With my suitcase once again packed up and Johnny Cash on repeat in my brain, I figure that it is high time for a blog update. After leaving Colorado Springs on November 26th, I headed to New Hampshire to spend time with my brother Adam, his wife Tricia and their awesome dog, Grete. Luckily, my parents were able to head over from Cooperstown to join in on the Thanksgiving/ Birthday festivities, as well as Tricia's sister's family. Fun fact: my 27th birthday was on the 27th day of November, celebrated in the same town where I was born, Hanover. Strange coincidence, right?
After a nice stay with Adam and Tricia, I headed to NYC for a couple of days to attend my sister's Marie Claire book event and to pick up my friend Kate to head to Puerto Rico for a week. I normally wouldn't think that travel would be the best way to unwind after a season of travelling and racing, but I found that our trip was exactly what I need. Maybe it was the crispy lechon and tostones...
I am currently typing in my sister's house in Gainesville, Florida, where I've been catching up with her, her husband Clay and baby Beckett, as well as putting in some warm weather training before I head back to the cold. While I find Beckett extraordinarily cute, I haven't quite accepted the sour milk chunks that mysteriously show up on my sleeves when I hold him. That part? Not so cute. I'm off to Cooperstown tomorrow for a week of Christmas festivities (including a Groffian gathering in New Jersey) and fortunately the Florida crew will be coming north as well, giving me more opportunity to bond with the wee one. On the 27th, I'll head back to Colorado Springs, where some of my gear has taken over my coach's basement (the rest of my stuff occupies a storage locker in Boulder).
It is at times like these that I am fully aware of how free I am. Without a mortgage, pets, kids or a 9-5 job, I am fortunate enough to be able to pick up and visit family and friends in my off-season. Twenty years from now, with kids and a mortgage, I will undoubtedly think with fondness upon the time that I schlepped up and down the eastern seaboard, visiting friends and family. While I will concede that there is a certain charm in this lifestyle, I am starting to feel that it is getting harder as I age. Frankly, I am far too old to have never signed a yearly lease. Until I shed myself of my lingering Peter Pan complex, however, "Of travel I've had my share, man/ I've been everywhere" and I don't plan on applying the brakes quite yet.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Getting back in shape
After a couple of weeks completely off training and two weeks of light training, I am back in "real" training mode and am finding myself to be surprisingly cranky as a result. Whether it is due to that fact that I finished this season less fit than in years past or because I am feeling the effects of age, I feel worse than I ever have before with my return to my swimming, biking and running. Other than questioning the "how" of my lack of fitness, I have been alternating between self-pity ("Woe is me! I will never get fit again!"), practicality ("This is necessary, both mentally and physically") and, finally, the realization that I am a big whiner with a very skewed perspective on fitness.
As professional athletes, we become accustomed to having an incredibly high level of fitness and, even at our most unfit, we are capable of training at distances and speeds beyond those of the average person [Before you assume this to be a boast about our physical superiority, please read on!]. This is less a testament to our athletic gifts than an indication of the poor conditioning of most people in this country. I fully admit that I haven't a clue on how difficult it must be to attempt to get into shape as an unfit adult. Based on how it feels to swim after getting "unfit", however, I can certainly assume that it must be a Sisiphysian task of a scope that I will never understand. To rewrite a lifetime of habits and physical patterning must seem an impossible demand.
With this realization in mind, I vow to redouble my efforts in promoting health and fitness at the Boys and Girls Club. By encouraging healthy activity and behaviour at a young age, we have the opportunity to ensure that kids will adopt practices that will keep them from ever experiencing what it means to be truly unfit as an adult.
As professional athletes, we become accustomed to having an incredibly high level of fitness and, even at our most unfit, we are capable of training at distances and speeds beyond those of the average person [Before you assume this to be a boast about our physical superiority, please read on!]. This is less a testament to our athletic gifts than an indication of the poor conditioning of most people in this country. I fully admit that I haven't a clue on how difficult it must be to attempt to get into shape as an unfit adult. Based on how it feels to swim after getting "unfit", however, I can certainly assume that it must be a Sisiphysian task of a scope that I will never understand. To rewrite a lifetime of habits and physical patterning must seem an impossible demand.
With this realization in mind, I vow to redouble my efforts in promoting health and fitness at the Boys and Girls Club. By encouraging healthy activity and behaviour at a young age, we have the opportunity to ensure that kids will adopt practices that will keep them from ever experiencing what it means to be truly unfit as an adult.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sock puppets!
This past week, I made sock puppets with the kids. Even though I brought 20 socks, we ran out and there were a few disappointed kids. I had no idea that my project would be so popular!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Nearing the end of my busy break
Contrary to popular belief, triathlon is not a summer sport, but rather a 50 week per year sport with races starting in the spring and ending in winter. This year, I started racing in April and ended in mid-November, only now getting a two-week hiatus. Every year, I think that my two week break will be an incredibly restful and rejuvenating tri-free respite. The truth is, while I don't train over these fourteen days, my world still revolves around sport.
As a product of equal parts procrastination, corporate timing and the fact that I actually have a block of free time, this becomes a hectic time where I try to line up sponsors for the next season, plan for the next season and catch up on everything that I've ignored (with the exception of email- I'm still terrible at that!). Throw in a bit of socializing, hiking, the occasional games of ultimate frisbee and afternoons at the Boys and Girls Club and I find that I never have the free time that I had anticipated! Would I have it any other way? Probably not! While I dislike the lack of training (and the subsequent 3+ lb weight gain!), I need this two-week break from training to refresh my mind and body. More importantly, however, my busy work would probably never be done if I didn't have this period of time. That being said, I return to light training on Sunday and I couldn't be more excited. Bring on the 2009 season!
As a product of equal parts procrastination, corporate timing and the fact that I actually have a block of free time, this becomes a hectic time where I try to line up sponsors for the next season, plan for the next season and catch up on everything that I've ignored (with the exception of email- I'm still terrible at that!). Throw in a bit of socializing, hiking, the occasional games of ultimate frisbee and afternoons at the Boys and Girls Club and I find that I never have the free time that I had anticipated! Would I have it any other way? Probably not! While I dislike the lack of training (and the subsequent 3+ lb weight gain!), I need this two-week break from training to refresh my mind and body. More importantly, however, my busy work would probably never be done if I didn't have this period of time. That being said, I return to light training on Sunday and I couldn't be more excited. Bring on the 2009 season!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Ending up with a win!
This fall, my race finishes have been thus: 3rd, 4th, 4th, 2nd, 2nd and, finally, 1st. While it has been rewarding to race consistently well, I have to admit that there is a certain satisfaction in ending the season with a win the the ITU San Francisco Pan American Cup.
Leading into the race, I was a bit nervous about my fitness (I haven't had a good training block since, gulp, August!) and knew, having done this race before, that the conditions would be rough. With countless potholes on the bike course, freezing cold bay water and typically cool, drizzly weather, I knew that the race would prove to be challenging. I have to admit that I had a mental countdown of minutes until the conclusion of my season, starting one hour before the race! (Swim done? 20 min closer. Two laps left of the bike? Less than an hour to go! And so on...). After a strong swim and less than stellar bike, I pulled together my race with a solid run, putting a minute into Julie, the second place finisher. Needless to say, there was no post-race cool down! My finish also put me into 2nd place overall in the Haul to the Great Wall series behind Julie Ertel, leapfrogging me over Sarah Haskins in the rankings. While racing at Treasure Island was a last-minute decision, it was a decision that proved to be worthwhile!
Leading into the race, I was a bit nervous about my fitness (I haven't had a good training block since, gulp, August!) and knew, having done this race before, that the conditions would be rough. With countless potholes on the bike course, freezing cold bay water and typically cool, drizzly weather, I knew that the race would prove to be challenging. I have to admit that I had a mental countdown of minutes until the conclusion of my season, starting one hour before the race! (Swim done? 20 min closer. Two laps left of the bike? Less than an hour to go! And so on...). After a strong swim and less than stellar bike, I pulled together my race with a solid run, putting a minute into Julie, the second place finisher. Needless to say, there was no post-race cool down! My finish also put me into 2nd place overall in the Haul to the Great Wall series behind Julie Ertel, leapfrogging me over Sarah Haskins in the rankings. While racing at Treasure Island was a last-minute decision, it was a decision that proved to be worthwhile!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Last Race of the Year Version 2.0
When I went to Bermuda last week to participate in the Escape to Bermuda, I had planned it to be my last race of the year. I couldn't imagine a better place to wrap up the season than this beautiful island! I had a terrific time with a great homestay and was able to use the trip to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. After the race, however, I didn't have the satisfaction that I had been hoping for upon the conclusion of a long season. Leading into the race, I had such a nasty cold that I was able to only ride once and run once that week and was nervous about competing. I was able to scrape out a respectable race, finishing second after a strong swim, decent yet conservative bike and mediocre run on a hard course. Had I been healthy, however, I know that I would have been able to finish up with a race that would leave me more satisfied and confident in my run.
