing the relay. Interbike to a race is not recommended. (haha)

I'll be writing about it on my next blog. Coming soon.

RUNNERS WORLD Cover SEPT 2011

2011-09-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

OptiMYz Cover and Article

2011-09-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

5150 HyVee Elite Championships

2011-09-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin....

I just experienced the most incredible race of my life. HyVee 5150 Elite Championships was

like nothing I have ever experienced or seen as a professional athlete.

HyVee sponsors this race and sets the highest bar when it comes to the largest prize purse,

& wanting to put on a race that rises above all races out there from an athletes perspective to the fans being able to watch the whole race with jumbotrons set up in various places as well

as being a fan friendly event allowing them to line the WHOLE multi-lap course.... this was a

race filled with memories for all.

This was by far the most organized race ever. A special thanks to Ironman for creating the

5150 series and making an amazing non draft race series with races around the world and

ending it with the greatest non draft olympic distance race of all time "HyVee"!! This was so

exceptional and from everyone I talked to the buzz was and is still going as to this is the

greatest race in the world!!

From the high class best introduction of the pro's each walking to the swim platform with

their flag being carried in front of them, to a well designed course with a great T1, and T2

area (the T2 having stands able to fit 1000's of spectators), the most fans and crowds I have

ever seen at a triathlon race, the best announcing (Greg Welch!!!) and did I already mention

the prize money at this race??!!! Every pro walked home with a check in hand!!! From start

to finish there wasn't a moment of disappointment

So back to where to begin....

I had decided to not race August just so I could give my coach Siri four weeks of absolute

focus on preparing for HyVee!

Let me tell you I know I gave my preparation my all. I committed myself to giving more than

"100%" in every single workout and from one week to the next there was massive

improvement. It was actually exciting to see, feel, and know that when I am

able to just train and focus on being "the athlete" the result is amazing.

Late in the season I feel I am finally just coming into what we (my coach, friends, family and

sponsors that know me well) feel is just..."The Beginning"

As an athlete or person I am not who I was yesterday. The confidence that Siri and assistant

coach Takka built in me over a 3 wk span is forever instilled and I feel I am walking into

different territory!

Something switched in my head and deep down the belief I have of being a great athlete is

starting to surface. I can feel it... I may not be able to explain it as well... But I can say from

the month of training in August to finishing HyVee... I am a changed woman!

The Swim: The craziest swim I have ever done. It tops my memories of swimming in the

Hudson river at NYC, or the massive waves crashing at LA Tri and even more than the

crazy current shark infested waters of the San Francisco Bay for Escape From Alcatraz.

It was... For me.... A swim of all swims.

The current was crazy fast. As I walked to the start I watched fellow athletes warming up

swimming up stream and going no where. I thought "oh boy... am I ever glad I am swimming

the best I ever have been and feel so confident & strong in the water" I wasn't nervous

I was excited. I had this "bring it on" feeling. I was just excited I made it to this race. After not

having the best year of racing and struggling

a bit.... I finally felt the achievement of qualifying to be at HyVee Championships and

standing at the start with many Olympians and the best in this sport and felt I am the

wildcard here I have nothing to lose.

And so I dove into that water and man what a crazy chaotic swim. I was swum over,

pulled down, punched, and even got entangled in the rope of the buoy trying to go

around it as the current was so strong and so many of us were trying to get around it.

BUT it didn't even phase me. Coach Siri had prepared me for this.. So I just kept going as

hard as I could. I got trapped at the first and second buoy for a bit due to current and pile

ups and had lost the front pack but it didn't even phase me. I swam as hard as I could

racing "my race"... I turned at the third buoy downstream to the fourth took a couple stokes

and spotted and the current was so fast I had to swim back up to the fourth and then it's up

stream back to the dive start to run up onto the platform and do my second lap. The second

dive was fun and the second lap was a bit better as we were a bit more spread out however

there was still pile ups around the buoys and my leg still got wrapped in the 1st and 2nd

buoy rope. Up onto the platform for my last and final lap and dive... I was having so much

fun... I launched myself off that platform and swam the last lap the best one yet. Finally

figuring out the buoys and exited the water in 22nd. Not far behind my team mate and

Ironman Champion Rinni. Apparently we swam almost the whole race together... That

was fun to know after the fact.

Onto the bike out of T1 in 21st. Wow. For the bike being my stronger of the 3 disciplines.

I was struggling. With all the head wind, cross wind, corners, and hills... I was pushed

hard by none other than this challenging course and myself. I was passed by a couple

girls but passed a couple myself exiting the bike holding 21st.

Onto the run. I was hurting the first lap but held my position. Settling into the run I was

thankful for the 4 lap course allowing me to see my competitors and enjoying the massive

amounts of crowds cheering my name and keeping me going. Halfway through lap two I

was caught and passed... Not disheartened... I just kept focused on remaining on her heels

for as long as I could and she started pulling away on the hill heading into T2 for lap 3 I

knew I'd have to dig deep for the third lap... Setting my sights on the next girl in sight about

halfway through lap 3 I caught and passed her and regained my 21st place. Heading into

last lap... I was thinking just hold on... you are almost home. The feelings of achievement

were settling in as I climbed the last hill towards the finish. Running to the finish line I had

a smile on my face. I did it! I raced my hardest at the biggest race of the year and managed

to do well amongst the best in the world!

21st may not sound that amazing to some. Even to myself I can't wait to be in the top 10 at

a race of this magnitude.... But... But... In my second year as a pro with the crazy life I have

trying to juggle two professions and traveling all the time and balancing everything I've been

going through... I am so happy and I'll say it again... SOOOO HAPPY with qualifying for

HyVee and having a great race for me. Both mentally and physically.

I am sitting on my couch and all the pressure of the year and mostly the pressure I put on

myself is slowly dissolving into the air... At least for the moment I am breathing and chilling

and it feels good!

But not too long... Coach and I have some plans for my next race. LA Tri.

I will not be racing this weekend Muskoka 70.3. After HyVee, Coach and I talked about it

and we decided to do some shuffling of the race sched.

Next up

Heading to Las Vegas this weekend to cheer on fellow team mates Mighty Mags (Magali

Tisseyre), Superbird (Leanda Cave), and Wonder Wu (Michelle Wu)!

Interbike Sept 14-16

I'm participating in the Malibu Tri Sept 18th doing the relay with Jon Cryer and Rich Guzman

Then have LA Tri on Sept 25th

Then poss Dallas on Oct 2

After that Kona bound to Watch Ironman World Championships!!!

And then.... We will see.....

Once again as always THANK YOU to my sponsors who support me and make all this possible. Hincapie

Sports, Holowesko Partners, Oakley, Kask, Garmin, American Classic, BMC, Xterra, Clif Bars, Zico, Mission,

TriLab, and KSwiss.

My coach Siri Lindley and assistant coach Takka. You are helping me make my dreams come true. Along with

my Team Sirius- for pushing me and always encouraging me in training.

And a special thanks to my parents for coming to this race and cheering loud for me and supporting me in this

race and in life.

I had the best weekend!!

Congrats to Teammates

Rinni for racing all the way into 2nd and Chris Foster for his 25th place finish.

To my family and friends... And to You the fans and all my supporters YOU are "THE BEST"

Oakley "Perform Beautifully" 2011 Con't

2011-07-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Oakley Campaign "Perform Beautifully" 2011

2011-07-29T08:30:00.001-07:00

The Story of Klagenfurt5150 (a last minute change)

2011-06-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is one of the things I have learnt about in life... when I was modeling full time... my life was unplanned. Meaning I would try and make plans but most castings, jobs, auditions etc. are last minute and it never failed the moment I'd make a plan... like I'm going to go home for a few days... the phone would ring, the job would be booked and I would have to call home and let them know something came up.... again. My family and friends for the most part got used to this lifestyle I led. I was always scared to make commitments not because I didn't want to but because more often than not I would have to change the plans anyway.

So here I am now... as a professional athlete trying to plan out my year with my coach earlier this year only to find that not much has changed. I think I have changed my entire race schedule 5 times already... and the weekend of Italy70.3.... turned into Klagenfurt5150 in Austria was no exception.

After finishing my first half in Wildflower this year I was begging my coach to allow me to race Italy70.3. The fact that my squad had planned on going over to Europe to race and train it seemed to be a perfect fit for the schedule eventhough my goal this year was to qualify for Hy-Vee with the 5150 series and there was a race in Klagenfurt the same day... but I wouldn't budge! ;)

I twisted my coaches arms with words like "I thought this was supposed to be a year about having fun" "Italy 70.3 is the only race I want to do this year... it's in Pescara Italy... it's an inaugural race... it sounds so beautiful.... coach can I pleeease do this race?!!" Big smile. Coach said 'YES'... and so after the 'yes' I had been looking forward to this race ever since!

And then... I got a fever and a sore throat before my race in Darmstadt. Thankfully race morning I felt ok but it definitely affected my race. One week later I have Italy70.3... it should be enough time to recover and feel good going into the half?. Monday the day after the race I felt terrible, just rest I tell myself and you will feel better tomorrow.... Tuesday I don't feel any better. I am about to call Coach but decide not too. I am second guessing flying all the way to Italy to race a half ironman... it just wasn't making sense when I hadn't been feeling good nor been able to train properly... but I was so sad because it was the race I was really looking forward to racing. My flight was supposed to leave the next day for Italy... and then I did something random as if I could hear my coach telling me this all along anyway. I emailed the race director from Klagenfurt to see if I could still get into the race. I could. Now my head is spinning. Mainly because I knew it was what I should do.... based on a 4 1/2hr race is way more taxing than a 2hr+ race... and what solidified it was I was supposed to get on a plane after Italy and fly to Washington D.C and race that 5150... I knew in my heart there was no way I would be able to perform to my best there after racing Italy. In fact with the length I had been sick and the lack of training I was able to do... I was second guessing wanting to race Washington at all. I call coach. She immediately responds without hesitation.... "absolutely no way to Italy and yes to Klagenfurt. My health and recovery is way more important than a race... and this way I could race Klagenfurt and fly home after and miss Washington D.C altogether." This made perfect sense to me.... my plans were changed.

I spent Wednesday changing flights, booking a hotel, and renting a car.... and then Thursday AM I was on my way to Austria. I was in partial shock. Not sure if I was excited about racing or just more excited that I was heading home soon. I was hitting that lonely phase of traveling. Although I always am loving the adventure there are moments when I am sitting in my hotel room all alone and it can be overwhelming. There is a lot of sacrifice to pursuing the dream. Most times you are living in the cloud and although you can feel the cool breeze it doesn't always hit you til you are sitting alone and then it can be a cold, empty, and lonely feeling. I think most people don't realize just how much you give up to pursue your dream. There are many many extreme highs and soooo much positive and amazing things that come out of it all, but there a definitely moments when you sit and hope that at the end of the journey you are on that you are happy with the choices you made. That you aren't sitting alone with no one to share it with. These are things I think about all the time. Remember it is so great to pursue your dreams but never ever forget or take for granted the people in your life that have supported and enabled you to do this... because at the end of your adventure they will be the ones that you want to share with.... otherwise the adventure will be a lonely podium finish.

Aghhh if you read my blogs often you will know that I get off topic. (lol... sorry)

Ok back to the race. I arrive in Klagenfurt to see some familiar faces from last weeks race in Darmstadt. What a nice feeling. I thought I would be eating breakfast alone but am greeted with smiles from Ty and Nikki Butterfield and their beautiful daughter Savana and also Radka and Harry.... I also meet Mad Andy and Stuart Hayes and of course team mate Paul Amey arrived and my weekend was starting to take formation and all of a sudden I am in a beautiful place with great people and I am so happy that I chose to come to Klagenfurt.

We decide to go out for an "easy" ride and see the course... about an hour. Turns out we ended up somehow going the wrong way and biked part of the Ironman course. 1 hour and 50 mins later we finally get back to the hotel. Not exactly what I had in mind for an easy ride but it was beautiful at least. We then all met after lunch to do a swim... what a gorgeous lake swim to swim in the water is so clean and it was a perfect temperature.... and then my Friday was done. We did a similar thing Sat. except I had now lost my voice and my throat was killing me that I opted on no swim and slept the rest of the day. I was second guessing if racing was even a wise thing to do but I had come all this way and thought at least I could just train through it if I don't feel well.

Race morning....

I feel better. Funny just like the last weekend in Darmstadt. So I decide to race. This time I am not going to make the mistake of losing my cap so I do what most people say is the best way to ensure keeping cap and goggles. I double up. One swim cap followed by my goggles. Followed by another race cap over top. And we are on our way. We are starting with the Pro men and so this means I'm praying I can just hang onto their feet as long as possible. I was having a great start to the swim... until we rounded the last buoy before heading into the long narrow canal. What I begin to experience and deal with was a shock and frustration that in the end cost me about 30 seconds or more and some could say 3rd place... but we all can look at our results post race and say... well if I did this or that... so I am just sayin'

All of a sudden I notice my swim cap is falling off. WHAT??? I have 2 on that has never happened before. I can't swim without a cap. I have so much hair I'd go to breathe and take in a gulp of hair so for the next half of the swim I have to stop every so often and pull my cap down... but this time it is harder because I have two on and so now the goggles are making my eyes bug out and the two caps are both doing their own thing. My bangs are now in my face and I might have been saying a few frustrated words when I'd take a breath because I couldn't believe I was experiencing the same thing 2 races in a row... and here's the worst part... so I am almost near the exit and we have to swim around this little Island and turn right and exit onto the beach... don't ask me how I thought the orange tape going across this section meant "SWIM HERE" because it is practically like police tape from a crime scene saying do not trespass. I swim underneath it and next thing I am getting entangled in lilly pads... I stop all confused and realize I went the wrong way??? Is this really happening?? I couldn't see because of the 2 caps and goggles being messed up and apparently couldn't think. So frustrated I turn around and swim around the proper way of the island and exit the water in 3rd.

Let me tell you I took out my frustration on the bike. It was a hilly bike and 44km instead of 40... so I gave it all I had. I passed the second place girl and only had super cyclist Nikki pass me and I got off the bike in 3rd.

I ran as hard as I could. I wanted to take the first 5km out hard and then hold on. I was running well and then about 6km I was starting to feel my past week of being sick and I was starting to have major cramping in my hamstrings. I kept going only 4km left... but in the 6th km maybe the 7th my hamstrings were spasming too much to keep running so it resulted in me having to do a slow shuffle to let the cramping subside. I am passed by the 4th place girl and feel helpless. I would get moving again and just see her only 20 secs ahead of me and knew she wasn't going any faster than me but every time I'd start to run harder my hamstrings would cramp again... I cross the finish line in 4th about 28 sec behind 3rd. Happy of course as I new I gave it all I had and 4th place is a great finish considering I wasn't even going to race but disappointed that I was so close to my first podium chance as a pro.

I feel it coming. I can't wait for the moment. I can't wait to step onto that podium... and then more importantly I can't wait to be able to share it with the people in my life that have stood by my side and supported me.

Thanks as always to my family, friends, sponsors, and fans that cheer me on and support me in this venture of my life.

Klagenfurt5150 was an incredible race, put on by Erwin and his team! Thank you so much to everyone that made this race a success... the staff and endless volunteers and thanks to the gang I got to hang out with for making the last few days of my trip to Europe memorable.... see you all at Hy-Vee!!!!

Darmstadt5150

2011-06-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

After Italy I headed to Frankfurt to race in the 5150 series in Darmstadt. I must admit I am getting pretty good at packing my bike for what seems like the 100th time. Only a few more times. Sigh.....

Upon arrival in Darmstadt I checked into my hotel and was jumping up and down as I opened up my packages (one from Garmin the gps new touch screen watch called the Forerunner 610 and my new speedsuits that I had Xterra send me in case we couldn't wear wetsuits) I love getting packages!!!

I then met up with Larissa from BMC for dinner. It was fun as we shared stories of being athletes but also ideas for media and advertising opportunities. Coming from years of modeling and advertising I love sitting down with someone and brain storming about great ideas for improving and utilizing every avenue of marketing and media related ventures. Larissa had some great ideas and I love that I can be working together with her to continue to bring awareness to the best bike company out there. BMC Bikes rock!!! Wait til you see their new Tri specific bike that is coming out later this year... I can't wait to get on it.

She also loaded me up with some BMC goodies... "LOVE IT"!!!! Good thing I left room in one of the bags on my trip over here I knew I'd be coming back with more than I left with.

On to the race!!!

Well of course as I am beginning to get all to familiar with racing in the rain... yet again... it rained. I actually don't mind it though as the day before was scorching hot.

First before I tell about the race.... I got my favorite number 33!! Already I was happy with coming all the way over to Europe to race!! It's the small things for me! :)

We swam in this small lake and had to do 2 1/2 loops. It was a dive start and we also started 30 seconds apart. Definitely no drafting on any ones feet this time. Despite my nice belly flop losing the goggles, trying to put them on but not doing it correctly so after another 20 meters I had to stop again to fix them as my eyes felt like they were going to bulge out, and then stopping again as we had to go in between this island and it was hard to spot.... oh wait I had to stop a few more times to fix my swim cap as it kept sliding up and almost off my head. Most times I wear 2 caps (this time I didn't.... lesson learned) There is no way with all my hair I could swim without my cap. So besides all that... I have no idea how much time I lost but let's say at least 5 secs each time I stopped (approx 6 times).... wow... that is a lot of time... possibly 30 secs altogether... I still come away with good news... I still flew and had the 2nd fastest swim time. It was almost a PB for me... missed it by probably 10seconds. My swim time was 20:33.... next wetsuit legal swim I plan on breaking the 20 min mark. That is my goal for this year.

T2 is added into our bike time so I'm not sure how it went but it was one long run to the bike. Prob about 2 minutes. At least I have my Garmin Edge 800 time so I was able to figure out the T2.

Onto the Bike. It was a tough ride for me. Having had a PB two weeks prior at Memphis I was hoping to continue the momentum but there were a lot of false flats and I just seemed to not have the same power as before.. but I wasn't altogether shocked as I had already been traveling 3 weeks and three days prior I was fighting a sore throat and fever so I think my body was just a bit run down. However even though it wasn't my best bike it was solid enough to be happy with... and I loved my new Kask aero helmet. It fit amazing and of course as you know... kinda important to me... it also looked cool!!! :)

T2 also added into the run time so I figured it was about 1- 1 1/2minutes.

The run for me is still a work in progress. I will be honest I have been struggling a bit mentally, BUT even though I am not running anywhere as fast as I was or can be I was happy with this run. I was able to stay positive and focused and the 4 loop run course worked well for me as I was able to break it into segments for staying focused.

I finished this race in 6th place. I had fun and enjoyed it... this is important to me as I never want to lose the joy of what I do!! There is something so refreshing and freeing about running in the pouring rain... Makes me smile. Good way to end a race! Smiling!!!

Until next time... :)!!!

Kask Photo Shoot

2011-06-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

Many of you already know I was in Italy for a photo shoot for my helmet sponsor KASK! I just wanted to add a little recap and some candid photos. After being with Oakley in Paris for the launch of the "Fast Jacket" and to watch some of Roland Garros, I flew down to Italy and headed to the Kask headquarters. I had such a great time in Italy. I have spent some of my younger years modeling there and it was good to be back. I'm a lover of gelato, pizza, and basically just the Italian way. I mean where else do you sit down for dinner at 10pm and eat a 9 course meal! Got to love it... as an athlete it definitely hits the spot... but I will say since being over in Europe I still haven't acclimatized to the late night eating.

At the headquarters I got to meet everyone, take a tour, and drink some more Italian coffee. I did some interviews in the afternoon for some local newspapers and Italian magazines. Interviews are always fun as I continue to learn more about myself through the questions that are tossed my way. After we finished I met Eugene, Silvia, and Ylenia at the hotel for an nice dinner. Then it was off to bed for me to try and get some sleep before the photo shoot the next day.

We had a perfect day of sunshine for the shoot. They surprised me with a custom designed new aero helmet to take with me and also wear for shoot. Now heading through the airports I must look hilarious as I am carrying 2 aero helmets... people I am sure are wondering what I do.

Anyway had a great time. Here is some photo's from the trip.

