ode to Kermit

Guru is now officially named Kermit. Googled "Kermit bike" and got some good stuff:Kermit on the bike. Interesting rake on that fork. Also, it looks as if the chain is on the left side. Interesting. Kermit is now a hipster? Kermit wearing scarf on a green (celeste) bike. Does Kermit Cyclocross? (Lack of paved road, and skinny tires.)

What? A Muppet Wiki Page? Of course! But really, a Muppets on Wheels Wiki Page!? Wow, people.

Lately, I've been trying to get back on Kermey, because I've missed him. And because of this. Yeah, Fiesta Island Team Time Trial. With the Guru chicas of Moment Cycle Sport. The Parlee (yet to be officially named) has been receiving a lot of love lately. Swami's loops, GWL, Moment rides...I must get back on the Guru. Two weeks ago I got back on and did 65 up the coast and back with Dave, my new co-worker, who is training for Ironman Arizona. And it felt great to get back on those aerobars.

We've been hard at work practicing for the race this Saturday. Today was our last practice together before we compete. We kept it at a relaxed pace and we all felt pretty good. It should be quite an interesting day on Saturday, and we are all hoping for no wind. Please. No wind.

I've yet to pull the trigger on SOMA. (I know, right?) I have now printed out the registration form, I just have to mail in the check. Shoulder, running and hip/hamstring issues are holding me back. I don't want to injur myself before Ironman training starts, but I also know I should have a decent base before that starts as well. Balance. Something that I'm going to have to learn to manage and understand.

Swam with two arms twice last week. So that's good news. The cove cleared out (finally) and no longer reaks of dying squid, seagul crap, and rotting kelp. The two mile Friday morning swim was the best of the summer probably. (The one arm, one mile swim is right up there). Looking forward to it hopefully staying warm and clear for a while, before this thing called winter comes, and cools it back off. I haven't been able (nor have I wanted) to wear a wetsuit yet. My shoulder has enough problems rotating with the weight of my arm...don't need to add in any more restriction yet.

Fun party on Sunday. More to come later on that. Had a killer computrainer session followed by some circuit training with personal trainer Evan at Coastal last night. Busy at work. Lame excuse for the lack of blogging. But this has been keeping me busy:

is going to be awesome. Sign up today. Discounts still available.

swim - BIKE - ______

swim: It's going. I'm back up to using two arms...but not really "using" two arms. I still miss my stroke and feel super unbalanced. I can't recover the stroke normally, much less pull any water. Still, I'm going through the motions. I tested it out at the club half-ish ironman, where I just did the swim. It went alright, and I was a little sore/tired by the end. And it was in Glorietta Bay. Omg nastiness. Layer of filth lined my swim suit and gave me a mustache and beard of bay crumbs. I just got a shiver in my stomach thinking about it. Swam in the cove last Friday morning for Mary's "it's see you later, not goodbye" swim. She's moving to Ohio. So we gave her a Oh-bye-o swim. Got back in the pool...to play underwater hockey...left handed! (so I'm a lefty, but I play sports right handed, hockey included) Had fun, tried to stay out of the way and not get bashed.

BIKE: Yeah I'm back. Way stronger than expected. Here's how things shook down:
8/8: 50 miles. First ride back, SDBC.
8/9: 40 with Bethany
8/11: 20 on Kermit (the Guru's new name)
8/12: 25 with the MCS girls team on Fiesta
8/13: 55 Swami's loop with new co-worker starting in Del Mar, plus Torrey Pines to finish
8/15: 40 Oh-bye-o ride with Mary. Thanks to Beth for organizing.
8/16: 45 Swami's loop backwards with Stephen A. Fast ride. Sprint finish.

The ladies enjoying frozen yogurt after Mary's ride. Yum Yum!

So, 275ish miles, with only 20 on the tri bike. I've been having some fun with the hills. Still hating, but trying to embrace them. Parlee is helping. Lots of big ring power.

I love riding my bikes.

I said that out loud last Saturday, at the top of a hill, looking down upon San Diego, towards the Ocean, on a beautiful afternoon, with great friends. It doesn't get much better than that.

