2 Things:
*Paula Findlay= amazing! So excited for you! You totally deserve it!
*Kyla Coates= amazing! I am so proud of you and you are setting yourself up for a great season!
<3 you both!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Clouds Clouds Clouds Clouds...
Okay so I am getting a little sick of these dark/grey clouds:( -I have had enough and am ready for summer! Heading into my last week of high school it would be nice to feel a little warmth, too bad I’m not in the Des Moines heat cheering on a great group of athletes! But I am super pumped to watch from home on Sunday.
Anyways went to the store today to make a big breakfast and forgot to buy the main ingredient so settled for eggs but will share the recipe with you!
Oatmeal Pancakes:
-6 egg whites
-1 cup cottage cheese (forgot to buy at the store)
-1 cup oats
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1 tsp brown sugar
-1 tsp vanilla
* Blend everything together and use some sort of oil in the pain because they stick
* I like to add either craysons or chocolate chips
-enjoy!
Anyways went to the store today to make a big breakfast and forgot to buy the main ingredient so settled for eggs but will share the recipe with you!
Oatmeal Pancakes:
-6 egg whites
-1 cup cottage cheese (forgot to buy at the store)
-1 cup oats
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1 tsp brown sugar
-1 tsp vanilla
* Blend everything together and use some sort of oil in the pain because they stick
* I like to add either craysons or chocolate chips
-enjoy!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Catch Up Time
Well it’s been way way way too long since I’ve updated this...oops
Anyways here is a point form version of my life in the last umm almost month! (In order of past to present)
-watched the Sooke Tri with my dad and Barb competing in their first ever triathlon...Barb had a faster T1 than some of the girls I raced at worlds (seriously!)...and I was a really proud daughter when I saw how my dad’s swimming improved with just a couple of weeks with a masters group. It just a little crazy to think that time last year was my first triathlon
-One Tuesday bike workout we started off with drills. This time the drill was taking off your front tire, putting it back on, riding a small loop then taking off your back tire, putting it back on and riding another small loop. It was a race and I was on a team with Jeff who had gotten us a nice lead...anyways long story short I let the competitiveness get the best of me and didn’t really tighten my back tire as much as I should have =equalling me to a crash on a hill when I attempted to get out of the saddle
-First road rash ever, which I don’t even call road rash now having seen the PATCO boys battle wounds (that will be explained in the following points)
-had a great week leading into our departure for Ixtapa, Mexico for PATCO
-Ixtapa...never really swam in big ocean waves and was a little sketch about them...but worked hard and learned the techniques
-Race Day...couldn’t have felt better...race got changed to a Duathlon because the waves were “too big”. So it went 2km run, 20km bike, 5km run...Here is the race report:
2km run- was positioned right at the front on the start line. In the first couple of meters I let a couple of “sprinters” go by but stayed with close contact to the front...on the downhill I think I was a little worried about losing the group so I really worked it and actually moved a little closer to the front and that where the front pack was made. It was a pretty fast pace but all I was focusing on was staying with the lead girls. Sprinted a little into the shoot going into transition to get in there top 5 and had a very good T1. Running with my bike for so long I think it was made my mount not the best but I still was in the middle of the pack of 8. For the first 3km I just hung on the back, got my shoes in and waited for people to get organized. The hills made the bike way harder but I tried to stay sitting the whole time. I felt like I was pulling hard and the Canadians were working pretty well together. I made sure I was 2nd going into the 180 corner and then really had to work hard on the way back...one hill I was breathing so hard I almost got dropped. T2 I put myself in second position and held it going to the dismount line, I just happened to run way past my basket and had to pick up my bike and run back with it. I probably lost about 20 seconds and was last out of T2 from the front pack. Going onto the run I was very cautious and looking back that is that only thing I would have done differently. Maybe gone a little faster and got into a nice rhythm earlier. I was just afraid of the heat and bonking. The first lap (2.5) was really hard. The second lap I wanted to pick it up like I normally do but I don’t think I actually did even though I tried. Last 500m was survival and hardly a sprint. 7th for where my running is in a duathlon...I can’t really complain.
