The many faces of Johanna...

Thanksgiving Memories...

Thanksgiving has typically been one of my favorite holiday's over the years. There have been some really fun ones, and some that I can fortunately look back on and laugh. But it's typically a great evening to sit around with family...and just...relax and have fun. Oddly enough, this has been the one major holiday that I haven't made a big deal about not spending with my parents. But yet, it still seems like a holiday that one should spend with their family.

This year, I made the decision to spend Thanksgiving in DC. It just wasn't feasible to fly home for Thanksgiving, and then turn around a month later and go home for Christmas. At the time I made the decision, my roommate was also planning to stay in DC...but now...because of some family stuff, she's now planning to go home. It's totally the right thing to do for her. Just hard...because it now leaves me to, most likely, spend the day alone. I'll be ok. I know I will...but it won't be easy either.

The first Thanksgiving that I didn't spend with my parents was my senior year in college. My senior thesis class had the option to go to England, and I, of course, had to go. It was a great, tiring trip. The day before Thanksgiving, we went to Oxford, where we visited the college where they film the Harry Potter movies. Then we ate lunch at this Americanized pub. And all 4 of us promptly got food poisoning. So on Thanksgiving morning, me and another girl slept while the other 2 went sightseeing. Then we had tea at the Savoy with Margaret Drabble...which was cool. And then, when we got back to Victoria Station...we ate Thanksgiving dinner at Burger King. Fan. Tas. Tic. This goes down in history as the worst Thanksgiving ever. But I still can laugh about it. Now.

Last Thanksgiving was also a very good time. I spent the weekend with my brother and sister-in-law in NYC. I spent entirely too long staring out the front window laughing at the people rushing to the liquor store across the street. But it was very nice...we watched the parade...on tv...we cooked...we shopped for wine...we ate a ton of really good food...and my brother got a little drunk...which was also really funny. But it was a good weekend...although the meal that I really take away from that trip was the burgers we had the night I got into town. After the most awful bus ride ever, they took me directly to get dinner and drink beer. It was...amazing. And then we got sorbet. Pear sorbet. Mmm....my mouth waters at the mere idea :) Also funny story...is right after I got off the bus, we were headed down to the subway and of the 3 of us...some guy stops ME for directions. I was so out of it because I had just gotten off a bus after 9 hours...I couldn't even speak. My brother promptly grabbed my arm and drug me down the steps and my sister in law stopped to give him directions. I do remember the guy saying that he didn't mean to scare me. And I heard her explain to him that I wasn't from there...and that I wasn't feeling well. Awesome.

Ah...memories.

Over the years...there have been a lot of great memories...more than just those that I've mentioned. But it's nice to look back at all of the holiday's and have those good memories.

Savageman: A weekend to remember

Initially after the race on Sunday...I basically wanted to curl up (and possibly die) and forget that the race ever happened. At that point, I felt that nothing had really went right for my race. Now, a couple of days later...I'm starting to see a lot more good things about the weekend than I initially had.

My first thanks for the day has to be everyone that was helping prep breakfast at the tent. As soon as I walked up...the first pot of coffee was finished brewing...you really can't ask for more perfect timing than that :)

After hanging around to watch everyone dance into their wetsuits...I wished Katy (my swimmer) good luck, told Ginny I would see her on the bike...and I headed out to Toothpick lane where I was volunteering to point everyone left. I thought I was going to be the only one there, but was pleased to see Erin standing there as well. I really enjoyed getting to cheer for everyone as they flew past on their bikes. Seeing everyone's faces as they grimaced looking at the hill to come was priceless.

After my volunteer shift was over...I headed back to the Z tent to chill out before I needed to run. I have to say that I absolutely love relaying...and I especially love doing the run portion...but the wait is a killer. But I was calm...which is a completely new thing for me. Normally I'm a nervous mess...but you know...never having ran a half marathon before...not to mention the course...what did I have to be nervous about?