____: (so that should be RUN: correct?) Fill in the blank activities...
Entertain: Megan (sister) and Megan (sister's friend) came to visit last weekend. We had a blast. Went out in North Park for Mary's real going away party. Hung out with the Erins and danced the night away. Saturday they went surfing while I went on the ride, and we met up at Pizza Port for lunch...oh how I've missed it! Saturday afternoon was spent hanging out at the beach. I got in the water with no agenda. No buoy to swim to. Got in to cool off and play in the waves. FUN! So that's what it's like to be normal. They had to leave early Sunday and head back to Phoenix to work. After my swims, and bikes, I... entertained!

Me, Megan, Julie, and Megan at Ocean Beach.

Eat: We hosted a BBQ at our house for Chris Root's (Bethany's BF) going away party, Evan's mom was in town, and a bunch of people did the Club half-ish race earlier. Great food, friends and conversation. Nice weather as well, hanging out in the backyard.

Have been scared to run. Unmotivated. It has been hurting to jog to my car. This week will change. I'm going to get back out there and test out the legs...and the shoulder. And finally make a decision on the end of the year race...and my Ironman training kickoff. Pondering Carlsbad half marathon in January. Why why why?!

Erin and Meg. Fill in the blank: Two awesome __________! (sistas!)

I'm (almost) Back!

I know, slacking on the posts. A week goes by. Last time I was sulking. Now I'm celebrating. What's that saying, "Time heals all?" Ta da! Highlights of last week:

Monday was a great coaching session with my new client Gerry. Awesome dude. Was able to fix the timing (from windmill to front quadrant) which is one of the hardest things to undo. And this guy probably has some habits; he's 60+.

Tuesday Evan kicked my a$$ in a San Diego Personal Training session at Coastal. I owe him some swim lessons! Good stuff with squats, balance drills, core stuff...and starting to engage my shoulder rehab with a little movement. I think this really helped me in shoulder activation, and wow'ing myself with the fact that, yeah, I can move my arm! I'm (almost) Back!

Wednesday was Alicia's "It's not goodbye, it's see you later" party. She is a friend from the Moment team and we are sad to lose another girl member of our team, but happy for her new adventure in Denver. We all met at PL Sports Pub and Grill (I walked the 3 blocks from my house) and had a blast. 'Twas fun to watch the girls beat a certain guy at the punching bag game. hehe.Thursday (my one-day weekend) was a blast. I coached two more clients at the high school pool in Coronado on a gorgeous morning. I can't believe they pay me to float alongside them in an outdoor pool basking in the sun. Okay, I guess I can, since Brian has now been given the Rachel Certification of Perfect Stroke Technique. Now he has no excuse for middle-o-pack swims. And Shelby has shown significant time decreases in her timed sets. Ah, the joys of coaching. Watching someone improve because of something I have pointed out and corrected gives me so much satisfaction in why I do it. Also found out about the BEST WEBSITE FOR SWIM TECHNIQUE...Mr. Smooth. Check it out. The rest of Thursday was spent chillin with Noko and Ian, where I had a delicious lunch and some popsicles from the ice cream truck we rushed out front to greet! Yum, Sponge Bob ice cream with gum ball eyes. :) Thursday evening was the Big Moon Swim at La Jolla Shores. A warm wetsuitless full moon swim with a bunch of crazy triathletes. Super sad my under water camera is broken (from the crash) because it was yet again, a great evening. Did I mention I swam with one arm?Friday was a great morning cove swim with Banister. He was nice enough (on his Ironman recovery week. 11:34 at Vineman) to stick with me...as we were catching others. I'm (almost) Back! I was labeled the fastest one-armed swimmer ever by my friend Peter. I beg to differ. One word: Paralympics. Watch the 100m Fly from the last games...a dude with NO arms wins. Dolphin kicking his way to a gold medal, way way way faster than I can ever imagine. Hits the touch pad at the end with his head. Amazing.

Saturday I awoke for what was to be my first true test. As if I haven't been testing myself enough in the water. Elaine and Lynne were going to ride SDBC, so I figured hey, why not join my teammates?

First ride back in three weeks. The same ride that I crashed on. Intense group riding. Why not?