Thanks to KASK for everything. I had a great time in Italy.... and of course .... I love my cycling helmets!

OAKLEY & ROLAND GARROS

2011-05-30T13:24:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege of being the guest of Oakley at the French Open also known as Roland Garros for the launch of their new sport sunglasses called the FAST JACKET!!! What a great innovative sunglass with easy to do it yourself inter changeable lenses and also a great design. I will be sporting some at my next race in Germany this weekend... Darmstadt 5150. I also am in love with my new Oakley aviators called the Plaintiffs!! AMAZING!!!! For those of you who love the aviators check out Oakleys! I will try and get a picture in them soon!

The European Oakley crew is awesome and I also had the luxury of having Welchy there as well to make sure I was taken care of and to do a little sight seeing with.

Thank you Oakley for sharing Paris with me, I had the best time. Thank you for all you do in supporting me and for everything!!!!!

The week was great. The tennis was great. The Oakley crew was great, The outdoor French Cafes were great, and I even got some amazing training in. I was able to bike in the French country side, swim in a nice outdoor 50 meter pool (over run by breast strokers but I survived all the wide leg kicks as I tried to stay on the times my coach gave me), and also I loved the park right by my hotel that I could run all these endless trails and not get bored!! Perfect for the run workouts I had to do.

All I needed was a riding partner and it would have made the venture in Paris a bit more adventurous.... oh and sitting at the cafes although nice to people watch by myself is also nice to share with someone.

Bon Voyage Paris... Bonjourno Italy.

Post 70.3 Florida & Memphis5150

2011-05-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

"Every day life is full of amazing moments which I love to capitalize on and make into great memories."

After Florida 70.3 my team mate Anna and I had a week before our next race to recover and chill and also do the best we could to prepare for our next race... and we did just that. We headed to the beach... We slept in, swam in the ocean, ate great food, and enjoyed a week of recovery and fun. Unfortunately Anna had a nagging injury that had required some days off and a withdrawl from the Memphis 5150 race, so I was left to do most of the training on my own but having super swimmer Anna poolside made for some good workouts. The swim is finally coming... and more and more the days of endless training are starting to pay off not only in training but finally in racing.

Memphis 5150 was held at the Harrahs Casino in Tunica, MS. Race AM there was lightning and thunder and a LOT of rain. The pro's were supposed to start at 10:30 and it was looking like they were either going to cancel the whole race and/or make us do a duathlon. We all said lets wait a bit to see if the lightning will stop as I know most of us were all hoping to do a full triathlon. About an hour later we were told the race is starting. It was a staggered start which I haven't done before with us going 10 seconds apart and alternating men/women. I was one of the first in the water as we went by last name. Having no one to really draft off in this race... I was super happy with my swim time... and know if it would have been a pack start I would have come out with the main pack!! Huge improvement. I was right there on time with Felder, Shapiro, and my team mate Tagaki!

T1 was so muddy it was like I was running through cow pastures. When I looked down at my legs they were covered completely in mud and grass.

Onto the bike. I am so happy with my bike. There was a fair amount of wind and rain not to mention lightning but I remained focused and driven and kept pushing hard throughout the whole course which resulted in having a personal best in the bike. WOOOHOOOO!!! I biked 1hr and am so close to breaking it. My goal this year is to be sub 1HR in the Olympic distance. Love that I am right there!!!!

T2 was even muddier the second time. I have to admit... maybe the girly side of me came out a bit in T2 as I tried to dodge the huge mud puddles taking a few extra seconds. However it didn't matter as I was even muddier than before as I ventured out on to the run.

Having never done a 70.3 the weekend before and an Olympic distance right away I was not impressed with how I felt. My legs were heavy and I was struggling. I kept telling myself it is only 10km and focused on keeping a high turnover but the previous week caught up to me a bit and I started having cramping issues in my hamstrings.. and a bit in the quads... also likely due to pushing hard on the bike with the wind etc. I was relieved when I crossed the finish line... noting my Garmin said the course was a bit long.... registering 6.8 miles. Thank goodness as my time was not anything to write home about.

I literally finished the race and had to run to the hotel room and throw my BMC bike in the new bike box I bought as my amazing $600 new bike case I had just got a month or so earlier broke on the flight there. (OUCH)... :( Everything was muddy and wet and my luggage seemed to be 10lbs heavier... but I had no time to sort anything as I had to race to the airport to catch my flight to Paris!

I think I ended up carrying on the plane in a plastic bag my racekit and bike shoes that weighed to much to put into the luggage as they were soaking wet from the race and of course I always carry on my Kask areo helmet. I am sure I looked hilarious.... but that is the life of a triathlete!!!

I nearly missed the cut off time to check bags as I only had 4 minutes to spare. Exhausted and still shaking from the adrenalin to get to the airport I sat in my seat and began to breathe almost normally again... I was starving and tired but in my mind the race was the easy part to the day as I still had a stopover in Toronto and then onto Paris... and at some point I needed some food! Hungry athlete... not fun to be around. ;)

I managed to get food in Toronto... well a bag of almonds, and was on my way to Paris. Yipppeeee!! What a crazy day.... and I still had a ways to go.... Onto the next part of this journey ... being part of Oakley's launch of the Fast Jacket and the French Open! More to come on that soon.

FLORIDA 70.3 aka DISNEYWORLD

2011-05-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Florida 70.3.

This was a last minute decision for me to race another half right after my first half two weeks prior at Wildflower, but I had so much fun at Wildflower and wanted another shot now that I had a feeling of what it felt like to race that distance.

First and foremost let me just say I loved it... and I am so excited to finally have raced this distance and to be able to keep racing the 70.3 distance as well as continue to better my Olympic distance races.

I still have SO much to learn and already have learnt so much from these 1st two races. Talk about two completely different races though. One is hilly and dry and the other is flat and humid. I will elaborate more in the race report.

Here's the recap.

SWIM- I've been working really hard on my swim and am so excited at the improvement I've been making not only with some breakthough sessions in training... but also finally seeing the results come in the race. This weekend the swim (which is usually not my highlight of the race... is my highlight). I'm at the start line and just lined up behind another girl and Siri is off on the side and I look over at her and she is like "Fletchy move up". So I inch up closer. I look back at her and she says "MORE". So I squeeze in beside the girl so I am parallel. You see in my mind I was already telling myself to just get on feet instead of what I should have been thinking get out fast like we have been taught. So now I am standing next to my competition and my mind goes to get out fast. Gun goes off and I see my team mate Anna Cleaver who is so fast in the water and she is bolting out in the water driving forward with another girl beside her and I just emulated her and next thing I knew I was right there on Anna's feet. (I am never on Anna's feet except in warmup when she is going easy) I felt awesome. I felt calm. I felt strong. I felt ready. Game on! It wasn't long before Anna was gone but I felt good and got out fast and was holding a good turnover and gapping away from the main pack. Second and Third place girls were in front of me at the half way mark and I was holding pace with them just about a body length behind. I was giving all I had to gap up to them but wasn't making any gain. Over halfway the second place girl had pulled away and I was just keeping my eyes on third place siting her and the buoy. The swim was really well marked and it made for easy sighting. We are on our way home and I could still see third but it kept me driving all the way to the beach coming out of the water in 4th. I glanced back and didn't see anyone near me. This was huge for me. I swam hard and finally I was one of the first out of the water. I could feel how hard I pushed as I was running up the sandy beach and down the long pathway to transition I was breathing hard.

Into T1 and out pretty smoothly and was on my way.

BIKE- always my favorite part of the race... but I was struggling this time. I was panicking for a while as I felt no power or speed. I had in my head everyone telling me this was a fast course.... but I was going no where. There was a lot of unusual wind and because we had thunderstorms all night and the morning of right until the gun went off the roads were slippery and wet, not to mention they had changed the course this year taking off the normal long stretch and adding a few more corners added for some slower turns than normal. But that's no excuse for me... I thrive on toughness and the more technical or windy or wet roads I love it... so after I have time to reflect I will have to figure out what happened. Thank goodness it was a 56 mile bike instead of the 24.8 because I didn't get going til about the time I would have been finishing a normal Olympic distance race. Put it this way when I got home last night I couldn't wait to look at my Garmin and review the stats as they don't lie. My team mate Anna who had the fastest bike said she even split her first 40km and second 40km. My first 25miles.... too second 25miles was almost a difference of 5 minutes and my wattage was lower than normal??? Hmmmm. Still don't have the reason but thankful I finally got into a rhythm. I would like that 5 minutes back that I threw away out there but will have to use my frustration and take it out on the next race.

I went in to T2 in 8th and came out in 6th. Got to love that.

Onto the RUN- So far I have had this tendency in the long distance to make it slow and arduous instead of running like I can. I think what I am learning most in this long distance is my head is still telling me to conserve so I am not racing like I can so when I tell my body to go there isn't much of a response. I will change this. I definitely struggled in the run. The humidity and heat got to me... and my energy was zapped. No stopping at the aid stations like at Wildflower. I promised myself that and Siri so baby steps goal accomplished. I am not discouraged as I know this whole longer distance is new to me and I will get better with every day of training and with every race.

I was very happy to finish my second half in 10th place.

Still lots of room for improvement... I know with the way I work there will always be but that keeps me motivated in training and excited to keep going out there and striving!

I loved having my coach there. Siri you were awesome pre, during, and post race. Thank you so much for being there and supporting me. Also to my team members Anna Cleaver who had the fastest swim/bike and finished 6th, to David Kahn who rocked the mens pro field finishing 3rd, and to Blain Peerson for finishing his age group in 3rd. I have rockstars for team mates. :)

Next up Memphis in May part of the 5150 series. This coming weekend on May 22nd. Praying for a speedy recovering so I can go out and have a great race!!!

MY FIRST HALF IRONMAN "WILDFLOWER"

2011-05-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Wildflower!!!!

A race that is talked about as one of the toughest Half Ironman races out there. Known as the Woodstock of Triathlons it is a festival from beginning to end. From the moment I arrived until the time I left I was smiling and happy!! It can't be helped... the energy is contagious. There are thousands of people camping everywhere, music echoing throughout the hills, laughter resonating all around, and just a feeling that can't be described until you are there. Or maybe it was just because it was my first half ever. Something I didn't plan on doing until 3 weeks ago... something that most Pros do before turning Pro. But as many of you are learning about me I love an adventure. Striving. Trying something new. Challenging myself everyday to rise to a whole new level... and most importantly not just as an athlete but in every way. Inside and Out. Somehow I like to throw in something random or just experience something new and different. I was so anxious to be finally doing my first half that I kind of had a numbness to me like the feeling where you are thinking "Is this really happening..." and possibly what made me smile the most is I picked one of the hardest races to achieve it at!!! Already I felt victorious. The training base that I have achieved with my coach Siri Lindley made me confident I was ready and made for this distance but the unknown of "what a 70.3 RACE feels like" definitely kept me feeling overwhelmed (Being overwhelmed best describes it... I wasn't really nervous as to if I could do the distance it was just not knowing how hard to go because I've never raced that long before).... to be honest I felt like it was my first day of school. I had to tell everyone it was my first time racing the half. Not as an excuse at all (if I did bad) but just because I was embarking upon something totally foreign and new to me. Kinda silly hind sight but I guess I was just so proud of myself for being there that I wanted to tell the whole world.

Wildflower begins with a beautiful lake swim, a challenging hilly bike, and onto one of the toughest half marathons consisting of mainly trail running and endless hills to climb.

Here is my recap.

SWIM

I have learnt a lot from this sport and what I keep learning is the small things and tips that others give you can make your life so much easier down the road. First tip from my team mate Kate Major race in a new pair of goggles and make sure they are clear. I seem to have fogging or leaking issues and the first race I did I raced in a tinted pair of goggles when it was still dark that fogged up and I couldn't see a thing and swam off course. I was so paranoid about my goggles fogging up but also leaking that even after that advice I took my OLD pair still convinced I'd swim in them (as they were what I was used to swimming in and I was a bit uneasy about wearing a new brand as I have a hard time finding goggles that don't leak) So I just washed them out with dish soap the night before and even used the defogger stuff and gave them to my coach to put on before the race and I put the NEW pair on for warmup. I get out of the water and take my old goggles thinking I'm happy with these and put them on and within a few seconds they were fogging up. Panicking I ask Siri for the new pair back and decide to race with them. Seriously Kate you were right. I had no issues with the new pair of goggles and have to thank TYR for sending the packages of swim products to our camp in Borrego Springs as they were a life saver.

I had a great swim... and was so happy to get on some feet and loved the new goggles.

Major Success!!! 2nd Tip that made all the difference in my first transition.... Glynn from Xterra took a picture of me at the Malibu race last yr struggling to get off my wetsuit, and told me that I could probably cut off a bit off the leg as I don't need to have it all the way down to my ankles. So I did. The day before I cut off what I thought would make the wetsuit reach the bottom of my calves... ummmm guess I was a little zealous as when I put on the wetsuit on Friday to go out for a little swim it was about knee length. Regardless of the over zealous cutting I was super happy as I (known for slower transitions) had the second fastest transition!! Every second counts! :) When I told Siri about cutting my suit off and that was what made my T1 fast she literally thought in the race I had scissors and was cutting it off. We were laughing so hard. Can you imagine watching me cut off my wetsuit in a race?? anyway....

BIKE

Always my favorite part of the race. I jumped onto my amazing BMC TT02 and was off. Smacked with the first major climb of the race I felt really good. I was able to start up the hill with two girls but by the time I was at the top they had been left behind. I was so looking forward to seeing what 56 miles of racing felt like... I am pretty confident on the bike and was excited to embrace this challenging course... I was told conserve a bit by many people as this is a tough course and at mile 40 there is what is called "Nasty Grade" which is an arduous long climb that takes it toll on even the best climbers... but mostly because if I annihilate myself on the bike I won't have anything left for the run... and the run is what everyone really talks about. The bike went pretty fast to my surprise... mile 5, 10, 15... all of a sudden I was at 25. (woohoooo I am now beyond my Olympic distance race). To my surprise the parts that I thought would be faster had a head wind and at times there was this crazy cross wind... so there wasn't this fast back part of the course that I expected... but THANK GOODNESS for all the crazy desert training with all the wind and cross wind. I used to be so scared of cross wind and definitely didn't love the head wind... but as it came my body just buckled down as if it was another training day in the desert. Skill and Mental toughness have definitely been "UPGRADED" since I started this journey!

I think I lost more time on the bike trying to incorporate "Nutrition." Yeah... I guess I am not as skilled in the eating and drinking on the bike in a race as most because in an Olympic distance race I can get away without drinking much and maybe having one Clif Shot if I want... but all everyone kept telling me was "nutrition is crucial in a half" I was telling Siri after the race how I felt like a newbie racing as I literally lost momentum in the bike to open my new "bento box" and was digging around... completely going into a no peddle sit up mode to find what I was looking for... then when I found it the getting the shot in while pedaling just didn't work as effortlessly for me. Tip 3... which I will do for my next race. Squeeze the Clif Shots into my water bottle and add water and bam... I can just slowly sip the nutrition all without having to sit up and peddle like I am on a mountain bike. Laugh if you must.... it's ok so am I... ok and maybe I'm a little embarrassed but I'm sure others can relate?? NO??? what... I am the only one?? OK fine whatever... I will learn to eat and drink while racing on the bike. ;)

Other than that I loved the bike... Having my Garmin 800 was awesome for keeping track of my cadence, speed, average speed, and time.... and 56 miles went way faster than I thought it would. Yes, I conserved a bit... but now I know what it feels like and next time I can race so much better and harder!

"Wardrobe Malfunction"

Yep... I'm off the bike into T2, bike is on the rack... and now to take my Kask helmet off. Oh shoot my earring is stuck on the ear strap. I'm fidgeting and everyone is looking at me with questioning faces... "Ok yes I'm a multitasker I noticed that while I was totally focused on trying to get my helmet off" The ref comes up behind me and asks if I am ok?? I'm like yeah just have to take my earring off... aghhh finally earring is in hand helmet comes off. (Don't worry KASK the helmet is INSANE and I am in love with it... it is my fault for wearing half hoop earrings.) What can I say... you can probably tell by my custom designed Hincapie Racesuit that... hey, I'm a still a girl... who comes from the fashion world and still wants to look stylish while racing... ;)!!!! Might have to go with the non half hoop earrings next time! :)

So needless to say my T2 was the slowest of them all.... booooo!!!!!

Run

I'm off onto the run (minus one earring) and feeling pretty good... and then came the climbs. Told by everyone don't go out too hard it's a long run and there are plenty of climbs that you need to conquer. WOW.... some say it's better not to know the course before running it... I am now able to say... I am not one of those people. I think I would have liked to know what I was getting myself in to. WOW... I say it again. My thoughts of at least I'll run the first 10k good and then hold on was not what happened.... I was dealing with some hamstring issues which slowed me up a bit and then the plan I had to focus on 20 minutes at a time otherwise I'd get overwhelmed... somehow was lost between my thoughts going to "this is hard and I'm barely moving up this hill" and "WHAAAAT I AM ONLY AT MILE 4????" Kinda set me into a backwards momentum. This is the kind of run where it is ALL about mental toughness. For someone like me who is used to 10km and then you are done... I admit I started struggling mentally... which made for a looooong run but thank goodness for the crowds of people cheering along the way and throughout the campsite... as they helped ease the struggle I was having. Then there were the aid stations handing out the water which were like heaven to me whenever I saw their bright colored orange shirts in the distance... I would get excited. I admit it.... I would stop and walk at the aids station. How could I not?? Everyone was so friendly... they all wanted to hand me water. The kind person I am... I just had to take from almost everyone. They made me smile. :)

Ok and one other thing I have to admit.... being sponsored by Hincapie Sports and having the freedom to custom design my own race kit is like a fashion girls dream in the sports world. Most athletes would love hearing wow look how fast she is going etc etc... (Don't get me wrong I am so empowered by that too)... but I have to say I get this little beam when I'm running and I hear "that's the coolest trisuit I have ever seen..." or "wooooah cool suit." etc etc. Makes one happy athlete!!! Design your own trikit at Hincapie Sports... trust me you won't regret it!!! Between Hincapie Sports for racing, cycling, and compression stuff and Oakley for active and lifestyle apparel and sunglasses I am LOVING life.

Soon enough I had reached MILE 12.... and the rest was all downhill. Anyone who runs this last downhill after 12 miles of an already grueling run knows what I am talking about by that last mile was hard on the body... the muscles are screaming and fighting every step of the way but I thought there was another girl behind me so I was going as hard as I could... all the way to the finish line... and then I stopped and SMILED. (apparently there was no girl behind me but made for a fast last mile) and THAT WAS IT.... I just finished my FIRST half. WOW.... I was so overwhelmed.... and then to hear my coach giving me a hug and saying "Fletchy you did it... you just raced your first half and I am so proud of you" brought tears to my eyes... and YES I did it & I loved it!!!

I went into this race with no expectations.... just have fun... enjoy your first half.... know that you've picked one of the hardest races out there.... and you know what??? I did just that!!!

THAT IS ALL I WANTED TO WALK AWAY WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE SAYING I JUST RACED THE HARDEST RACE OF MY LIFE!!

Thank you to all my sponsors, family, friends, and support team. You know who you are. As you already know... I couldn't do any of this without you making it possible.

And now.... up next Memphis in May on May 22nd!!!

Below is a little video link to Leanda Cave and I getting interviewed pre race.

Video: Leanda Cave and Jenny Fletcher prepare for Wildflower.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid58433648001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAABAI06Hk~,I3WnLiyY6vdi4qM6g71MmqPcwMxixQqs&bclid=0&bctid=924839499001

South Beach Nautica Tri

2011-04-11T09:31:00.001-07:00

"If you find my mojo or my head, I seem to have lost both. Please return. I need to find desperately before my first half Ironman EVER at Wildflower!"

I had a friend send me this text about his race coming up in St. Croix and it made me smile as I could oh so relate!!! So I decided the perfect summary for you to understand my race in Miami was that quote!