It was great getting to hang out with all of the other runners in transition...especially hedging bets with Chris on when I would pass him. I was a little jealous of seeing everyone else off as their bikers came in...Ginny had told me she needed 5 hours on the bike...and when she passed me that morning at 9:20, I knew we were exactly on schedule. But to be honest, Ginny was the only one that ever said she needed 5 hours...everyone else knew she'd be in before that. And true to that...she was in at 4:30. Awesome job on the bike Ginny.

And finally...I was running...which felt awesome. I had seen a large portion of the run course...and knew that it was challenging, but not...horrible. The first loop really wasn't bad. The only time I had to walk was half-way up the Tower Climb. And it also helped that by the time I was running my first loop, I was getting passed by a ton of people on their second loop. One guy even gave me kudos for wearing my running skirt...and appreciated that I was "bringing it back". By the time I got to the park to start my second loop...my legs were starting to feel it...but at the time...I didn't think it was anything I couldn't overcome. I slowed down. I tried to keep myself as hydrated as possible without giving myself a stomach ache. But I could not have been more wrong about being able to overcome my legs. I had also checked my time, and knew that I was perfectly on schedule to come in on my goal time of 2:30. Rock on.

I passed Holly...looking like a rock star...early on the second loop. I must say it was awesome racing with you Holly!

My first challenge was that my plan to eat a banana the first time I passed the aid station at the entrance to the campground was foiled by the fact that they no longer had any bananas.

Dang.

I'll just have to wait 4 miles until the next aid station.

I also got a chance to see Chris...and he made fun of me for not passing him in the campground, and we again hedged bets on when I would overtake him. He was banking on me passing him by the Tower Climb. I wasn't so sure...but was willing to try.

But then...my calves...and oddly my ankle...started cramping. I slowed down even more...and walked up a few big hills. Which really sucked...because I actually LIKE running up hills...but my legs just wouldn't let me. By mile 9.5...I was done. I just wanted to be across the finish line and sitting down...with my legs soaking in ice. But for some reason, this pesky course thought that it needed to go on for a few more miles. WTF is up with that?!?

I'm not going to lie...the next few miles were awful. There were times I was in tears my legs hurt so badly...and if it weren't for the occasional cheer from either fellow Z'ers or the occasional spectator...I probably wouldn't have made it. When I once again passed Chris after he had made it down the Tower Climb...I knew I wasn't going to catch him. I knew my legs wouldn't be able to get me there. But he still told me that I would. Chris...that seriously meant a lot. This is the second race that we've been in there at the end together...and it's been fantastic!...well...mostly :)

Then on to the next aid station. Guess what. No bananas.

#$?%(!@

Oh yeah...and did I mention that half way through the second loop, I look down and realized that I no longer was wearing my race belt? Fan. Tas. Tic. When I wasn't feeling like I was going to die...I was casually looking at the ground to see if I had dropped it in a ditch somewhere.

But then I get to the top of the Tower Climb, and to the aid station there. And guess what? THEY HAVE BANANAS! At this point...I basically realize that it's going to have absolutely no benefit other than a placebo...but I thought that might be enough to get me across the finish line. As I rounded the cone at the top...another volunteer stopped and said "222...I have your number...I've been waiting for you!"

Phew...no penalty for that...hopefully :)

I hook it back to my waist...and take off down the hill. By this time...my legs are hurting enough that I can't even really run downhill either. Lovely.

Over the last couple of miles...I honestly don't remember a lot. There were a few Z'ers that passed me...and tried to get me to run to the end with them...and I just couldn't keep up. I appreciate the support because I definitely needed it!

By the time I got back to the park...I knew I was close...and couldn't wait to finish. I ended up walking a huge portion of it. And at approximately mile 12.75, my race belt fell off again. ARGH!?! When I leaned down to pick it up...remember that weird ankle cramp. Yeah...it just got a million times worse. At that point...I knew I'd have to walk the rest of the way. I kept trudging along...and finally made it to the curve before the finish line. There was absolutely no way I was going to let anyone see me walk across the finish line...so I started jogging...and crying at the same time. I remember seeing Ginny and Chris there...and Jeff doing his usual of asking me what took so long. I don't remember much about crossing the finish line other than sobbing against Jeff and attempting to ask to sit down somewhere. Jeff and Ginny got me to a bench...and then got me to calm down a little bit and tell them what hurt...which was basically everything.