When I returned home on Tuesday, I decided to buy a ticket to San Francisco to compete in the Treasure Island Triathlon. While it is a bit of a last minute trip after a long season chock-full of racing, but I hope to squeek out one last strong performance. I look forward for one last chance to have a solid race! Starting on Sunday, my real 2008 break will begin!
When I returned home on Tuesday, I decided to buy a ticket to San Francisco to compete in the Treasure Island Triathlon. While it is a bit of a last minute trip after a long season chock-full of racing, but I hope to squeek out one last strong performance. I look forward for one last chance to have a solid race! Starting on Sunday, my real 2008 break will begin!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Unforeseen Consequences of Working with Kids
In a previous blog, I mentioned that the favorite part of my day is when I head off to the Tutt branch of the Boys & Girls Club to hang out with my kids for a couple of hours every afternoon. Like most things in life, however, nothing comes without cost.
In the past couple of months, I have gotten the stomach flu and two colds (I'm currently battling my latest cold). Since I normally get sick once every six months, I can't help but see a direct correlation between being around kids and illness! I'm starting to see my kids like Charles Schultz's Pigpen character, only surrounded by a cloud of viruses instead of dirt. Like Pigpen and the rest of the Peanuts gang (with the obvious exception of that bratty Lucy), however, my kids are so completely lovable that I can't help but return to them, despite the risk to my immune system.
In the meantime, I am keeping the training light and at a low intensity while I get rid of my delightfully phlegmy cough. I'm also getting a bit of a kick out of my new husky, laryngitis voice (though it is not so great for getting heard over rowdy children). With only a few weeks of training left until the end of the season, it is difficult to sit back and wait to be healthy before resuming my training. I do know from experience, however, that the easier that I take it, the sooner I get healthy and that the sooner that I am healthy, the sooner I can train. I do admit, however, that I find myself nostalgic for the days when I could take any old OTC medication to clear up my symptoms. Oh NyQuil and Robitussin, how I miss thee...
In the past couple of months, I have gotten the stomach flu and two colds (I'm currently battling my latest cold). Since I normally get sick once every six months, I can't help but see a direct correlation between being around kids and illness! I'm starting to see my kids like Charles Schultz's Pigpen character, only surrounded by a cloud of viruses instead of dirt. Like Pigpen and the rest of the Peanuts gang (with the obvious exception of that bratty Lucy), however, my kids are so completely lovable that I can't help but return to them, despite the risk to my immune system.
In the meantime, I am keeping the training light and at a low intensity while I get rid of my delightfully phlegmy cough. I'm also getting a bit of a kick out of my new husky, laryngitis voice (though it is not so great for getting heard over rowdy children). With only a few weeks of training left until the end of the season, it is difficult to sit back and wait to be healthy before resuming my training. I do know from experience, however, that the easier that I take it, the sooner I get healthy and that the sooner that I am healthy, the sooner I can train. I do admit, however, that I find myself nostalgic for the days when I could take any old OTC medication to clear up my symptoms. Oh NyQuil and Robitussin, how I miss thee...
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Dallas (the city, not the show)
I'm headed off to Dallas tomorrow for the Lifetime Fitness US Open Triathlon. With a big prize purse up for grabs, many of the best triathletes in the world will be toeing the start line at this non-drafting, Olympic-distance race. Some might even say that the field is "stacked". Since I have been travelling and racing the past couple of weeks, I am admittedly a bit nervous about how I will perform. Since I felt better this past weekend than the weekend before, I'm hoping that the pattern continues and I feel phenomenal on Sunday!
In addition to having the opportunity to race against the best, I also get to go to Texas for the first time. I'm not sure what to expect other than cowboys, big trucks, big hair and oil rigs. I will be there in the company of my Dad, aka number one fan. As long as I remember ear plugs to counteract the snoring, he makes a great race buddy. He was there for me at the start of my career, driving me to my very first races, and I hope that he continues to follow my career with the same degree of support until the day I retire. As a team, we've come a pretty far way from watching everyone in transition, comparing notes and trying to copy what the experienced triathletes were doing!
In addition to having the opportunity to race against the best, I also get to go to Texas for the first time. I'm not sure what to expect other than cowboys, big trucks, big hair and oil rigs. I will be there in the company of my Dad, aka number one fan. As long as I remember ear plugs to counteract the snoring, he makes a great race buddy. He was there for me at the start of my career, driving me to my very first races, and I hope that he continues to follow my career with the same degree of support until the day I retire. As a team, we've come a pretty far way from watching everyone in transition, comparing notes and trying to copy what the experienced triathletes were doing!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Podium at National Championships!
This past weekend I finished 3rd at the Elite National Championships in Hagg Lake, Oregon. At the the '06 Champs I finished 7th and last year I finished 5th. If my pattern continues, I should be on top of the podium next year! I was pretty happy with my race, as I had a solid performance on a difficult course. Julie Ertel, Sarah Haskins, Jasmine Oenick and I headed out of the water together, working as a group over the hilly 8-lap bike course. For the first lap of the run I was running with Sarah and Julie, but the girls continued to pull away on the downhills (downhill running is my kryptonite- something I'm trying to improve upon and there is a LOT of improvement to make!). While there is some work to be done, I see the race as an indication that I continue to make improvements. Little by little...
In addition to the race, I was able to spend some time in downtown Portland, eating some great food and stopping in Powell's Bookstore. Portland has an incredible, vibrant energy that I really enjoyed, as well being a bike-friendly town. The restaurant scene is pretty incredible, as a number of young chefs have put Portland on the foodie map for using local, sustainable products. Yum. After all of my pre-treat build-up, I found myself a bit disappointed by Voodoo Donuts. While a cool local joint with whimsical donut shapes and crazy toppings (I had the Old Dirty Bastard- chocolate frosting, peanut butter and crushed oreo), the donut itself wasn't as fresh and soft yet crunchy as a donut should be. Luckily, with all of the great food options in Portland, I'm sure I can find another joint to build up before my next visit to the city!
Tomorrow I am heading off to Lorient, France for the penultimate World Cup of the season. Travel to this town in Brittany is a bit challenging, requiring trains, planes and automobiles to get to my final destination. I will give an update as soon as I return to the States!
In addition to the race, I was able to spend some time in downtown Portland, eating some great food and stopping in Powell's Bookstore. Portland has an incredible, vibrant energy that I really enjoyed, as well being a bike-friendly town. The restaurant scene is pretty incredible, as a number of young chefs have put Portland on the foodie map for using local, sustainable products. Yum. After all of my pre-treat build-up, I found myself a bit disappointed by Voodoo Donuts. While a cool local joint with whimsical donut shapes and crazy toppings (I had the Old Dirty Bastard- chocolate frosting, peanut butter and crushed oreo), the donut itself wasn't as fresh and soft yet crunchy as a donut should be. Luckily, with all of the great food options in Portland, I'm sure I can find another joint to build up before my next visit to the city!
Tomorrow I am heading off to Lorient, France for the penultimate World Cup of the season. Travel to this town in Brittany is a bit challenging, requiring trains, planes and automobiles to get to my final destination. I will give an update as soon as I return to the States!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Busy... and happier that way!
When I moved to the OTC, I soon discovered that I would have spare time on my hands. As practically everything that I need to train is on campus, from food to sports med, the time that I had spent shuttling around town, cooking and cleaning was freed for other pursuits. At first, I admit that I spent some my spare time watching tv somewhat obsessively (oh, the shame!), spending far too much time in the dining hall and reading. Before too long, I found myself struggling a bit, feeling unsatisfied and somewhat depressed.
Thankfully, I was cleared to volunteer at the Tutt branch of the Boys and Girls Club in Colorado Springs in mid-August and have since spent my weekday afternoons with the kids. I frequently find that playing with the kids is the highlight of my day and I anticipate the kinds of games and crafts that we can do together. No matter how tired I am after a day of training, I am instantly energized when walking in the club, drawing energy from the youthful exuberance of the members.
I am so grateful for my opportunity to volunteer through In the Arena. I am proud of the work that I do with the kids and hope to have a positive impact on them. I also am aware of the effect that the work has on me. The pursuit of sport as a profession is a selfish, a characteristic that I find draining. In the Arena and the Boys and Girls Club helps me be a contributing member of the community, something that I couldn't be if I remained sequestered on the OTC campus, and keeps me from useless hours of mindless tv!
Thankfully, I was cleared to volunteer at the Tutt branch of the Boys and Girls Club in Colorado Springs in mid-August and have since spent my weekday afternoons with the kids. I frequently find that playing with the kids is the highlight of my day and I anticipate the kinds of games and crafts that we can do together. No matter how tired I am after a day of training, I am instantly energized when walking in the club, drawing energy from the youthful exuberance of the members.