I will be honest. I have no excuses. I did not race even close to my ability. It just was not my day. I felt flat and just couldn't get going. There was no "umpffff" in my body and the best summary is somehow... on this day.... I lost my mojo. My head was actually there. Which I am happy for. I tried to go. No response... but I never quit and I finished as strong as I could. On these days I know to walk away and know I gave it my best.

I crossed the finish line and walked straight into the beautiful blue crystal clear water of the ocean and let the waves roll over me and let all my disappointments wash away. I know this from training days that some days are ground breaking with super highs and some days nothing works. Two steps forward only one step back. I say. I am making huge progress. Being a PRO is tough!!! I am so proud of myself for taking that step into the hardest but most rewarding venture of my life. I am very hard on myself. Sometimes I think my results as an athlete may not ever be what I want them to be... but I do know that who I am... who I am growing and learning and becoming more and more everyday is "ME". Through every experience... I am rewarded with results that make the greatest changes and give me so much more to grow from. I am learning, dealing, and taking whatever I can from ALL my circumstances... to becoming more than I even thought was possible. To be REAL... To know I have challenged myself on every level. INSIDE AND OUT!

SO I CELEBRATE! Because no matter what happens in training, or in a race, or in any area of my life.... I will continue to CHOSE to take the day... embrace it... own it... and let it change my life for the better. Not just for that day but for the rest of my life. I may not always see it... feel it... understand it... but change is inevitable. I love the journey and everything it brings my way. The highs and the lows... For I know... There is purpose in EVERYTHING!

I spent time after the race hanging out with one of my friends and someone I greatly admire. Lucy Danziger. She has accomplished SO much in her life and every time we get to see each other at a race she always amazes me how she views life and challenges herself in her work, in training and racing, and as a mother and wife. Lucy is the Editor in Chief at Self magazine. A job which she is so good at, and it's fun how we can get together and bounce info off of each other. We met a few years ago at this exact race and to make a long story short it was the turning point of me turning from a model and deciding to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional triathlete. One of the things that we talked about which made me realize that life is always about growth and learning. She said to me "You'd think after 50 years of life you would have it all figured out" but she is always surprised that that is never the case.... it was so great to hear again... and it makes me know I am right on track. We can never stop learning, changing, growing, and being challenged. I love it. I love that about life. Maybe not always as I am going through things but as I look back I thank God for all He has done to and for me to help me to grow into the woman I desire to be.

Ok... a little of track in this race report. HUGE THANKS TO ALL WHO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE.... My beloved sponsors.

HINCAPIE SPORTS "Best Custom Race Kit EVER and of course cycling gear and compression stuff".

HOLOWESKO PARTNERS "SO thankful to share this dream with you supporting me". OAKLEY "You make me look like a rockstar what more can I say!!".

GARMIN "Can't train or race without my Garmin".

KASK "Superhero helmet... I am in LOVE".

BMC "You know I ride the sexiest bike in the world thanks to you".

AMERICAN CLASSIC "the wheels are amaaaazing".

CLIF BARS "I literally LIVE on your products... ME VERY HAPPY".

ZICO "Without you at this race I wouldn't have survived... It was so hot... nothing better than a refreshing drink post race".

MISSION "also can't live without your products and especially at this race it was so hot... thanks for always protecting my skin".

K-SWISS "Best shoes EVER. and I love all you guys behind the brand".

TRI LAB "A girl needs her bike store.. and you guys are the best. Thanks for being at the race and supporting me".

My coach SIRI "You know I adore you. Thank you for always believing in me and seeing the potential I have and helping me dig deep to find it. I couldn't do any of this without you".

EVERYONE OF YOU... MAKE ALL THIS POSSIBLE BY BELIEVING IN ME AND HELPING ME REACH MY POTENTIAL... THANK YOU!"

A special thanks to Eric Wynn for taking these pictures of me at this race so I actually have proof I was here. :) The other shot is of Lucy and myself post race!

MIT 5150 1st Race of Season

2011-03-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well....

Here's what I wanted my blog to say... First race of the season and I smashed it! SO thrilled. Right on track. End of story.

Unfortunately it's not quite how it went. So the preview begins....

I have the best base EVER. I am more fit than I think I have ever been in my life. I am swimming faster, biking stronger, and running wiser. Perfectly tuned for the first race. My coach is incredible with preparing us to always be prepared to handle anything in a race... so this is where I wonder what went wrong that I got so thrown off that I didn't race or perform the way I thought I would or could????

Well here's my rationalizing after several... several.... hours of thinking things through after for me what ended up being a frustrating race where I finished and just wanted to shrivel up and hide in a cave. I know it wasn't that bad... but "I" put SO much pressure on myself and train with the best and train so hard and put my heart and soul into this adventure believing I have every potential to podium as everyone else that sometimes I forget (or just don't want it to happen) that there may be obstacles on the way to reaching that goal and dream. Most times I take it in stride... and other times I collapse. This was one of them. I wanted to go in soooo badly and have the perfect race and come out of the first race feeling confident and ON FIRE!!!

Yesterday my team mates rocked the 70.3 in San Juan. I was so fired up from their race results and proud and knew in my heart I had been training with some of the best of the world and have been getting better and better everyday that they inspired me to race this race and carrying on the torch. I didn't want to let them down.... and in simple words... I put so much pressure on myself... I CRACKED.

Well not at first. I got in that water so confident. I knew I had the potential of being top 5 overall. So what happened. Three things I will never do again. 1) We started swimming when it was still dark. I had my dark tinted goggles on. (Mistake one) I couldn't see. 2) They started fogging up before we started, but sometimes they leak... and I was more worried about them leaking than fogging up so I didn't want to move them (Mistake two... now I couldn't see because I had dark tinted goggles on AND I decided to leave them foggy????????) WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS I THINKING. NEVER AGAIN!! The swim started great. Now here's where it went wrong... I reach the first buoy and make my way around it and because my goggles are dark and fogged up I was having a hard time spotting the girls in front of me and I'm not sure how but I guess I just started looking for the buoys and the first one I saw I went too. Apparently well into the way of going off course... another girl comes up beside me. SO we are swimming along together and I feel great and I am positive and so ready to race my best race. Then she is gone??? I figured she decided to drop back on to my feet as we were swimming the same speed. I keep going. Then I hear a faint whistle. Eventually I stop. And he is yelling you are going the wrong way!! I ask where the buoy is and he points way in the other direction. I am so disoriented at this point. AND FRUSTRATED. It's the last thing I expected to happen. The buoy is at least 100m or more the other direction from where I had been heading, and the girl I had been swimming with had heard the whistle before me and was already almost at that buoy. So there I was repeating everything that I had worked so hard on all winter and not wanting to relive. Swimming the race all alone. I felt so good and so strong and KNOW without a doubt I am faster than last year. So to be now way behind because of a stupid mistake is SO SO frustrating. Once again... yes I know I am so hard on myself. But imagine telling everyone you went off course in the swim??? And when I finally get out of the water I am so far behind that you feel like people are giving you sympathy claps... I know... who cares??? Well obviously I do. Because I let it get the best of me. You want to yell out and justify why you are so far behind... but people would just look at you and think how is that possible?? There are big floating buoys out there to direct you... YES I KNOW I AM THE DUMB ASS.... At least that's how I felt.

ANYWAY.... I get on the bike and honestly if there is one thing I love to do it's bike. So I biked pretty good. Passed a few girls. That made me feel better... the problem... I was thinking too much of imagine if I had swam a normal swim how much more in the chase I'd be. Coach always says race your own race and you never know what can happen and for the bike part I can say I was pretty in control of staying focused. I was happy with the bike.... and for being only the 3rd time on my new TT02 BMC bike (which I am absolutely in LOVE with) it was a pretty good bike.

But my thoughts caught up to me when I got off the bike... I couldn't get into a rhythm and it was a flat fast run but I was moving like I turtle. I caved. I am disappointed for giving up so fast. Even if I knew I couldn't catch anyone (which you should never think anyway) I should have raced for my own pride. Instead I went into just finish and move on. I don't like when I go blank in the run. Everything I have worked for. All the run sessions. The positive thinking. The belief. GONE... in the blink of an eye. I don't know where I go yet... but it definitely isn't in the moment. (Mistake 3) I am absent. This is humbling to admit... who wants to admit their weaknesses.... but I am saying it... because I AM the first to say I WILL MAKE MY WEAKNESSES MY STRENGTH. I will go back to the drawing board and make my run and my mind so in sync that no matter what happens even if I go blank my body and heart and soul will keep going with the passion that I so deeply have for this dream.

I know it's the first race of the season and despite having some mishaps I will CHOSE to put it behind me and focus on the now. The training. The next race. And the fact I have a whole season ahead of me. Someone.... myself... had to convince me it wasn't the end of the world. SO after hours of wallowing in self pity... I'm out. I survived. It wasn't that bad. ;)

SOOOO ..... here's to a great year with lots of highs and I'm sure several more lows.... Because without the struggles the victories wouldn't feel as sweet. Looking forward to the WHOLE journey!!!

Next up is South Beach Nautica Tri. Pretty sure I can't go off course in this swim... it's a straight shot down south beach... so looking forward to seeing where I am at in the swim. Bike should be fast. AND THE RUN WILL BE FASTER!!

I'm already fired up to get back to training.

Miami I will return!

Oh I almost forgot.... the best part of the race... the unveiling of my new custom designed (BY ME) race suit from Hincapie Sports. Hey if you are going to go off course... I say ya might as well look good while doing it. I LOVE MY RACE KIT! Yeah Hincapie Sports.

I've included a picture with team Sirius team mate Blain who happened to win his age group. Congrats Blain!! Way to carry the torch!

LIFT ME UP!!!

2011-02-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

Songs.

I love music.

Music that reaches to the depths of my heart and stirs my soul.

Songs that if I were to have written them the words couldn't have more described what I'd want to say... how I feel... what I'm going through.

Songs that I've written about in my blogs before like "The Climb"

Ones that I hit replay over and over again, singing them as loud as I can... like it was my own... relating to the very words I'd sing... must I remind you the words to The Climb....

I can almost see it that dream I'm dreamin'

but there's a voice inside my head saying

"you'll never reach it"

every step I'm taking

every move I make feels lost without direction

my faith is shaking

but I gotta keep trying

got to keep my head held high....

There's always gonna be another mountain,

I'm always gonna wanna make it move,

always gonna be an uphill battle,

sometimes I'm gonna have to lose...

ain't about how fast I get there

ain't about what's waiting on the other side...

It's the climb...

The struggles I'm facing...

The chances I'm taking...

sometimes might knock me down..

but no, I'm not breaking...

I may not know it

but these are the moments

that I'm gonna remember most, ya

just got to keep going.

And I... got to keep strong...

just keep pressing on!!!!

I still get shivers whenever I hear that song... my life over a year ago... those words were so relatable to everything I was facing, going through... all my struggles and fears...

But I've realized lately... it's not just me... everyone I speak to has their own fears, their own battles, their own mountains they are climbing. These individual struggles we are all facing... these challenges set before each of us that make us question so many things... or sometimes make us just want to surrender and give up.

I'm here to say that from all my years of struggling to live the perfect life... to give the appearance that life is easy and that I'm always in control... is not real... nor being true to myself. My own fears of letting everyone see the real me... the struggles I face, the fears I have, the mistakes I have made... was me trying to live up to a life that I actually don't want anymore. It gets tiresome trying to appear invincible... Let me just say God took me through a whirlwind over the last few years and turned my life upside down and inside out and I lost all that I knew and this made me look at myself in the mirror and realize I needed to change.

What I realized the most was this standard I had set for myself was not attainable (nor did anyone expect such of me, but I believed that is who I needed to be) I have slowly let go of holding onto that which is not real or attainable... the truth is I have come to a place were I am just tired of the facade.... that everything is ok. I pushed a lot of people out of my life because of what I was going through and tried to hide behind a mask or shield that didn't let anyone in.... those days are almost gone. I am being me now with all my flaws. No more masks. Will the real Jenny Fletcher step forward.... and all of a sudden here I am more free than ever... I am finally just being ME!

We are all faced with struggles everyday, and most often don't always chose the right path... but it's what we chose to do with the choices we have made.. right or wrong... and using them to make us stronger and better people.

More faith, more patience, more joy, more self control, kindness, gentleness, goodness, and unconditional love... in the end. I know though everything I have been through GRACE is imperative. We are all with fault and no one is perfect. I hope we can all chose to find the strength deep within us to rise above our circumstances... and be true to ourselves and those around us. These are the moments that make us.

And it's my introduction to this next song... it's about rising above!!!

I was visiting Oakley Headquarters before Christmas last year and had the privilege of listening to Kate Voegele sing some of her songs. And I have to tell you as I was sitting there listening to her phenomenal voice... out comes this song that as I listened to once again it was like I had written it and the very words she sang were my own. I had to download it and I was just listening to it as I was driving and was thinking WOW this is like the climb song all over....

"LIFT ME UP" by Kate Voegele

This road is anything but simple

Twisted like a riddle I've seen high and I've seen low
So loud, the voices of all my doubts
Telling me to give up, to pack up and leave town

Even so, I had to believe
Impossible means nothing to me, yeah

So can you lift me up,
Turn the ashes into flames
‘Cause I have overcome
More than words will ever say
And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come
When the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun

Somewhere, every body starts there
I'm counting on a small prayer,
Lost in a nightmare
But I'm here, and suddenly it's so clear
The struggle through the long years
It taught me to outrun my fears

Everything worth having, oh
Comes with trials worth withstanding

So can you lift me up,
Turn the ashes into flames
‘Cause I have overcome
More than words will ever say
And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come
When the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun

Oh, lift me up
Oh, lift me up
Oh, lift me up
Lift me up
Lift me up
Oh, Lift me up

Down and out is overrated
And I need to be elevated
Looking up is not enough
No, I would rather rise above

So can you lift me up,
Turn the ashes into flames
‘Cause I have overcome
More than words will ever say
And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come
When the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun

Oh, oh, oh, just begun
Lift me up, yeah, oh, oh, oh, yeah, now
Oh, oh, lift me up
Lift me up
Lift me up

I lOVE MY TEAM SIRIUS!!!

2011-01-31T18:22:00.001-08:00

I just was going through photos and found a few recent ones that made me smile about training with my team!

Let me tell you a little bit about Team SIRIus!!!

My coach SIRI... pours her heart and soul into her job and she is the most passionate person I have ever met. She cares about each of us more than imaginable and not only does she believe in everyone she coaches she also wants to make sure that we as team mates all work well together. It is imperative that the energy we all have and give and ultimately share is in sync. She feeds us passion if we don't have it on that day, encourages us endlessly each and every day and to top it off dances for joy (literally) when she sees us succeeding and improving. This is just a small bit about my coach but worth sharing and I know I can say without a doubt we all adore her. And NIKKI the energy you put in to this team with ALL you do is imperative. The training, the orchestrating, the emailing me to make sure I am ok and taking care of myself on every level. I adore you as well. Thank you for your bubbly personality. When I'm around you I can't help but want to start jumping around like you do!!! :)

My team mates are AWESOME!!!! Seriously I love everyone of you.

HAYHAY you rock. You've been working so hard and I'm so proud of you for how hard you train and for the fun you bring to the group. You are my partner in crime (and I know Siri knows this... hehe.... "Siri are you sure we can't run together?!!"... ;)

TAKKA you are the most incredibly gifted and talented and hard working athlete I have ever seen. You are going to the Olympics... I so believe in you!! And yes we will work at getting you Subway Sandwiches as a sponsor.

MAJOR... love training with you. You never ever complain and always give your utmost. You inspire me. I can't wait to see you kick butt again at another SSTGP race!!!! That was awesome!!!

DIESEL... you are so a machine!!! I know this is going to be your best year EVER!! I love that you are on the team now. You bring sooo much to this team. You make it fun by adding in the extra stops at Starbucks and Yogurtland!! So so happy you are here. We will gain so much from training together!! Can't wait for Borrego!

MIGHTY MAGS... you seriously are mighty. You are an insane athlete. You can do it all. Swim fast, Bike fast, and run even faster.... I'm so happy you are on the team now too. Talk about FUN!!! Love your energy you bring to EVERY workout!!!

CHRIS and PAUL... nice to have some men on the team who push us because you are both so freakin fast. Sorry for you that there are so many of us girls... however I haven't heard you complain yet... :)!

This is the group that has been training all of Dec and Jan together. Siri has many more phenomenal athletes like Leanda and Rinni being two of them. You girls are like rock stars in the Tri World. You inspire us all!!!

SIRIusly..... ;)... I have the best coach and team. Can't wait to head to Borrego and train with you all. Here's to the best year ever. Thank you for being a part of my life and inspiring me everyday! I am blessed!!!

Garmin Photo Shoot

2011-01-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

Last week I was in San Diego for the Garmin photo shoot! We had perfect weather.. of course as we are in Southern California!!! Thank goodness as I was getting nervous about the water shots with the water being so cold... but thanks to my Xterra wetsuit it wasn't that bad at all! I actually enjoyed the water and can't wait for the ocean swims that will get under way in the spring!

I'm getting good at these running shots... HAHA... from Oakley a week before to Garmin last week my beginning of the run is going to be fast with all these little quick sprints I've been doing!! It's gonna be a great year!!!!! :)

I can't wait for the new watches to come out that we were shooting! Keep your eyes on the lookout. YOU WILL LOVE the new watches!!! High tech! Very cool!! I mean I already love all the products they already have... hard to believe they can keep coming out with more amazing innovative products!!

Unfortunately I only have one picture from this photo shoot. Guess I was too busy starting up my twitter account... (sorry guys if I was a little obsessive with it).... we'll just have to wait for the final results. Was a fun group with everyone from Garmin Stan, Talia, Terry, and Owen along with Scott our photographer, and fellow athletes Josh Cox, Matt Lieto, and Ben Collins. Thanks guys for making the San Diego trip and photo shoot a success and so chilled and fun!!! Looking forward to working together with you all at Garmin for life!! :)

Also thank you so much for the ticket to the Endurance Live Awards Gala. I had a total blast!!!

More Photos from Oakley Shoot

2011-01-28T16:16:00.001-08:00

RUNNING....

RUNNING...

RUNNING!!!!

OAKLEY IN AUSTIN

2011-01-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

My first thought is OH BOY.... this is exactly what I think when I look at my blog to see when the last time it was I wrote....

Well it's now 2011!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone. I feel that I can still say that as we are still in January. I have had a jam packed January... and to my amazement I actually can't believe it is still January!

I literally welcomed in the new year and then jumped on a plane to head to do my first photo shoot of the year with Oakley!!! We were shooting in Austin and can I just add.... I had no idea how amazing of a city Austin was. I have never seen SO many people out running. It's like the fittest city I have ever been in. I loved it. Of course it helps that we are staying at the San Jose Hotel which has these amazing rooms with a great little pool and outside bar and then to put the icing on the cake... how can you not love it when Jo's Coffee Shop is right next door!! I could definitely go back to Austin and train there.... hmmmm food for thought.

The mornings were FREEEEZING!!! and then we would be melting at lunch time... and then freezing again as the sunset. I remember on day 4 we were doing this interview and I was soooo cold that I couldn't stop shivering as I was sitting against this tree (like we do everyday) I'm sure my lips were blue but when the film was rolling I forced myself to relax and kept telling myself it was a gorgeous sunny day and all the people standing around in winter coats looking like they were freezing were just in my imagination trying to fool me. I don't even remember what I said because my brain was also frozen!! ;)

We had so much fun tho. The whole week was filled with laughter and lots of good times... on a week long job you definitely get to know every ones crazy side... all that keeps running through my head is Erica, Emily, and Mietra dying laughing as they say die... die... die over and over like count dracula.... or was it one... two... three... with evil laughs after!!! Whatever it was I'll never forget how hard we were all laughing. My favorite memory was when we were trying to get the last shot done and everyone was laughing so hard I had tears running down my eyes and Randi kept shooting. I'm sure those shots are keepers!!! Anyway... I couldn't have been with a better group. Thanks to EVERYone there for making this trip to Austin memorable. Shooting for the "Perform Beautifully" campaign was a breeze with everyone from Oakley and Factory Design Labs. I have loads of memories and can't wait to see the campaign!!!