Shoe removal. Foot up. Ice pack. Drinking half of Ed's beer. I'm feeling slightly better...but the embarrassment of crying across the finish line is starting to set in...

Up to this point...I was feeling awful about how the race went. I hadn't made my goal time...even though I was fairly certain I was in under my "even if I eff up" time. At that point I was sure the slim chance my relay team had of getting on the podium for all female relays was gone. And I was just looking forward to coming back next year and crushing the race.

Since then...my perspective has changed a little.

I checked the times yesterday...and found out the EngergiZer BunnieZ placed second (2 podium placements in 2 weekends...I could totally get used to that...) and my legs aren't hurting nearly as bad...and I've realized that a lot of really good things came out of this race.

First off...huge kudos to some people...

Chris...you were totally a rock star out there and you and Ginny were a fantastic to support all weekend.
Fabrice...major kudos on actually giving Chris that 1 loop lead he needed to stay ahead of me (I wasn't actually serious when I told you to do that!?!)
Holly...for sticking in there looking like a rock star while doing it...and making sure that the trees knew you were ok after you fell :)
Nicholas...for actually starting to run when I made fun of you on the Tower Climb
Katy and Ginny...for being an awesome relay team! I had such a good time...and you both did amazing...and I'm glad we were able to beat out 2 (not just 1) other relay team!!!
Every single Z member that encouraged me on the run...you are all amazing and I literally could not have done it without your support.
There was another racer who had finished and was cheering on the last leg of the run...who had told me good job...to whom I responded "You lie...but thank you anyway."

Lessons learned...

CARRY YOUR OWN NUTRITION. Yeah...no more dumbass moments for me there.
Don't wait until you can actually tell that you need new running shoes before buying them.
Aquaphor in a small tube is a great thing to bring on the run.
Buy a race belt that is actually going to stay on.
When camping the night before a race and the weather prediction is for the 40's, bring fleece.

I'm feeling better about life now...and about my prospects for next year. My goal is to do the entire Half next year...and this has just given me even more motivation to work my ass off to do it. It's a great race, a great course...and with the support of all of you...it's totally possible :)

Best. Team. Ever.

:)

I need a vacation from my vacation...

Last fall when I moved half-way across the country, I accepted the fact that some of my vacation time would need to be spent visiting home. It's just something that you have to do. Your friends miss you. Your family misses you. But what these visits create is a very stressful few days that are packed with trying to see everyone. Don't get me wrong...I love seeing everyone...but I occasionally need a break to recover from those visits.

This trip had been planned for a long time. The actual, official reason for the trip was my 10 year High School reunion. Don't get me started on how old that makes me feel...but anyway that was what the excuse was for going home. But really...the only thing that got me there was knowing that I would get to see my best friend, and my college roommate...and her son. Oh yeah...an my family...it's always nice to see them.

Well the weekend started easily enough. I flew home Thursday evening, and thankfully didn't have any problems on the way. I got to talk to Jeff while I was in the airport...which helped me waste some time...and then had quite an uneventful flight home. My parents picked me up at the airport...and we headed home. I actually felt like such a kid several times on this trip...the first incident of this was on the way home. I ended up curling up in the back seat and falling asleep on the drive home...which I don't think I've done since I was a child. But I couldn't help it...I was tired.

Then Friday morning I wake up, make coffee and read for a bit. And as usual, my dad asks me what I want for breakfast...and I finally decide on pancakes. Dad makes really gooooood pancakes. The first pancake that he made me...yeah...it was definitely in the shape of Mickey Mouse. But I guess I shouldn't feel too bad...he made one for my mom as well. So I hang out with the parental units for a little while...then I head to town to have lunch at the Dairy Bar with Gretchen, Derek, Chris and Sarah. There is one reason we eat at the Dairy Bar. They have the best freaking cole slaw ever! Even though we're having them cater the reunion, we're still making a special trip there for lunch. So we get there, order, and wait for our food. After quite a wait...they come out and tell us that they're out of cole slaw...but we could have potato salad with our meal. How can they be out of COLE SLAW?!? That's ridiculous! But anyway...we eat...and sit around talking for a bit...then all of a sudden...I look over at Gretchen...and tell her that I really want to go down the big curly slide. Did I mention that the Dairy Bar is in the local park? So we all go outside...and have our 15 minutes of acting like a kid...good times.

