Home

I am home. And it's nice.

It's a bit hard to believe that this morning I was in Colorado, on a beautiful hike. Followed by a tasty breakfast and pie - Tuesday is pie day at the Walnut Cafe. And to the airport, into my middle seat, and back now back in DC.

Even with all the travel, I am so not tired, as my body clock thinks it's 9:30 pm, not 11:30 pm. That's an issue as I have to go to work tomorrow.

So what's next? I should swim, but CUA swims are over and Wilson pool is closed. I should bike, but I need to put the pedals back on, and I am lazy. I should run, but really REALLY need new (and larger) shoes. It's not Tuesday, so no yoga Steve. I have piles of laundry and a horribly messy apartment. Cleaning is working out, right?!?!?!

Plus, after 6 days in Boulder, it kind of leaves a healthy lifestyle impression. The fresh air, food, hiking trails, bike friendliness, and minimalist lifestyle attitude – I do feel the need to clean and make some changes. Hopefully these views will stick around for awhile.

Not Quite Like Yesterday

Molly and I tired, but not so successfully.

We got a slow start to the morning and tried to go hiking. After a quick trip to Boulder falls, we were off for a more challenging hike. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had a different idea. It never rained where we were, but there were a ton of black clouds all around us and wasn't the best idea to go hiking. So, we drove around for more beautiful views of the mountains.

Molly was a bit tired so as she napped, I headed to Boulder Beer. To my unpleasant surprise, they were not serving alcohol or beer because they lost their license for 3 days. Figures. Get rained out on my hike without rain and went to a beer tour without being able to sample beer.

After those not-so-great moments today, Molly and I decided on a small bike tour and to try 1 more brewery, Twisted Pine Brewing. They were open, serving beer, and it was happy hour - so the sampler we went. All 15.
Might I remind you all that we biked there...
And eventually did make it back to Molly's...

(Dad, I hope you are proud :-)

Tomorrow I head back to DC. I am hoping to get in a good hike before I head to the airport. Hopefully Mother Nature will allow it this time.

Last Full Day In Colorado!

It's sad because I am just starting to get used to the elevation and time change.

Yesterday I managed to sleep until 7, which was awesome. Molly and I took our time getting ready in the morning and finally started the day by returning Sapphire. He did a great job getting me though the 17.2 miles of Boulder with an average of 16 mph. I am slowly staring to look a road bikes and Giant maybe an option...

Before I knew it, Molly and I were in the mountains. We stopped for a few pictures and the decided to go for a short hike. Only about a mile (and I forgot my Garmin, but I think it would have been awesome to GPS the route) but it was really nice. Molly went nice and slow so my lungs wouldn't explode on some of the switch backs but I fully understand why people in Boulder are so in shape.

The rest of the day was spent at a brewery, 2 shows from the fringe festival, and some sushi. Overall, yesterday was a great day and I can only hope for the same today.

I Am An Irongirl!! Again!

Yesterday was a lot of fun. There is something to be said about having an event with all women. It seems so supportive, positive and much less intense.

It was another early morning - but for me, not too bad as I was still on East Coast time. We had some breakfast and were off to the race. Have you ever seen those people who bike to the race start and thought they were so bad a$$? It's over rated. HA! Actually, it was a pretty good 3.7 mile warm up.

Once we got to the start, it was the normal body marking and setting up the transition area. It was really fun because Mimi and I got to be next to each other, and we were one row away from Molly, Katie, and Molly (Katie's friend from Albuquerque, NM). Mimi and I took a quick walk to the swim start and it was a beautiful sunrise. We finished getting ready and it was off the start.

The Swim.
It was only 400 meters, so I wasn't too worried. Molly wanted to be at the front (it was a run in start) and I was okay with it. We had about 5 minutes before we went off and there was some good music playing, so I was having a little dance party. It was fun! Once the Aflac duck quacked - that was the starting gun, we ran in and started. The water was about 72 degrees and without a wet suit, it hit my lungs pretty hard. And the sun was coming up and I couldn't see the first two buoys. But, I managed to sight off of someone in front of me and do okay. The problem, it took me 2 minutes to get from the water to the transition area! It was a far distance, and I was not running!

The bike.
Molly offered to drive the bike course, but I declined. I didn't want to see what I was about to do. I knew the first was going to a false flat to start, and some rollers. That was enough to know for me. Sure enough, the first 4 or so miles too forever! I was sucking air and hating my choice to do this race. Sapphire was doing the best he could, but all I could wish for was Blain. But once the first part was done, the bike was actually kind of fun. I picked up some speed and still enjoyed looking around. And to my pleasant surprise, I averaged 16 mph. WooHoo!