1st Place Catalina Tri

2010-11-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, I thought LA Tri was my last race but I actually ended up adding 2 more races. One being the "Super Sprint Triathlon Grand Prix" which was held Oct 31st in Oceanside. What a great concept for a race and what we all (those of us that participated anyway) hope will take off next year into a whole series. To give you a quick idea of what it is all about it is a super FAST...super HARD race where you are redlining the whole way 300m swim, 5mile bike, 1.5mile run and then dive back in the water and repeat. The second time diving into the water is so hard and I was maxed out... every part of my body and mind was screaming at me to stop.... but of course you push on and know that it will be over before you have time to think too much. With fans cheering the whole time... it makes it a very fun race! The race is based on a series that used to take place in Australia that was a massive hit with the media and fans etc. Mark Lees put on a fabulous trial run of this in Oceanside and it's definitely a race series that we all hope lifts off and takes flight into a whole series next year. Check it out.... www.sstrigp.com

Then on Thursday last week I decided to sign up for another race the Catalina Triathlon!!! Being that it's just a short ferry ride across the ocean and a local race I figured.... why not?!!! So the next thing I know I am on the last ferry over Friday night with a bunch of other triathletes and weekend passengers (whom I am pretty sure when they pictured a nice relaxing weekend getaway to the Island had no idea that a triathlon would be taking place and taking over the island and their romantic getaway!!!)

I love races. It's like when I was over in Kona and these Cruise ships would be unloading.... can you imagine the look of these tourists as they got off the boat not realizing a race was on but seeing a whole group of super fit people running half naked around the island??!!! I'd probably get straight back on the cruise ship and say "I think I'll just lay by the pool today there are a bunch of crazy people on this Island!!"

I have to admit that when I signed up for this race I didn't check out the course map... good thing I had a chance in the AM to get a bit of a taste of the hill I'd be climbing three times on the bike, and the run had a similar climb as to LA Tri. But then again... I love to climb... so it was the perfect end of the season race where I had such a great time and finished crossing the finish line in 1st place!!!! My first win of the year... woohoooo!!!! It was a great ending to a great season, and couldn't have come at a better time as my mind is gearing up for next year as I head into my second year as a PRO with a whole different agenda and mindset.

LOOK OUT!!! Next year Coach and I have a great race season being planned out.... with a few International training blocks and lots of great racing all over the world. 70.3's are being added into my new season as I look at not only continuing to master the Olympic distance but looking to add distance to my racing... I figure I'm doing all the training for a 70.3 anyway!!! :)

I want to THANK everyone of you for supporting me...

Pics are of Super Sprint Race and Catalina Tri!

Recap since the last blog

2010-10-31T23:27:00.000-07:00

Was it really that long ago that I blogged... Do you realize how much has happened since the Malibu Tri?! Can I give a quick recap?? Let's see... After Malibu.... hmmm... I can't even remember... Oh yeah... Arlynd and I flew to Canada to get our stuff out of storage after 3 years and Uhaul it back to LA... Minus me... as I had to fly to NY for a meeting. Arlynd was a rockstar for doing the whole drive by himself as the friend he originally had joining him on the ride couldn't make it last minute. Did I feel guilty that I was off to NY then to Vegas for Interbike.... Absolutely. But did I manage to have fun even with my guilt... way too much!! Interbike was a blast. Hanging with friends and roaming around Vegas not a bad thing for a couple days. I even managed to win some money at the BlackJack table!! Now the whole reason I originally went to Interbike was to sign posters for my Italian bike sponsor Milani...I must insert here a thought.... "I LOVE MY MILANI BIKE"...but the unfortunate thing was the posters went M.I.A... so I just ended up hanging out in Vegas!

Thank goodness the posters where eventually found... but it was after the show ended and now I have 100 of them sitting in the apartment... hmmmm what to do with them??

OK... fast forward to LA TRI! Ok now that's been mentioned... now onto KONA. ;)

WOW.... I went to Kona to watch the Ironman World Championships, and do a photoshoot for K-Swiss, and was blown away by how awesome it was! What an amazing event to experience. I could seriously write a whole blog just about Kona and I don't even do Ironman YET.... I will however admit I have the bug now and I will say... I will do an Ironman and not just anyone I have to do KONA!!!! Congrats to Rinni and Macca for winning the race and inspiring me. The whole raced inspired me.... IT IS NO JOKE!!! What an amazing test these athletes go through to be at Kona and race for the Ironman World Championship!!!

I had the best time. The early morning swims. Highlight. The 600m swim out to the boat that had coffee and cookies... highlight. Lava Java. Highlight. Cliff jumping. Another highlight. Biking the Queen K. Also a highlight. Watching Lukey and Memphis get married... great highlight and a great ending to a great trip. LOVED IT.

So back to LA on a red eye Wednesday night arriving Thursday AM. I decide to drive to Vegas Saturday where Luke and Amanda and crew are now celebrating their marriage... and Rinni joins me and then Greg and Laura just so happen to be there!!! What a fun time. Great memories for sure.

I drive back Monday AM at 2 or was it 4am thinking I was gonna be fine and that I was wide awake... 2hours into it I was seeing cross eyed. I had to pull over and sleep on the side of the road. 2hours later... I woke up to the sun rising as I continue the drive home... so I guess that means I left at 4... Don't ask me what I was thinking.

Then that same day or night I jump on a plane to Switzerland for a job. Can I say that all the traveling and lack of sleep is catching up to me?? Yep... I am in that numb state where you aren't really sure if you should be awake or asleep... smiling or crying... or really what to even think. Jobs done and everyones happy!! Yeah!! The next day I'm back on a plane back to LA.

Maybe that wasn't the smartest thing to do... but I seem to always like to throw a little twist into my life.

Ok... now we are almost caught up to date...

Tomorrow I will write about the Super Sprint Triathlon Grand Prix race that I did today. Er yesterday as it is now 1AM.... yikes... I need to go to sleep!!!

Pictures are of Milani Poster for Interbike, Laura Bennett and Me at start of LA Tri, 1.2 miles out at the end of the swim in Kona playing in the water, the trip to Vegas with GB, LB, Rinni, & Me.

Nautica Malibu Tri and a blurb on Chicago Tri

2010-09-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Well the season is almost over but the stories and adventures continue.

This past weekend was the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. Those of you familiar with my race schedule may be wondering where the race report was from Chicago.... I thought about it... and obviously it is still on my mind as I am mentioning it now... and I will take a moment... just one.... to recap the race.... HOT.... and I somehow managed to FINISH even though there was nothing in me wanting too. There now it's out in the open... The flat tire I was hoping for... didn't happen. The moments on the run when I figured it would be better for everyone if I just stopped and not actually let this time be recorded in the history books... didn't happen.... Yep, somehow I managed to keep my feet moving and yes I did FINALLY cross the finish line. A 10K run that felt like an eternity... I wanted to shrivel up and disappear... but I didn't!!! A sigh of relief as I crossed the finish line... only to be whisked away to get drug tested. Let me inform you... it's hard to do that when you are so dehydrated. I think Laurel Wassner said she was in there for the whole 2 hours.... I drank and drank and almost felt sick from that alone.. but thankfully managed to ahem... perform... and they let me go!!!

I had a great race recovery as I spent a few days down in the Bahamas where I got in some great training and awesome rest. Then up to NY for a couple days of the US Open, and catching up with a few friends. I lived in NY 10 years and never went to the US Open and had always wanted to go, so I thought what a better way to spend the weekend there. Check it off the list.... It was a great weekend! I'm sooo glad I went.

I did an easy long run with Laurel Wassner Sunday morning before heading to the Open and she said it took her forever to recover from the Chicago race and when I saw Matt Reed at the Malibu Tri this weekend he said the same thing. See... I am not the only one who thought it was tough. :)

And now back to the main story... Nautica Malibu Tri. Well it appears the flat tire I had been hoping for in Chicago happened here in Malibu. I had about 6 or so miles to go to the finish of the bike segment and had just passed 2 girls and was ready to hammer home as I know these roads so well and know that I can get top speed on the return into Zuma beach... only to hear my front tire let out all the air. In my mind I was thinking... NO NO NOT NOW.... THAT WAS LAST WEEK I WANTED IT... but you know what they always say "Be careful what you wish for... " and I know for sure it doesn't always happen when you want it too. So I sit up and am thinking do I stop... it's only 6 miles should I keep biking??? I am still pedaling not wanting to give up the lead I had just started to accumulate from passing the girls. I knew I was on Tubulars... and you can ride a bit further on them than a Clincher so I decided to keep going... slow and steady I felt like I was biking up hill and going no where... One of the girls passed me back.... Oh well... this is a mechanical issue that I just have to know I was on time for a great bike time... I struggled to keep pushing the bike to T2... It was flat and should have been easy but my legs were fatiguing out more than on the whole bike course... Everyone's yelling and cheering for me and I breathe a sigh as I make it to T2.... off of the bike and a fast T2 sends me out on the run course. I had decided in my mind that this race I was going to run a positive mental run.. and I desperately wanted another PB. I felt great. My pace was comfortable and I knew I was holding a good turnover. I had a few moments where I went into my slowing the pace down for no apparent reason but said to myself.... "not today... today I run because I know I was born to run and be fast"... and so I do. I run and I focus on relaxing and keeping close pace to a Ave (One of the athletes I train with from Siri's squad)... It actually felt good to be so positive in the run and hold the pace I was holding.... and "YES" I was surprised that running fast in a race felt as good as in training. You see for me I have been running great in training but hadn't figured out yet how to translate it over into the racing... as I would get into the race and somehow decide that I need to go into conservative mode. All the fears... the what if's .... always battled in my mind as I raced. Today, however... in the Malibu Nautica Tri I had another breakthough.... "WHO CARES??!!!" If I run my hardest and don't finish due to maxing out... who really cares... tomorrow everyone has moved onto another day and all my inner struggles of fear of letting people down... mainly myself... no one is even thinking about my race tomorrow... everyone has moved on except me.

SO today in this run... I had no fears... no cares... just a desire to run and run fast. Knowing at the end of the day I have to be happy with that. It's not really about everyone else. (although I love and desire to be approved by all my friends, family, sponsors, and fans.... HINT HINT.... ok kidding.... well kind of... not really...) ;)

I am on this journey because I love to dream and strive and reach new limits. I am on this journey because I love to run! I am on this journey because there is no place I'd rather be. I am on this journey because I believe this is where I truly belong.

And now for the reason of my passion at the end of this story.... I had a personal best in the run of over a minute. OVER A MINUTE... and I still know I have only just started this journey. I am so excited. That run changed my whole mind. It's one thing to believe and know you can do it... it's another thing to actually know what it feels like... and it's another thing to actually EXPERIENCE your dreams unfold before your very eyes.

I am in awe and so thankful and blessed to be able to do what I love to do.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU AS ALWAYS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO IN SUPPORTING ME!

I have one or maybe 2 more races to go. It's been an incredible first season as a PRO... it was better than even I could have dreamt of... So thank you for standing by my side!!!!

I can't wait for next year already.... but for now... I'll stay in this moment. I'm still smiling from my run on Saturday!

Canadian Nationals Kelowna, B.C

2010-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Kelowna! I love this city.... I love this race... and I'm thrilled with how the race went.

There are a few things however that gave this race some good memories and a little twist.

Here's the story!

So I arrive late Thursday night all happy and ready to chill.

Friday AM I'm sitting on the bed getting ready to put my bike together and all of a sudden I have this thought.... "Oh....No.... I think I only have my regular race suits with me" (This is an ITU Continental Cup which means it's a draft legal race which means I need a specific race suit... that I now realize I don't have.) For those of you reading my Facebook post of "I packed so fast don't be surprised if I'm wearing a dress for the race" was suddenly becoming a possible reality. Don't get me wrong I was packing for two races. Canadian Nationals and Chicago. Each requiring a different bike, different helmet, different suits. I got it all squared away and spent a lot of time making sure what I needed was going to the right place, because I was shipping my TT Milani Bike to Chicago, and bringing my road one with me. I even made a mental note of I have my race suit. Both the two piece and the one piece.... I didn't even question that... I was squared away... or so I thought. Until I got to Kelowna remembering that this is the one race I need my other suit. I do however have several dresses that I am weighing which one to wear. ;)

I go into panic... I immediately email Steven from Alberta Triathlon to ask if he knows of anyone who has an extra ITU suit?? It just so happens that Rose who owns the Tri-It Triathlon Store in Calgary whom I met at the Quebec race... her daughter Maddy had an extra swimsuit. I was saved. I get the swimsuit and am off to Home Depot to get duck tape so I can tape over her last name and some of her sponsors. Lucky me my Dad spent years at art school for this one moment.... to add my name to the swimsuit!!! THANKS DAD!!! You made it look great!!

With that out of the way I am able to focus back on the reason I am here... to race MY BEST at Canadian Nationals.

Before I get to my race there is one story that can't be missed..... So Arlynd is racing earlier in the AM and Henry and I are watching him exit the swim and head to his T1... we meander our way through the crowds to head to the road to see him possibly go by on the bike before we had to get ready for our races... as we near the T1 we see Arlynd standing at the fence and he was like "Hi Guys".... I went into panic wondering if he had a flat or what was wrong... and he looks at us totally annoyed at himself but kind of laughing.... he forgot his bike shoes in the vehicle. I went into "Save the day" mode.... I threw Henry my backpack and started sprinting for the vehicle. I tried to avoid the crowds as much as possible hitting people as I was running yelling out "Excuse Me'' "I'm so sorry" etc etc.... Didn't they know I had a mission to get Arlynds' shoes?? I sprint across the parking lot, past the registration area and into the parking lot where Dad's Yukon was parked. Grab the shoes and it's a mad dash back through the same crowds of people with strollers and dogs, and I'm sorry I was wearing my "K-Swiss" jacket... if you hear some complaints about this mad girl flying through the crowds.... it wasn't me. ;)

Henry throws Arlynd his shoes over the fence and we both breathe a sigh of relief.

I have never had so much fun running possibly because I didn't have time to think anything other than "I have to get Arlynd his shoes.... I have to get Arlynd his shoes" so there wasn't an ounce of negativity running through my mind. COACH.... I found the missing link... I need something to run for. Something other than myself.... even though this is important, but I found this new level even within that moment that freed me for the race I was about to face. I felt amazing. I felt like I was flying. AND it was FUN! All of a sudden I new I was going to have a great race... because of all the training I have put in and all the challenges I have been facing in life... all of a sudden the missing link I was looking for that I often found in training but not in racing was there. This IS fun and I'm excited to race... just as much as I love to train... this is a moment to let it all come together and just have FUN! No matter where I finish it's about enjoying the moment... just like the one I just experienced.

And "BANG" just like that I am off racing and having fun. I had a great swim. Even though I was 23/26 coming out of the water I knew it was a good swim for me. Now to my favorite part the bike. I have to tell you I have never had this much fun in a race as I did at this one. The pain felt good. Pushing my body felt good... I didn't have any negative thoughts except they are in front of me somewhere and I am going to hunt them down... and even if I don't I am going to race like there is no tomorrow.

This is a 6 lap bike course. Here is the summary. Lap 1 I drag another girl around. Not phased. I keep pushing. Lap 2 she is still on my wheel. I hear her struggling to hold my wheel up the hill. Lap 3 the group is in my sights... and I drop her on the hill. Now it's just me and the pack in front of me that I am determined to chase down. I pass the crowds of people at the transition area everyone is cheering so loud as now I am by myself and bridging the gap to the pack.... Lap 4 I catch them on the climb and take the lead... into transition area everyone is screaming and I feel like I have wings. I lead the pack up the hill for the 5th lap knowing if I keep pushing the other pack is getting closer. Lap 6 I see the pack on the hill as we get to the bottom. Yelling at my group that if we work together we can catch them. No response from anyone. Not phased. I continue to push on. This race is about me focusing on me and not worrying about any of the other things going on around me. All I was thinking well if you are going to hang on my wheel get ready for a ride because I'm about to take it up another notch. I head into the corners cutting the apex so tight that I could feel them struggling to stay on my wheel then standing up and accelerating out of the corners... I had sooooo much fun. This is what racing is supposed to feel like. Fearless. Fun. and Fast. Anything is possible. I've always believed that deep within but now I am FEELING it. Wow I was loving racing. The last lap it's raining. I cut the corners as hard as I can... and somehow the group of 6 is down to 3. I find out later there was a crash. Obviously I feel bad but like I said if you're gonna sit on my wheel then you better get ready to ride. Into T2.... a great fast transition and off onto the run. This run I was running for a PB. I wanted it badly. I know the potential I have as an athlete. This race I raced with a purpose... ."I have to get Arlynd his shoes!!!!" No, Seriously though... all the training I have been putting in I feel is finally starting to show. Bit by bit I am finding my feet... finding my wings... living my dream!!!!

I have a great race for me and come from behind in the swim from 23rd to finishing 13th for the Continental Cup. I was 9th/19th For Canadian Nationals and although there is lots of room for improvement I am happy with my PB in the run and I walk away on a cloud. Knowing I raced my race today. AND I HAD SOOO MUCH FUN.

On to the next race CHICAGO TRIATHLON this weekend. Looks like a tough field but I am ready to give it my all.

Here's to racing and having FUN!! Wooohoooo!!!

Tour De France & Alpe D' Huez Triathlon

2010-08-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

Where to begin....
Aghhhhh yes, I finished racing NYC Tri finishing 5th overall, only to board a plane a few hours later enroute to Paris, France!
Mark Holowesko one of the sponsors of the Garmin Team, Tommy Seier, Lee Farmer (both friends of Marks and avid cyclists), and myself all board the plane! Mark has his seat down before we take off and is out for the flight perhaps from being tired from the Tri we just completed a few hours earlier or maybe just not wanting to talk to the girl who beat him!! ;) 6 hours later we touch down!
The journey begins and as I reflect and write this has definitely become the highlight of my year!
From the moment we land we were taken care of.. or should I say from the moment I left I was taken care of! My Milani bike is wisked away and put together for the ride we do in the afternoon!
There's No rest on this trip... Everyday was jam packed! Day one is just a fun 2hr ride to prepare us for the next day.... Tourmalet and Obisque!! Seriously one of the best days of the trip was the second day! Being able to ride those climbs, seeing the writing all over the ground, crazy fans everywhere reaching the top, the views, the ride down the other side only to climb again!!! 5hrs 40mins all logged on the Suunto which I can't wait to download!!!! I actually rode so much the memory was reading full on the last day in Paris when we were time trialing around the park! Too bad I don't have the logging of the speeds we were hitting on that ride..... So fun!!!! Amazing amazing amazing!!
I'll try and keep the details short for those of you reading who have not followed the Tour! Let's just say it was EPIC!! :) That's a word commonly used in the Tour and by no means is very relevant to my experience!
I was with the best group of newly made friends! Nicknames were fast created or already in use and I jumped on the band wagon. Thanks Stretch, Leroy, Ink, & Gluteus for making my trip Incredible! We rode every day, followed by watching the Tour, followed by great meals with lots of laughter! A special thanks to Ink for introducing us to many great wines from the French region!!!
I really could go on and on but will just say if you want to know more let's meet for coffee and I can tell you all about my ventures!!
For most of you the Alpe D' Huez race report is on your mind!! Ha... probably not but that's what I'm writing about! The 6 hour drive from Paris went relatively smooth! With Alex driving (one of he guys working for the Tour leading the rides and doing everything else from taking me to the pool... to making sure everyone was happy) his girlfriend in the passenger seat, and with me stuffed in the back with our two bikes and bags! It was hilarious.... From 5 star travel to let's shlep across France!
The Alps are incredible! Very majestic and so beautiful to drive through! The drive up Alpe D' Huez even more incredible!! The 15km drive is insane.... With 21 bends it is one of the most famous climbs to ride and by far once you reach the top one of the most scenic! I stood in awe at the top and just looked around feeling as if I had reached heaven itself! It was breathtaking!!!
We arrived late at night so we grabbed a late dinner then off to bed for me as I was shooting for my bike sponsor Milani the next day! It was "Italian Style" ..... Makeup, hair, fashion, and oh let's throw in the bike for a prop! Can't wait to see the pictures!!!
The next day the sun was out in full force and I enjoyed watching the long course race take place! Did a little bike and swim and chilled. It was almost a bit shocking to have a rest day! Much needed and appreciated!!
Race morning I wake up to rain pelting at my window. Aghhhhh a cold and rainy day.... Oh well... Glad I left all my warm clothes in Paris?!!! (somebody tell me why I wasn't thinking and only brought flip-flops up to the top of a mountain..... Yeah not so smart) thankfully Milani had supplied me with a warm jacket the day before! It was a lifesaver!!
The race doesn't start till 2pm so that gives us time to set up T2 and then bike down the mountain to the swim start! Wow what a gorgeous bike down! We took an alternative route down and I was biking through the clouds... It was insane! The lake was so pristine... and cold but somehow I am getting used to the cold swims. From Escape from Alcatraz to our early morning ocean swims and Siri's freezing pool in the desert that somehow this water didn't phase me... in fact I loved it! As we sat on the rocks waiting for the swim I watched fellow athletes shivering and thought boy am I glad coach prepares us for all this! I was so calm and enjoying the moment! As we neared 5mins I slid back into the water and awaited my first ever mass start!!! Loved it! The swim was great. Loving my new Xterra wetsuit that I haven't been able to use due to warmer swims and soaking up how efficient and great I felt!
Onto T2.... Did I tell you I had no idea what the bike would be like... Next year I won't make the same mistake... We start climbing right away and then we are on a section of flat and fast roads going through little villages and winding our way to the bottom of the climb.... I had no idea when we'd hit it.... But I knew when we did I would know! The first 4kms are very steep and hard! Going from a fast time trialing to an uphill climb state took me a while to work into it. I decided not to count the turns but just climb. All my focus was on just trying to relax my breathing and climb up the mountain. It took all my energy! My body and legs weren't feeling it today but this is the race I had been dreaming of so I pressed on! I reach back to get my Gu's..... They aren't there! I went into panic for a moment as I specifically chose to wear the 2 piece trisuit as it had pockets and they must have fallen out in T1.... Immediately I regain my focus... I've done hours of training with or without water and Gus to teach my body it can race and train under any condition.... I press on heavenward!!
Reaching T2 was so rewarding... I'm in and out of there as fast as possible and onto the run! What an amazing run! Climbing the side of the mountain.... It's mostly trail running... My favorite!!!
Then there is that glorious moment... Reaching the finish line! I hurt in this race... Throughout the bike and run it hurt... But I crossed the line... And finished in 5th place overall! There's extreme satisfaction in that!!
There's this moment I have at the finish something only I can relive... But I'm standing there all alone at the end of this race.... Rain pouring down... And I look up to heaven in the stillness of that moment and smile.... For I have now raced Alpe D' Huez!