Because my time was so short...I told my mom to invite all of the family that could make it to the house on Friday evening so I could see as many of them as possible. So it was nice to see my Aunt and Uncle and my Grandma. My Uncle hadn't actually seen me lately...and he didn't even recognize me. Tally number 1 for that count.

The next morning was the Schutzenfest 5K. We had a ridiculously hard time finding info about this race...but finally...thanks to my Grandma...I had a start time and location. So I get there...and laugh at the small town Middle America race. 9 people had pre-registered...but fortunately a few other people showed up. I ended up having a good race...and finished in 26:32...which was good enough for second in my age group, and second overall female. I was definitely happy...especially since this is probably going to be the only time I ever podium in a race...ever.

So I go home...get ready...and head to reunion part the first. It's a family picnic...I must say that it was nice to see most everyone. I got to talk to basically everyone...talk to them for a few minutes...but as reunions tend to go...I ended up hanging out with the people that I hung out with in High School. Believe me...I'm not complaining...because I love my bff. Oh yeah...and I ate fried chicken. Let's not talk about how gross I felt after that. I must say that it felt quite nice because most everyone that hadn't seen me in the past 5-10 years told me that they almost, or didn't recognize me. Granted...many of them told me it was because my hair is so different...which I find funny that they completely glossed over the fact that I've lost a ton of weight...but oh well. Mission accomplished :)

So we leave there around 2ish...and go to the lake house...and again relive our past. Uncle Jack takes us out of the boat...which was awesome. Then we go to the Ranch for dinner. I eat way too many chips and salsa...but I just can't help it...they're sooooooo goooooooooood. During dinner...my contact started bugging me really badly...so I ended up going home to take them out. It was bad enough that I couldn't really see...so I ended up not making it to reunion part the second. I'm not really sure I'm upset about that.

Sunday was a very nice day. I went to church with my parents...and got to see all of their friends. Then I went to Christina (my college roommate)'s house. More importantly I got to spend the afternoon with her adorable son. We read stories...and played...and he crawled all over the house. Then while he was napping Christina and I got to talk. We met the girls for dinner...and had a really nice them.

I got home late on Sunday...then woke up Monday...did some laundry...packed...and headed back to the airport...which I'm not refering to as my second home. But hopefully this will be my last flight for a while. Hopefully.

Then...I'm not quite sure what got into me last night. I got home from the airport at 7...and started unpacking. Not that this isn't needed. Because it totally is. I still have a lot of stuff to unpack and get situated. It was just weird. But I'm not really complaining.

So all in all...a good trip...I'm just tired still...and need another break. Oh well...I'll get one...eventually...

One month until my Birthday!

As the title suggests, my birthday is in exactly one month. Normally, every year about this time, I realize that my birthday is only a month away. And as I get a little older, I tend to get a little nostalgic, and like to look back at the past year. In most years past, I haven't been to happy with what I've had to look back on. I tend to feel that I've let the past year slide, and not accomplished anything.

This year...that isn't the case. I have had a very successful year. On October 1, 2008, I moved to DC. It was something that I had been planning for a couple of months...and I'm not afraid to admit that I was terrified. I was leaving everything that I had ever known, and moving half way across the country. I did have friends that I knew there...but I had no job...and a lot of uncertainty.

