A half-update

Learned how to curl my hair. I know...big news.

You always read about something best selling authors, major company CEO’s, even sailors sailing the ocean blue all having one thing in common. A confidence that is willing to put everything down on the line and pursue something they passionately believe and stand behind. The reason why they are so memorable through not only as being the modern day hero, but remaining as history’s memorable leaders is their risk of being remarkably honest, passionate, and raw in seeking these dreams.

For me, growing up there seemed to be this concept of “reaching for your dreams” and “following these dreams." My mother always supported any decision-- that even if it being completely off the wall----I ultimately had to live with and make it as successful as possible (even if the tone-deaf teenager had an interest in forming her own band with two cellos and a guitar...) (two chics on a stick was the shit). Well, in society, what if that path doesn’t outwardly fit into their “acceptable” path they lay out for the youth? The last couple of years have left me feeling as if I missed the boat.

...and here I lay at a crossroads. Looking at long term plans and goals- although I am still unsure of what I would like to do long term- I have some good ideas of what makes me happy now and what could earn a living---and it looks like I would hate to close any doors that I ought to keep open. All I know is that, I have some big aspirations that currently I am putting ALL cards in. Details are not quite set...so I will update as soon as more details come in. I do know this, I am excited and ready for change.

One huge awesome set of news I can update on is I HIRED A TRIATHLON COACH. She's not only my coach but also one of my all time heroes and role models---Hillary Biscay. I just finished week 2 of training with her---and I am ecstatic with how my training is going. I had a hard time balancing the three sports and keeping myself injury free---feeling like more was always better. WELL. I am super excited to train under someone who has gone through legendary "smashfests" through her training and racing of 57 Full distance Ironman Races. Excited to see what 2013 will bring being a part of Team HPB.

Kitty is doing well. She's super excited for the holidays.

Big news: I got one earring through my right ear. Big. News.

Last river swim for the year. Weather in the Tri has held super nice so far! It was almost 65 degrees just a couple days ago. Loving the no snow.

PS do not swim here. It looks super nice....yuck water.

Back in the good OL dreaming days.

And for closing----kitty and I will update soon! 

Love, Erin

patience

Patience hasn't really been my favorite word the past couple of weeks. As my work schedule is getting more crowded- it has been hard to stay patient to manage my 3 jobs, training, and hobbies without turning into a stress case.

I found myself getting really anxious about getting in "this amount" of bike (or swim) time...with "this amount" of time to get on the bike which will leave me with "this amount" of time to shower, eat, get dressed and get back to work (which unfortunately is around 15 minutes).

I think what I'm missing right now is my runs. Runs are awesome. You can get a perfect awesome workout in 30-60 minutes and be done for the day. I realized that running has been something very present in my life since I first started getting back in shape and training for triathlon.

...and going from (3 years of) roughly 5 days a week of this stressrelievingawesomeness to ....well....maybe one (if you count 10-20 minutes...)...it just wasn't really cutting it.

WELL great news is: I ran an hour today----painfree. It was great. We decided to go run the mountain- finding that if i keep my stride super short theres no risk of the "click"...so what better than a hard effort up...and  a super easy run down.

I can't wait until I can enjoy this everyday. But until then....an hour made me so so so happy.

I'm starting to think this whole mess is stemming from my back. Ive taken some good steps towards maintaining my strength through all my stabilizers...core strength...started stretching/foam rolling around 1.5hour daily(between am/pm)--and i feel pretty good...minus my back.

I've always had a weird back though- after sitting for about 15 minutes I can bend backwards and crack it all the way up my spine--any time of the day. I think there was something to do with seeing the chiro once to twice a week.

Well anyway- I can't say that everything has been going perfectly lately. Unfortunately, with life, I feel the "downs" only make those "highs" even more magnified--that being the "downs" a necessary thing.

I've been working really hard at finding this "suffering" (as in the suffering that is life) as something that I can control. To take myself out of it and examine from an outside eye. Constantly I remind myself: "Erin you have your legs. You have your arms. And most importantly, your brain....you will be fine."

But it doesn't stop the once a month breakdowns. I would just like to figure out what is going on in my body. It doesn't make sense why this happened. Countless times I've pulled out my training logs and reexamined the patterns leading up to the "click" and I wasn't being irresponsible.

Maybe it's time for a coach?

Love, Erin

September, wait...what?!

The theme of August and September is efficient workouts. A positive is that I LOVE mornings. I would much rather be up at 4:00am verses 8:00pm...theres just something beautiful-clean-refreshing-renewing about watching the sunrise every morning. However, jockeying between these four alarm settings starts to really break me down after about 6 days of them. Luckily for me- these days of CRAZY Court Club visits- and downtown Kennewick pool coaching will persist only until mid November.