For a girl who loves lakes swims, to climb, & trail running this race was a tough one for me on that day... I somehow feel like I have unfinished business there... I have to go back and race it again. Next year I plan on podiuming! Not that that is everything to me but I know this is my race and next year I'm going to conquer it!

This is by far the most amazing race I have ever done! For the US Escape from Alcatraz is still number one but as far as racing Europe and my dream of climbing Alpe D' Huez and experiencing it in Tri form, I was blown away!! I can't wait to go back next year!!!

I had the time of my life on this trip!
I'm now in NY catching up with friends and yes still training away... I'm heading back to LA soon!

Next up Canadian Nationals in Kelowna, BC!
Thank you to all who support and believe in me! I know I always get emotional but without you I couldn't be doing what I'm doing so thank you!
Grateful and Thankful
Jenny Fletcher

ITU Continental Cup Coteau-Du-Lac, Quebec

2010-07-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a long day of traveling yesterday (Sunday 27th) from Montreal! Originally the 11:45am flight through Chicago didn't sound so bad until I saw my pickup time to go to the airport was 5:15am! Ouch!!! There were about 20 of us Pro's staying at a day camp dormitory! At first you would think "oh boy... this will be interesting"... but I actually had such a great time! It turned out to be so much fun... and a great way to meet a lot of the athletes in an casual way (I was laughing a lot)... It was all great minus the plastic covered bunk beds... So funny brought back memories of camp when you roll to move and the whole bed crunches underneath you!

The race committee took great care of us from feeding us, to driving us to/from race start to organizing airport drives! However this meant 6 of us heading to the airport at 5:15am after the race... As I chilled at the airport for over 4 early hours at the airport, I found out Chicago had a ground stop. The result we left Montreal at 2pm and of course I didn't make my connection! Wow... Chicago airport was packed... It felt like I was traveling home during Christmas holidays... And obviously that meant the lines to get rebooked were no joke about 100 people long! Luckily??? Or not so lucky I had a message on my phone from United saying I was rebooked on a flight to Las Vegas then onto Los Angeles! My original 5:30pm arrival became a 9:30pm arrival! Hey I always chose to look at the bright side of life....at least I had a good book and my bike arrived!!!!

Sooooo.... Onto the race report! The best way of summarizing my 2nd attempt at the ITU circuit is for every two steps forward there's always one step back! I've made a lot of progress in my training.... and from what I am learning that always doesn't translate IMMEDIATELY onto the race course! At first it can be discouraging but I know with this journey I am on... it is a building process. I haven't met one Pro that says their first year was a breeze! Especially in the ITU circuit! Most of them said they either got lapped out or DQ'd! I breathe a sigh of relief... Not because it makes me really feel any better but I know deep down I am doing all the right stuff in training and it WILL all come together!

I still have a lot to learn and digest when it comes to ITU races! For one... all my intensive practicing of the chaotic swim start and getting out fast and hard.... Didn't happen! The horn blares and everyones diving and I'm still on the platform! Aghhhhh.... That means diving into a roiling cauldron of flailing limbs! That sums up the rest of my swim... Fighting the whole way... For the life of me I don't understand why when there's a whole canal to swim in the person beside me always thinks it's more fun to swim on top of me... Mooooove over there is room for both of us... Yes I know I need to learn to fight back! Next race "No mercy" from me!!!
Once again I missed the first 2 packs out of the water!
Frusterated but not defeated I jump on my bike with hunger in my eyes to hunt the packs down! I catch up to stragglers and end up passing and dropping a small group of cyclists and then for the rest of the 6 loop flat course I carry 4 other cyclists around the whole course! I didn't care... I tried working with them a bit at first and would wave them on yelling get up here and pull... One of the girls would come up for a second or two but slow the whole group down so I put my head down and biked my race! Every lap I moved closer to the pack in front of me but they were a group of about 15 and I was never able to catch them!
Off onto the run! I was hurting! My drive in the bike and lack of taking in enough nutrition on the bike... & possibly dealing with injuries the week before.... Oh and lack of sleep...caught up to me. (Ha.... Now that's a list of lame excuses.... Next time no excuses... I will get it right) I struggled with cramping in my left hamstring in mile 4... Which turned my run into an awkward shuffle... Then the right hamstring starts cramping....then another muscle??? Not so fun... The last 3 miles became a just get to the finish line! I still passed girls but I'm not sure how... As I felt I was going so slow!
The beauty in all this... Is I finished! I definitely learnt a lot and am hungry to do it again! Not right away but my next ITU race will be Canadian Nationals in Kelowna, Canada Aug 22nd!
Next up.... Minneapolis Lifetime Fitness Series July 10th! Woohooo non drafting race here I come!!!

GRACE

2010-06-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you who read my blogs or know me.. know me to be rather up beat and positive. This is very me... This is how I chose to live my life and be... and that is how I will always be but I am here to tell you there are moments when all that I bury and push down rises up and overwhelms me sometimes. Yes there are two sides to me... I know not a big shock... maybe even more... so this is a blog where I just need to write... I love to write... it frees my mind and soul... so if you are not wanting deep thoughts by Jenny read no further.

I'm here to write that there are days when I break into tears and I'm not even sure why. Today for instance I had the best day of training. Not even the best day... I've had the best month. I am breaking barriers and swimming, biking, and running like I never have before. My coach Siri and I were almost both crying at the end of the workout today as I pushed harder than ever and she gets to watch me reach these new levels... and it's exciting for both of us... but I have to tell you along with these new highs comes extreme emotions.... pushing your body to the edge of failure where you can no longer move... means a tough Mind. Drive. Focus. Belief. Calmness in the storm... and when the storm breaks and the sun shines through and you know you've made it... you can breathe a sigh of relief... but with that sigh comes all the things that you pushed down to stay focused.... and at this point my exhausted body breathes again but my mind swirls... swirls with emotions... so I drive... and then I write.

My throat gets tight and I'm crying... crying because life sometimes is going to fast and feels out of control. All that I am and all that I want to be sometimes feels like I am drifting out to sea. I am controlling what I can... but do you ever feel that there is sooo much out of control? These are the moments where I am wanting to just be in silence... by myself... and let all that I feel flow through me... the silence is calming... but for some reason today I chose to turn on music... and what comes on but the most beautiful song called GRACE!

I'm driving on the PCH about to head up Topanga to head home... the ocean to my left... the sky is grey and the sun is barely shining though and it's so beautiful. I am in awe of the beauty of life... and this song. (The picture I took on my drive home)

"GRACE"

The sky is grey and the light is far

The sea is a rage within my heart

I turn my sight to the crashing waves

I cry in the night just to be saved

I need eyes to be my guide

I need a voice that' s louder than mine

I need hope I need You

Cause I can't do this alone

Grace I call Your name

Oh won't your smile fall over me

I'm cracked and dry on hands and knees

Oh sweet grace rain down on me I need You grace....

Yes the song goes on.... but these words spoke to my soul. Music can speak all the things my mind is trying to tell me... I am relieved to hear this song... I love knowing I am never alone. I thank God for Grace!

My thoughts have slowed... I have written what I need too... and now I sit in the silence in the darkness breathing. It is well within my soul.

WMAO K-SWISS AD

2010-06-04T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmm.... for those of you who are dying to know what WMAO stands for.... think about every other running shoe company that is claiming that if you just walk around in their shoes you will get an immediate transformation of your body.... WE at K-Swiss are here to say the shoes may be a part of it.... but what it really comes down too is this.... I (insert name here) WMAO.... WORK MY ASS OFF!!!! Love K-Swiss and this new campaign!!! GO K-SWISS!!!!

Tri Center link to Triathlete Magazine August Cover Shoot

2010-06-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

http://video.competitor.com/2010/06/triathlon/tricenter-jenny-fletcher/

Training in the desert!!!

2010-05-15T16:45:00.001-07:00

I've had an amazing week training in the desert!!!! There are no distractions for us here. We just focus... train... eat... sleep... train.... etc etc!!! I've pushed myself to a whole new level this week. I'm sooo excited about the progress! THANK YOU COACH!!!

I LOVE MY COACH and I LOVE THE GIRLS THAT I AM TRAINING WITH!!!

This makes roasting in the desert something to look forward too!

Thanks Siri for being such an incredible coach... you always put your whole heart and soul into coaching us.... and Thanks Desi Ficker, Hayley Peirsol, Kathy Rakel, and Sam Warriner for all being the best training partners! You guys are all so positive, encouraging, and inspiring!! Thanks for helping me to push to the next level. I love you all! It's great having Nikki out here for the weekend too!! Yeah!!! I LOOOOOVE IT!!!

Next week.... more intense training!! Woooohoooo!!

Race To Erase MS Gala

2010-05-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

On Friday night I had the pleasure of attending the "Race To Erase MS Gala"

I always love being a part of something that is making a difference in the world we live in whether it is by raising the awareness of a global crisis like " Dow Live Earth Run For Water" who initiated a worldwide event to raise money in order to change the water crisis we are facing, to being a part of "Challenged Athletes Foundation" where you watch people of all ages breakdown the barriers of what the world would view as an obstacle and make you believe that anything is possible, and of course to events like attending the "Race to Erase MS" where money is raised to continue to find a cure for MS! These are life changing events and my life is always moved, inspired, and changed as I take part in these events. My eyes are opened to the real world and what is happening around me... and I am always honored to be a part of anything that not only changes others lives but my own included.

Friday night turned into quite an eventful night full of unexpected surprises. One thing I am learning is that when it is a "GALA" and the dress says "ROCK" do not listen to it... I was the only one there dressed up as a rocker chick... plaid skinny pants, high heels, a skin baring top with lace on the shoulder and lots of bracelets. I loved what I had on... but apparently I missed the part stating Gala means DRESS UP... everyone was in formal gorgeous dresses and here I was standing out in the crowd in my little rock outfit.... believe me though when I say I don't regret wearing what I did and had such a fun night.

I guess you could say the highlight of the night came when I met Tommy Hilfiger and his wife and next thing you know they take me backstage to be part of the fashion show. It was crazy. I know that I have been modeling forever but when you aren't expecting it and key thing to add is I have been living in running shoes people so for a moment my heart started beating faster and then I really just thought "well lets just have fun with this" and it was!! Annnnnd as I walk backstage one of my best friends Luke is doing the show whom I hadn't seen forever so it was so much fun to spend time with him.

The night all in all was a successful night. I survived the fashion show, money was raised and Avril Lavigne performed great!! Thanks to my manager Jim for taking me and always making my life interesting!!!

Now I'm back in the desert training away.... back to being the athlete!!

Once in a while though every girl needs a night to put on those heels and feel like a rockstar!!!

Escape From Alcatraz!!

2010-05-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this race! ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ ROCKS!!!!!

Everything about it just makes it so unique and like no other... I get giddy coming into it as I know I'm about to have an adventure!! From the San Fransisco Belle (The boat which crams all the athletes in it as we cruise out to Alcatraz), to the swim in the San Fransisco Bay with it's rough choppy waters with currents and who knows what else (the sharks I'd like to think will ignore me), to the half mile run to the transition area where I chose to run in bare feet (well I attempted to put the shoes on but I bent down and tried to slide my numb foot into the shoe with my numb hands feebly working and decided "Nope not today"... so I start running barefoot and as I round the first corner next thing I know I am down on the ground... I just couldn't feel my feet and just fell... thanks to Xterra for my wetsuit as I gashed up my left hand and foot but my left knee which put a whole through the wetsuit only minorly scraped my knee... it would have been nasty without that protection (So I found use for my wetsuit on dry land as well as in the water!!) by the time you get to T1 your feet are on fire from the asphalt digging into your numb feet... and of course the bike is like no other race I've ever experienced... just when you think you've made it to the top of the climb you turn a corner to another hill and then there's the descents that are technical with sharp turns and rough roads... not to mention you get into Golden Gate Park thinking it will be easier but the wind and small climbs keep you gasping for air... then on to the 8 mile run which also keeps you climbing, winding, and pushing to the top only to run down to the beach to run on the sand and then there's the stairs!!! Every year at the beginning of the race I think of the Stairs "aka the Sand Ladder" and think ok I need to run up these... and then I get there in the race and the sand before is so deep my thoughts go to ok maybe if I just crawl up them I will make it to the top... thank goodness after the stairs there is a bit more of a climb then it's all downhill. My legs were screaming at me in this race... I pushed harder than ever before and never seemed to get into a rhythm. Mentally I think I achieved a new level of what it means to push myself when nothing in me wants to keep going, after the race I was physically and mentally exhausted. Today my body is revealing that to me as I feel the soreness of racing.

Escape From Alcatraz is truly a race that challenges every level of athlete. There is no grace in this race. From beginning to end it tests every aspect of mind, body, and soul. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing that finish line hearing them call out your name and know that "I truly did feel that I escaped from Alcatraz"

I am once again so thrilled with my race. It's my 3rd PRO race of the season in the US and I have had nothing but joy and a feeling of achievement as I crossed the finish line in 6th place with a sense of knowing that I raced my heart out and put it all out there. Knowing the training I have put in has made me so ready for each and every challenge I face during a race! I once again have to say I love my job. I am living my dream... and the best is I still feel like I am only at the beginning!!!

Thanks as always to everyone who cheers me on, supports me, and believes in me. I owe you more thanks than I could ever write or express. THANK YOU! You all know who you are... from my incredible sponsors, to my family and friends, to my fans!!! Love you all!!

St. Anthony's Race Report

2010-04-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

I just completed my 3rd race as a PRO at one of the largest races of the year.... St. Anthony's!

Can I tell you what it feels like to be standing at the swim start next to 2 of my idols in the sport of Triathlon Laura Bennett and Mirinda (Rini) Carfrae.... AMAZING... these are girls I trained with in Australia and are 2 of the best in the world... they are also incredibly fun, good friends of mine, and real people. I felt honored to be standing next to them and every other girl at this race as some of the best in the sport where here.... I felt in awe... and actually calm... and it was that dream moment the one I've dreamt about to be lining up at the race start with the Pro's yet now I am one of them... we all blend together with the swim cap and goggles on and the gun goes off... then we each begin our individual journey through the race... each experiencing different things and possibly some of the same things... competing against each other and mostly ourselves... but at the end no matter what happens there is camaraderie, sportsmanship, congratulations, smiles, high fives, and hugs!!!! That's when it all soaks in. The review of the race.... sharing of the stories!!! The adventure of being a triathlete! So much fun after all the hard work and training... the celebration begins!!!

I had such a great experience here. The race itself is one of top races to race of the season. With it's rough choppy waters to the technical bike because there is wind and a lot of corners to a flat run that somehow gets me every year with the heat and wind. Each year I will look forward to coming back here and improving on the year before... but for now... for this race I raced my hardest at every moment and had a personal best in the bike and am thrilled with MY race! I was able to focus on my race and not everyone else's... when I lost everyones feet so early in the swim I DIDN'T PANIC... I just kept swimming FOCUSED and as hard as I could... On to the bike... I biked the whole bike FOCUSED and as hard as I could (I had a PB in the bike and felt the best I have ever felt in a race before), onto the run when I was breathing hard and didn't feel like I wanted to keep running... I just FOCUSED on each step and knew the finish line was ahead!! I crossed that line all smiles and just happy to be there. So proud of all I've achieved and am learning and applying and that through this sport I continue to learn more about myself and continue to grow in all areas of my life! I am so thrilled with my 11th place finish overall in the Pro field!!!

The best is yet to come... this I believe! This year is a building year and I am LOVING IT!!!!!

Oh best memory of this race was I was all excited to get the actual tattoos for the race... no more felt marker down the arm... and at 5:50 in the morning I am all excited as I put the numbers on... making sure I get the numbers correct and perfectly spaced... only to get to the race start and Mary my friend and competitor laughs and say Jenny you put your 3's on backwards... "Whaaaaaaat?!!!!!.... (puzzled look as I look down at my arm still convinced I did it right) "no I didn't" and then realized I had... and instead of being #43 I was #4E!!! That made me laugh outloud.... yeah I know I'm a amateur Pro!!! :)

A special thanks goes out to my homestay Lisa Wannemacher and her husband Philippe! Thank you so much for the incredible hospitality and also ANYONE going to St. Petersburg must go to their new AMAZING restaurant called Brasserie Cassis!!!

Pictures to follow shortly!!

DOW LIVE EARTH RUN FOR WATER April 18th

2010-04-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

Great morning at the Dow Live Earth Run For Water!! Sunny skies and a fun run/walk followed by great entertainment!!

I have to admit I had full intentions of just walking the 6km walk/run... and then Pete Wentz shows up and says to me he's running.... I was like "whaaaat thought we were just walking?!!"... yes I am aware that 6km is something I do everyday but when you show up at the start thinking walk that's what ya do... So I started out for a half mile walking... watching everyone jog by and then thought... aghhh I'll just do an easy jog... can you see the competitiveness in me coming out already... next thing you know I am running and soon enough I am at race pace... feeling the wind in my hair and loving it!!! It was funny as I crossed the finish line over dressed and sweating like crazy... makeup streaking down my face (ya... I admit it... I put a bit on... didn't want to totally look like an athlete for the press pics... but it all melted away anyway... so much for the effort)

Melissa Etheridge was awesome on stage. Was such a great performance. I am so thankful to be a part of this cause in making a difference in this world we live in!

ANYWAY.... The event took place in hundreds of cities across the world and thank you sooo much to everyone who took part. It's not too late to still give to and support Dow Live Earth or any organization trying to make a difference with the water crisis our world is facing! Check out liveearth.org and find out how you can become involved! g.