I am so grateful for my opportunity to volunteer through In the Arena. I am proud of the work that I do with the kids and hope to have a positive impact on them. I also am aware of the effect that the work has on me. The pursuit of sport as a profession is a selfish, a characteristic that I find draining. In the Arena and the Boys and Girls Club helps me be a contributing member of the community, something that I couldn't be if I remained sequestered on the OTC campus, and keeps me from useless hours of mindless tv!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
A Week of Firsts
This past week, I've had a number of first-time experiences:
1) First nephew: I was in Gainesville earlier this week for the birth of Lauren's, my big sister, and Clay's first child (also the first grandchild on both sides). Beckett is absolutely beautiful and, like his auntie, has big hands and feet. With tall parents, however, he will probably grow into his paws better than I did!
2) First trip to Chicago: I went to Chicago for the first time for the Chicago Triathlon last weekend and was impressed by how clean, modern and vibrant of a city it is. With great shopping, dining and cultural offerings, as well as really nice people, I look forward to going back. I also owe my dad a Cubs game! While I was a bit skeptical of the city's bid for the 2016 Olympic Games, I now can envision a Chicago Games and would certainly be keen to represent the US there.
3) First race of 8,700 people: I've never been to a race as large as the Chicago triathlon. I can't even imagine the amount of organization required in order to hold a race of that size. As a competitor, there is such an incredible energy to participating with thousands of other athletes. Having to run around the age group competitors was an unexpected challenge, however. What a difference with closed-course World Cups with no more than 80 women on the course at any given time!
4) First race on a TT bike: Until a few weeks ago, I'd never used a Time Trial frame. Blue gave me a fantastic frame that I built up with borrowed parts and rode this past weekend in Chicago. While I lost quite a bit of time on the second lap of the bike to Becky Lavelle, the winner of the race(non-drafting racing requires so much focus- more than I'm used to!), I had a strong bike leg and a solid swim and bike. When I crossed the line in second place, I was overjoyed and definitely look forward to improving as a non-drafting athlete!
Thanks for reminders from my readers to update my blog!
Sorry for the delay :-)
All the best,
Sarah
1) First nephew: I was in Gainesville earlier this week for the birth of Lauren's, my big sister, and Clay's first child (also the first grandchild on both sides). Beckett is absolutely beautiful and, like his auntie, has big hands and feet. With tall parents, however, he will probably grow into his paws better than I did!
2) First trip to Chicago: I went to Chicago for the first time for the Chicago Triathlon last weekend and was impressed by how clean, modern and vibrant of a city it is. With great shopping, dining and cultural offerings, as well as really nice people, I look forward to going back. I also owe my dad a Cubs game! While I was a bit skeptical of the city's bid for the 2016 Olympic Games, I now can envision a Chicago Games and would certainly be keen to represent the US there.
3) First race of 8,700 people: I've never been to a race as large as the Chicago triathlon. I can't even imagine the amount of organization required in order to hold a race of that size. As a competitor, there is such an incredible energy to participating with thousands of other athletes. Having to run around the age group competitors was an unexpected challenge, however. What a difference with closed-course World Cups with no more than 80 women on the course at any given time!
4) First race on a TT bike: Until a few weeks ago, I'd never used a Time Trial frame. Blue gave me a fantastic frame that I built up with borrowed parts and rode this past weekend in Chicago. While I lost quite a bit of time on the second lap of the bike to Becky Lavelle, the winner of the race(non-drafting racing requires so much focus- more than I'm used to!), I had a strong bike leg and a solid swim and bike. When I crossed the line in second place, I was overjoyed and definitely look forward to improving as a non-drafting athlete!
Thanks for reminders from my readers to update my blog!
Sorry for the delay :-)
All the best,
Sarah
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Olympics
A few days ago (on the 8th of August to be exact), I was extremely cranky. The Opening Ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics were here and I was in Colorado Springs and not in Beijing. Luckily for the people around me, I've gotten over the initial bitterness/ sadness and have instead embraced the Games wholeheartedly.
Living at the Olympic Training Center, it is impossible to avoid the Olypics, as you are constantly bombarded by images of the Games. From the Olympic rings on most of the doors to the tvs endlessly showing NBC to the photos of past Olympians in the hallways, you are ceaselessly reminded of the importance of the Games. If I were still in Boulder sans television and Olympic propaganda, it would be easy to avoid such reminders and to continue along my happy way. By being faced with my disappointment so directly, however, I've been forced to examine how I feel about not making the team.
The more that I watch the Olympics, the more I am aware of the fact that I simply wasn't ready to make the team. While I may have been physically capable of making the team, there was a certain motivational element missing from the process. Olympians make it a dream to represent the US, using their desire to fuel them for years leading up to the Games. A year ago, I simply wanted to make Olympic Trials. A few months ago, I found myself in the position of being on the cusp of making the team. At that point, however, it was too late for me to gain the experience and confidence necessary to become an Olympian. Now that I watch the Games take place, however, I realize that I have four years to both earn a spot on the team and to develop myself into a medal contender.
While I admit that I will watch the triathlon event with a bit of a heavy heart, I am convinced that we have the best team possible representing the US in Beijing (that's not to say that I wouldn't have loved to go!) and look forward to watching our athletes race. Laura Bennett, Sarah Haskins and Julie Ertel are highly accomplished women who will certainly do our country proud. I am also really excited to watch the men (Matt Reed, Hunter Kemper and Jarrod Shoemaker) mix things up. All of these athletes are people I admire as both athletes and people and I count them among my friends. To see them succeed at the Olympics would be almost as good as being there myself! In the meantime, back to training hard and looking forward to 2012!
Living at the Olympic Training Center, it is impossible to avoid the Olypics, as you are constantly bombarded by images of the Games. From the Olympic rings on most of the doors to the tvs endlessly showing NBC to the photos of past Olympians in the hallways, you are ceaselessly reminded of the importance of the Games. If I were still in Boulder sans television and Olympic propaganda, it would be easy to avoid such reminders and to continue along my happy way. By being faced with my disappointment so directly, however, I've been forced to examine how I feel about not making the team.
The more that I watch the Olympics, the more I am aware of the fact that I simply wasn't ready to make the team. While I may have been physically capable of making the team, there was a certain motivational element missing from the process. Olympians make it a dream to represent the US, using their desire to fuel them for years leading up to the Games. A year ago, I simply wanted to make Olympic Trials. A few months ago, I found myself in the position of being on the cusp of making the team. At that point, however, it was too late for me to gain the experience and confidence necessary to become an Olympian. Now that I watch the Games take place, however, I realize that I have four years to both earn a spot on the team and to develop myself into a medal contender.
While I admit that I will watch the triathlon event with a bit of a heavy heart, I am convinced that we have the best team possible representing the US in Beijing (that's not to say that I wouldn't have loved to go!) and look forward to watching our athletes race. Laura Bennett, Sarah Haskins and Julie Ertel are highly accomplished women who will certainly do our country proud. I am also really excited to watch the men (Matt Reed, Hunter Kemper and Jarrod Shoemaker) mix things up. All of these athletes are people I admire as both athletes and people and I count them among my friends. To see them succeed at the Olympics would be almost as good as being there myself! In the meantime, back to training hard and looking forward to 2012!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Kitzbuhel: Wafers, slugs and expectations
After my race (and subsequent visit to the med tent) in Tizsaujvaros, I was faced with two options: change my ticket to go home early and scrap the World Cup in Austria or stick with my plan and race. Once I found out that it would be vastly more expensive to go home than to spend a week in Kitzbuhel, Austria, I decided to stay and hope that I would feel dramatically better in a week’s time. Even if I had to pull out mid-race, I would be able to spend a week in a beautiful village in the Alps and gain some more World Cup experience. After surprising myself and finishing 11th in the race, I’m pretty happy that I stuck with the plan.
About an hour’s drive from Salzburg, Kitzbuhel is a scenic village of 8,000 residents nestled in the Tyrolean Alps. I was able to do a bit of sight-seeing in the lead-up to the race, taking a tram to the top of the Horn with Brian and Jun, the US coaches for the race. The view was incredible; a 360 degree view of 3000 meter peaks and green pastures complete with bell-wearing cows and wildflowers. Snipppets of songs from “The Sound of Music” had the annoying tendency to pop up spontaneously in my mind. The town of Kitzbuhel, with cobblestoned streets and well-tended, brightly colored buildings, was equally beautiful. Well-heeled tourists from Russia and Western Europe visit the town year-round, skiing, hiking and shopping. For athletes from countries with weak currency (oh, the poor dollar…), this made eating out difficult. Luckily housing was affordable, as the tremendous race organizers sent me to the Pension Erlenhaub, where the sweet proprietor took care of me. Unfortunately, her collection of taxidermied animals was not as charming, baring their teeth at me as I climbed the stairs.
Leading up the race, I was nervous about my ability to race well, as I felt exhausted and sluggish in training. The last time that I had raced soon after heat stroke, I had a terrible race, managing little more than a jog on the run portion of the race. With a start list packed with athletes using the race as a last tune-up before Beijing and taking into account how I was feeling, I took a more conservative approach to the race. Knowing that the field would most likely come into T2 together, my race strategy was simple: sit in on the swim and bike and use whatever I had on the bike.