About 8 more weeks of this :)

I am so happy today I got a chance to sit down and fill my blog with the last month and a half- so much has been going onnnn (which I love)---

Jm and I joined family and friends in Lake Placid, NY for the Ironman late July. It was so good to see his family and spend time with some of my best friends in the world- while embracing this awesome lifestyle. There is nothing better than a triathlon village days before the race. The energy and people are what make the event such a memorable experience. 

You know you've met people that will permanently change your life when you don't see them for three years- and yet it only felt like a couple days. Casey and Grace- I don't think I've laughed that much in awhile. Weirdos.

Another plus of being on the east coast for the weekend was helping out with the 2nd annual MascomaMan Triathlon in Enfield, NH. Race director, Casey Albert, put on another high quality long course and sprint distance triathlon in the quaint little New England town. With a beautiful lake swim, hilly New Hampshire bike course, followed by an experience of run around Mascoma Lake- close to 175 athletes ran across the Shaker Village finish line

http://www.mascomaman.com/

As soon as I landed in New England I got this overwhelming sense of home. It's not hard see why. What a beautiful part of our country.

One of my favorite shots of Casey and I. We are the same person. 

With all this crazy scheduling, I LOVE LOVE LOVE having my bike posted indoors. I know I should be out enjoying those last days of 80 degree weather- but I love being in my own head during those

"smashfests" as all the greats like to say it (hillarybiscay and belindagranger). Not only that, but it is so easy to just hop on the bike within minutes and run to the shower and get to work. 

Theres nothing I love more most days.

Another HUGE undertaking the last couple of months- my mother competed in her first 140.6 distance triathlon at Ironman Canada in Pentictin, Canada this last month. I loved being able to support her through her training this year, as she has supported me my whole life. She did SO AWESOME---

One of the days before the big day- we had quite the time packing her transition bags- she must have looked through those things one million times to check and make sure everything was in there.----And I'm glad we did because upon getting off the bike (during the race) she yelled to us that "I DID EVERYTHING PERFECT ON MY NUTRITION I DID EVERYTHING PERFECT!" That was such a great thing to hear

...and it showed on the run as she went on to "trot" (as she stated later) a 4:08 marathon. She even said she only walked twice----she just looked so great taking off! I knew she could do it! She DESTROYED her goal time of 14hrs with a SMOKING fast 12:08:00- complete with ecstatic jumping up and down and a pink outfit. Perfect.

Although there will be no more Ironman Canada - I am so happy to see the Challenge Series taking on the Pentictin Race Site. I have not experienced a Challenge race- but what I read from the other races they offer- mainly in Europe- they put on a memorable event. With Pentictin being only a 5 hour drive (to paradise) this is definitely something I would like to add to my race schedule next year. Ironman or not- I love the Pentictin race site for the race itself. The honest one loop swim, bike, and out and back run are beautiful in itself- and I am happy to see Challenge step up and keep this as a race possibility for my fellow PNW Triathletes. Only one thing would have made this ENTIRELY better #rev3love :) 

http://www.challenge-family.com/

Speaking of freaking awesome though: someone *coughIMcough* was feeling out some absolutelyridiculousandstupid prices for one race...which actually led me to sadness for the future of these events (price wise)....and Dundundun Rev3 announces its 2013 Race Series package of $1200 for 10 Rev3 EVENTS NEXT YEAR any distance. And- not only that: but if you aren't able to make it to the race- you can transfer it to a friend or family member. UM HOLY COW WHAT?! This is freaking awesome- that is how it should be. So you get not only a race that cares about YOU-----that wants to make it affordable for YOUR budget to enhance YOUR triathlon lifestyle. Thank you Rev3 for caring about us.

http://rev3tri.com/news/2013-season-pass-to-rev3-triathlon-now-available/ 

I SWEAR: this jersey gives me superpowers. Maybe that and that blue spaceship.

UM. So Omar is complete. I am so so so happy to have her complete with this AWESOME betty designs adamo saddle. SICK. http://www.bettydesigns.com/

After a couple weeks of SO SO workouts- I realized....something was missing. SO I took care of it---and no kid you- those workouts flipped literally upside-down. Now- all I need is an endless supply of bright pink (obnoxious) nail polish.

This is my fourth year working with Kennewick High School Swimming and Diving. My third year as the Head Coach. The team has really grown to be such a big and important part of my life- not to mention how the team has grown itself. 