-Arrived home in rainy Victoria and spent the day moving my bed and stuff into the new place (matt did most of the work)-pictures eventually
-got a little stomach bug from Mexico but got in a good couple of training sessions
-now back to “school” and starting a different lifestyle (so far so good)
A few pictures of Ixtapa courtesy from Nancy Drad’s picasa web album:
Transition
Junior Womens Start
End of the first 2km
Congrats I.Don! (pain face)
My finish
Anyways here is a point form version of my life in the last umm almost month! (In order of past to present)
-watched the Sooke Tri with my dad and Barb competing in their first ever triathlon...Barb had a faster T1 than some of the girls I raced at worlds (seriously!)...and I was a really proud daughter when I saw how my dad’s swimming improved with just a couple of weeks with a masters group. It just a little crazy to think that time last year was my first triathlon
-One Tuesday bike workout we started off with drills. This time the drill was taking off your front tire, putting it back on, riding a small loop then taking off your back tire, putting it back on and riding another small loop. It was a race and I was on a team with Jeff who had gotten us a nice lead...anyways long story short I let the competitiveness get the best of me and didn’t really tighten my back tire as much as I should have =equalling me to a crash on a hill when I attempted to get out of the saddle
-First road rash ever, which I don’t even call road rash now having seen the PATCO boys battle wounds (that will be explained in the following points)
-had a great week leading into our departure for Ixtapa, Mexico for PATCO
-Ixtapa...never really swam in big ocean waves and was a little sketch about them...but worked hard and learned the techniques
-Race Day...couldn’t have felt better...race got changed to a Duathlon because the waves were “too big”. So it went 2km run, 20km bike, 5km run...Here is the race report:
2km run- was positioned right at the front on the start line. In the first couple of meters I let a couple of “sprinters” go by but stayed with close contact to the front...on the downhill I think I was a little worried about losing the group so I really worked it and actually moved a little closer to the front and that where the front pack was made. It was a pretty fast pace but all I was focusing on was staying with the lead girls. Sprinted a little into the shoot going into transition to get in there top 5 and had a very good T1. Running with my bike for so long I think it was made my mount not the best but I still was in the middle of the pack of 8. For the first 3km I just hung on the back, got my shoes in and waited for people to get organized. The hills made the bike way harder but I tried to stay sitting the whole time. I felt like I was pulling hard and the Canadians were working pretty well together. I made sure I was 2nd going into the 180 corner and then really had to work hard on the way back...one hill I was breathing so hard I almost got dropped. T2 I put myself in second position and held it going to the dismount line, I just happened to run way past my basket and had to pick up my bike and run back with it. I probably lost about 20 seconds and was last out of T2 from the front pack. Going onto the run I was very cautious and looking back that is that only thing I would have done differently. Maybe gone a little faster and got into a nice rhythm earlier. I was just afraid of the heat and bonking. The first lap (2.5) was really hard. The second lap I wanted to pick it up like I normally do but I don’t think I actually did even though I tried. Last 500m was survival and hardly a sprint. 7th for where my running is in a duathlon...I can’t really complain.
-Arrived home in rainy Victoria and spent the day moving my bed and stuff into the new place (matt did most of the work)-pictures eventually
-got a little stomach bug from Mexico but got in a good couple of training sessions
-now back to “school” and starting a different lifestyle (so far so good)
A few pictures of Ixtapa courtesy from Nancy Drad’s picasa web album:
Transition
Junior Womens Start
End of the first 2km
Congrats I.Don! (pain face)
My finish
Sunday, May 2, 2010
INSPIRATION
All I can say is I hope I grow up to be like them...and it's never too late to be adventurous
My grandparents, who are in their 80’s rode an elephant in Thailand this past month. Truly amazing. Just goes to show that you should never close any doors or make age a barrier.
-Very impressive!
Wear a helmet
My grandparents, who are in their 80’s rode an elephant in Thailand this past month. Truly amazing. Just goes to show that you should never close any doors or make age a barrier.
-Very impressive!
Wear a helmet
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Race Report: Monterrey, Mexico
First race of the 2010 season.
I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the run. I wasn’t sure how racing at 5pm would work. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the heat. I went into this race nervous even though it was just supposed to be a set up race for PATCO because I honestly had no idea where I was at in terms of fitness.
The Swim
Was on the far right on the pontoon beside the American that ended up coming second. Had a rough first 200m which was to be expected. Crawled my way slowly to the front of the pack (minus Hilary at the very front). Finally it was Christine and I leading. I managed to get the inside line for the exit and was in and out of T1 2nd overall.
The Bike
I guess I had a pretty quick transition because it took the lead pack about half a lap to catch me when I wasn’t working extremely hard. I took in some water and did up my shoes and finally we were a group of about 15 girls. Christine attacked and I got on her, but the group caught up. I pulled about75% of the first lap and then when Christine attacked again and I got on her barely; she lead into the 180 and then was gone. The group worked together fairly well even with certain people that did no pulling whatsoever! Sat in on lap 3 where we picked up Hilary. Domi (Ontario) was pulling really strong and for the 4th lap. I, Domi and Hilary stayed at the front with another Mexican. Going into the final corner before T2 I lead and managed to get my feet out quickly and went into T2 with about a 3 second lead on the whole pack.