Why not just jump back into it, and face the fear? Yet, I went into it not fearful. But focused. Intent on getting what needed to get done, done. And that was completing the ride. Three weeks ago I crashed a mile before the end. I needed to survive SDBC. And I'll spoil it...I did!

I had shared my thoughts about this ride being the first back with a couple of people. Most everyone responded that I should ease back into it. "What you need is a short, flat, easy ride. What you need is Fiesta Island. Don't rush. Listen to your body" F that. I was listening. I knew what I needed. And what I needed was drastic changes from this whole "resting" thing. I was stir crazy. I was watching my friends attacking their workouts and all I could do was swim one armed. I had to walk past both my bikes every day and miss them. Feel bad about neglecting them. Promise that I'd get back on them soon. So Saturday it was. (disclaimer: I did get doctor clearance to do "this" -cycling- based on pain tolerance. The only thing that can make it worse: crashing again. So okay, I can deal with that.)

I won't get into the dirty details, but I made it. I was attacking the ride, yet being patient. Listening to my body, and liking what I was hearing. "You're going to be okay. wow, you are riding you bike, wow you are getting out of the saddle, wow you are cornering. wow your legs are sore, wow your hamstring is tight, wow evan really did kick your a$$ in that leg session." I think I thought about my legs and lungs long before I thought of my shoulder. Taking my arm off my bars to signal a turn was the first time that I "felt" my shoulder. By the end, I really couldn't believe it. The wind in my helmet, the sound of free wheels buzzing in my ears and the smile on my face. The entire ride. Overwhelming happiness. Sweet, the ride is over. 45 miles. 2:20 saddle time. And I'm (almost) Back! (wow, that was a little cheesey even for me...but it's hard to describe doing something you love after not having done it in a while; yes I realize three weeks isn't that long. but it wasn't voluntary)

Saturday evening requires it's own post: so just a small one-word addition. I saw No Doubt in concert: SPECTACULAR.

Sunday I slept in a little and was planning to test out the tri bike for a short ride. Bethany somehow convinces me to ride with her teammates and Chris for an easy 2 hour out and back ride. One big 40 mile loop, 2 plus hours later, I'm home, hungry and beat. Wow, I did it again. This isn't a fluke. I'm (almost) Back!

For the grand finale. A one mile, TWO armed swim. With Banister and Jake. Who didn't take it easy on me, who didn't slow up. I had to push to keep up. Right arm was just swimming through the motions, and the left arm was working hard...as was the kick. (Think my legs had enough this weekend?!) My stroke is not at all normal, nor is it balanced. I am awkward and uneven. But I'm (almost) Back!

This morning I got back on Petunia (Guru) and did a couple hill repeats with the Moment ride. Good times, fun sprints and no (minimal) pain. I missed my tri bike, but it also gave me an appreciation for the road bike. No wonder triathletes get a bad wrap for having poor handling skills...it's not them, it's the bikes! Holy touchy! It's much easier to transition onto the road bike, than it is to get back on the tri bike. Reminder for next winter/spring when I'm getting into road racing...don't forget about your tri bike! You have an ironman to train for!

So when will I be back? Hopefully soon. I want to feel the water normally again. I want to be equally strong again. I want, I need, I know: Time heals all.

I'm going to be okay...

if I keep telling myself I'm going to be okay.
ah, the troubles of staying positive. when functionality is low and pain is constant.
But today (7/26) something put a smile back on my face. I got in the water. In the ocean. I swam alone. With one arm. I heard dolphins. Underneath me. I saw dolphins. Swimming five feet away. I road the trainer. With one arm. I was a cheerleader. In Solana.
I did all of this. And now I'm tired. My arm is tired. My arm is hurt. But, I'm going to be okay. I'll just keep telling myself. But it's scary. But it's hard. But it takes too long.
I started this post a week ago. Expecting to get my MRI results last Monday. Didn't get the call (even after many follow up calls to my doc) until Friday. But...I'm Free! Well at least of any major complications, and I have my large swimmer shoulders to thank. Not only did they help me swim fast, they protected themselves in a moment of utter disaster, and hopefully they will return back to normal within a month.

I'm going to be okay...if I stay positive.