For the race, the swim took place in the Schwartzsee (Black Lake), one of the most scenic venues that I’ve ever seen for a race. I tucked behind the Swiss Magali Di Marco Messmer and let her do the work of leading the swim (much to her dismay, as she told me after, as she counted on doing the same to me!). On the bike, it was cold and rainy (a far cry from the previous week’s race) and the front pack of 19 negotiated the course conservatively. Luckily, we entered the with a 2:30 advantage over the chase group, letting me feel a bit more comfortable about my ability to finish in the top-20. I started off strong, moving my way through the pack up after a poor transition, and held a comfortable pace. About halfway through the run, Andrea Whitcomb and Debbie Tanner passed me and I sat on their shoulders for the next 4+k. While they outran me in the end, I finished 11th, exceeding my low expectations going into the race. Throughout the run, I kept on waiting to feel bad and was surprised to find that I managed to pull off a good sub-36 minute 10k and feel comfortable doing so. It always feels good to exceed one’s expectations.
After too much bread and chocolate wafers and too little training recently, I am very excited to resume training. As my next race is in September, I should be able to get in a great block of training. The last big block that I had was in April, so I’m definitely keen to put my head down and train. I’ll keep you posted!
Unrelated tidbit: The slugs are massive is Austria, as thick as a big man’s thumb and as long as his thumb. Like slugs here, they also eat their own dead. Gross.
About an hour’s drive from Salzburg, Kitzbuhel is a scenic village of 8,000 residents nestled in the Tyrolean Alps. I was able to do a bit of sight-seeing in the lead-up to the race, taking a tram to the top of the Horn with Brian and Jun, the US coaches for the race. The view was incredible; a 360 degree view of 3000 meter peaks and green pastures complete with bell-wearing cows and wildflowers. Snipppets of songs from “The Sound of Music” had the annoying tendency to pop up spontaneously in my mind. The town of Kitzbuhel, with cobblestoned streets and well-tended, brightly colored buildings, was equally beautiful. Well-heeled tourists from Russia and Western Europe visit the town year-round, skiing, hiking and shopping. For athletes from countries with weak currency (oh, the poor dollar…), this made eating out difficult. Luckily housing was affordable, as the tremendous race organizers sent me to the Pension Erlenhaub, where the sweet proprietor took care of me. Unfortunately, her collection of taxidermied animals was not as charming, baring their teeth at me as I climbed the stairs.
Leading up the race, I was nervous about my ability to race well, as I felt exhausted and sluggish in training. The last time that I had raced soon after heat stroke, I had a terrible race, managing little more than a jog on the run portion of the race. With a start list packed with athletes using the race as a last tune-up before Beijing and taking into account how I was feeling, I took a more conservative approach to the race. Knowing that the field would most likely come into T2 together, my race strategy was simple: sit in on the swim and bike and use whatever I had on the bike.
For the race, the swim took place in the Schwartzsee (Black Lake), one of the most scenic venues that I’ve ever seen for a race. I tucked behind the Swiss Magali Di Marco Messmer and let her do the work of leading the swim (much to her dismay, as she told me after, as she counted on doing the same to me!). On the bike, it was cold and rainy (a far cry from the previous week’s race) and the front pack of 19 negotiated the course conservatively. Luckily, we entered the with a 2:30 advantage over the chase group, letting me feel a bit more comfortable about my ability to finish in the top-20. I started off strong, moving my way through the pack up after a poor transition, and held a comfortable pace. About halfway through the run, Andrea Whitcomb and Debbie Tanner passed me and I sat on their shoulders for the next 4+k. While they outran me in the end, I finished 11th, exceeding my low expectations going into the race. Throughout the run, I kept on waiting to feel bad and was surprised to find that I managed to pull off a good sub-36 minute 10k and feel comfortable doing so. It always feels good to exceed one’s expectations.
After too much bread and chocolate wafers and too little training recently, I am very excited to resume training. As my next race is in September, I should be able to get in a great block of training. The last big block that I had was in April, so I’m definitely keen to put my head down and train. I’ll keep you posted!
Unrelated tidbit: The slugs are massive is Austria, as thick as a big man’s thumb and as long as his thumb. Like slugs here, they also eat their own dead. Gross.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Heatin' it up in Hungary
What do you get when you combine a small Hungarian town, some of the best triathletes in the world, a lap-counting lady in a dinosaur costume and beer? Surprisingly, you get one of the best triathlon festivals that I have experienced. After spending a few days in Tiszaujvaros, Hungary, I can say that, while the town might have something to be desired in the way of architecture (a decidedly stark eastern bloc motif) and restaurant offerings (I missed my veggies); they certainly know how to take one sporting event and turn it into a week-ling extravaganza. From dancing competitions, a junior triathlon, a triathlon-like event which involved beer kegs and paddles, live music, fireworks, free-flowing beer and strudel and jazzercise, the people in Tizzy know how to take one mere triathlon World cup and turn the event into an extravaganza.
At the heart of the days of festivities, however, is the World Cup, the only event in which I participated. I placed 4th, my best finish to date at a World Cup, but not without some serious suffering. Anyone who follows my racing will have noticed that I have the tendency to race better when the temperature is below 80 degrees. I blame my parent's short-sighted decision to raise us in Upstate NY where I couldn't develop teflon-like heat resistance. When I was informed that the temperature would reach (98 F) 37C on the day of the race, I was very apprehensive but hopeful that I might have my first great warm-weather. Maybe, just maybe!
From the start of the race, I was off the front, gaining time in the swim and working solo until 10k or so into the bike, caught by a pack of four. During and before the race, I did everything I knew to do to combat the heat: starting the race well-hydrated, salting my food, taking liquids throughout the bike and dumping water on me. In my pack were three women I knew to be a real threat on the run: Felicity Abrams (Aussie currently ranked #1 in the world), Mariana Ohata (Brazilian known to race better as the mercury rises) and Andrea Whitcomb (veteran racer who represented the UK on the track in the Sydney Olympics). The first two kilometers of the run I felt good and took the pace out hard, leading the run of a world cup for the first time, until Felicity and Andrea passed me (fun while it lasted, though!). With each successive kilometer, however, my pace decreased and I felt increasingly worse. By the time I hit the last lap with 2.5 k remaining, I knew that there was a serious risk that I would be incapable of finishing, as I am unfortunately very familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion. Each step was a struggle, feeling as though I was running through mud, my cadence and form painfully reflecting that effort. As Boris, the assistant coach for the race, later described it, it was as though I was doing a very odd running drill the last few hundred meters of the race. Or, as I call it, I was performing the "prancing pony", a very deliberate, exaggerated running form with much activity but little forward movement. Miraculously, I crossed the line and then collapsed (and not vice versa), preserving my 4th place finish. I was an absolute mess for the next hour- needing IVs, medications and the close attention of medical staff, as well as Jillian, a fellow US racer, and Boris (thank you thank you thank you!). I'm not sure how I will recover and whether my exertions in the heat will have consequences this weekend in the World Cup in Kitzbuhel, Austria. To be part of a race in Tizsaujvaros, however, was almost worth the suffering.
At the heart of the days of festivities, however, is the World Cup, the only event in which I participated. I placed 4th, my best finish to date at a World Cup, but not without some serious suffering. Anyone who follows my racing will have noticed that I have the tendency to race better when the temperature is below 80 degrees. I blame my parent's short-sighted decision to raise us in Upstate NY where I couldn't develop teflon-like heat resistance. When I was informed that the temperature would reach (98 F) 37C on the day of the race, I was very apprehensive but hopeful that I might have my first great warm-weather. Maybe, just maybe!
From the start of the race, I was off the front, gaining time in the swim and working solo until 10k or so into the bike, caught by a pack of four. During and before the race, I did everything I knew to do to combat the heat: starting the race well-hydrated, salting my food, taking liquids throughout the bike and dumping water on me. In my pack were three women I knew to be a real threat on the run: Felicity Abrams (Aussie currently ranked #1 in the world), Mariana Ohata (Brazilian known to race better as the mercury rises) and Andrea Whitcomb (veteran racer who represented the UK on the track in the Sydney Olympics). The first two kilometers of the run I felt good and took the pace out hard, leading the run of a world cup for the first time, until Felicity and Andrea passed me (fun while it lasted, though!). With each successive kilometer, however, my pace decreased and I felt increasingly worse. By the time I hit the last lap with 2.5 k remaining, I knew that there was a serious risk that I would be incapable of finishing, as I am unfortunately very familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion. Each step was a struggle, feeling as though I was running through mud, my cadence and form painfully reflecting that effort. As Boris, the assistant coach for the race, later described it, it was as though I was doing a very odd running drill the last few hundred meters of the race. Or, as I call it, I was performing the "prancing pony", a very deliberate, exaggerated running form with much activity but little forward movement. Miraculously, I crossed the line and then collapsed (and not vice versa), preserving my 4th place finish. I was an absolute mess for the next hour- needing IVs, medications and the close attention of medical staff, as well as Jillian, a fellow US racer, and Boris (thank you thank you thank you!). I'm not sure how I will recover and whether my exertions in the heat will have consequences this weekend in the World Cup in Kitzbuhel, Austria. To be part of a race in Tizsaujvaros, however, was almost worth the suffering.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Des Moines wrap-up
Every athlete accepts that you will have some bad races. Unfortunately, these bad races occasionally occur when you least want them to. This weekend in Des Moines, I experienced one of those races and, needless to say, having a bad race at Olympic Trials is not good timing. As I saw my chance to make the Olympic Team slipping away from me within the first mile of the run, my race mentally ended at that point. What I didn't realize until after the race, however, is that I gave away my position as alternate in addition, a position that should have easily been mine. I can't exactly explain what happened, even though I've replayed the race a thousand times in my head. I started the race with confidence, swam well and was in control on the bike. Within a few minutes of the run, however, something happened mentally and I fought my impulse to quit every step for the remainder of the race. Although I finished in 9th, a very respectable placing at a World Cup, I raced so far below my potential that I can't help but be devastated by the result.