I must say that the couple of months that I had off work was nice. I tried to enjoy it. I went for long walks...and I started getting acquainted with my new city. I did search for a job, and by the time I actually got a job, I was more than happy to have one. I was starting to get bored, and antsy...and a little poor. And when I first started working at TSI, I thought that it was just a temp job...a paycheck until I found something else. But I knew that it was a great company, and they did really good things. Providing early childhood curriculum materials is something that people can respect. So the longer that I have worked there...the more I have come to appreciate and enjoy my job. It's somewhere where I don't mind going to work every day. There are crazy days, and there are days that make me want to pull my hair out. But really...I actually like my job. I think this is the first time that I can say that. I have had more opportunities come my way than I ever imagined to be possible. Even still, when a new opportunity is available to me, I'm shocked that it's happened so quickly. And it keeps happening...and that's a good thing :)

Other than this fabulous job that I have...something else has happened. I started running...and then added swimming and biking on top of it. I never in my wildest imagination thought that I would be able to accomplish some of the physical feats that I have in the past few months. But I wouldn't change them for anything.

I'm not going to say that everything has been fantastic this year. I've had a couple of relationships fall of their face. But I've learned something from them, and for that...I can't say that it's all bad. I try to never regret anything...and I really don't. As I said...I've learned something from them...so at least they weren't worthless.

So all in all...27 has been a very good age for me. I never enjoy getting a year older, and my actual birthday can never pass without some difficulty. My grandmother died on my 20th birthday, so there is always some sadness that accompanies my birthday...but this year...I am proud to look back at everything that I have accomplished...and I can pat myself on the back...and feel good about the person that I am. I can only hope that 28 will be just as good. Oh yeah...and I'm not going to feel bad about eating that piece of Lemon Cake either. Because it's just that damn good...

I hate packing.

I really, really hate packing. I know that moving is going to be a good thing. I know that...I do. But at the moment...the idea of putting one more thing in a box or a suitcase sickens me. I just can't bring myself to do it. At all. I just have no motivation to do it right now.

It isn't often that I feel lazy. Normally...I can't stop myself from finding something to do. And despise spending long periods of time just sitting doing nothing. Except for today apparently. I actually feel like something is wrong with me. It's so...weird.

Even writing this, I'm having a hard time finding the motivation to finish anything...

So...yeah...that is all...

My First Triathlon (and race report...)

AKA...Holy Shit I actually worse spandex in public and allowed myself to be photographed.

So...as someone that normally gets a little nervous about things like racing (shut up Jeff)...I was...to say the least...a bit apprehensive yesterday after finishing the relay for the Oly. However...after the first decent night sleep in about a week...I woke up refreshed and ready to race...at 1:45am. I then rolled over...realized what time it was, and decided to sleep a little more.

So when I woke up the second time...I once again was feeling quite good about the day ahead.

Once I finally arrived, had a second cup of coffee, and set up my transition...there wasn't too much time to stand around a get nervous. We headed down to the swim start, I warmed up a little, which relaxed me.

The swim was mostly uneventful. My form (which I've been working on a lot lately) felt good. I knew I wouldn't be the fastest person out there...but my goal was to get out of the water...and it would be nice if I wasn't the last person to do so. And I wasn't.

I ran to transition...got to business...and rolled out on my bike. Now...for those that don't know me...I'm not the greatest cyclist. By far my weakest discipline. And I've had a few...problems...falling over...sliding down a hill, etc. So this, of course, was the leg that I was most concerned about. I was about 2 miles into the ride when I was thinking to myself "why is it I'm doing this again? Oh yeah...because it's fun." I reached the first big down hill, and saw how steep it was. I nearly peed in my tri shorts...but then realized that there wasn't anyone in front of me, and I could see that it didn't end on a huge curve...so I went for it. Didn't touch my brakes at all. Ed...you were right...it felt amazing. There were some other hills that I was more cautious going down, but I still made it. There were several instances that I had to tell myself to just keep going...and I did. I ended up walking up a couple of hills...but I'm ok with that.

For those of you that were cheering for me as I came in off the bike...I'm sure you saw the massive smile on my face. The warm welcome you gave me helped...but only because of what your cheering meant...I had successfully survived the bike leg. Now all I had to do was run 3 miles...no big deal. Oh...excuse me...3.1.

The run went ok. Not the greatest run that I've ever had...but I still finished it. I walked a little more than I had planned, or hoped to...but again...I'm ok with that. It did make me feel a little better that a couple of people were surprised to see me back so soon.