Today (8/2) something kept that smile on my face. I got in the water. In the ocean. I swam. Again, with one arm. With Stephen A. Made salmon. yum. After watching my amazing friends Nikee and Mary dominate the five mile Tour of Buoys race this, I wanted to be back out there. I want to be normal again. I want to ride my bikes. I want to be able to wipe off the counter without pain. I want to be okay.

Not much else to report. Work has been crazy, trying to get word out about the race we are putting on: The San Diego Triathlon Classic. October 10th, 2009. Sign up. Ask me about club discounts.


Oh, last Friday I swam with the morning cove crew. Ended up "racing" people back from the 1/2 mile buoy. Great times. With one arm. 3o min round trip (1 mile). Not bad! I'm perfecting my one arm freestyle, backstroke and modified butterfly. Great times.

I'm going to be okay...Rest, Ice, PT.

Catch up, only to fall back down.

Last Friday I was thinking. I was getting back into it. After a rough May (back injury) and a blindsided June (newly single), July was sure to be my month. I quit my job and started at Moment Cycle Sport. I was coming off a decent performance at San Diego International - with a renewed focus. I was enjoying the cove - more than ever. I had just completed my fastest Great Western Loop - feeling refreshed. I was getting comfortable on the Parlee - ready to sign up for what was going to be my first road race. I had been putting in some serious swim miles - training for the 5 mile race, and 10 mile challenge. I was ready to pull the trigger on SOMA - getting ready for my year end race followed by my Ironman training kickoff.
I was caught up. With some decent base miles, I was ready to seriously get back into training. To actually start running again. To lay down some speed work on the bike. To crank out some gnarly swims.

Saturday morning I woke, I rode, and for the third time in three months, BAM!

Sometimes you fall back down.

First though, I must get to the start of July. 'twas the start to a great month! 4th of July rocked. That following week flew by with a bunch of ocean swims, and another GWL Thursday, and Erin's Golf Birthday Party. The Front Nine at North Park. The 9 holes were 9 different bars. "Strokes" were determined by how many drinks it took to finish your beverage. A big group showed up for a very fun evening. I even made a quiet please sign for Jake to hold while the "shots" were in progress. Somehow I got more use out of the sign.Girlies! Birthday girl, me, and Nikee. Yes, in front of the bathroom.
Erin's Birthday Bash 09. Awesome. Followed by numerous glasses of water preparing for an early wakeup. I worked the Carlsbad expo on Saturday and Sunday. (not too much sleep that weekend). Was surprisingly fine. So, why not attempted the GWL for a second time that week? With Jake in 100 degree+ heat. Haha, nice try, but I turned back (1.5hr ride time), for a nice relaxing ocean swim with Steve and Erin. Beautiful evening, yet I forgot the camera in the car.

Another quick week and work, and the epic Thursday morning GWL with Noko, Ian and Brian. I say epic, only because of how I felt. After having to turn back on Sunday, exhausted from a crazy weekend, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel on Thursday. I had never turned back on a ride. I finish what I start. Physically and mentally, that was a tough ride. I went into the Thurs ride thinking I was going to take it easy, and let my body recover. Yet the Parlee wouldn't stop. I pushed the pace for a while on the front half, yelling at myself to watch it, or else I'll pay for it later. But I never paid for it. I worked the back side, staying on Brian's wheel. Soared through the downhills, and laid the hammer down at the end...and even had fun with a little sprint at the finish. Seriously, who sprints at the end of GWL? Surely not me. On the way home I thought back to my first time on that ride, which was the maiden voyage on the Guru. Rain and pain. Key memories. I think the first handful of times were all pain. Telling myself I'd never do it again. Yet here I was, celebrating my fitness, and enjoying the entire ride.After that epic ride, I read some Lance Armstrong in my backyard, got hooked and of course fried myself, took a small nap and headed to the John Clancy "biathlon" in nearby Mission Beach. "Biathlon" because I'm from Minnesota. And a biathlon where I'm from consists of cross country skiing and shooting. So apparently a California biathlon consists of running and swimming. A reverse aquathlon. But with a surprise in the middle. Didn't really have a race plan, as I was beat from the GWL in the morning, and from my great pre-race tanning session. The gun was off, and I just tried to stay within eye shot of Erin. Kept a pretty steady pace, which seemed a little fast for me, but decided what the heck, why not? Got onto the beach, and it was high tide. Fun times skipping over kelp beds and kids. Finally made it to the surprise...a beer stop at the Sandbar. 3 minute time deduction for anyone who has a beer. Okay! Done! Onto the boardwalk on the way back, six good burps and I was back in business. Holding that steady pace, still able to see Erin and stick with the same guys that had been around me for most of the race. Turned back into the bay and headed for the far beach to the swim start. Threw my shoes in the box and headed into the water. I was hot, so the cold bay, although nasty, felt great. I was able to get my heart rate where I wanted it within the first 50ish yards, and got into my groove. Figured I should pass now, rather than sit on her feet. Passed a couple guys and headed for shore. Finished at the fire pit. Sweet! Erin was right behind me...all to similar to SDIT. Ended up winning overall. Hmm, I could get used to this running then swimming thing. Even with a beer, it was easier than the club Aquathlon the previous month. More importantly, I dominated at the post-race festivities...Leg Wrestling! Evan and I duking it out. Leftover nut balls at Steve's with the crew make for a great recovery dinner. Friday I woke early to get some mileage in the cove with Banister. We took a very round about way of getting to the shores and emerged to this:Karate people, karating the water. Super random. I think I first called them ninjas, although everyone knows ninjas wear black. Sorry, it was early. Two and a half miles before work. Good times.