Luckily for me, my family and friends help me keep the race in perspective (thanks to all for your pre-race wishes of luck and post-race buoying!). After all, my goal last year was to make the Olympic Trials and I vastly exceeded my expectations by even being a contender for a position. As I look forward to 2012, I have to remind myself of how far I have come and be excited by the improvements that I have yet to make. While I may not have been ready for Beijing, the lessons that I've learned through the 2008 Trials process will certainly pay off in the long-term.
Luckily for me, my family and friends help me keep the race in perspective (thanks to all for your pre-race wishes of luck and post-race buoying!). After all, my goal last year was to make the Olympic Trials and I vastly exceeded my expectations by even being a contender for a position. As I look forward to 2012, I have to remind myself of how far I have come and be excited by the improvements that I have yet to make. While I may not have been ready for Beijing, the lessons that I've learned through the 2008 Trials process will certainly pay off in the long-term.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Adventure Continues...
In preparation for this weekend's duathlon in Des Moines, I changed my hotel to West Des Moines, did a du-style pre-race tune-up workout yesterday and bought platform duathlon pedals which eliminates shoe changes. I had yet to figure out my outfit (wearing a swimsuit when no water is involved just seems so wrong) when I received the news that the race will most likely be a triathlon once again. Thank goodness. Between my duathlon insecurities (I'm not even sure of the distances involved!) and the Olympic selection mess, my life is greatly simplified by the running of a triathlon. Bill Burke, the race director, and the Hy-Vee staff deserve some nice cold ones post-race after the nightmare they've endured in running this event.
While I'm relieved to know that I will have the opportunity to race this weekend, I admit to having some reservations. After hearing of how deeply lives have been affected in the Midwest by the flooding, it somehow seems inappropriate to be competing in a race in Des Moines. Sport is a luxury, not a necessity. When people have lost their worldly possession and homes to the flood waters, how can I focus on something so inconsequential as triathlon? While I realize that I am doing more than just racing, as I am following a dream, I am painfully aware that my ability to chase that dream is an incredible privilege. Whatever happens this weekend in the race, I'm certain that my surroundings will help ground me and remind me of my great fortune in life.
While I'm relieved to know that I will have the opportunity to race this weekend, I admit to having some reservations. After hearing of how deeply lives have been affected in the Midwest by the flooding, it somehow seems inappropriate to be competing in a race in Des Moines. Sport is a luxury, not a necessity. When people have lost their worldly possession and homes to the flood waters, how can I focus on something so inconsequential as triathlon? While I realize that I am doing more than just racing, as I am following a dream, I am painfully aware that my ability to chase that dream is an incredible privilege. Whatever happens this weekend in the race, I'm certain that my surroundings will help ground me and remind me of my great fortune in life.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Oh, Des Moines... *sigh*
Last year at the Hy-Vee World Cup in Des Moines, I had an unpleasant collision with a pedestrian who wandered onto the bike course. I ended up with a fracture in my radial head (aka elbow), an event that proved to be a mixed blessing. While injury is always best prevented, I managed to make the experience one of growth, as I raced the following weekend at the Edmonton World Cup (finishing a career-best 5th, despite searing pain) and proving to myself that I am tougher than I had previously thought. It seems as though Des Moines is once again putting me through the ringer, inconveniently experiencing devastating flooding recently and putting our final Olympic Trials race in jeopardy. Most likely, the race will be run as a duathlon and the Olympic eligibility will be determined by the results of the first two Trials races. As a result, it looks as though I will be first alternate for the Olympic Team.
In the wake of these recent developments, I'm going though a rather trying time. While I realize that I was a long-shot to make the team (I would have to be 1st US at Des Moines), I still had an opportunity to try, now taken away my Mother Nature. Part of my disappointment lies in the fact that I still have something to prove to myself. While I contracted bacterial gastroenteritis in Beijing and just barely managed to finish the race, let alone race well, I recognize the fact that I was neither physically nor mentally ready to make the Olympic Team at that time. In Alabama, I was physically ready but not mentally so, racing too cautiously and scared, not having had the confidence that great results can bring. With a week until the final Olympic Trials race, I am finally at the point where I feel as though I am worthy to be an Olympian. The amount of personal growth that I have experienced in the past few months is invaluable and I look forward to using my burgeoning new confidence in the season to come, as well as in seasons to come and, most importantly, in my post-triathlon life. While I may still have a chance to race next weekend (waters must first recede and have acceptable bacteria levels), I accept this newest challenge that Des Moines is throwing my way.
In the wake of these recent developments, I'm going though a rather trying time. While I realize that I was a long-shot to make the team (I would have to be 1st US at Des Moines), I still had an opportunity to try, now taken away my Mother Nature. Part of my disappointment lies in the fact that I still have something to prove to myself. While I contracted bacterial gastroenteritis in Beijing and just barely managed to finish the race, let alone race well, I recognize the fact that I was neither physically nor mentally ready to make the Olympic Team at that time. In Alabama, I was physically ready but not mentally so, racing too cautiously and scared, not having had the confidence that great results can bring. With a week until the final Olympic Trials race, I am finally at the point where I feel as though I am worthy to be an Olympian. The amount of personal growth that I have experienced in the past few months is invaluable and I look forward to using my burgeoning new confidence in the season to come, as well as in seasons to come and, most importantly, in my post-triathlon life. While I may still have a chance to race next weekend (waters must first recede and have acceptable bacteria levels), I accept this newest challenge that Des Moines is throwing my way.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
My life versus Kate's
Last week, I was on the phone with my best friend from college, Kate, and our conversation started as it typically does:
Kate: It's you! I've missed you!
Sarah: I know! I haven't talked to you in way too long. I've just been... [insert lame excuse for my pitiful communication skills]. I've missed you too. How's life? What's going on?
Kate: I figured as much [in reference to my lack of phone calls/ emails/ smoke signals- she is a very understanding friend]. My life is the same, nothing new at work or otherwise. I want to hear about what is going on with you, however!
Sarah: Same old, same old. You know- swimming, biking, running... Nothing exciting. I want to hear more about what you are up to, though!
At some point, we delve deeper into the examination of our lives, catching up on our personal and professional lives. Every time that we talk, however, I am surprised how foreign Kate's life seems to me, just as different as my life as an athlete must seem to her. It was only a few years ago that we were inseparable in school, spending countless hours together. As an indication of our closeness, we probably ate two out of three meals together!
Soon after graduation, Kate moved to Manhattan to pursue a career in publishing and I moved to Boulder to try to be a professional triathlete. Four years later, Kate is engaged to her college boyfriend and still in Manhattan (different apartment, however) and working her way up the editorial ladder at a prestigious publishing house. By contrast, I have never signed a yearly lease (my furniture spends 4x more time in storage than being used), have no idea in what state I will be living in six months and struggle with long-distance relationships. I spend hours a day flogging my body and Kate spends hours at a desk. Our lives couldn't be more different.
While we are both pursuing our dreams and are completely happy with our lives, I find it incredible how divergent our paths have proven to be in four short years. Equally astounding is how easily we take our own lives for granted. Kate has no idea how fascinating her life is to me. She is planning a wedding! She takes coffee and lunch breaks! She wears grown-up clothes to work! She has a home! While most of you take these things for granted, the idea of a stable work and home environment seems exciting and exotic to me. Likewise, my lifestyle and globetrotting ways seem to intrigue others. What we find boring and mundane in our own lives will invariably interest someone somewhere, I suppose. If we are lucky enough, we have great friends, like my Kate, to help us to hold up the mirror to our own lives.
Kate: It's you! I've missed you!
Sarah: I know! I haven't talked to you in way too long. I've just been... [insert lame excuse for my pitiful communication skills]. I've missed you too. How's life? What's going on?
Kate: I figured as much [in reference to my lack of phone calls/ emails/ smoke signals- she is a very understanding friend]. My life is the same, nothing new at work or otherwise. I want to hear about what is going on with you, however!
Sarah: Same old, same old. You know- swimming, biking, running... Nothing exciting. I want to hear more about what you are up to, though!