My first year coaching we took the second EVER athlete to the State Competition. The Second year we repeated and got our little stud into Finals at State. This last year we were able to take the first ever Relay team to State as well as placing our flyer in the top 8. Last night was our first duel meet competition verses a rival school, which we entered the meet with 9 athletes (13 fill a lineup)---losing to a team of 25 by only 14 points. 

Although it was a loss for Kennewick, it was a big win for our Kennewick program. After years past of girls looking up to the other schools swimming programs- my Kennewick Lions stood behind the blocks with not only their chests and heads held high- but huge grins on their faces. They knew they could stand up to this competition. 

That alone was the greatest feeling I have had coaching the last four years. The confidence displayed by those athletes was parallel to none. I couldn't help but break into tears at our post meet team meeting. This is our year for Kennewick- and I am so excited I get to be a part of it.

And PHEW after these long days....there is nothing i would rather be doing but getting my recovery on with my NormaTec MVP. Not only do I not want to take them off- but the soothing sounds of the compression make it dangerously hard to not fall asleep in them. Fresh legs make these hard days a lot easier.
http://www.normatecsports.com/index.shtml


Why Omar? This is why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBUtkPrANRs

This is exactly why.

More to come.

Love, Erin

on being well rounded

I realized about 4 weeks ago that I haven't painted in about 8 months. I also haven't spent nearly a fraction of the time I used to spend reading. Flipping through some recent photos----have I really been letting myself go out into public looking the way I did????---dry your hair woman!! 

Training for Ironman distance races does not give me the excuse to let life become a narrow tunneled pathway. I seemed to have a very regimented schedule:

5am-7am work

7:15-9:45am Ride

10-11:30 Work

12:00 Nap/ Lunch

1-3 Ride/ Swim/ Run

4ish-8ish Work......and repeat.

Which I didn't seem to find any importance in any other "hobbies" when my current one was taking 2-6 hours of my day already. 

I think one thing I needed to learn was to become a well rounded athlete. One thing I learned while swimming for GMA in New Hampshire- was that athletics is so closely correlated with daily life. A "bad day" in the pool is okay to have- and usually there is a reason why you're having an "off" day. Stresses at home or work? Nutrition a little off? A needed rest in training? Maybe even the weather- or time of the month?

I had never looked at athletics through those eyes. I always took a bad day as a complete weakness- which would lead to a crying session in the shower after practice. 

Through these extremely hard weeks of recovery- I am looking at them as steps in a positive direction for my athletic career. This time is reminding me that I have to let all those positive life supports surround me as a person and create depth in my life. I believe this will help lessen the downs...(and the ups)...and keep me honest. I realized that- if I'm super unhappy in my daily life how do I expect to perform at my 100% best during training (and racing)?

So although I'm restricted to limited biking and swimming- I am proud to announce that I have finished two books recently- painted twice---and spent some quality time with friends I haven't seen it awhile. I'm really optimistic to get back enrolled in school---and have some (super) new goal races planned for the next couple of years. 

I don't know If I believe in signs. But I know I feel bad energy. I threw away my old training book that all my injured training is logged---and started new in a new book. Love the blue and pink!

Me and la Omar. First 100degree ride of the year....a little eye opening- we cut it just a bit short. I'll take it though. I love the heat.

Earlier this week. Finally. 

Spoiler.

This has been my phone background for a couple months now. Matt Lieto just reminds me to have fun and to not take it TOO seriously-----love it.

Love, Erin 

Rev3 Portland in Pictures

Last Training ride in the Tri before hitting the road for Rev3 Portland, last weekend. The weather has FINALLY started to get into the triple digits (which I LOVE)...so soaking up all that shine is a must.

I drove into Portland and directly to the race site. I'm super happy I was able to come a day before the race (on Saturday) to soak up the "triathlon land" (disneyland for adults) feel even though I wasn't able to race (....I thought........)

One of my favorite parts of the weekend---the Pro panel. I swear I'm not stalking Meredith Kessler. Im wondering if at all I look familiar....since Ive seen her in May, June, and now July at  three big races...and awkwardly says hi at every one. haha. Great Q and A---funny they all said their "ideal" race would be the hilliest bike- hilliest run- and for the most part hot weather day. Basically the hardest possible race-----......awesome.

Momma getting set up in transition on Saturday. This was her first half iron in....6 years? WOW! (and she did great....her pictures show how much fun she was having)

One thing i LOVED about the race. How personal it was for the athletes. I was sad that I wasn't able to get one.... haha.