The finish was awesome with the sea of green waiting for the rest of us to finish....and again...I had a huge smile on my face. My goal for today was to simply finish the race. I didn't want to be the last one to cross the finish line...but as long as I crossed...it didn't really matter.

A huge thanks to everyone that cheered today. There were times I don't think I could have done it without you...nor would I have wanted to. Seriously...after the bike leg...the amount of noise you made was amazing, and not only did I have a huge smile on my face, I had tears in my eyes. Thank GOD I was wearing sunglasses...because I don't think I could have lived down crying during my first tri.

A special thanks to Jeff, who was the first one that urged me to start training for a tri, and has been a huge support the past couple of months from giving me advice on any topic imaginable to literally picking me up off the ground...several times...and telling me to shut up when I needed to :)

I know that I have a lot of work to do before the next race...but I'm definitely looking forward to it. :)

Yes, I take my coffee black...

After an insanely long day that began around 4:30 this morning...I now can't sleep.

When I finally rolled out of bed this morning, as usual, coffee was the first thing on my mind. Since I was still in a hotel room...and the stuff they give you in the room isn't actually coffee...merely hot brown liquid that has caffeine in it...I thought I would call room service and have them send up a pot of coffee.

I dial "0" and a very polite woman greets me. I ask to have coffee sent to the room. Only to find that room service doesn't start serving until 6am. It's only 5 at this point.

My hopes of semi-decent coffee have been smashed...and so early in the day.

So...for lack of a better option...I decide to make do with the fake stuff until I can get a decent cup with my breakfast.

I should probably take this opportunity to mention that I'm a bit of a coffee snob...if that wasn't blatantly obvious. I drink coffee every day. EVERY DAY. And I am a snob about it. I like strong, black coffee. The stronger, the better. This, I blame on my brother. Whose coffee is more frequently compared to sludge than anything you should actually digest. But we still drink it anyway. In my role as a coffee snob...I must say, I'm a home brewer. I'm not a huge fan of Starbucks, and only put up with it if there isn't a better alternative. So really...it's one step above hotel room coffee...or break room coffee. If I have to buy coffee somewhere, I'd much prefer an independent coffee house...the quaint mom and pop shop. But again...I'd much rather just make a cup myself at home.

So finally...breakfast time arrives. My co-worker and I decided yesterday that we would return to the deli where we had eaten lunch the day before for breakfast. It was cheap...the food was good...and it was only a block from where we would be doing the training session today. So we arrive early...and order. The one negative thing about this place was that it took foreeeeeeeeeever for the food to be prepared. Ok...so perhaps I was starving and was cranky. But still...it seemed like it took 30 minutes to make one sandwich. When I finally order...we decided to eat there. We had some time...so no need to rush. We take a sit at a table in the corner, and the woman working behind the counter was very delighted to bring the food to our table for us. She had a huge smile on her face and everything. However...when she brought my large cup of coffee to the table...she had automatically put in cream and sugar. I'm not sure how much sugar was in it...I didn't even attempt a taste. There was enough cream in the cup of coffee that it looked more like...well...milk. Gross.

So, I politely tell her that I didn't want cream or sugar in my coffee, I take it black. She actually looked a little horrified. "You drink your coffee black?" But she didn't question my request, and promptly brought me another cup of coffee. The coffee was ok...but nothing spectacular. But it apparently did the trick considering the amount of time I've been awake.

I would also like to take this time to mention that if at all possible, I urge anyone and everyone to avoid the Newark Airport. It was...I do believe...the most awful experience I've had in an airport. Now...I've traveled quite a bit...and have been through several airports...and this is by far the worst experience ever. They attempt to look polite and orderly by having people in maroon jackets standing about ready and willing to answer your questions for you. However, this would really only be successful if these people knew the answers to your questions, or could do something more productive than point you in a direction that really ended up being the wrong direction anyway.