So that brings me to last Saturday. I got the privilege of coming in late to work to represent Moment on the SDBC ride. I rode from my house to Steve's, then to Evan's, and then to the start of the ride. After some chit chat I was off with the 'B' group for my first road cycling group experience. First impression...FUN! And totally different than triathlon "group" rides. I can't really say which is "better" because they are so different, but it put a renewed energy into my cycling. After some warmup through La Jolla, we finally started to get going as we hit a slight incline. I was able to stay with the front of the pack the entire ride, even on the climbs! I made it through stud loop. I was able to avoid a bottle that got ejected and ran over by the dude in front of me after a rather large bump that I also hit. I was comfortable being sandwiched in. I was having fun with a dysfunctional paceline. I was chatty with random riders. I was smiling. I made it to the end without getting dropped and doing a pretty decent job as well. Filled up with water and headed back to the start with the guys. Did Torrey Pines in my fastest time ever. Was pulling for a bit but I let Stephen A take over. We dropped the other boys and were going at a pretty good clip past UCSD where disaster hit. As he ever so slightly slowed, I ever so slightly accelerated. He inched right as I inched left. Right into his wheel. Major overlap and instantly out of control. I screamed and he looked back.
BAM.I was down. Shoulder first, then head. Then skidding. Then stopped. Then fast breathing and assessing the situation. I'm okay, but I'm not okay. Move your legs. What hurts? Shoulder. More people. Bike...is it okay? Good. Me? Not good. Someone called ambulance. I didn't want to go on the backboard. Jersey off, so they wouldn't cut it off. Moving legs and chatting up a storm to lessen the pain. An attempt to forget about it. Someone called Mom. Kept begging not to go on the backboard. Want to sit up. Someone called JT. Can't make it to work, crashed my bike. Now strapped down with duct tape to the board. Over my sunburned belly. Still chatting. Going for a ride. Morphine. Wave of nausea. Chatting. Hot paramedics. Christmas birthdays. Into the hospital. Dr. Rich Guy (paramedic named him) checks me out. More morphine. Wave of nausea. Chatting. Goodbyes to hot paramedics, one was a swimmer. By myself for the first time. Tears. Breakdown. Shoulder hurts like no other. No more swimming. No more riding. It's summer. It's over. Tears. Breakdown. Friends come in. Make it better. Pee. Must pee. Erin escorts the drugged girl to the restroom. Old lady tries to take blood pressure on hurt arm. Are you freaking kidding me? No need to yell she says she didn't know. Didn't know? Read my fricken chart lady, and here's my left arm. X-ray. Nope just kidding. I need more drugs, the pain isn't gone and if you move me I swear I'll punch you with my good arm. Stronger drugs, nausea again. X-ray. More friends. I don't get water or food in case surgery is necessary. Friends eat frozen yogurt Stephen A brought me. Dr. Rich Guy is back. Separated shoulder. Moves his arm in a swimming motion and said I can't be doing any of that for a while. Tears. Breakdown. Blood pressure lady is back. Remembers to grab left arm. Yeah, you better remember! Sling man comes in. Finally I'm out of there. Get into car. Nausea. Get actual frozen yogurt for me. Nausea. Wallgreens to get drugs. Get home. Friends. I'm pretty messed up at this point. Finally puked. Everyone left besides Stephen A, who kept me company. He finished reading my Lance book to me out loud, since I was on drugs and couldn't focus. He brought me dinner (Tender Greens, yum). We had an icing party. Friends. Yes I'm smiling. It's my defence when I'm scared and when I'm in pain. I smile. I talk. And I laugh. To fill the void. To take away the scaryness. To keep my mind off the pain. To prevent my thoughts from negativity. And yes, the paramedics were hot.