The run.
This is where I had some issues due to the elevation. I tried to run, I really did, but I just couldn't. There were even a few times when I started on my walk break and felt a bit dizzy and light headed. But I did just keep moving forward. Not a great run time, but all things considered, I don't think it was that bad for me.

The finish.
Having a few people finish before you is fun because they come back and cheer for you. I noticed Mimi first, as she also had the DC Tri top on, and then heard Molly screaming her head off, which was super nice. I was still sucking air but managed to finish running, which is always nice.

Overall, it was a really fun race. It was nice being with friends, not taking the race too seriously, and just having a good time.
After the race, it was off to a micro brewery for lunch, a nice nap and a trip to the Rockies game. Vacations are awesome.

572

That's my number!

I am all checked in and ready to go for Iron Girl Boulder. So far, it's been a fun trip.

Yesterday, I got in and Molly picked me up. We headed to downtown Boulder for some looking around and shopping which turned into one of my favorite thing - margaritas and queso! I can't help it, people know what I like...
Oh, and Molly made me bike there. I think she is out to get me and make me even more tired for tomorrow so she can kick my butt even more!
It was actually a good thing to help me get used to the altitude a bit faster, but still. I am not used to casual riding.
And after a lovely dinner Molly made, I was off to bed. I did make it until 9, so I thought that was a success.

Today I woke up promptly at 4. I forced my self back to sleep for 2 more hours and tossed and turned another 2. Molly's friend Katie arrived and after breakfast we headed to pick up my rental bike. I sat in the back with this bike, trying to bond. Katie named him Sapphire - and I knew immediately I would like this girl and why she was friends with Molly. Plus we bonded at the REI sale.

We headed to the Boulder reservoir to do packet pick up and as we pulled into the parking lot, Molly told the woman we were here for the event, who which her response "Awesome". And we drove off. I love the fact that the woman's response was just "Awesome". So Boulder, as Molly said.

Once all that was done, it was time to properly fit Sapphire. After I got him to a decent fit, the three of us headed our for a ride. Roughly 10 miles and I had enough. It was a bit harder than I should have gone, but I didn't want to embarrass my self in front of Molly or Katie - so I went a bit harder when I was leading (so I could set the pace) and tried to stay on Molly's wheel when she was leading. Smart - no. But I think we established that I don't always make smart decisions.

So now, Mimi is on her way over (coming up from Colorado Springs) and it will be another early wake up call. But, hopefully it won't be too bad for me as I have the 2 hour time difference that I am not adjust to yet. I just need to get rid of this headache - due to this silly altitude thing... I miss being at sea level.

I'm in KC

Quick little layover in the Kansas City Airport - and they have free wireless so I figured I would post.

After another late night of packing, it was another 4:45 wake up call for my 6:45 flight. I really need to do better about vacations and sleep. However I did fall right to sleep on the plane and woke up very confused. I mean I was in a full deep sleep where I thought my scarf really was a pillow and my jacket was a blanket. I really had no idea where I was when I woke up.

Oh, there is my flight.

Off to Colorado!! People keep telling me the bike course isn't that bad, not that hilly - we shall see. I have a hard time believing anything in Boulder is flat...

Home For 10 Hours

After a wonderful 5 days in New England, Karen and I headed back to DC today. It was a fun ride back. We caravanned with Hans, Casey and Lindsey - which was really helpful. As Karen said, she wasn't the best sidekick, but it was all good. She did bring a book on tape, so that was fun to listen to on the drive - even though I don't know how it ended... So as sidekicks go - between the snacks, book on tape, amazing gas mileage car, I think Karen was a great 'side kick'.

But now, I am now unpacking to repack - including some bike stuff. I am renting a bike in Colorado and am taking my pedals - after Danny was a huge help to remove them, as I failed multiple times. It's helpful to have bike knowledgeable friends. Anyway, I have a cab coming for me at 5:15 so I must stop typing.

Eventually, this post will have a collage of the "Welcome to ____" states we drove through. Some are missing, but I will figure something out. Until then, here is a picture of the house I had to leave...

Next post - (hopefully) from Colorado!

Last Day In NH

Today is my last full day in New Hampshire :-(
I tried to sleep in again, but woke up at 6:30 (and that was after going to bed around 11:30). I heard someone in the kitchen around 7, and that's when I noticed THE SUN WAS OUT! Julia had started the coffee so we grabbed a cup and headed down to the dock. Sandy joined us later and it was a perfect way to start the morning.
We had another great breakfast along with a breakfast potato battle between Hans and Sandy. It was close, and after a few voting flips, it was a tie. Even though Hans did try some voodoo pot banging... These potatoes when superb with Lindsey's french toast. All followed by a nap. Vacation is wonderful...