The Run
First out of T2 (minus Christine who was about 30+seconds ahead in her breakaway) but two girls caught and passed me instantly. I could see their turnover that I simply do not have on the run yet. So I was running and planned to build into it. About half way through the first lap a Mexican passed me and I just stayed with her. No going to lie more than once in this run I thought “I am going to throw up”, “am I going to be able to finish strong and bring it back” and “holly it’s freakin hot out”. Going on to the second and last lap I picked up pace a little unsure if I could even hold it and dropped the girl I was running with. Grabbing water bottles whenever I could and focusing on the little rhythm I had, I managed to hold my position until the end. Patrick said to me about 300m away from the finish “pick up the turnover, drive with the legs” and normally I can actually do that for the finish, this race not so much.
I am extremely happy with this race! Not only with the end result but everything in between. I set my transitions up great, worked the bike when I needed to and really got the most out of it possible. A little confidence boost, a little mindset change, a perfect set up for PATCO and a great/ fun way to start off the season.
It really is amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it.
The Canadian Juniors were really impressive with Christine Ridenour taking the bronze medal for the ladies and Brook Powell securing the Canadian men a spot for the Youth Olympics! Congrats to everyone. I know we all worked are butts off out there!
Swim start
Swim exit
Now looking forward to the team relays tomorrow! Canada will do very well based on the results yesterday! I predict great teamwork and success! Also, World Cup race tomorrow for the Elites which will be an amazing experience to watch! GO CANADA!
-wear a helmet
I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the run. I wasn’t sure how racing at 5pm would work. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the heat. I went into this race nervous even though it was just supposed to be a set up race for PATCO because I honestly had no idea where I was at in terms of fitness.
The Swim
Was on the far right on the pontoon beside the American that ended up coming second. Had a rough first 200m which was to be expected. Crawled my way slowly to the front of the pack (minus Hilary at the very front). Finally it was Christine and I leading. I managed to get the inside line for the exit and was in and out of T1 2nd overall.
The Bike
I guess I had a pretty quick transition because it took the lead pack about half a lap to catch me when I wasn’t working extremely hard. I took in some water and did up my shoes and finally we were a group of about 15 girls. Christine attacked and I got on her, but the group caught up. I pulled about75% of the first lap and then when Christine attacked again and I got on her barely; she lead into the 180 and then was gone. The group worked together fairly well even with certain people that did no pulling whatsoever! Sat in on lap 3 where we picked up Hilary. Domi (Ontario) was pulling really strong and for the 4th lap. I, Domi and Hilary stayed at the front with another Mexican. Going into the final corner before T2 I lead and managed to get my feet out quickly and went into T2 with about a 3 second lead on the whole pack.
The Run
First out of T2 (minus Christine who was about 30+seconds ahead in her breakaway) but two girls caught and passed me instantly. I could see their turnover that I simply do not have on the run yet. So I was running and planned to build into it. About half way through the first lap a Mexican passed me and I just stayed with her. No going to lie more than once in this run I thought “I am going to throw up”, “am I going to be able to finish strong and bring it back” and “holly it’s freakin hot out”. Going on to the second and last lap I picked up pace a little unsure if I could even hold it and dropped the girl I was running with. Grabbing water bottles whenever I could and focusing on the little rhythm I had, I managed to hold my position until the end. Patrick said to me about 300m away from the finish “pick up the turnover, drive with the legs” and normally I can actually do that for the finish, this race not so much.
I am extremely happy with this race! Not only with the end result but everything in between. I set my transitions up great, worked the bike when I needed to and really got the most out of it possible. A little confidence boost, a little mindset change, a perfect set up for PATCO and a great/ fun way to start off the season.
It really is amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it.
The Canadian Juniors were really impressive with Christine Ridenour taking the bronze medal for the ladies and Brook Powell securing the Canadian men a spot for the Youth Olympics! Congrats to everyone. I know we all worked are butts off out there!
Swim start
Swim exit
Now looking forward to the team relays tomorrow! Canada will do very well based on the results yesterday! I predict great teamwork and success! Also, World Cup race tomorrow for the Elites which will be an amazing experience to watch! GO CANADA!