The one bright spot was as I was in line to go through security, a nice fellow from Norway struck up a conversation with me. He had been on a plane for 8 hours...and at this point was happy to be able to speak to anyone...about anything. The fact that I had heard of the band he'd flown across the Atlantic to see was merely a bonus for him I'm sure. Although this pleasantry was short lived. As we both made it through security without being detained further, we realized that we were in separate terminals. Ah well. Fair well Peter...I hope you enjoy your concerts.

The next few hours passed somewhat pleasantly with a phone call to my dad. Not that the phone call was bad....it was quite enjoyable to be able to talk to him. The setting, however, could have used a little work. Oh well...I shouldn't complain too much about airports because I'll be spending enough time in them over the course of the next week that I should probably get used to it. And I should probably get comfortable with the idea that this might not be the worst experience possible.

So where does this long journey end? After my flight was delayed 3 times...accompanied with a gate change at the last minute...I finally arrived back in DC. Every time I leave my fair city...I always miss it. The sight of the Capital always puts a smile on my face...because then I know that I am home. This time I was able to see it from the air...quite lovely really.

And now...after a long day...and more coffee than I probably should have drank...I've been up for 20 hours...and I'm nearly wide awake.

Oye. It's a good thing I don't have to go to work tomorrow...

Even less of a fan of Charles Barkley...

I watched something last night that I wouldn’t typically have watched…except I’m in a hotel with nothing else to do. It was a brief interview with Charles Barkley, and he was asked about what constitutes a sport. To be fair…the interviewer didn’t use the word constitute…probably because he wouldn’t have been able to understand it. He began spouting off different sports that he didn’t think counted as actual “sports.” In this list was poker, Nascar, The Tour de France, and Swimming. Ok…I can kind of understand the first 2, but as a triathlete…I was quite offended about the last 2.

His comment that was that “Lance Armstrong is in really good shape…but all he does is ride a bike.”

I, personally, would like to see Mr. Barkley on a bike…and then see how long he’s able to stay on it before he starts crying because it’s too f’ing hard.

As someone that has recently had to learn how to do 2 of the 3 disciplines of a triathlon…I can tell you…it’s no walk in the park. One of the “jokes” that I have heard about triathlon is that the reason the bike leg is so long is because we spend so much money and time getting our bikes to fit properly, we have to make it worth it. This might not have been the original reason…but I can completely see that this is true. We spend countless hours trying to get the right fit, making minute adjustments that end up making a world of difference when you spend hours on your bike.

I have no doubt about his ability to play basketball. I don’t question that at all. But to question the ability of any endurance athlete is preposterous. There are only certain people in the world that have the mental capacity to become an endurance athlete. Anyone in the world could physically do it, but it’s the mental block that most people cannot overcome.

In my (somewhat biased) opinion…endurance athletes are the toughest athletes in the world. Many of them are competetive…but normally more with themselves than anyone else they are racing against. We do things that many people consider crazy, causing our friends to threaten checking us into an insane asylum. But it’s something that we do because we love it.

This is my sport. And I challenge anyone who thinks that it isn’t a sport to give it a try. See how long you last. But don’t call me when you quit.

Blog Virgin

As the title suggests...this is my very first official blog. So I may have posted some random thoughts before...but nothing official. But here goes.

I'm kind of starting this on a whim because I'm traveling for work right now...and to be honest...I'm a little bored...and need somewhere to channel my brain function for a while that isn't related to work.

As the title to my blog suggests...many people do, in fact, think that I am crazy. One of the main reasons that this is...is that I'm a triathlete. Unofficially. That will change as of this weekend. My first sprint triathlon is this weekend. I have (quite literally) been training my ass off for the past 2 and a half months...and have enjoyed every second of it. Ok...so when I slid on the pavement...not so enjoyable...but I was laughing within 5 minutes of picking myself off the ground. I just can't help it...I've been bitten by the racing bug.

Don't get me wrong...the past few months have been challenging...there have been growing pains. I have been frustrated to the point of hyperventilation and tears. But I have also felt amazing. I have a sense of pride and confidence that I never in my wildest imagination thought I would have. Growing up...you might say that I was the anti-athlete. I was overweight and lazy...and the last person that anyone probably ever thought would ever willingly put my body through such torture.