With the sun out, it was the perfect opportunity to relax, and enjoy the day. I made it out for a wag (walk/jog) and confirmed that I need new, bigger, shoes.

I am sad to leave tomorrow, but am excited to head to Colorado!

I Like Vacation

Today is the first day I felt like I was on vacation. No alarm (except that my alarm did go off 6:30, oops), nothing to do, just time to relax. But of course we were all still up by 7:30. The good and bad part of the day is that it was raining.

The house made another fabulous breakfast and after cleaning up, the biggest debate was on what to do on the rainy day. After much sitting around, we decided on an outlet mall. There would be walking around, shopping, but staying dry. Unfortunately, the outlet mall was pretty disappointing, not much to be had. We made it back to the house and it 'cleared up' just enough where I thought I could get in a swim. After all, I was in a house with about 12 people who just did a half Ironman, and I was eating like I had done one as well. A workout was definitely needed! Because the weather was a bit iffy and some people in the house were concerned, I decided to go around the island - but still had no idea when I would be back. We determined if I wasn't back in an hour, time to worry.

I have to say, I had a great time. It was so fun to see the houses, the beautifully surroundings, and at one point there were seagulls (or some type of bird) sitting in the middle of the water. Obviously on rocks, but it looked really awesome.

As I rounded the last turn, I saw the bridge to our island. When I went to sight it again, I saw a figure on the bridge. It waved and me, I waved back, so I figured it was someone I knew who was making sure I was okay. As I got closer, sure enough, it was Bryan. We had a nice little chat, and I made it back to the dock. After I showered, we realized it was about 1.4 miles. I took my time, but overall, it was a decent swim time - 52 minutes-ish.

The rest of the evening was filled with burgers, chicken, wine, beer, drinking go fish, Spice Girls, and M-dot chocolate chip cookies - I put my new present to good use. As I mentioned on our last group house, I earn my keep not by cooking, but by cleaning and making cookies. This trip was no different, just different shaped cookies.

Yay Everyone!!

What fun! I really think I may give up this participating in races and take up tracking/looking for my friends, and cheering full time. It was awesome!

Yes, we did wake up at 3 and were on the road by 3:34. Yes, that was really REALLY early (that would be wake up calls at 5, 6:30, and 3 - GO VACATION!). But, 100% worth it. We had rock star parking and we were in the park and 2 rows from the tent; vs. over at the resort and bussed in. Needless to say, we all promptly put our seats down and took a nap. 5:45 was a much better wake up call. Yes, I realize that is still early and a sad statement.

Everyone got all set up and I set up my area - the tent. I collected keys, flip flops, and an engagement ring. Once the pros were back from the swim and on their bikes, I went to find my spot at the swim finish and start keeping track of the 25-ish DC Tri Club members in the race.

Things started off pretty well and I was getting some great shots. I was standing on a chair, using Sandy's camera, and got almost everyone out of the water. I did miss a few, and even with my bright pink IM support crew hat, not many people saw (or heard) me. Here is one of my favorites. After we almost feel over laughing, Julia did say I could use the pic (yes, she is drinking with her hand still stuck in her wet suit).
I stayed and watched the last swimmers come out of the water. It's always such a great sight to see all the kayakers and volunteers gather around the last few swimmers, hitting their kayaks for support and everyone on the beach cheering them on. Unfortunately, the last guy in did not make the cut off :-(

Once the last swimmer made it out of the water, I ran back to our tent just in time to miss Andy Potts starting his run. That's right, that is how fast the Pros are. It was NUTS! Also, it started raining. Not good as most of our people (and the entire race participants) were still on the bike course.

The next part of the morning was spent trying to find our bikers and runners. Our tent was on the run out part, but we could still see the bike in. AJ's parents and Toby's parents were both in the tent with me and by about the first 5th DC Tri person in, we had a great system. I started keeping track of people's times when they came in the bike, pass us on the run, start the second lap of the run, and overall finish. Most of the time I could get a decent picture of someone coming in on the bike (this is Lindsey - I love how she is clear and in focus and everything else is a bit blurry - that's how fast she was moving!).

The run was a bit harder to track people as they all have very different speeds. Coming in on the bike was actually pretty close to their swim order, but the run was all over the place. That being said, I did manage to get at least one picture of everyone I was following; like this great picture of Karen and Glenn. Some have a few more, but overall, I was really happy. Throw in the pictures the parents took - we have a great set.

Overall, even with the early start of the day and the rain, it was so much fun. There were many PR's set and I think they all had great races. It was a lot of fun to be a part of, and I hoped I made the day a bit easier for everyone.
Now, it's really vacation time!