Nautica SOBE Triathlon

2010-04-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

Well the season has begun and I am soooo excited for this year!! For all the highs AND lows it brings, for all the successes AND disappointments, for all the training, discipline, preparation AND to put that all together in all the races... and really for everything I will learn through this venture! Especially for the ability to grow, change, dream, and achieve!! This is the journey I LOVE being on.

I have completed two races this year. Two very opposite races. My first ever ITU race in Mazatlan a couple weeks ago which was such a great experience... race ready... maybe not quite yet... but it brought a hunger that has driven me forward into my training and fueled my drive for the race I just completed this weekend which was the Nautica South Beach Triathlon. I am so thrilled with how this race went... from my focus, to how it felt, and for this new level of drive I've never had before. The power I felt in all three events and the fitness level was a new high for me. My bike average was 23mph, and my run average was a 6:06min/mile.... and I felt that I had just touched the beginning of a new era.... to be able to cross that finish line with a smile not really concerned with the overall result... but just knowing I am at a place I have never been before had me sooo excited.

I stood on that podium in second place smiling knowing I've trained hard and raced hard to achieve this!!!

My 40 days of training in Australia with some of the best in this sport brought me to a new level... I owe everyone that was there my thanks, and to Siri Lindley my new inspiring incredible coach... you and I both know the best is yet to come. The last month training with you and the team has been AMAZING. I LOVE IT! Thank you!!!

To EVERYONE... THANK YOU as always... for supporting me and believing in me!! You ALL rock!!!!

UP AND COMING NEWS AND EVENTS

This coming weekend on April 18th, I have the Dow Live Earth Run For Water where and I'm honored to be a part of and also participating in LA in a 6km walk/run with thousands of others to raise the awareness of the worlds current water crisis. Please if you haven't done so already... get involved. You can make a difference!!www.liveearth.org

Next weekend on April 22nd, I will be back in Florida for St. Anthony's Triathlon.

The following weekend on May 2nd I will be racing in California at my favorite race Escape From Alcatraz!!

Link to article on Me from CYCLE & STYLE

2010-04-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

http://cycleandstyle.com/2010/03/jenny-fletcher-from-model-to-triathlete/

Cover of Triathletes World and Article

2010-04-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

MY FIRST ITU PRO RACE

2010-03-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is the first and only time I'll ever experience what it feels like to race my FIRST race as a PRO and not only a first race but a ITU Continental Cup. I came in not knowing how I'd do... The ITU Draft Legal Race is a whole different format than I am used to.... I was nervous and excited and really just ready to see where I am at.

I have to say before I reveal the race report that I am sooo glad it's March, that it's early in the season, that I experienced my first ITU Pro race, and that now I know what I need to work on. Pretty much everything!!! I'm saying that with a sigh... but also every athlete knows there is always improvement in every part of the race! Being my first Pro race I feel I am just at the beginning. I have to start somewhere. How great is it that just over a year ago I started this quest from deciding to take tri's to the next level and focus on my dream of being the best Triathlete I can be... and a year ago I started the dream of wanting to turn pro. I am here. I made it. Now it's a whole new level of becoming a great pro! Ha... bear with me this is quite a journey but as long as I'm having fun and living my dream then it's worth it... the roller coaster can actually be fun. Yes it has it's ups and downs... today was part of the down but I did it.. I raced my first Pro race. I made it. That is what I need to remember from this day.

I came in feeling pretty confident in the swim... I've been working hard in my swim training and I know I can swim much better than I did today... However today was not my day... I was humbled as I exited the water out of the packs... meaning a solo bike for me. I have to admit I was expecting this but also hoping that my swim training would bring me to be in the second pack... back to the pool.... So Siri (My new AMAZING coach)... I'm ready for you to bring my swim to the second pack.

With the swim out of the way I am on the bike. I have another athlete to start with so we were both hoping to work together but as we were into the first loop of the 6 loop bike she said "sorry Jenny I don't have the legs today".... So I did most of the pulling... for the normal Triathlon this is nothing new as we usually are not allowed to draft. The wind going one way was really strong as I watched the packs going one way as I headed the other way... I took note of how easy it looked... that's my goal. I can't wait to be able to be in a pack and then be able to get off into the run and feel my legs. On the third loop I caught a Mexican girl all excited hoping to work together she just jumped on my wheel and refused to take a pull... I thought I'd sit up once and make her and she honestly tried but we went down to about 15mph and I realized she also didn't have it and was just holding on to my wheel as it was. I pulled her and then another Mexican girl around lap 4 and 5. I was so happy to see my fellow team mate Kethy (another of Siri's girls) close enough behind that I eased up to have her and I work together the last lap. I have to admit that was fun. Thanks Kethy for being such a great cyclist.

Off onto the run... yeah... this is where I felt the lack of speed work show up... I am only just starting into the speed part of the training and all the time in Australia I was building a great base and am now ready for speed but this day.... the legs were not working. Kethy and I ran together the first 3 laps then on the last lap I watched her pull away and I had no response. The left hamstring decided to spasm... not fun. I cruised into the finish line... happy to have finished. The crowds were great and the race was very organized. I was happy with my first experience. I also LOVE that I don't have to write my age on my leg anymore. YEAH!!!!

With my first PRO race out of the way... I am eager to head back to the drawing board and make a plan with my coach! I am sooo glad it is early in the season... I am so glad I have a great coach who believes in me and understands me and my dreams. I am so glad I have the support from you all as I continue on in this journey. What really was sooo great was my parents were here to support and cheer me on. Thanks Mom and Dad for being here to share this race with me. I loved knowing you were here and loved hearing your voices in the crowd as I raced!

I'm also soooo proud of Takka! One of Siri's athletes who dominated the race and won the overall Elite Field. Takka I am honored to train with you. You inspire me!

THANKS TO EVERYONE AS ALWAYS FOR CHEERING ME ON WHETHER I AM FIRST OR LAST! That makes me smile!!!!

Still Alive!!

2010-02-27T19:52:00.000-08:00

My apologies for disappearing on the blog effort since I have been here in Australia... pictures speak a 1000 words and I haven't been taking many so I was waiting to have some pics for the blog... then realized that hasn't been happening so best thing is for you to hear me ramble on about how great training has been down here with the Noosa crew. I am so blessed, so thankful, and seriously so in awe to be here training with some of the best Triathletes in the world. No joke.. the Bennetts, Rinni, Juzzi and BG, Jimmy & Memphis, EB, MM, Pikey & Nicole, Jacqui & Rob, Monica and Gordo, and now more great athletes keep showing up like Gomez... I am always being pushed to the limits... always giving it my all... always learning... always being inspired by all these insane athletes here who have proven they are more than just great athletes they are some of the coolest people I know... I am having the best time. Both in training and in the down time. Everyone has been so encouraging, so informative & so willing to help me achieve my dreams. I love the group here. THANKS GUYS FOR EVERYTHING... you have no idea how grateful and appreciative I am!

My time is coming to a close here.... 10 more days and I still have miles to go as I am about to embark upon my first year as a PRO. It's going to be hard, humbling, and in the same sentence rewarding. It's a journey I am on to being the best PRO I can be. So much has happened since I have been here... the knowledge I have learned from all these athletes is invaluable. I have a new coach... I am a new athlete... and I'm just beginning... I know my best as an athlete and person is yet to be achieved... I look forward to this adventure I am on... I keep telling myself it takes time and just know deep within I have what it takes... I am watching my wings unfurl... I am ready to take flight... It may not be tomorrow... it may not even happen til the end of the year... possibly into next year.. but when it happens... get ready to watch me fly!!

I am getting ready to fly home for the next part of this journey.... the next chapter is about to be written...

I look forward to being home with Arlynd who has always supported me in everything I do. Without him I couldn't be here.... it's so great to have family and friends and of course my whole team of sponsors behind me and supporting me in this venture. Thank you to everyone who is allowing me to pursue my dreams. I love you all!!!

MY SOON TO BE NEW RIDE

2010-02-05T16:11:00.000-08:00

I just had to put these pictures up for all to see... as I am so excited to be sponsored by Milani Cycles!!! The company has a great history and family story. I met Celeste Milani at Interbike in Las Vegas and knew Milani was the bike and company for me. Check out the website and read the Milani Story. www.milanicycles.com ....

Thank you Celeste for sponsoring me and most importantly for being the amazing person you are. I have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to coming to Italy to see you and to meet your family and to see the factory!!

MILANI CYCLES ROCKS!!!

Travel to Noosa! Completed!!

2010-01-30T12:37:00.000-08:00

I made it. I've arrived safely in Noosa, Australia!! The flight was believe it or not relatively painless and I was actually really comfortable. I paid a little bit more for the emergency exit... and could completely stretch out! I placed my rolling suitcase under my feet and just like that it was like first class... I am really good at using my imagination ;)!!! Watched a movie and a half before drifting off to sleep then woke up with 4 hours left to go. Perfect! 1 1/2 more movies and my feet were on the ground!

The day of travel is always a tough one only when it comes to not wanting to fall asleep at 2pm... I figure I'll just lay down my head and rest for a half hour.... yikes... 2 hours later I groggily wake up to knocking on the door.... thank goodness or I would have slept forever... Thank you to Belinda, Justin, and Miranda for coming to welcome me to Noosa and make sure I was ok. I already know I am in the best hands here and am so thankful. Between the Grangers, Bennetts, and Luke & Amanda... really what more can a girl ask for?!! :)

I slept for most of the evening and woke up super early... today is day 2 of my trip here. Sunday in Noosa will probably end up being one of my favorite days... with an early morning run that I am about to do then meeting everyone at the Sunday Markets for coffee and then later in the afternoon meeting at the ocean for a fun ocean swim followed by another stop at the coffee shop.... Now you see why I am going to love my Sundays here.

Well off to do my run... stay tuned...

I will take lots of pictures and keep everyone informed of my trip Down Under!!!!

Heading Down Under to FOCUS!!!!

2010-01-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

Well I did it! I booked my flight. I am officially heading to Australia to train for 40 days. No more humming and hawing (whatever that means... who haws anyway??) I made a decision and I am sticking to it. No wondering about the WHAT IF's because I am going!!!

Soooo excited. I am looking forward to this for so many reasons. A time to FOCUS... A time specifically focused on TRAINING... A time to LEARN... A time to GROW... A time to EXCEL and APPLY all I learn... and a time with no distractions. Just me and my bike, running shoes, and swimming gear. I'll keep you posted while I am there.

Happy Training....

I'm off on this fun AdventurE....

Happiness is a journey, not a destination

2009-12-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life... but there was always some obstacle in the way... something to be gotten through first... some unfinished business... time still to be served... a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me... that these obstacles were my life.

This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness... happiness is the way.

SO TREASURE EVERY MOMENT YOU HAVE AND REMEMBER THAT TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE.

-Souza

So I was at Disneyland for my birthday... "The Happiest Place on Earth... Where dreams come true!" It was fun to be a kid again and to run aimlessly around and hit the rides... pretending not to be a grown up!! I had a great time. I actually got lost in the fireworks at the end while listening to the song about BELIEVING AND DREAMS.... then they had snow falling everywhere (in California)... it felt surreal.. it all felt real... HAPPINESS IS THE WAY... LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT....Dreams do come true! I walked out of there... calmness within... chaoticness in and around me... but I felt at peace. This is my life...

TRIATHLETE Swimsuit shoot in Jamaica

2009-12-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Jamaica + incredible weather + a great group of people + New favorite drink (The Hummingbird) = A perfect week of fun, sun, and laughter while shooting the Swimsuit Cover for Triathlete Magazine!

Being picked to shoot for Triathletes magazine swimsuit issue is such an honor! I am so thankful to be a part of this sport and hope to continue to bring awareness to Triathlons and how great a sport it is! My hugest thanks goes to John Duke for contacting me to join the crew heading down to Jamaica... and also to K-Swiss my sponsor whom I love being a part of... for creating a special K-Swiss swimsuit for me so that I could go on the trip!

LA TRI CLUB SPEEDSTER AWARD

2009-12-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you LA Tri Club and everyone who voted for me to win the Shortcourse Speedster Award for 2009! It's been an incredible year and being awarded this means so much to me. I love being part of the LA Tri Club network and can't wait for next year to begin!

PASSION-COURAGE-DREAMS

2009-11-29T12:44:00.000-08:00

You've got to follow your passion. You've got to figure out what it is you love--who you really are. And have the courage to do that. I believe that the only courage anybody ever needs is the courage to follow your own dreams. - Oprah Winfrey

That's a great quote...

I'm that girl... figuring out what it is I love - who I really am! Finding MY passion.... and then finding the courage to follow MY own dreams. Not anyone else's because then in reality it will show through the lackluster outcome of not being true to myself! No one else can find your passion and courage for you... It is something that is inside you and when you find it and start living it... YOU COME ALIVE! No one can stop you... You walk in your own shoes and you have found your OWN courage and what it takes to succeed... it is different for everyone but when you find it... you are living your dreams. I know when I have found it, because it's the only times in my life when I feel that surge of energy of emotion and excitement... it makes my heart beat stronger when I'm in that moment... and it's what I lay awake thinking about and then fall asleep dreaming about.

It was one of those weeks for me when you have time to think about life. Being thanksgiving week we usually all spend time reflecting on all we are thankful for. Friends, Family, Health etc. I have sooo much to be thankful for!!! THIS WEEK I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY FRIENDS!!!

I was blessed with spending time with two amazing inspiring and grounded people that know how to live with passion and courage and truly are living their dreams. Greg and Laura Bennett you are truly inspiring to me as you opened your life and hearts to me! I had sooo much fun laughing all day but also really learnt so much from you. You have achieved hero status in my world for not only being the most insane triathletes I have ever met you are also incredibly raw, real, and your positive energy is contagious and you have really challenged me to understand what my passions are and my dreams and go for it. Not what anyone else is telling me but what truly truly makes my heart sing and focus in on that and BELIEVE in myself and go for it.

THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the knowledge and information you poured out when it comes to being a PRO athlete... I once again was a sponge soaking it all up.

My mind has been in overdrive... I have so many passions, desires, and dreams.... AND I am dreaming my dreams in color and they are coming alive.

I realize it's vital to have people believe in you and encourage you... but what it really comes down to is believing in yourself.

So dream big... and believe in all that you are and are becoming!!

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien

2009-11-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

Having a blast with the Bennetts!! Last night was another night filled with fun and laughter! We all went to the Conan O'Brien show (Greg, Laura, Jim, Arlynd and Myself) and I was laughing all night. Nothing better than a night filled with great friends and laughter I tell ya. Conan is great... everytime I watch his show he cracks me up.

We all went to Firefly after for dinner. Great place.

Tomorrows plan is early bike ride then we are all meeting at 10 to do a run together... I'm taking them on my favorite trail run... then it's all about chilling and eating in the afternoon... can't wait!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

ATHLETES IN THE OFF SEASON!

2009-11-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

Greg and Laura Bennett and Myself in the off season....

These are my two favorite Olympic Triathletes... I've managed to get them off their game... I tricked them into eating sugar... AH HA HA HA (that's an evil cackle)!!!

What a fun night... We all went to the Finals of Dancing With The Stars then AOC for dinner!!! I swear I'm always LMAO (Laughing my *ss off) with these two.... hmmmmm can't wait for tomorrow night!!!

2009-11-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

FROM THE "THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON"

“It’s never too late, or in my case to early, to be whoever you want to be. There is no time limit. Start whenever you want.

You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or worst of it. I hope you make the best of it.

I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you have never felt before.

I hope you meet people who have a different point of view.

I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you’re not,

I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”

photo taken at the top of Latigo...on a night ride this weekend. Breathtaking!

FALLS HERE BACK TO BRUNETTE

2009-11-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

Okay.... not sure if this is worthy of a blog.... but the other day I was thinking since when did I become a blonde...??!! I mean I know living in California has had its effect on me by always being in the sun etc... but yesterday I went to an audition and the girl signing me in asked if I normally had dark hair and I looked around the room at all the girls with dark brown hair auditioning for a commercial with Benicio for Magnum ice cream and realized I was no longer considered a brunette. Then a friend who I hadn't seen forever saw me and was "wow your hair is light... it's nice" she said unconvincingly... It was at that moment I decided it was time to take better care of my hair and not look like I just stepped out of the pool.. (which is usually the case) so I headed to the salon today... out with the old in with the new er... back to the old brunette I was.

Yeahhhh. I love change. I feel like a new person. I needed it today as I was having a hard day. Sometimes the little changes we make can make a huge difference and I'm not only talking hair. Every day is a new day... I love to grow... be challenged... and hopefully respond in the right way and change for the better. Life is what we make it... I want to make the most of it... which means CHANGE! GROW! LEARN! APPLY! CHANGE! GROW! LEARN! APPLY! CHANGE!

Ok don't ask me how a little blog about my hair color change can turn into a deep moment... but apparently that's just me being me! Enjoy the day!! XO Your Brunette!

Nov9th-14 A Week of Mayhem

2009-11-19T17:48:00.000-08:00

Life can be adventurous and full of unexpected moments that make memories for a lifetime! This was one of those jam packed weeks full of em!!!

Here's my philosophy... how much can I cram into one week... apparently a lot!

Lets start off with Monday.... Seriously this day was incredible. Mark Steines from ET took the time from his crazy day to give me an exclusive behind the scenes view of all he does. WOW.... I love his job and he is amazing. He let me go into the Voice Over room with him and watch him work his skills and charm and he's done it so much that he could do it with his eyes closed, and probably somehow not speak and it will still be great... Ok maybe he'd have to speak for the voice over part. Then we had lunch and I received my first ever hosting and voice over lesson. I was a sponge soaking up all he taught me. He's incredibly passionate about his work and equally generous with sharing it with me to teach me more in 2 hours then I probably could've learned in a year. Thank you Thank you Mark.... I owe you! When I get my next hosting job.... we will celebrate and maybe I'll interview you!!! :)

This has always been a dream of mine to host a TV show or something... I'm definitely keeping this on the TO DO dream list.

Having had a taste of hosting and interviewing from ESPN the magazines online video footage of behind the scenes of the making of "The Body" issue... I am ready to learn more and pursue this with a passion!

Tuesday= FLOOR SEATS at the Clippers game. I don't think I can ever go again without floor seats... I'm ruined... nah that's not true... I can watch the game from anywhere. I love basketball! SO much I had to go again on Thursday night to watch the LA Lakers play with my sister and my brother in law who were visiting from Canada.

Rewind to Wednesday.... I had two photo shoots one in the AM for K-Swiss and one in the afternoon for Target. Then I went back to the K-Swiss shoot to finish the rest of the shoot after the Target shoot... Didn't leave the studio til 9pm. Long day but so much fun. I added a pic from the shoot.

Friday Arlynd and I jumped on a plane to San Fran to meet up with our best friend from Canada Darren who flew down from Canada to visit us for 6days. We jam packed the weekend with a seminar in SF, bike rides, swimming, food, movies and more food.

All this took place with training thrown in amongst the spare hours and auditions strewn across the city to keep me busy.

Well that's my week of amazing memories.

Can't wait to see what is gonna happen next....

CAF CHALLENGE SAN DIEGO

2009-10-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

What a spectacular weekend! Great weather. Great Event. Great Memories!!

I met Lin, my relay partner Saturday evening to look at the race site and she also wanted to check out the water. She was brave and did the swim without the wetsuit. I watched her as she edged her way into the water. Having Cerebral Palsy doesn't make getting into the water easy... but as soon as she was in she looked so graceful. It's as if the water became her friend and she looked effortless as she stroked her way out into the La Jolla cove! How inspiring is she to me!! The courage to rise above the challenges she faces with CP to becoming an athlete.. and of all things she just didn't pick one sport she decided to do triathlons... that's what I call someone who knows how to overcome obstacles and isn't afraid to step out of the box... to living her dreams. Lin you are AMAZING!

The race morning has a lot of great moments. Introducing all the CAF Athletes. Watching the kids run around on their prostectic legs... literally bounding around... loving life... loving the chance to run... to see their joy. They truly moved me... It makes you close your eyes for a moment and feel their joy and feel a smile from within to be able to be part of something so great!