-wear a helmet
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Oh Travelling
So travelling to Monterrey Mexico for the YOG qualifying race is fairly good with a few minor bumps. Took the ferry over to Vancouver last night and got in a great meal and a decent sleep. Up at 5:30am and off to Vancouver International. Even with the 100% search in customs (brook and I got to go through the crazy machine that x-rays you!) we had time for coffee (important*!) and brekky before our first flight that was 4 hours. I was falling in and out of sleep for almost half the flight and between eating and reading for the other half time seemed to “fly” by. In Dallas we had about 2 hours which was just enough time to stretch our legs, get another coffee and more food. The clerk of one the of tourist stores we were wondering in was so chatty and asked why we were going to Mexico. I said “for a triathlon race” he replied “oh my friend is doing Boston this year”. I haven’t been in this sport that long and I can count more than a few times when I have said “triathlon” and whoever I am talking to thinks “marathon”. He he...anyways then off on flight #2 (last one) that was only supposed to be 1.5hrs. Before I know it we start to make our descent, I see the runway and then all of a sudden it’s like we are taking off again and before I know it we’re in the clouds. About 10min later I think “oh there’s the runway again”....we are slowing down and the wheels are out to land and again the plane picks up speed and heads back up to nothingness. Now I started thinking that things were a little weird. Soon enough, about 20min after we were originally supposed to land the captain comes on the loud speaker saying “it was raining too hard to land we couldn’t see properly for it to be safe”. So we go to a close town somewhere in Texas and are waiting until the weather improves in Monterrey in hopes of making a safe landing there sometime tonight. Two things I am thinking: #1- I hope we eventually get to our destination, preferably tonight and #2- I wonder if it will be raining that hard this whole week, including race day?
This part of my blog post is coming to you from the tarmac somewhere in Texas.
Day#1 in Monterrey
Woke up and went grocery shopping, which is always interesting in Mexico. Then we went for a run in the park near our hotel. Although there is no sun to be seen the humidity makes you sweat pretty quickly. Soon after we had lunch a headed to a pool near our hotel. When I say pool I mean water that you can’t see through in a large basin. It was actually really good open water practise because there were no lane ropes! After that we had a team dinner at Chili’s and early bed!!
Day#2 in Monterrey
Did a morning ride on the course after brekky. It was pouring rain so that, plus race wheels , plus sharp corners isn’t a good combo but everyone managed to stay up! I found it funny that riding being soaking wet and dirty is much more enjoyable when you’re warm. Haha just taking a quick break and off the the “pool” for a swim, most likely in the rain. That’s it for now
-wear a helmet
This part of my blog post is coming to you from the tarmac somewhere in Texas.
Day#1 in Monterrey
Woke up and went grocery shopping, which is always interesting in Mexico. Then we went for a run in the park near our hotel. Although there is no sun to be seen the humidity makes you sweat pretty quickly. Soon after we had lunch a headed to a pool near our hotel. When I say pool I mean water that you can’t see through in a large basin. It was actually really good open water practise because there were no lane ropes! After that we had a team dinner at Chili’s and early bed!!
Day#2 in Monterrey
Did a morning ride on the course after brekky. It was pouring rain so that, plus race wheels , plus sharp corners isn’t a good combo but everyone managed to stay up! I found it funny that riding being soaking wet and dirty is much more enjoyable when you’re warm. Haha just taking a quick break and off the the “pool” for a swim, most likely in the rain. That’s it for now
-wear a helmet
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Getting Pumped Up- Use Your Teammates!
So having watched the Mooloolaba races (watching the twitter update my screen with splits every 10 seconds) I got a rush that ran throughout my body. I know the race didn’t go as perfectly planned as Kirsten had hoped but she clearly gave it her all and I was extremely jealous that she was out killin it while i was sitting on the couch... at home...looking at my computer screen every 10 seconds. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was racing but in fact, it was 6 months ago! That’s half a year! That’s too long! I cannot wait to get on the start line, run into the ocean and just go; just do the best I can.
Now to the “use your teammates!” part of my post title. Today I watched the group do a 5km TT. It was Sunday, early, rainy, cold and the sun was nonexistent. Everybody came and was in high spirits. Cheering them on and being at the end was so motivating. Everyone crossed out of breath and red in the face which also got me pumped up to race and to just simply “do work”. The morning finished with great group brekky at Matticks.
What I’m getting at is:
all the hard work and effort that my teammates and I are doing creates an atmosphere of excitement. Hopefully I’m not the only one who is “using” the group to set up for race season.
-So thank you Kirsten and all you 5km TT-ers
wear a helmet
Now to the “use your teammates!” part of my post title. Today I watched the group do a 5km TT. It was Sunday, early, rainy, cold and the sun was nonexistent. Everybody came and was in high spirits. Cheering them on and being at the end was so motivating. Everyone crossed out of breath and red in the face which also got me pumped up to race and to just simply “do work”. The morning finished with great group brekky at Matticks.
What I’m getting at is:
all the hard work and effort that my teammates and I are doing creates an atmosphere of excitement. Hopefully I’m not the only one who is “using” the group to set up for race season.
-So thank you Kirsten and all you 5km TT-ers
wear a helmet
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