At some point, we delve deeper into the examination of our lives, catching up on our personal and professional lives. Every time that we talk, however, I am surprised how foreign Kate's life seems to me, just as different as my life as an athlete must seem to her. It was only a few years ago that we were inseparable in school, spending countless hours together. As an indication of our closeness, we probably ate two out of three meals together!
Soon after graduation, Kate moved to Manhattan to pursue a career in publishing and I moved to Boulder to try to be a professional triathlete. Four years later, Kate is engaged to her college boyfriend and still in Manhattan (different apartment, however) and working her way up the editorial ladder at a prestigious publishing house. By contrast, I have never signed a yearly lease (my furniture spends 4x more time in storage than being used), have no idea in what state I will be living in six months and struggle with long-distance relationships. I spend hours a day flogging my body and Kate spends hours at a desk. Our lives couldn't be more different.
While we are both pursuing our dreams and are completely happy with our lives, I find it incredible how divergent our paths have proven to be in four short years. Equally astounding is how easily we take our own lives for granted. Kate has no idea how fascinating her life is to me. She is planning a wedding! She takes coffee and lunch breaks! She wears grown-up clothes to work! She has a home! While most of you take these things for granted, the idea of a stable work and home environment seems exciting and exotic to me. Likewise, my lifestyle and globetrotting ways seem to intrigue others. What we find boring and mundane in our own lives will invariably interest someone somewhere, I suppose. If we are lucky enough, we have great friends, like my Kate, to help us to hold up the mirror to our own lives.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Missing my kids...
I got an email a couple of days ago from Jen, the volunteer coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club in Santa Monica. Along with a note (my kids miss me and ask about me !), she attached a few photos from one of my last days at the club. Ms. P, the Teen Center head, planned and held a good-bye party for me, complete with healthy snacks. Thankfully, someone had a camera to document the fiesta. Looking at the pictures, however, makes me a bit nostalgic. I am lucky enough to be returning to Santa Monica next month for some sea level training before World Championships and the last Olympic Qualifier. I can't wait to stop by the club to say "hi"!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Racing in South Africa: A Tribute to Jackie D.
Over the course of his long career, the cyclist Jackie Durand tried countless solo breakaways in professional bike races. While almost all of these attempts were unsuccessful, DuDu getting swallowed up by the peloton after long, seemingly hopeless efforts, you had to give the rider credit for his gutsy riding. This past weekend, I tried to channel DuDu's spirit in the Richard's Bay World Cup in South Africa. What would Jackie D. do (or W.W.J.D.D.- my new bracelet) in a triathlon? He would take the swim out hard, go solo on a windy course, get swallowed up by the pack and end up with an unspectacular finish, just like I did. The best part was that I never had more fun in a race, minus the major leg cramp after the first lap of the run. While 14th place wasn't as high as I would have finished had I been more conservative in the swim and bike, I was happy with my race. While the risk I took didn't pay off this time around, the results will be sweet when it does.
I had a great time in South Africa, despite the days sacrificed in travel to and from South Africa. The people in Richard's Bay were warm, outgoing and extremely supportive of the race. I also was able to see countless vervet monkeys on the race course, as well as zebras, giraffes, warthogs, springbok and hyenas during a short, impromptu drive through the game park (Thanks, Andy!). I can't wait to return to see more critters and to see more of the landscape. Maybe I'll even be successful in a solo breakaway next time around!
I had a great time in South Africa, despite the days sacrificed in travel to and from South Africa. The people in Richard's Bay were warm, outgoing and extremely supportive of the race. I also was able to see countless vervet monkeys on the race course, as well as zebras, giraffes, warthogs, springbok and hyenas during a short, impromptu drive through the game park (Thanks, Andy!). I can't wait to return to see more critters and to see more of the landscape. Maybe I'll even be successful in a solo breakaway next time around!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
3rd in Tuscaloosa
As some of you may have already heard (or seen, in the case of my amazingly supportive family), I finished third in the Olympic Trials event this past Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While only the first woman across the line, Julie Swail, made the Olympic Team, I still have a chance to make the team at the Hy-Vee World Cup in June. In order to do so, I must be the first American overall. Although this is not an easy task, as the other women will certainly be geared up to take home a chunk of the impressive prize purse, making the Olympic Team is still a possibility. In the meantime, I have some serious work to do!
Overall, the race went well and gave me an indication of the great things to come this season. While I may have done some things differently (as my friend says, hindsight plays too big of a role in ITU racing), I am buoyed by the progress that I have made. After all, my greatest goal a few years ago was to qualify for Olympic Trials. Not only have I qualified for Trials, but I have developed into a contender! Sometimes we are too blinded in our disappointment in what we have not accomplished to fully embrace and acknowledge the achievements that we have made. Luckily for me, I had my family and friends present (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Adam, Lauren (with baby in utero), Clay, Aunt Denise, Uncle Howie, Uncle Kirk, Todd, Kyly, Katie (also w/ baby in utero) Doug, Mary, Siri, Nikki and others) to celebrate with me and to remind me of how far I've come in the sport. While my group may not have been as large as the Haskins/ Kortuem contingent, the Groff fan club presence was definitely felt with their exuberance and awesome t-shirts. My family is the best for coming from all over the US to stand out in the heat and cheer me on!
Thanks to everyone who has given me their support leading up to and at this race! Keep it comin'- we still have another chance to make the team!
With love,
Sarah
Overall, the race went well and gave me an indication of the great things to come this season. While I may have done some things differently (as my friend says, hindsight plays too big of a role in ITU racing), I am buoyed by the progress that I have made. After all, my greatest goal a few years ago was to qualify for Olympic Trials. Not only have I qualified for Trials, but I have developed into a contender! Sometimes we are too blinded in our disappointment in what we have not accomplished to fully embrace and acknowledge the achievements that we have made. Luckily for me, I had my family and friends present (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Adam, Lauren (with baby in utero), Clay, Aunt Denise, Uncle Howie, Uncle Kirk, Todd, Kyly, Katie (also w/ baby in utero) Doug, Mary, Siri, Nikki and others) to celebrate with me and to remind me of how far I've come in the sport. While my group may not have been as large as the Haskins/ Kortuem contingent, the Groff fan club presence was definitely felt with their exuberance and awesome t-shirts. My family is the best for coming from all over the US to stand out in the heat and cheer me on!
Thanks to everyone who has given me their support leading up to and at this race! Keep it comin'- we still have another chance to make the team!
With love,
Sarah
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
looking back and looking ahead...
Back in January 2005, my dad and I drove together from Cooperstown to Boulder, braving wind storms and blizzards along the way. When the monotony of the Kansas plains started to take its toll, we started to look to the horizon for the Rocky Mountains. Finally, we saw a faint strip of blue: the promise of my new home, Boulder, and my new life as a triathlete. For the next few hours, I had to keep my anxiety and excitement in check, as we still had to brave the plains of Eastern Colorado.
Over 3 years later and a few days away from Olympic Trials, I can't help but think of this experience and be reminded of the risks that I took and the hardships that I've faced in order to be where I am as an athlete, on the brink of qualifying for the Olympic Games (only a very distant dream a few years ago!). Looming in the distance, I know that something great is in store for me. While I would love to qualify for the Olympics this weekend, I can't help but feel that the most important part is the journey, taking risks and facing my fear head-on. That being said, think of me on Saturday and send some positive energy my way!
Over 3 years later and a few days away from Olympic Trials, I can't help but think of this experience and be reminded of the risks that I took and the hardships that I've faced in order to be where I am as an athlete, on the brink of qualifying for the Olympic Games (only a very distant dream a few years ago!). Looming in the distance, I know that something great is in store for me. While I would love to qualify for the Olympics this weekend, I can't help but feel that the most important part is the journey, taking risks and facing my fear head-on. That being said, think of me on Saturday and send some positive energy my way!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Teen Fit Club... not just for teens
A couple of weeks ago, one of the women who works at the club approached me, asking for help. She had recently been to her physician, who informed her that, at 367 lbs, she had to lose weight and suggested two potential paths to weight loss: either gastric bypass surgery or completely change her life. Being the strong, slightly stubborn person that she is, she automatically turned down the idea of gastric bypass, instead relying on the "old-fashioned" method of healthy diet exercise. In talking to her, I soon realized that she was 100% dedicated to the incredibly difficult task at hand. She already had changed her diet dramatically, eating primarily lean protein, fruits & vegetables. Where she needed help was in the exercise department and we sketched out a basic exercise program for her, incorporating aerobic and strength exercise into her daily schedule. Last week she attended my Teen Fit Club sessions, taking on any exercise that I threw her way and with more dedication and vigor than I have yet seen from any of the teens! I am fully confident that she will be capable of losing the necessary weight and being there for her daughters for many years to come.