CAF makes these young children's dreams possible by providing arms and legs and various other instruments.. such as hand cycles or wheel chairs etc... many of the latest inventions to help these children, these boys and girls, and men and women of all ages a chance to live a normal life. A chance to remain active and most importantly a chance to rise above their obstacles and show the world that anything is possible.

Chris McCormack (Macca) An Ironman World Champion and myself were able to lead in the CAF Athletes that were participating in the bike. I saw Lin standing in the swim line... I was able to give her a hug and wish her a fun swim... and then we all parted our own ways... they send the cyclists off earlier before the swimmers get back so I was not able to watch Lin race...

I went off on the bike with Ian (my coach) and Jim (manager) and what a great ride it was. I have to tell you not doing long rides (56miles) for a while... I was definitely feeling my legs the last 15 miles... and all that I was thinking was I hope they keep working for the 13.1 mile run that I was about to ask them to do. Thank goodness they worked!!!

I completed the bike and run without any injuries.... just tired muscles. A good training day for me.

All in all ... a great weekend!!!

Thanks to CAF for all they do. I am forever changed by being a part of this great charity and event!

PHOTOS:

1) Pro Cyclists Floyd Landis and Christian Vande Velde (2 of the best cyclists in the world)

2) Macca and Me (Pro Triathlete and Ironman World Champion)

3) Lin Dolen and Me (My relay partner... she has Cerebral Palsy & is a triathlete... WOW)

4) The group dinner with Ian Murray (My coach), Alexandra Paul (incredible actress and wife of Ian), Susan (Olympic Gold Rower), and her boyfriend Martin.... with Alexandra holding an Xterra box with me on the front!

5) Sarah Reinerston and Myself (She's the first above the knee amputee to finish the IRONMAN and recently was on the cover of ESPN The Magazine for "The Body Issue" in which I was doing the behind the scenes interviewing) YEAHHHH SARAH!! You ROCK!

A RUN IN THE CLOUDS!!

2009-10-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

What an amazing morning!

I ventured out my back door to Topanga State Park to do a trail run. It's breathtaking... I get lost in the trail.... the sun beaming down on my body... a mix of music playing in my ears... but the music fades as I get lost in my thoughts... that's what runs do for me... A time to venture... a time to think... a time to get soaked up in Gods glory as I look at the scenery around me... It's a glimpse of freedom as I near the trails summit... overlooking the valley and the ocean below... except this time the ocean is covered in a cloud... it made me smile... an onlooker said not such a great view today... I looked out and though could it get any better than this... I am above the clouds.. at the top of a mountain... I feel free... the air is fresh and rejuvenating... I am smiling from deep within... as I feel like I'm flying... for me this is one of my dreams....to run in the clouds!

PS.... Don't mock the compression socks... they really work! :)

CAF CHALLENGE

2009-10-24T09:33:00.001-07:00

On my way to San Diego for the CAF Challenge (Challenged Athletes Foundation)! Talk about inspiring and life changing... these incredible athletes show us what it means to live life to the fullest by overcoming their challenges and disabilities with victory in racing in triathlons... and in everyday life. I am doing a relay with Lin Dolen she is doing the swim and I will do the bike and run... she is an amazing women with Cerebral Palsy and happier than anyone I've ever met. She will show me along with every other athlete what it means to race with courage and determination... and how if we chose to we can overcome anything. These athletes know how to dream. I can't wait to take part in this incredible life changing event! I will post a blog after the event on Sunday!

SEE THE LIGHT by ET's Mark Steines

2009-10-24T08:20:00.001-07:00

Went to an amazing production Thursday night called "SEE THE LIGHT" Hosted by Mark Steines!(Host of Entertainment Tonight)! It was about his photographic journey with Lighthouse Medical Missions to Sierra Leone in Africa! He was able to capture their story through his passionate photography... a story of sadness but also mixed with incredible joy!
It was inspiring and life changing! It's amazing to see what a little giving can do and how it can change someones life including our very own! Thank you Mark for sharing your journey with us!

BODY EVENT PARTY by ESPN THE MAGAZINE

2009-10-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well my day was about as packed as I could make it. I was working all day in the midwest and then had to jump on a plane back to LA to head to the party for "The Body" event that ESPN The Magazine was hosting!

I get to the airport only to see the only flight delayed in all the airport is.... My Flight! I was already going to be 1 1/2 hrs late... so was already bummed... but still planned on going no matter what! I landed just before midnight... ran to my car and arrived at the London Hotel at 12:15... 45 more minutes til it's all over but enough time to see everyone!

The buzz on top of the hotel was fantastic. Cool fresh air... heat lamps... and a view of the whole city! Gotta love LA!

I'm attaching some of the photos of the event.

I'm sure you'll be able to sort out who's who...

1) Gary Belsky Editor-In-Chief and Myself

2) The ESPN girls that helped me with the Interviewing I did. Lyndsey, Robbyn, and Me

3) Susan Francia and Me (a 6'2" Olympic Rower)

4) Marcus Allen (NFL Hall of Famer), LoLo Jones(Olympic Hurdler), and Me

5) and Me again!!!

THANK YOU ESPN THE MAGAZINE for everything!!!!

WOOOHOOOO MY ESPN INTERVIEW IS UP!

2009-10-16T11:51:00.001-07:00

My interview for ESPN The Magazines first ever special edition of "The Body" issue is up! Check it out....
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4565368&categoryid=4294467

DOW LIVE EARTH RUN FOR WATER

2009-10-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

What an amaaaazing day!!!!

I just got back from NY where I flew in especially to take part in the press conference along with Jessica Biel, Pete Wentz, Angelique Kidjo, and Alexandra Cousteau for the DOW LIVE EARTH RUN FOR WATER. This 6 km Run/Walk takes place April 18, 2010 in 192 countries and cities around the globe. This is the largest worldwide initiative in history launched to solve the water issue and features musical concerts and water education villages as well. I will be supporting and participating in this historic event along with rallying all of you to become involved in raising awareness of the current global water crisis and to start making a difference and make a change. I encourage you to check out the website... www.liveearth.org and read about it and become involved. This is important for our life... without water we cannot survive. Period.

I'm including some of the photos from the press conference and will keep you informed on what is happening. This is such an honor for me to be part of. Life is about making a difference and I am so honored to take part in something that is as important as this cause. Please join me in helping to take steps in solving the current water crisis... as I said in my speech...What are we capable of?

On a side note... the organizations and spokespeople that are involved in the Dow Live Earth Run For Water are some of the most extraordinary people I have ever met!

Jessica Biel is truly amazing and sooo beautiful, totally down to earth, and one of the things I loved most is her humor. We were cracking up at the VIP meet and greet the night before at STK. There is nothing I love more than meeting people who are real and raw and not afraid to laugh!!

Alexandra Cousteau... wow what an inspiring and poised woman. Her demeanor is so gentle and contagious. She makes you smile when you are near her.

Angelique Kidjo gave me one of the most beautiful introductions I will probably ever ever receive. She has spunk and joy that makes you want to dance. Angelique I hope you wear those red high heels we talked about with pride!! :)

Pete Wentz also sooo nice. Seriously the company I was in couldn't have been better! The list of names goes on. I can't thank everyone enough for making my day in NY one I'll never forget, and I'm so thrilled this is just the beginning of making a difference and being part of the Dow Live Earth Run For Water.

See you all April 18, 2010

ESPN The Magazine "THE BODY" Issue

2009-10-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

I am sooooo thrilled to update you on "THE BODY" issue from ESPN The Magazine!! I was able to do some on-camera interviewing for this first ever very special issue they were putting together. It was such a great adventure for me as I was able to fly to NY, head to the magazines headquarters and sit-in on their meetings, interview editor-in-chief Gary Belsky and many other ESPN staff who were involved in putting the special issue together. I actually had to fly straight back from Worlds in Australia to LA to be part of NBA All-star Dwight Howard’s shoot. I had the opportunity to interview him and get a behind-the-scenes look as the photo shoot took place. FINALLY the magazine is out on the newsstands and it looks incredible and this behind the scenes video footage I shot is about to be aired on-line at ESPN The Magazines website in the Insider section. YOU have to check it out!!!

LIFETIME FITNESS ELITE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

2009-10-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

MY FINAL RACE OF THIS SEASON AS AN ELITE AMATEUR.... NEXT UP PRO!!! :)
THE RACE: The Lifetime Fitness Championships! This is where all the best of the series meet for the final showdown!
LOCATION: A point to point race held in Dallas, TX.
ATHLETES: All the best Pros, & all the top Elite Amateur athletes who qualified (top 3) at one of the races held in the series. Minneapolis, NY, Chicago, LA, and the final race being held in Dallas!WHERE I QUALIFIED: Both NY and LA! I was 3rd in NY and 1st in LA!
WEATHER: Freaking cold and rainy
WATER TEMP & CONDITIONS: Cold and choppy
BIKE CONDITIONS: Also cold, wet, and very windy
RUN CONDITIONS: Yes, you guessed it cold... Couldn't feel my feet or legs or hands for first three miles!
FINISH CONDITIONS: Extremely happy! :)
I'm so thrilled with my last race... Let me tell you why! I had a lot going against me... I was rundown from a cold so training was minimal, my last month I was traveling and racing so I felt like I was on a permanent taper and although in good physical shape I felt like I lost the power and strength to race at the level I want and need to be at, and sleep has been sporadic!Now the race decided to throw some more loopholes into the already fatigued body I was living in with extremely cold, wet, & windy conditions!
Why am I smiling.... Because I feel I rose up to the occasion and raced my hardest! I swam out hard, I tried to stay on feet, I actually spotted the buoys this time and felt I swam as hard as I could (over the last month and a half my swim was limited so I really felt the difference in power and strength but I never gave up) I was the most focused I have ever been! Greg Bennett an insanely talented pro athlete who also cracks me up with his Australian humor said "make every pedal stroke count" I don't think I've ever been as focused on the bike as I was this race! Although the bike speed is slow for me there was wind, rain, and cold that I attribute that too! I poured my heart out into that bike! Pretty much all alone the whole bike I pushed my already fatigued body more than I ever have!
Not everything went as planned... Valuable seconds were lost due to not being able to get off my wetsuit fast enough, and I had a perfect running mount onto my bike only to realize I was too early so had to get off run one more meter and then get on... Laughing out loud or is it a more annoyed laugh either way I laughed... Definitely wasn't as graceful as I had lost my momentum.
Did I say it was cold.... During the bike I could barely change my gears in the areo position I had to use two hands... Kind of makes me laugh... and has anyone ever tried to take your bike helmet off when your hands don't work?!!! It felt like I had mittens on... I was laughing... So were the other athletes in transition near me... Putting on the shoes proved to be just as difficult! None of us could feel our feet or legs... I can't tell you how long it took me to get on my racebelt... Seriously I had to slow down to focus putting the clasp in right because I still felt like I had mittens on! The visor I was carrying in my hands was tossed to a spectator (See Erik and Ivette I'm promoting KSwiss!) because I couldn't undo the velcro or put it on!As for the run... Given my slow start with the race belt and not feeling my legs... I had a personal best!
I know for many people a 40min 10k is easy (especially the pros), but I've never broken it til now! This does huge things for me mentally! When you break the barrier that's always been there... It feels like you can do anything after that! This run was hard. My legs were so fatigued the last three miles... I pushed as hard as my body could move... Linda (The women who won NYC was in 5th... She's a runner) I think I ran the last 3 miles scared! Thinking there's no way I'm going to let her catch me! Either she faded or I excelled because I finished well ahead of her!
As we all know being on the podium feels amazing... But this race for me was like winning! I achieved more than even I thought I was capable of. The 3 girls beating me are so deserving of their podium places! They are top ranked national elite amateur athletes! We've been to a lot of races together, each of us taking turns on the top! It was an honor to be racing with them! I wish you all the best in the next season!
As for me.... Finishing fourth overall at this race was great! I'm thrilled!! Now...It's back to training!!! I'm actually excited!I can't wait for next year... If I thought this year was a roller coaster ride... I know next year is going to be double the craziness!!!
Enjoy the long weekend everyone!My plane is about to land in NY!Off to the next venture.... A press conference!!! Can't wait to tell you all about it!

THE DAY BEFORE MY LAST RACE

2009-10-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

It's the day before my last race... of the season!

I'm about to head out for my prerace bike to make sure all the gears are working with Greg and Laura Bennett...

Just back from the bike... they've convinced me to join them on their jog.... we are laughing because I feel like I'm on a permanent taper from all my traveling and racing and we are joking that I don't want to overdo it before the big race tomorrow.... needless to say I'm so enthusiastic I might even join them for a prerace swim.

It's been nice and relaxing here for me... knowing it's my last race... no pressure.. .this one I just race my best!

Last night there was a Pro/Sponsor dinner... John Korff the Organizer of the NYC Tri told me to come seeing as I know most everyone and next year I'm going to be joining them. It was so much fun.. sat at the table with the Aussies.... gotta love them... I was laughing all night.

The picture I added is of Laura and I... Don't worry the bottles were only for the shot... we didn't even have a sip... and we didn't want to put our mouths on it so we look kinda funny with our lips pressed against the bottle... it was a joke of what we do prerace...

Off to have breakfast... register... then chill for the afternoon!

Video Footage of The LA TRI SWIM

2009-10-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Found some flip video footage of the LA Tri Swim! It's worth viewing... especially the last minute or so... There is no way this does it justice until you are out there in the thick of it...

From what I was told the lifeguards pulled out over 100 people and that was before the Sprint race had even gone out.

People were just getting tossed about... most people were having a hard time making it through the waves... just getting pushed back to shore... crazy thing is when you got past the huge waves the choppiness and washing machine like waves continued to roll you about... making it hard to navigate!

Congrats to all who did this swim... it was a tough one!

Check out the link below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hg1dVeBOpk

LA TRI 1ST PLACE WOOHOOO!!!

2009-10-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmm..... where do I start!!! OK OK... Let's start at the end.... I won LA TRI! YIPPEEEEE!!!! I'm so excited! It's such a great way to end the season... well almost the end... one more race to go next weekend as an Elite Amateur then it's on to being a PRO!

THE SWIM... that is capitalized for a reason... THE HARDEST SWIM I HAVE EVER DONE! WOW... MASSIVE WAVES coming from every direction... a huge current... and when you where out there it was so choppy you couldn't even spot the buoys. My nightmare... Thank goodness there were lifeguards out there I don't know how many times I had to stop to ask directions... funny thought... asking for directions in the ocean. I felt sooo lost. The hardest part was coming back in... I saw the wave coming... it crashed before me and I was thinking here we go I tried to go under and instead just got tumbled for what seemed like forever and came up without my goggles only to see the next massive wave about to take me down for another tumble... I finally came up for air and saw a lifeguard he asked me if I was ok... I smiled as I was now touching the sand and said... I am now!!! :)

The bike was the bike... I liked the course. It went pretty good!

Loved the run... there is this steep hill that was really challenging... I love hills... this one was no joke... The run felt good overall... I was pleased with being able to find a good zone mentally and relax!! Even with momentary cramping in my hamstrings... I was able to work through it and just told myself "no way.. not this race... I'm not slowing up for any cramping they are just going to have to leave" funny thing... my body listened to me my cramping left and I was able to maintain my pace! I have to say knowing I was in the lead made the run kinda fun! I think I had a personal best in the run for this tri season. THE FINISH felt great. In that moment I smiled to myself and knew I had raced a great race!

I wanted to win the race... for many reasons... and I was ready to fight for it! I think the ocean was my biggest fight today... I'll never forget that swim!

I ran this one for all my friends and family and fans!

THANK YOU FOR CHEERING ME ON AND BELIEVING IN ME!

Life is not about FINDING yourself, it's about CREATING yourself

2009-09-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

"NOT KNOWING WHEN THE DAWN WILL COME, I OPEN EVERY DOOR.

MOST OF THE SHADOWS OF THIS LIFE ARE CAUSED BY STANDING IN ONES OWN SUNSHINE.

YESTERDAY ENDED LAST NIGHT.

EVERY DAY IS A NEW BEGINNING.

LEARN THE SKILL OF FORGETTING.

AND MOVE ON.

WITHIN OUR DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS WE FIND OUR OPPORTUNITIES.

IF OPPORTUNITY DOESN'T KNOCK, BUILD A DOOR!"

INTERBIKE!

2009-09-26T20:38:00.001-07:00

Hincapie getting my autograph.... HIGHLIGHT!
Holding the American Classic Wheel

I'm getting Hincapie's autograph. He is my favorite cyclist for many reasons...

Let's just say OVERWHELMING is a great summary of INTERBIKE.... with booths stretching through the conference center for what seems like a couple football fields in length and a maze of companies showing their bikes, and gadgets, and thingamabobs... one could spend three days and not even see everything!

For my first time to Interbike and Vegas I was very impressed.

Top 10 Reasons....

1) Vegas is crazy... being there for a bike show was an interesting way to first experience it...

2) Having a party being hosted on the top floor of one of the Hotels and seeing the whole city and all it's luminosity was incredible.

3) Being there on behalf of my wheel sponsor American Classic was a honor and even better to sign their poster that I shot made my experience even more memorable.

4) Seeing some of my other sponsors there (Triathlon Lab and Gu) and other familiar faces...

5) Meeting George Hincapie and getting his autograph!

6) Better yet... him stopping by the next day to say HI and get my autograph!!! :)

7) Walking around and just staring at the gorgeous bikes like they were gold!

8) Meeting Celeste from Milani Bikes and loving his genuineness and his story of his father having a dream to make bikes and the whole Italian family story he told with such passion!

9) Having Dinner at the SW Steakhouse at the Wynn Hotel. Phenomenal food and quite the show.

10) Meeting Rob and Irene and then all of us... (too many names to name) being escorted by all the lines and into the Tryst Club... CRAZY!

I'd love to tell you more.... but you know what they say.... what happens in Vegas... ;)

Runners World Video By Embry Rucker

2009-09-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

AUSTRALIA TRIATHLON WORLDS Race Report

2009-09-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well..... I have had a few hours to process things.. look at results... ponder a lot... process more.... and now I can write my race report!

I will start with the stats... for those of you who are stats people and understand times....

I swam a 24:11.... Let's talk about this right away. My Personal best was 3 weeks ago at Nationals it was 20:35... even swimming slow I should be around 22. I'm a bit stumped. Did my wave have a harder current then even the wave behind? I was 6th out of the water. 1:38 off of lead swimmer in my agegroup. That's ok... as I know Australia has strong swimmers but my wave... we had SLOW times. I would like to think that partially my slow swim was due to my shoulder hurting to much that normally I fight through the crowds but because of my crash on Monday and my shoulder popping it really hurt. Everytime I would hit someone with my right arm it would send piercing pain into my shoulder and pop a bit... HOWEVER that is not my excuse or complaint... I felt like I was swimming pretty good... so I am stumped... funny thing I thought I'd be out of the water in 20ish minutes when I looked at my watch after the swim I almost went into shock. There were many people I heard talking about the swim whether it was current or possibly a bit long. Most were off by 2-4 minutes... does it make me feel better.... maybe tomorrow.

My T2 was ok. I still need work.

My bike was 1:04:40..... ummmmmmm this is all about controlling the controllables.... I have to let this go.... but I was a bit choked with the bike. I was biking all by my merry self for the 1st half at the turn around into the first 10km I saw this pack coming my way.... I pushed the bike harder in order to try and keep them from catching me... but we all know a group of cyclists is faster than 1.... I held them off for another 10km... then lap two I was caught within a couple km's I'm swooped up into the pack... I do my best to stay at the front and pushed really hard to push to the front.... this is where I am so stumped and don't understand Aussie rules but the officials were on us and as I was passing the group to take the lead they would come up and yell at me to get over to the left. (we were biking up left and passing on right as we are in Australia) I don't get why I was in trouble as I was passing... while everyone else was staying on the left ON EACH OTHERS WHEELS (don't get me wrong... it's a packed course some of us are trying to stay legit and it's hard.. there were definitely moments where I got jammed in the middle of the pack.... but on the return... I was told I had to stand down... which means I got penalized out of 15-20ish girls and had to stop take both feet off the pedals and plant them on the ground then wait for the officials to wave me on again. THAT SUCKED. I've let it go... it is what it is.... I am not pointing any fingers... but the pack of girls that are still drafting are now well ahead of me. I figure I stood out as I had the red suit on versus the homecourt of green and I was special enough that they decided to zero in on me. ;) So if you look at bike times there is a group that all came in together... then I follow.