Last fall/winter when I moved to DC, one of my roommates started talking about this running plan that helps non-runners start to run...and not go overboard. If any non-athletes are interested...it's the Couch to 5k program. I highly recommend it. I played around with it for a couple of months, but had a hard time starting because of the crazy holiday season. Well...starting in January I decided that I was going to get serious about the whole running thing. I started off slow (aka...restarted the entire program) and actually stuck with it. By February, my boss, who is a marathoner, kept urging me to bring my running clothes with me to work so we could go running together. I resisted for a long time because I didn't think that I could keep up with her.

And then, the night I became a runner happened. I remember so many things so clearly about this night. It was a life changing night. Yet it was so simple. One tip changed everything for me. You should be able to talk while you run. Preposterous...right? No. Absolutely not. It was a Monday night. I remember I was wearing my UnderArmour pants, a white fleece zip up. I headed out the door...and started running. Anyone that passed me on The Mall that night probably thought I was crazy because I kept talking to myself...making sure I was able to speak. And I was able to do it. By the time I got done running that night...I had a huge smile on my face. It felt amazing. For the first time...I got it.

The next day, I told my boss that I'd go running with her. We made a date for the next evening after work. She and I, along with another co-worker who is a marathoner headed out. By the end of the run...I couldn't believe it. I just kept running with them, not really paying attention to how far we were running. When we got done, she told me what we had done. The result...5 miles. No joke. I ran 5 miles.

I called my parents that night and left them a message. They were thrilled to hear how excited I was...and how happy I sounded.

Something in my life was starting to make sense. Give me a purpose. I actually enjoyed doing this.

Over the next couple of months...I kept running...and had signed up for a 10K race that was in May. I also met someone who was a triathlete...and he started talking to me about it. He showed me race pictures...forwarded emails to me from his tri team (Team Z!). And my only response was...it looks...fun. I had always thought triathlons looked like fun...and would have loved to do one...but I never thought that I would be able to do something like that. Besides...I wanted to start training for a marathon. Well...he kept talking to me...and finally I decided...I would train for a triathlon.

I requested info from Coach Ed...went to the info session...and then started swimming and bike shopping.

For a little background in the other disciplines of triathlon...I had grown up taking swimming lessons, but never overly serious. And I enjoyed biking...but didn't own a bike. In fact, I had always said that as long as I lived in DC...I wouldn't own a bike because I was terrified of the traffic.

So...I started swimming again...and it wasn't going very well. And I kept bike shopping...and finally found one that when I showed the post to Jeff...his immediate response was "YES!" We made plans to take a look at it that weekend...and when we got there...found exactly what we were looking for. A guy that had done 1 triathlon, had more money than brains, and never wanted to do another triathlon ever again. So I bought the bike...and named him Alejandro.

I have been told that the progression that I've made in the past couple of months in swimming and running has been intense and perhaps almost too fast. Perhaps I'm pushing it a little bit. But that's just me. When I set my mind to do something...I'm all in. Cycling is still proving to be a challenge...and I've definitely paid for the risks that I've taken...remember the sliding on the pavement comment. Yeah...road rash...not so much fun. But you know what? I fell...but I got up...and I survived...and I'm fine. It could have been a lot worse. Plus...the facial bruising only added to my bad ass persona.

I've ran in a couple of races...the 10K in May...which my only goal was to finish. And then I relayed the run leg of an Olympic distance triathlon in June. I completely got hooked. After the race in May, I called Jeff afterward...and was talking a million miles a minute without giving him the opportunity to say anything. When I finally took a breathe, he told me that next race I should probably drink less coffee before. I told him I didn't know what he was talking about...I had only had 1 cup that morning...which at the time was 1 less than I normally drink. His response? "Oh shit." Classic :)

There are many stories...and probably many more reasons that people think I'm crazy. So I hope over the course of our journey you enjoy them. You may laugh...it's possible you may cry...although I hope not too much because I hate to cry. Maybe you'll learn something. And maybe you'll just end up agreeing with the fact that I probably am crazy...