Okay. so that's what happened. Thank you thank you to Evan, Erin, Jake, Stephen A and B for being at the hospital with me, for taking care of my bike, for giving me shade, for talking to me, for holding my hand, for taking me to the bathroom, for calling my mom, and for keeping me company at a super scary time in my life. You know that I'd do the same for any of you, but I can't say thank you enough. It really meant a lot to me. Thanks to Noko for taking me in on Sunday and for a delicious lunch. Thanks to Moment for giving me the days off. I need a new helmet now.

Not sure about recovery time. Went to primary care doc yesterday, who sent me to ortho doc today, who is sending me to get an MRI sometime soon. Argh to the process. Trying to keep my head up and my outlook positive. It's hard when I know my 5 mile tour of buoys race is over, Camp Pendelton sprint is out, and the 10 mile swim has been postponed, probably until next summer. My friends decided at the hospital that they are waiting until I can do it, although secretly I know they are all excited to be getting out of it. Let it be known, you are not out of it. I will be back. And Point Loma will be swam around! I am down, but I will catch back up.

4 July 09

Before we get to the festivities, a little update.
So I quit my job. :) Wednesday was my last day at Wells Fargo Financial after almost three years with the company. I leave with no hard feelings and I'd like to say it wasn't a horrible first job. Hey, it got me out to California. And, through work rewards points, it got me the waterproof camera that enabled the pictures in this post!I'm now gainfully employed at Moment Cycle Sport as the marketing and sales associate. It will be great to combine my academic background with my love of all things bike (and tri). I really believe in what this shop is and their beliefs on fit and customer focus. I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead.Thursday, Lynne, Elaine and I had the inaugural women's team Parlee ride out at the Great Western Loop with Brian, Elizabeth and Pat. Getting used to holding all the weight with my low back, rather than my bone structure in my aerobars will be a challenge. I was able to finish the ride strong, and we even went for a short, very slow, run afterwards.

Friday was my first day at new work. Time flies when you actually work at work! Sold some shoes and started learning their system. Friday evening, Ian and Noko had a couple of us over for an amazing dinner! She's a personal chef and knows how to feed hungry athletes. Fillet, ribs, corn on the cob, potatoes, and an eggplant dish filled me up! Great conversation with great friends.

Alright...onto the fiesta! Or should I say off Fiesta.

Saturday started early, with Erin meeting me at 7:30 to head down to Coronado to watch our friends compete in the 50th annual Coronado roughwater one mile swim. We opted out ($45 for a lame t-shirt, possible medal, and 1/2 bottle of sunscreen) primarily due to the water temp. 56 degrees!? what! Jake, Carrie, and Mary (brave souls) all swam really well...and froze their butts off! After sticking around waiting for results from the most ghetto timing system of popsicle sticks and warming up (trying) Erin, Jake and I headed out for a quick ride down the strand and back. Ahh aerobars, I missed you this week.Quick stop at vons and the liquor store for some plastic bottles of 99 peaches and apples and Erin and I headed home to prepare for Operation Floatie. This idea started when Erin asked me what I was doing for the 4th. I had no plans, but thought about floating and drinking in Mission Bay since you can't drink on the beach. After some research we found our plan was legal and it was on. Erin checked out target.com and purchased the rafts earlier this week. I had some fun decorating the coolers aka "wet box" (and Erin's stomach). Jake came along as adult supervisor because who knew what Erin and I were in for. And because we are fun company. We walked to Fiesta Island, what I told them was approx. two miles from my house. So a fair sized walk in flip flops and our swimsuits. And questionable about making the trek home. Landed in MB and found a spot to start blowing up our floaties. Done and done! Now let's hit the water and start mixing the drinks! It was a bit windy and we found ourselves in a predicament. Paddle hard, constantly, or become beached...and illegal. Erin's genius idea brought us to the swim area buoys which worked out beautifully. Enjoyed the sun, water and pull 'n' peel twizzlers. Had our fun and decided we should head home.