Another thing I thought was AWESOME---upon checkin they took your picture---so when you crossed the finish line your picture, name and where you were from showed on the screen. I have never seen this and thought it was awesome---people just don't look the same after 5+ hours of working out. haha

Well, after meeting up with some of the teammates the day before- Alex reminded me of my (in passing) commitment to swim for a relay----that being if he was able to find a biker....and well t-16 hours before race start and no biker I figured I was in the clear to lounge in the sun and let my nutrition go a little for the afternoon- while sticking around the site to help out with any setup they needed (they definitely had everything well organized).....until he leaves and comes back an hour later stating we're signed up with a biker....ehhhhhh I didn't bring a wet suit...hope that water is warm! 

A little part of me was excited while a little part of me was scared shitless. I haven't been swimming as much---focusing a little more on "rest" and healing this pain in the hip---and now I was going to swim my first timed mile in......4 years....ahhh since my last ACC swim meet in Georgia. Damn.

"Erin let the expectations go and swim." 

So I rocked the REV3 suit (one of two people in nonwetsuit garb)... 

Race morning with momma. She's just awesome. Had that smile literally ALL DAY.

Finally got to meet some of the Rev3 team! Love them all! What awesome welcoming people. I tend to be pretty awkward upon meeting people for the first time. Not with this crowd. Must be the warm personalities....and I guess a common love for the same thing- I guess that helps :)

The 3RRR crew suited and ready to go. Love training with them back home---I was so happy that we were all able to travel down and race together. 

Um...so after the swim- Kristen and I (official spectators) notice a big pink van pull up behind transition. Could it be? VOODOO DOUGHNUTS. Yes, only in portland. And OH, SO PERFECT.

Alex, who was our runner decided we needed to match after putting his 5 upside-down on accident. Great teammate-----glad we got to do a relay----all from Alex's perseverance  haha

Taking off on the run. His pump up talk was "Okay we're going to have fun.....but we also should try to get top three...." haha- no pressure. He did awesome too got his goal time...and...dundundun our relay (me-swim, justin (teammates husband--awesome guy)-bike, and alex-run) won overall relay. Go teamrev3 :)

Momma and rob post race-- they both did great and battled the PDX hills. Those ice towels were THE BEST on that hot day. (Like I said....the smile did NOT leave her face)

Another post race shot- they all raced so awesome! I was excited that my contribution for the relay allowed me to be the spectator/camerawoman also for the day :)

Getting our medals. YEEEHAWWW

Finish chute. Super fun day.  Cannot wait until next year. Those hills are mine, baby.

Love, Erin

An update

It's amazing how if you stay optimistic things happen to fall into place a lot easier than letting the stress take you over. My glitch is lasting a little longer than I would hope- but I will not lose my drive just yet. 

It's been hard- my races haven't been really rewarding of all the training I had put in- but this just seems to be another challenge on the road. Luckily, this time around, I am loving the three sports.

A ride out with la Omar. (yes she) ha

Headed to Portland to ride the Rev3 course with some new gearing----wooof i was nervous for some of those climbs! This bike has "big girl gearing"....which basically just left me muttering to myself "linsey corbin legs...linsey corbin legs" the whole ride! I couldn't tell you the number of teeth because it confuses the hell out of me....but I do know that I lost my "bail out gears" from my lil Roo2 so this beast goes when you pedal. I like it.

Beautiful Mt. Hood en Route to Portland. I LOVE the PNW!!LSKDJ 

I told myself I was going to stop and take "a ton" of pictures of how pretty the Rev3 Portland Course is....however....I realized at the end...I got 2. So promise: More to come. It was a beautiful day for the challenging (but totally awesome) ride of the course we did. I was told only 30 min (no effort) bike rides....but I mean how can you not go hard when you've got so much green and so much sunshine?

The course stays on some back roads that wind through tree/moss/ivy/mushroom/flower covered trees up under the shade. My favorite part of the course shoots me straight back to my childhood watching "Fern Gully" with all the beauty of the PNW

Anyone watch this? Was one of my favorites.

Had a great time last weekend meeting a couple of my Rev3 teammates- Alisa and Zody in Portland for the Blue Lake Triathlon weekend. Unfortunately, I had to sit this one out- but spending time with good company made up for it :). Also, got to watch a ton of local triathletes rock the field! 

So Jm's working nights for a couple weeks....so 6pm-6am...meaning I'm home alone for dinner. Chips with that salsa?

Perfect end to a beautiful sunny longest day of the year. Friends, Cat, and the puter. Thinking healing thoughts....

Love Erin