While I am certainly impressed by the dedication and single-minded vision that this woman has, it does strike a contrast with some of the teens that attend my sessions. When I was a teenager, I certainly didn't dwell on the long-term prospects of my health. With the arrogance of youth that I see in my kids, I assumed that it would always be easy for me to be fit and trim. The hard truth is that the older you are, the harder it gets. As the years progress, your muscle mass decreases and your metabolism slows down and you no longer have the svelte body of a 16 year old. My goal in working with teens is to get some of the healthy diet and exercise habits deeply instilled in them now. By getting into the habit of a healthy lifestyle sooner, perhaps they will not have to face the difficult challenge of drastic weight loss faced by the woman I am helping. While I realize that my influence on their lives is a bit limited, I hope that some of the lessons that I teach the kids will stick for years to come.
While I am certainly impressed by the dedication and single-minded vision that this woman has, it does strike a contrast with some of the teens that attend my sessions. When I was a teenager, I certainly didn't dwell on the long-term prospects of my health. With the arrogance of youth that I see in my kids, I assumed that it would always be easy for me to be fit and trim. The hard truth is that the older you are, the harder it gets. As the years progress, your muscle mass decreases and your metabolism slows down and you no longer have the svelte body of a 16 year old. My goal in working with teens is to get some of the healthy diet and exercise habits deeply instilled in them now. By getting into the habit of a healthy lifestyle sooner, perhaps they will not have to face the difficult challenge of drastic weight loss faced by the woman I am helping. While I realize that my influence on their lives is a bit limited, I hope that some of the lessons that I teach the kids will stick for years to come.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Yay for flexibility!
Through my volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, I've learned the value of flexibility. As the club is incredibly busy and staff is occasionally overworked, there have been times that I've shown up at the club at our scheduled times and found out that the kids are sick or busy with a previously scheduled activity or that none of the staff members can join us off-site (club policy). In the case of the latter, I've turned to indoor activities which must be held in the limited space of the teen center.
This week and next week, my flexibility is being put to the test while the kids are on Spring Break. This results in a very different set of parameters for my fitness club. During these two weeks, the club is held from 3-4 pm in the Teen Center and with a group of kids almost completely different from my usual characters. On Monday, I held a class with a group of teens and only two were familiar to me, the rest being male football and basketball players. We started off with some yoga, did some circuit training and finished with some more stretches and core exercise. While the group dynamics were different, I was pleasantly surprised by how receptive the boys were. In fact, they were the ones clamoring for more yoga! I promised to do more yoga with them today. I guess that my flexibility is being put to the test in multiple ways!
This week and next week, my flexibility is being put to the test while the kids are on Spring Break. This results in a very different set of parameters for my fitness club. During these two weeks, the club is held from 3-4 pm in the Teen Center and with a group of kids almost completely different from my usual characters. On Monday, I held a class with a group of teens and only two were familiar to me, the rest being male football and basketball players. We started off with some yoga, did some circuit training and finished with some more stretches and core exercise. While the group dynamics were different, I was pleasantly surprised by how receptive the boys were. In fact, they were the ones clamoring for more yoga! I promised to do more yoga with them today. I guess that my flexibility is being put to the test in multiple ways!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
My kids...
Last week, due to President's Day and a Black History Month presentation, I wasn't able to meet up with my teens. I don't think that I realized how much I enjoyed spending time with them until I had a week without them and found myself really missing them. I'd like to think that they were as excited to see me on Monday as I was to see them. As the weather was absolutely gorgeous, we took a walk along the 3rd Street Promenade, a pedestrian mall in central Santa Monica. While I had to rein in their enthusiasm for greeting friends and shopping (my only real rule was that we would by no means enter stores), they seemed happy to be outside and getting some activity.
A few days ago, a friend who grew up in the area warned me that Santa Monica teens "grow up faster than teens from other places". While I try to encourage wholesome language and topics of conversation, I was occasionally surprised by the mature content of their conversation while we were out walking. However, the sweetness under their rough exteriors actually takes me aback more. While they may seem tough and slightly jaded, they truly want to please and be good kids. I am seriously going to miss them when I leave in a couple months...
A few days ago, a friend who grew up in the area warned me that Santa Monica teens "grow up faster than teens from other places". While I try to encourage wholesome language and topics of conversation, I was occasionally surprised by the mature content of their conversation while we were out walking. However, the sweetness under their rough exteriors actually takes me aback more. While they may seem tough and slightly jaded, they truly want to please and be good kids. I am seriously going to miss them when I leave in a couple months...
Friday, February 22, 2008
The Cool Kid Table
I have a confession to make: I am not, and have never been, one of the "cool kids". Even from my formative years in grade school, I was always a bit different and thus at the periphery of the secret inner circle of coolness. As I chose to wear my brother's hand-me-downs instead of the favored Gap Kids pastel outfits and had a weird fascination with creepy crawly critters, I suppose that my nonconformity set me up to be an outsider. In high school, this trend continued, as I pursued decidedly uncool individual sports in lieu of soccer or lacrosse. My disinterest in fashion also had a role to play once again, I'm sure.
When I reached college, the delineation between cool and uncool was no longer quite as fixed and I no longer stuck out quite as much. In my mind, however, the Middlebury "cool kids" were the nordies, or nordic skiiers. As the only Division 1 sport on campus, these athletes held a certain kind of mystique for me. They trained hard, looked hardcore and dressed the part in their Carhartt jeans, trucker caps and rugged belts. It also helped their status that they tended to be taller and far more attractive than the average student on campus. As a dorky swimmer, I looked at these athletes as the paragon of elite athletes and secretly desired to belong in their special elite ranks, pining away from afar to be as tough as them.
At this point in my blog, you are probably wondering two things: 1) how can someone as awesome as Sarah consider herself uncool? and 2) how does this tie into In the Arena? I'll address both questions presently. I've been thinking about this subject since last week, when I held a conference call with the other In the Arena athletes and Amory. Maybe you've noticed that quite a few of my fellow athletes are nordic skiiers, including a fellow Middlebury '04 grad, Kate Whitcomb (at the risk of further embarassment, I totally put her, her Carhartts and her athletic ability on a pedastal). You can be sure that I took note of this fact and am pleased to be in such company. I feel like the nerdy new girl at school who has been invited to sit in the cafeteria with the table of cool kids, waiting for the imminent exposure of her true dorky self. I am painfully aware that triathletes have a certain geeky stereotype. I'll just try to conceal my true self as long as possible from my fellow ITA athletes. This posting may have blown my cover, however...
In all seriousness, I am pretty cool too. I still may dress funny, however. More importantly, I loved having the opportunity to talk with the other ITA athletes and look forward to meeting them at some point in time. I'll just make sure that I leave my brother's cast-offs at home.
When I reached college, the delineation between cool and uncool was no longer quite as fixed and I no longer stuck out quite as much. In my mind, however, the Middlebury "cool kids" were the nordies, or nordic skiiers. As the only Division 1 sport on campus, these athletes held a certain kind of mystique for me. They trained hard, looked hardcore and dressed the part in their Carhartt jeans, trucker caps and rugged belts. It also helped their status that they tended to be taller and far more attractive than the average student on campus. As a dorky swimmer, I looked at these athletes as the paragon of elite athletes and secretly desired to belong in their special elite ranks, pining away from afar to be as tough as them.
At this point in my blog, you are probably wondering two things: 1) how can someone as awesome as Sarah consider herself uncool? and 2) how does this tie into In the Arena? I'll address both questions presently. I've been thinking about this subject since last week, when I held a conference call with the other In the Arena athletes and Amory. Maybe you've noticed that quite a few of my fellow athletes are nordic skiiers, including a fellow Middlebury '04 grad, Kate Whitcomb (at the risk of further embarassment, I totally put her, her Carhartts and her athletic ability on a pedastal). You can be sure that I took note of this fact and am pleased to be in such company. I feel like the nerdy new girl at school who has been invited to sit in the cafeteria with the table of cool kids, waiting for the imminent exposure of her true dorky self. I am painfully aware that triathletes have a certain geeky stereotype. I'll just try to conceal my true self as long as possible from my fellow ITA athletes. This posting may have blown my cover, however...
In all seriousness, I am pretty cool too. I still may dress funny, however. More importantly, I loved having the opportunity to talk with the other ITA athletes and look forward to meeting them at some point in time. I'll just make sure that I leave my brother's cast-offs at home.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Challenges
Going into my project, I knew that I'd face some challenge in getting to know the kids and getting them excited about fitness. I had recently felt as though I've made some headway when I headed into the club this afternoon. On Monday, I did a yoga/ pilates session with the teens and thought that it was pretty successful. After all, they had requested yoga and approached the sesion with enthusiasm. What more could I want?!
Today I went to the club with high hopes, as the kids had requested doing dance for fitness and they seemed very excited by my desire to comply with their wishes. As an awkward endurance athlete who can do the cha-cha more adeptly than the freak, I knew that the tables would be turned and that the teens would do the teaching today. I arrived with stereo in tow to find that the girls clamoring for dance were "out" and that the remaining teens received my idea with a lukewarm reaction (at best). After a frustrating period of time attempting to motivate the kids, I asked how many were actually interested in participating. When no hands were raised, I picked up my stereo and left after expressing my disappointment to the group. I felt, and continue to feel, a bit dejected. After all, I thought that doing a fitness activity that they are interested in would be more effective than forcing them to do circuit! While I am admittedly saddened by my experience, I refuse to give up. I know that teens can be difficult, but I remain hopeful that I will "break through" to them. Tomorrow they may just have to do a bit of running to make up for today!