Say cheese!Erin, Jake, and his medal from the morning's swim.

Walk home was easy and uneventful. Went to PL sports for "dinner" but the kitchen was closed. Back home for a snack, and fireworks. We crawled onto the roof from Katrina's room and could see 8 different firework shows. Awesome. Downtown, IB, Coronado and Point Loma all had the same show, starting at the exact same time. So cool to see them all synchronized. The show was over, but for us it had only just begun. Next stop was "The Hole." Apparently a gay bar, with no patrons besides us. Rock town. One block from my house. The actual bar had a really nice setup. Two beers and a free shot later and home was calling us. A very long super fun day.Today I woke at 6:30. Really? Ugh, body needed water. And apparently mac and cheese at 7:30. Nice hangover breakfast with Erin. Sweet. Off to Coronado for lessons and a ride on the strand with Jake. Phil's BBQ with coach Chad and Julie for super yummy lunch. Home for a nap and then off to the cove, for yet again, another great way to end my weekend.

You can't tell, but I need a pedicure.

A brisk wetsuit-less one mile sunset swim. Brought the camera along attached to my swimsuit strap and tucked into my back. Surprisingly non-restrictive. I'm going to have to start wearing different caps to mix it up a bit.

Today:

I road my new Parlee for the first time.

And...

More later.

Friends

Was in a sentimental mood today, when a friend forwarded me a picture (the last one). I was thinking about the friendships that I've had in my life, and how so many have affected me, and how most are still present. I was thinking about how so many of them stand up for me, and help me when I'm down. Each one of them can make me laugh.
There are a lot of definitions for "friend" but one of my favorites is, "A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are." Here is another photo filled blog post.

A friend is someone who will always be there. Annie, my best friend since 1998ish. She's an amazing lady, busy with med school so we don't talk often. Although we are many miles apart, we seem to come together quickly when re-united. She is "my buddies," my marshmallow Peeps/peachie companion, and my high school giggle pal. We are full of inside jokes. Although our friendship started out in the pool, it lasted way beyond those countless yards and endless synchronized swimming hybrids. She is and always will be my best friend.

A friend is someone who can cuddle with you. Missy, my college roommate and best friend since 2002. Our relationship started off via email. Long, long emails. Our histories. Our secrets. Our truths. Then we met the summer before we went to college at an Olive Garden in Fargo, ND. It's weird meeting someone for the first time when you feel like you've known them your entire life. I suppose it's like internet dating. We met in the middle and have since hit it off. We also have our fair share of inside jokes from way too many hours spent in our dorms talking, giggling, rather than studying. Fyi, she has fantastic piggy back hips...once carrying me down the stairs of the dining center, across campus, up the stairs and into our dorm room, with no breaks. She rocks.

Friends are people you admire. The Pink Ladies, friends since 2002, roommates from 04-06. Each one of these ladies has a special place in my heart. This is our Christmas card from our senior year...lifting your spirits. Below that is our most recent reunion at Kayley's Wedding this past month. We have an unbelievable bond that has been through alot, and has yet to break. They have all lifted me when I was down, and would do anything for me. The ghetto of 821 S 25th st holds a lot of history in those walls. Missy, Kayley, Katie and Kari will always be "my college roommates."

