omar, otters, and others

What a dream come true.

Two years ago I rode a bike for the first time since I was probably 7 years old in hopes of training for an Ironman. My roo2 (Qunitana Roo Chicqilo) was the best most awesome pink bike ever. I told myself after buying that bike that if her and I made it to Kona together I would upgrade to something I would have for life....well that happened a little sooner than expected....and with the help of Revolution Three Triathlon http://rev3tri.com/ and Competition Blue Cycles http://www.rideblue.com/index.php.....I am soooo happy to bring Omar into the JM Erin Kitty Household.

Jm and I traveled up to Cycle Metrix http://www.cyclemetrix.com/ to see Jim Kozak who helped us with the process of selecting a bike, fitting it, ordering, assembling, and fitting again. I can't even start to rave about how great his shop is...(not to mention how great of a person he was to meet). Very genuine, honest guy with a very genuine, honest shop. There is nothing there that I wouldn't buy....and believe me it was HARD not to!

Final photo shoot before loading her into the car.

Maiden voyage down the road. The sun finally came out for the occasion.

Jm and Omar. It's amazing having someone that shares the same love and passion for such a great lifestyle. I feel like Jm and I were kids talking for hours in the car ride up and back to CDA about this race, that race, this bike, that bike, this pro, that pro. I will always say- I would be no where without his love and support. 

Fitting the monkey arms to the bicycle. A couple months ago before seeing Jim I had a very very hard time staying in aero. I had never ridden down a hill in my bars....and this was a problem. I would only stay in aero if it was a flat road and I could see clear off into the distance. After 10 minutes on my roo bike...with some adjustments  I spent 80% of my last 100mi ride before St George in aero and LOVING IT. I was FLYING down hills FINALLY understanding why it was so fun. 

The Triad SL LE is only going to make 200 total (hence the LE)...I got number 29! Um. Wow.

A little bit better lighting.

Omar getting special treatment inside the car. The Reynolds wheels are AWESOME! They shine in the sun...not to mention being super aero and fast. (leave it to me to talk about their sparkle first :)---)

And a little bit more special treatment. The cat seemed to really like Omar. Im pretty sure she's going to be sleeping in the bedroom for awhile.

FOOD. Um this was the best cookie I have ever had.

Speaking of awesome bike riding. Can I tell you how awesome it is to spin to a live feed of Rev3 Quassy? So much for a recovery ride...got to watch all my favorite pros come in on the line and Julie Dibbens talking at the finish line. It was awesome watching them come in and immediately be interviewed. Heather was SOOOO CLOSE. Still had a great race...but woulda liked to see her take it :). What a stacked field this year. Can't wait for Rev3 Portland.......4 weeks!!!!!! http://rev3tri.com/portland/portland-news/  (They have a half- Olympic- and Aquabike...join us we're taking an awesome huge group! July 8!)

A bit more inspiration. Fuel that baby as fire. 

Speaking of super inspiring...reading Chrissy's book "A life Without Limits"...pretty good...but stumbled upon this. A six hour training run Hillary Biscay and Belinda Granger? They are just too awesome. Can't say this didn't motivate my Tuesday 4 hour trainer ride....I mean if they can run 6 hours I can ride 4 inside...right?

And another inspiring note: I have been working with a group of ladies now for 4-7 months in the pool. They are all competing if not their first Olympic Distance Triathlon (mile swim, 24mi bike, 6.1 mi run) it is their first in awhile---we did a broken mile for time on Tuesday. Our first class we did 800yds...and now they are racing 1650yds!!!!! So proud of my ladies who dropped (and maintained their 100yd pace goals)!! Let me say when they first started swimming wasn't their favorite of the three. Im hoping now this has changed...:). We have super fun! If you're interested in swim training for masters swimming or triathlon (7835465).

Okay, can we talk about this otter for a second? Phillip.

One of the ladies in my Tri Swim class found this little guy abandoned by his momma down by the river by her house. The den was dug up and he was left in the gravel outside her house on Sunday. She has the biggest heart!!! She started nursing him with pedialite every three hours....and after speaking with animal rescue was able to take him up to WSUs Vet program where they are going to take care of him....ON FRIDAY. So Kristen fed this little baby for 5 whole days every three hours. How awesome is that. "Is it poor form to leave your otter in the car while you get a mani and pedi?"

What a bub.

And finally. The princess of the house. The cat.  We like to blink at the same time.

Love, Erin