Today I went to the club with high hopes, as the kids had requested doing dance for fitness and they seemed very excited by my desire to comply with their wishes. As an awkward endurance athlete who can do the cha-cha more adeptly than the freak, I knew that the tables would be turned and that the teens would do the teaching today. I arrived with stereo in tow to find that the girls clamoring for dance were "out" and that the remaining teens received my idea with a lukewarm reaction (at best). After a frustrating period of time attempting to motivate the kids, I asked how many were actually interested in participating. When no hands were raised, I picked up my stereo and left after expressing my disappointment to the group. I felt, and continue to feel, a bit dejected. After all, I thought that doing a fitness activity that they are interested in would be more effective than forcing them to do circuit! While I am admittedly saddened by my experience, I refuse to give up. I know that teens can be difficult, but I remain hopeful that I will "break through" to them. Tomorrow they may just have to do a bit of running to make up for today!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Yoga and Teenagers
While Southern California is known for its ever sunny skies, last week was a wet one, putting a bit of a damper on the fitness club. After taking Monday off, due to MLK day, (we are on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday plan) I looked forward to meeting with the kids on Wednesday. Due to the inclement weather and lack of indoor space, as the gym is used for Biddy Basketball right now, I had to rethink my game plan. Instead of using our session to train, I used our time to meet with the kids individually and talk to them about their goals for the fitness group. While some of the goals varied between getting ready for track season to losing weight, there was a common thread in that all of the teens realize that they may not be as fit as they could be and want to amend that. I was also able to gain a grasp of what types of exercises they are interested in to achieve that purpose.
The following day, being just as disagreeable as the the previous one, was also an indoors session. As a couple of the teens are interested in increased flexibility and strength, I thought that yoga, which could be performed in the small indoor space available to us, would be a great fit. I was pleased that 7 of the kids decided to join in on the activity, as I was worried that they'd dismiss the practice as too granola, hippy-dippy for their urban tastes. While I tried to keep the exercises basic, I was surprised how difficult they found yoga in terms of flexibility and strength. Even the "tough" boys complained about how hard some of the poses were to hold! While I may not have turned them into yogis, I'm glad to have exposed them to a new exercise. That being said, I'm not sure as though it was the best fit for my group. I guess that both they and I are learning our way through this process!
The following day, being just as disagreeable as the the previous one, was also an indoors session. As a couple of the teens are interested in increased flexibility and strength, I thought that yoga, which could be performed in the small indoor space available to us, would be a great fit. I was pleased that 7 of the kids decided to join in on the activity, as I was worried that they'd dismiss the practice as too granola, hippy-dippy for their urban tastes. While I tried to keep the exercises basic, I was surprised how difficult they found yoga in terms of flexibility and strength. Even the "tough" boys complained about how hard some of the poses were to hold! While I may not have turned them into yogis, I'm glad to have exposed them to a new exercise. That being said, I'm not sure as though it was the best fit for my group. I guess that both they and I are learning our way through this process!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Week 1 of Teen Fit Club!
When I designed my project a few months ago, I had anticipated starting in April, after my Santa Monica training camp. This plan, however, did not take into account the fact that I'd be chomping at the bit, wanting to start my volunteering before that date. Just before starting my Boulder to Santa Monica drive, I did some investigation and found out there was a Boys and Girls Club in Santa Monica. More importantly, they seemed eager to have me come volunteer! Fortuitously, the teens had recently been clamoring for a fitness group- a void that I could certainly fill!
In doing this project, I wanted to take the needs and wants of the teens into consideration. After all, the more input they have results in more ownership of the program. I sat down with the interested teens and we decided upon three sessions a week of roughly an hour apiece. While that may change based on interest, I am really excited that they want to meet so frequently. As an additional incentive, I've promised an awards program based on attendance. I'm trying to get some of my sponsors on board with this idea, providing free stuff when certain benchmarks have been achieved. After all, everyone loves prizes!
We had our first sessions on Wednesday and Thursday last week. The first session was a bit eye-opening, as the kids showed up in trendy sneakers and tight jeans, despite my request for them to wear comfortable clothing. Furthermore, their cellphones provided quite a bit of distraction, as they were text-messaging during the session. Needless to say, cellphones were banned for the following day's session! I was greatly encouraged by their high energy levels and I think that we can channel that energy into our training. While the fitness and discipline levels are pretty variable, I am optimistic that I can get my kids doing some quality workout sessions. My biggest challenge will be to hold their attention! I welcome any suggestions!
In doing this project, I wanted to take the needs and wants of the teens into consideration. After all, the more input they have results in more ownership of the program. I sat down with the interested teens and we decided upon three sessions a week of roughly an hour apiece. While that may change based on interest, I am really excited that they want to meet so frequently. As an additional incentive, I've promised an awards program based on attendance. I'm trying to get some of my sponsors on board with this idea, providing free stuff when certain benchmarks have been achieved. After all, everyone loves prizes!
We had our first sessions on Wednesday and Thursday last week. The first session was a bit eye-opening, as the kids showed up in trendy sneakers and tight jeans, despite my request for them to wear comfortable clothing. Furthermore, their cellphones provided quite a bit of distraction, as they were text-messaging during the session. Needless to say, cellphones were banned for the following day's session! I was greatly encouraged by their high energy levels and I think that we can channel that energy into our training. While the fitness and discipline levels are pretty variable, I am optimistic that I can get my kids doing some quality workout sessions. My biggest challenge will be to hold their attention! I welcome any suggestions!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Kindness of strangers
For the past week, I've been in unfamiliar surroundings, staying in an unfamiliar place and meeting, with the exception of of training group, people previously unknown to me. Despite the newness of it all, I've found myself surprisingly comfortable in my new environs. I can't but feel that this is due to the people I've encountered out here in California. In particular, my homestay Richard has treated me with exceptional warmth and openness. Going into a homestay situation, both parties approach the encounter with some trepidation. After all, you agree to open your home to a perfect stranger and, as the guest, you agree to live with someone who is and whose home is utterly unknown to you. Somehow, both parties are willing to put faith in the other that everything will work out. It is, quite frankly, a gamble that we take and that sometimes goes awry. While I have had the good luck to never have a nightmare homestay experience, some of my friends have had less-than-pleasant experiences.
In addition to the generosity and kindness that Richard has shown, I've only encountered people in Santa Monica who are helpful. From the other cyclists I've encountered to my new neighbors, the people I've met have completely destroyed the self-centered SoCal stereotype (sorry- it is true!). In what I do for a living, I so frequently count on people I've never met to help me with sponsorship, advice or housing. It certainly brings to mind Blanche DuBois in a Streetcar Named Desire when she says "Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." In my experience out in Santa Monica, the kindness of strangers has thus far been genuine and extensive.
In addition to the generosity and kindness that Richard has shown, I've only encountered people in Santa Monica who are helpful. From the other cyclists I've encountered to my new neighbors, the people I've met have completely destroyed the self-centered SoCal stereotype (sorry- it is true!). In what I do for a living, I so frequently count on people I've never met to help me with sponsorship, advice or housing. It certainly brings to mind Blanche DuBois in a Streetcar Named Desire when she says "Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." In my experience out in Santa Monica, the kindness of strangers has thus far been genuine and extensive.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Oh! The places you'll go!
Upon completing high school and college, countless scores of graduates receive Dr. Seuss' Oh! The Places You'll Go!. Appropriate for recent grads, I find the book also highly appropriate for the New Year. After all, what does the New Year represent more than new beginnings? To wit, "You can steer yourself any direction you choose...And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go." This year, where I will go is towards my dream!
As I enter 2008, I do so with great anticipation. For those of us trying to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, these next few months are a critical period for growth, both physical and mental. While this period will be highly challenging (or "character building", as my coach might say), I recognize that process is just as important, if not more so, than the outcome. Whether or not I qualify for the Olympic team, I am confident that someday I will draw upon the lessons that I'll learn. As the book tells us, Hang-ups, which lead to Lurches and Slumps, are inevitable. How we react to these challenges define us, however.
Whether we dream big or small, our dreams are present and alive (although dormant in most, I find!). In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!". Whatever your dream is, why not go after it in '08? No matter the result, the outcome is great!
Happy New Year!
As I enter 2008, I do so with great anticipation. For those of us trying to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, these next few months are a critical period for growth, both physical and mental. While this period will be highly challenging (or "character building", as my coach might say), I recognize that process is just as important, if not more so, than the outcome. Whether or not I qualify for the Olympic team, I am confident that someday I will draw upon the lessons that I'll learn. As the book tells us, Hang-ups, which lead to Lurches and Slumps, are inevitable. How we react to these challenges define us, however.
Whether we dream big or small, our dreams are present and alive (although dormant in most, I find!). In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!". Whatever your dream is, why not go after it in '08? No matter the result, the outcome is great!
Happy New Year!
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