Good T2.

Off into the run. The run has been hard for me this year. I believe my time was 41:34! (but I calculated it in my head so not fully sure) It will be my focus point over the winter. Watch out for me next year. ;) I held my place off the bike to finish 12th... next year it will be different. Coach I did everything right with fluids and stuff but somehow in the latter half I had cramping in my upper hamstrings into my glute. It slowed me for a bit but was able to work through it. However when I stopped at the finish I couldn't move at all because they were seizing and I felt like I was ready to vomit. Sorry for the details but that's how it felt. I raced my best. I'm disappointed with my overall results but it's WORLDS and it's the best of the best. I have to be happy no matter what! I made it here. I raced hard. END OF STORY!

A few other stats....

I was the top Canadian in my Agegroup.

I was the 3rd fastest Canadian overall in the women's field.

Had I been on the US Team... as I generally compare to them given I race in the US mostly.

I would've been 3rd US girl in my AG (Toughest AG in my opinion)... And 3rd US girl overall.

AND OVERALL I FINISHED 28th out of all the women. That's not bad!

Soon it will be time to go back to the story board and focus on my first year as a PRO! I learnt a lot this year! I had some highs and lows. I'm excited to turn the page and take the next step in this life I am living! The goals... The Dreams... ALL WORTH IT!

Congrats to all who finished!

AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CHEERED ME ON whether on the course or from home! You ALL ROCK!!!!

FIRST BIKE CRASH!

2009-09-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

Well.... I had my first bike crash EVER!

Day 2 in Australia! Sam and I were out on our bikes I had just done a 1 minute pickup into zone 4 and was coming out of it... Sam was doing a 2 minute pickup in zone 4 so she went by me into a small roundabout.... there was an oncoming car in the inside lane coming around fast... I sat up about 2 bike lengths behind Sam thinking she is going into this corner fast with an oncoming car... the biggest problem was there was a fresh coat of rain on the pavement which made the road super slick. There was a bike path on the outer edge of the road but it was covered in green paint on the roundabouts (which if anyone knows biking you stay off the painted parts in the rain as they are the slipperiest) so we were trying to cut inside of that because of the rain.... Sam went down... I barely touched my brakes so I could miss her and had slowed but because the road was like ice my bike went from under me and I slid across the pavement behind Sam. Ummmm Obviously because I had never fallen before I was the retard who stuck my wrist out to stop my fall... my shoulder popped a bit... it's sore... but ok... my ankle is a little cut up... and my right leg has some minor road burns.. I'm getting a bit stiff and sore but I'll be fine. Icing and thank goodness it's Monday. I have 5 more days before race day! After getting over the adrenalin and the shakiness knowing we were both ok... we were able to laugh it off... well it's better than freaking out.... so we are chosing to laugh. She said she was happy to be able to share in my first bike crash with me and felt terrible but I'm just glad we are both ok and will be able to race on Saturday!

All in all I feel good!

I love Australia so it masked the pain of the fall! :) Not that it's fun to crash at all but sometimes the first time of anything it's just good to experience and get it out of the way... (like for instance the first time I ever threw up in my life I was 25... yes 25... I know I felt so left out... everyone knew what it felt like but me... I got food poisoning and was on a plane when it hit... I barely made it to the bathroom, I was partially thinking gosh this feels terrible but yet couldn't wait to get off the plane and call Arlynd to let him know I finally threw up.) Now I can say I've crashed. If that is anything to be proud of... at least I've gotten it out of the way. The nerves will be gone in a few rides... the stiffness will hopefully have subsided and then Saturday will arrive and I will be ready to let it all out on the course! I can't wait to race!!!

I'll try and keep you posted of what's going on...

Having a great time!

Hope you are enjoying the long weekend!

RUNNERS WORLD

2009-09-04T17:45:00.001-07:00

K-Swiss Fashion Show NYC Fun Video & a bit on ESPN The Magazine

2009-08-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

What a fun day and night! I started the morning at ESPN The Magazine doing a story on the upcoming "Body Issue"! I was invited to sit in on their staff meeting and then have a one on one interview with Gary Belsky "The Editor in Chief" of ESPN The Magazine! It was fun as he has a great sense of humor and brilliant ideas so it was great to be able to ask him all the questions I had on the issue! Gary then led me to another room where we sat with Sue and Chris (part of the brains involved with the issue and the making of) and I was able to ask even more questions! I have to tell ya... It's going to be great. I can't wait for the issue to come out and for everyone to see all the athletes they used. The creativity... The Sports... and obviously The Bodies!
Part of the story I am doing involves me going to one of the photo shoots... I am so lucky that it gets to be with NBA ALLSTAR Dwight Howard!! I can hardly wait. Being a basketball fan myself and spending my younger years on the court should make it fun.. I might have to challenge him to a game of one on one or something... with the photo shoot at stake.. If I win I get to take his place in the issue... I think I know the verdict already... guess I'll have to wait til nexts years issue! Anyway it should be a fun day!
My afternoon was a blast. The K-Swiss Fashion Show was a huge success and the rooftop after party was amazing!!! It is great to be part of a brand that I love so much. I made a little well actually long video mostly of behind the scenes for you to see!
Now I'm back in training mode getting ready to head to Australia for Worlds!!

K SWISS FASHION SHOW

2009-08-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Next Wednesday I am excited to be part of the fashion show that K-Swiss is launching in NY for the US Open and Fashion Week.
Stay tuned... details and photos will follow!

Only 6 more sleeps...and more deep thoughts.. as usual :)

2009-08-17T09:46:00.001-07:00

It has almost arrived... the day where I put all my training and preparations together into racing my HEART OUT.. literally!!!
This year has flown by...I feel like I need more time... there's a bit of anxiety and definitely my heart is racing... but deep down inside I KNOW I am ready... fine tuned... physically able... mentally stable... prepared. All I have to do is BELIEVE!!! Trust my heart, my body, my mind, my desires and dreams, and KNOW that I am capable to race to my full potential.
YES, Canadian Nationals is upon me and I am EMBRACING this moment! Honestly... I know I want to win.. I know I potentially can... but regardless of where I finish the victory isn't on the podium it's inside me... stepping out of my box... dreaming big.. most importantly BELIEVING in myself... stepping up to the race start and finishing with a smile of knowing I have raced my best regardless of the placing. That is victory. That is satisfying. The results mean nothing if I can't be in the moment and love what I am doing. I do this because it is my PASSION... and when I am training or racing I FEEL FREE!
There are less of these moments on the other side of the fence... where I FEEL this sensation outside of my comfort zone but that is why I like to push my limits and step outside of that place or climb over that fence into the unknown... that is where I learn, grow, and change. That is why I STRIVE!
I realized recently I was so busy looking at all the what ifs... the fears... the negative... the failures... so worried about what people thought of me... instead of looking at all the what ifs as a positive... the opportunities that surround me... to take every situation, trial, or venture that possesses a negative feeling and turn it into a positive twist... life is always going to continue to throw hard balls my way... I may swing and miss A LOT.. but I CHOSE to look at the side that says 'Hey, at least I'm swinging'
It's about trying, striving, never giving up... BELIEVING.... with that comes a positive energy that calms the soul! Suddenly all negative anxiety disappears and it's as simple as seeing the light at the end of a dark tunnel. I can only control what I can control. I can't change anyone but myself. This is what I focus on. In that I find glimpses of my freedom!
Life is there knocking at your door... it is your choice with what you do with it.. how you respond to it... and how you chose to live it! STRIVE!!!!
See ya at the race.... Of LIFE!!! ;)

2009-08-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of going to the launch party for SELF Magazines July issue in LA recently hosted by my friend and inspiration and fellow Triathlete Lucy Danziger (editor and chief of SELF magazine)! This was an article that she wrote in her blog that I am now pasting in my blog. Thanks for the blog Lucy and as always you are amazing and inspiring to us all!

Great escapes (or, why I work out in the morning)
By Lucy Danziger (taken from her blog)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 4:09 PM

Everyone asks me to show off my arms. I am always loath to do it. So silly, but in this case I acquiesced, since the woman with me is a model, a triathlete and a friend...Jenny Fletcher. She appears in SELF on a regular basis because she's beautiful and self-empowered and at the moment I was congratulating her on winning Escape from Alcatraz, a swim-bike-run race that proves yes, inmates could have swum away from that prison island off San Francisco and found safe shores after surviving cold, shark-infested waters. She's brave and I admire her and the other athletes who jumped in willingly to do the event, no escape from anything but the stresses of life necessary. And that's why I love my own prework break from my schedule. The deadlines and the problems to solve and the writing and the editing seem far away when I'm just thinking about my stroke (pedal or swim) and breathing (on land or in the water). Escape? We all need one. This L.A. party was fun, a nice way to thank all our partners and friends on the left coast for their support of SELF.
What's your escape? Find one! Then enjoy it, guilt-free, every single day!

NYC TRIATHLON 3RD PLACE ELITE AMATEUR

2009-07-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone....
Here it is the long awaited race report... I know I know... you have all been biting your nails with anticipation... you couldn't sleep last night... when will it come you wondered... how can life go on without knowing the details... well here it as... at last... MY RACE REPORT FOR NYC TRI!!! ;-)

Here's a little prelude...
I think to myself...let's fly in early so I get lots of rest in NYC (The fast paced city that never sleeps where I lived for 10 years and have ALL my friends wanting to see me)... I board my flight from Long Beach to Chicago (yep... on a budget booked the non direct route as I thought Arlynd was coming with me so what's a few extra hours?!). And here's where life changes... Arlynd re hurt his back the day before we were flying out and we decided that it didn't make sense for him to come and just watch as he definitely wasn't able to race... Which totally sucks because now I have to visit all our friends ALONE.. HA no it's not that bad... my main concern was who is going to help me with my bike case and what about my prerace massage??? (Just kidding Arlynd... you know the millions of reasons I wanted to share this race weekend with you!!!). So I land in Chicago am starving grab some greasy pizza and then find out my flight has been cancelled into NY... Aghhhhhh so I have to pay for a hotel at the airport and get on a flight at 6AM the next morning... I think I got a grand total of 4 hrs sleep... not my exact plan of making the prerace relaxing.
I arrive in NYC... head to my friends house unpack my bike and just want to sleep... but I'm in NY... we don't do that there... I headed out the door and managed to fill my afternoon running around and then in the evening I had the NYC TRI Underwear Run where John Korff the race organizer has had me as the official "T" for the past several years. (There are a bunch of us girls that write NYC TRI on our stomachs and lead out the race). In this FUN RUN I am guiding Aaron Scheidies a fellow KSwiss athlete who is this insane legally blind Triathlete. He's an amazing inspiration... the funny thing is in this fun run there was a contest for the best Jamaican outfit... he has on an outfit that he can barely see out of... and the joke as we were running around the race is that he couldn't see because of his costume!
Okay I get carried away with the extra details.. on to the race....
Race morning.... Off and on POURING rain... the race is delayed a bit for the rain to pass and hopefully the clouds to clear...
Sure enough the race is under way and I dive into the Hudson knowing that it's gonna be a fast swim... let's just say we love the current here at this race a normal swim for me would be around 21... I got out of the water in just under 15 minutes right on the tail of my fellow competitor Lindsey Whalen (who was 2nd at Minneapolis and is an incredible Triathlete also going Pro next year) In Minneapolis she was out of the water 1 minute 30 seconds ahead of me. Goal one was reached. I couldn't be happier with my swim! I swam hard and pushed more than I ever have. T1 (still needs work... I was 10 seconds slower than the leading girls... I decided to put my shoes on in Transition... I know.. sorry Ian.. but I made up for it in the bike). They got the edge on me at first for the first half of the bike I saw them ahead of me but there was a group of them a few girls and a couple men and I just couldn't close the gap. Each hill I got closer.. until finally I caught them. Eventually it was just Lindsey and myself. I'd pass on the uphill and then she'd pass on the down or flats. We played tag the whole way back. Definitely pushed us both. I had the fastest bike out of the Elite Women. Goal two was reached. T2 (still needs work... I turned down the wrong bike rack and had to duck under to get to my bike rack... unnecessary seconds lost.) Once again I was the chaser... only this time I never closed the gap. HOWEVER I was soooo happy with my run as I experienced major breakthroughs (in the whole race actually) with MY MIND! This was the first race I really felt my physical fitness and I felt amazing. I got the supplements right, and the hydration... it's this feeling I had... I was smiling on the inside because I felt a difference in my body in my ability and in my MIND! AMAZING! I have always been a conserver... I know I even conserved in this race. The fears I have... the challenges I face... the pressures I put on myself... suddenly although they haven't completely disappeared are diminishing with each new challenge I face and race I run... whether it be a Triathlon or just the challenges of everyday life. I felt like I got to the top of the climb and had victory and I won. It's not always about winning for me... this journey is about growing and experiencing and BECOMING the best I can be.... I know it doesn't happen over night... I know I have many more highs and lows to face... I know without a doubt I haven't even reached my full potential or have the ability to fully grasp my capability... and most of all I know that life is a beautiful thing and I love it when I feel I am truly living it! Goal three was reached.
And yes of course it's a beautiful thing to be standing on the podium in victory. 3rd place Elite Amateur! I was happy with this race. Goal four and five!
On a side note... the return was not as successful as the race.. the storms came back and I sat on the plane ON THE GROUND for 5 hours.. yes you read correctly... 5 hrs only to be deplaned and the flight cancelled. One hour in the flight changing line... One hour in the taxi line.... 3AM to bed... that meant I was up 23 HOURS! Oh the joys of life in the fast lane! :)

THE ESPY'S

2009-07-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

OH WHAT A NIGHT....!!!!
My first red carpet event and it didn't fail to impress. It was so much fun walking the red carpet and seeing all these amazing inspiring athletes! WOW FACTOR!!
My friend Britt Bardoe who is not only stunning but an incredible stylist told me to get over to her house the night before so she could style me up for the night. A Herve Leger dress with killer shoes and a little clutch... hello can you go wrong with this?!!! I loved the dress it was soooo me! I also was generously given ASPREY jewelry to wear for the night that my friend and manager Jim pulled some of his strings for. Thank you to you both for making my night memorable!!!
I was escorted by the infamous Jim and my rock star sponsor from K Swiss Erik! A man on each arm... not a bad gig. ;)
The evening was spectacular.... Samuel L Jackson was the host and he did a great job... kept us laughing a lot. The seats we had were INCREDIBLE... about 5 or 6 rows back and smack dab in the middle. It was amazing.... on the way to my seat I shook hands with Condoleezza Rice who gave me the warmest smile as if we had known each other forever... then I had to climb over Julius Dr. J Irving to reach my seat. AMAZING NIGHT... I know I know I already said that... but it's so inspiring to watch the best of the world in athletics pursuing and achieving their dreams. Was I inspired... YES. Moved... YES. Did the slogan from the legendary basketball coach Jimmy Valvano the founder of the V Foundation for cancer research "Never give up... Never ever give up" make me think about life and rising up to each challenge that I face... YES. Did I feel like I belonged there... for the first time...YES. Any athlete whether beginner or pro would have loved to sit there and watch the greatest moments of the year played to you on the big jumbo screen and not still squirm when watching the men's swim relay from the Beijing Olympics as they won the gold by a breath.
Being that it was an Olympic year a lot of the awards were given to athletes from the Olympics... Michael Phelps may have reached the same amount of awards as gold medals. Dara Torres... superwoman herself is an inspiration to us all... the Williams sisters, Danica Patrick, and of course a night in LA wouldn't be complete without the LA Lakers there... yes the list goes on and on.... WOW WOW WOW!!!! A bit of a side track thought... Demi Moore who was a presenter is seriously more stunning than ever... WOW!
On to the After Party.... OH WHAT A NIGHT (everyone sing along ;))!!!! I had such a great time.
Can't wait for next year!!!
Oh forgot to mention that to make the night a total phenomenal all encompassing evening I had a little story that KCAL channel 9 aired on me.... check it out.... http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=108919@kcbs.dayport.com
PS... ignore the 2 seconds of humiliation for me when you see me prancing on the runway with a pink outfit and silver hair...that had to be in Calgary.... (to my agencies viewing this I know I know the scariest walk ever) I have no idea how my parents have this or why it was never burned but here it is to haunt me... LOL...

"THE HANGOVER" PHOTO SHOOT

2009-07-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Sam Jones (an incredible man of many talents... photographer, film director, book publisher... and the list goes on and on... really one of the nicest people I have ever met in the industry) asked if he could use my legs for a shoot for the upcoming movie "The Hangover".
Literally I had no idea exactly what that would entail... I was given a bit of information from my agency that I was going to be standing on a faux bar and he'd be shooting in between my legs and capturing a possible promotional picture for the advertisement of the upcoming comedy!
We did a lighting test and had some of Sam's assistants sit at the bar and then the next day we were shooting the real thing. The picture pretty much describes it all.... but let me give you a bit of insight to what it felt like... It's my turn... Sam calls me over... I drop the robe and have four actors that I haven't met before this moment watching me... we exchange "HI's"... then I climb my way up onto the bar and stand there in red tasseled La Perla underwear and a nude stick on bra.... let me remind you I'm in the highest stripper heals I have ever worn... ummmmm yeah.... can anyone say nerve wracking.... we all smile and the shoot begins.... I'm literally just trying to focus on standing in my heels... and not looking at them too much because they are having to look at me in their character of the movie... oh did I mention that there were about 20ish people standing behind Sam watching the entertainment as well!
Actually it was a fun day... at one point they had a rooster walking around between my legs (for those of you who have seen the movie you'll appreciate that) and Heather was in some of the shots as well (which is what I have a picture of)
and of course everyone was amazing and made my day as normal feeling as a day could be walking around in stripper heals and tasseled underwear!!!
After the shoot we broke for lunch and I had a great time hanging with the crew... it was a little more normal than the shoot and at least I was meeting them on a eye to eye level... ;)!!! It definitely was a day I'll never forget!
Sam thanks for making my life interesting... and for those of you who haven't seen the movie you have to go see it... It's absolutely hilarious!!!!

The Extreme Opposite

2009-06-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

It's a strange thing to be racing your heart out one day at Escape From Alcatraz and relishing the athlete side of me that loves to train and race... to break a sweat... push my body...and of course live in my K-Swiss apparel ;). My mind is still lingering with the thrill of standing on the podium with a win at my favorite race... it's an amazing feeling... and now to this morning sitting as a model in a hair and makeup chair getting ready to work... I'm looking at myself in the mirror and thinking what a crazy life.... There's still the faint residue of the number 1650 that was written on my arm... My calves were so tight this morning and yesterday during and after the race that i was walking very slowly.... and I'm still reliving my yesterdays race... Yet I walk into the studio this morning at 8am with a bounce in my step and to these people I'm a professional model... There's no talk of what was your pace... The swim was hard... Etc etc... We are now talking about where we've been.... People in the entertainment industry... and I have to say I'm a little out of the loop! I've spent my last bit of time living in Topanga a bit of a recluse... No TV.... No newspapers.... Internet if I walk to the middle of the canyon... It's quite commical actually from modern living of NY to walking barefoot in Topanga... Well I'm not quite that extreme yet!
Wow.... My life is crazy and has taken a crazy turn of events! Well it's not really that different... I'm still modeling full time but I 've moved across country and I FEEL different! I've found my niche in life! I LOVE living in California... I LOVE my new fulfilling life... New friends, a whole incredible team of sponsors who I view more as an amazing extension of my family!
I sit overwhelmed... Grateful for my life and the opportunities I have been blessed to live out in my everyday life! Yesterday an athlete.... Today a model... Tomorrow....well tomorrow I'll just be me... a bit of both is the best way I can think of being.... I've embraced my new life and it's very fulfilling! I'm smiling... and that is enough!!!