Like I said before, friends lift you up when you are down...or when you need some fun! Airplane rides with turbulence are something I share with my friends. Here is KK on her last airplane ride as a single lady! A friend is someone who will pose for a karate chop dance move with you. Keaton, the most metro straight guy you'll ever meet, friends since college. Keaton listens with true interest and gives the truth straight back at you. He always say the right things, even if it's not what you want to hear. He knows how to console, listen, advise...which is why he's a great life coach. He'll always return your phone call, and always make time for a friend in need. He also gives great fashion advice without making you feel like a piece of crap wearing sweatpants. Judging without judging?

A friend will hold their breath for (with) you. Mare, foreigner, friend since 2002. This crazy chica from Estonia entered my life wearing trousers drinking coke, speaking British English in North Dakota. She quickly learned our crazy slang, pants and pop, and was instantly welcomed. It was fun watching her come out of her shell, and really getting to know her throughout our four years together. Mare para, you will always bring a smile to my face.

Friends are people who will dance the night away. College friends. Mostly swimmers, and mostly friends since 2002 when we all became Fighting Sioux. These guys are my teammates, and they know more than anyone what I went through to get where I am as an athlete...because they did it as well! Only swimmers understand how crazy swimmers are. Sacrifices, injuries, and downright hard work are what we went through to attempt at achieving success. UND alumni at Kayley and Nick's wedding.A friend is someone you can lean on. Mike "Pink Pants" Evans, friend since 2006, cat like climbing skillz. This man taught me so much, not only climbing, but boys, relationships, and life. He showed me how to climb with my legs not my arms, the art of smearing and slab climbing. He pushed me to perfect my technique and for this I am grateful. He listened when Amanda and I were having boy problems. He is like a dad that you can talk to about girl stuff...as odd as that sounds, it works. Now that I've moved away from Minnesota, I miss having that watchful eye, and that hearty laugh.

A friend is also someone who will catch you when you fall, and hold on for your life. Literally, here, Mike again, on the north shore in Minnesota. One of my favorite routes.
A friend is someone who can change with you. Amanda, bad ass climbing chica, friend since 2006. This lady is the sickest, strongest, girly girl I know. I can have the girlyest conversation with her one minute, and crank on the hardest 5.11 route the next. She pushed me in the gym, when I gave up on competing, so sick of it from college. She would pull hard, so I'd pull harder. I got stronger because of her. A friend will do laps up and down all the 5.7-5.10s in the gym with you, training for something that was so far out my league, and prepare you for something so amazing. We went to Mexico, led ourselves up multiple full day endeavors, "manning" up and getting it done. We came back as bad ass climbing chicas. Now that I have left, she is still here for me on the girly girl front.
A friend is someone who will train with you. Bethany, bionic babe, friend since 2008. She is one of my first girlfriends in San Diego. I met her at my first club race and got to know her a couple times at the cove and on the TCSD Saturday Del Mar rides. She has gone through alot, but somehow manages to listen a little when I need it. We signed up for our first Ironman together, St. George, Utah, and will lose our IM virginity together. Looking forward to a winter full of training. A friend can be new, but you know she will be forever. Erin, fellow midwest transplant, collegiate swimmer, friend since 2009ish. This girl knows how to have fun, and look good doing it. I see many days of giggles in our future. Although she is probably my biggest competitor, I wouldn't want anyone else to beat me more than her. I met her last summer and don't know how we didn't hang out more until recently. A friend can take you places. Petuina, custom Guru triathlon bike, friend since November 2008. Yes, I'm calling my bike my friend. She never talks back, is always willing to go for a ride, listens to how I'm feeling, responds to my requests, looks hot, yet makes me look hotter, and is Fast (thus making me fast). She rides well with others and stands out in transition so I know where I can find her. She is mine, and I love her. A friend is someone you can watch the past with and dream about the future. Nikee, fellow swim coach, friend since 2008. Another San Diegan friend for life. This little chica has a big personality, and a warm midwestern heart. She has been through her share of heartache and success...so swapping stories with her is always good. Caleb took this picture of us at the cove last Friday.

My friends have empathy and sympathy. They give honesty when others would have trouble giving the truth. There is a mutual agreement and the desire to want what is best for one another. All my close friends know how to hug me. So, this got a little more personal than I usually go, but I guess I was in a sentimental mood. I'd just like to say thanks to the friends above, and the friends who I didn't mention. I think John Lennon said it best, "I get by with a little help from my friends."