Happy Halloween!

These were our jack-o'-lanterns.

Now, being a child of the great Pacific Northwest, we often carved our pumpkins many weeks before Halloween and while a little mold might have developed here and there, it was nothing like the carnage that devoured our beloved jack-o'-lanterns.

In a week and a half they were DESTROYED. To the point that I had to toss them this morning as they surely would have scared the trick-or-treaters away.

Oh well... Happy Halloween!

California 70.3 Training

California 70.3 typically sells out many months before the event, but this year it sold out much quicker than expected. So quick, in fact, that Chris did not register in time. Bummer.

Ashli and I are both registered and realized this weekend that we need to start training soon.

We met on Sunday for a quick run - my first run in a month, due to my ridiculous work schedule.

Having recently discovered the beauty of Tennessee Beach, Ashli and I agreed to meet at the trail head for a quick run on the trail. I laughed as we set out and realized that we have the same running shoes.

The run was relatively painless (until the next day when the soreness set in) and I enjoyed catching up with Ashli. Now we need to start back up on the bike...

Head of the American

I spent most of Saturday traveling to and from Sacramento for the Head of the American Regatta. While it was a long drive for a relatively short race (compared to a triathlon!), I arrived and set up my lounge chair to watch the events for about an hour before my boat had to head out and warm up for our event.

It was HOT in Sacramento -- 89 degrees. Somehow 89 degrees in October just doesn't seem natural, but then again, it's California.

About an hour before our race, we set out to warm up and make our way to the starting line. The warm up did not go as well as our practice had the previous week, as our boat was a bit off on timing. Thank goodness, however, that our strokes came together as we neared the start.

Imagine my surprise while we were waiting at the start and an 8+ from University of the Pacific drifted by! My alma mater! With a crew team! The UOP team raced was to race in our mixed-masters event, as they were the only collegiate mixed eight racing.

The time came to start our event and we were off! The UOP boat had started just in front of us (it was a rolling start) and I was thrilled when we passed the boat almost instantly.

It was SO MUCH FUN to be out racing in an 8 again. I loved every minute of it.

While we were the second to cross the finish line (one boat passed us), we didn't do as well as we had hoped, due to handicapping of the boats based on age (we were a relatively young boat). Oh well, it was fun!

Mixed Masters 8+

I am very much looking forward to this weekend, as Saturday I am rowing in a regatta for the first time in 16 years!

We are headed to Lake Natoma in Sacramento for the Head of the American. I think it's going to be a great event, as our mixed 8 practiced together yesterday and it was a strong lineup.

I knew my coach was excited about the lineup as well when I saw the look on her face during practice. Time will tell. Wish us luck!

Nike Women's Marathon

Chris was originally going to support both me and one of his good friends as we ran the Nike Women's Marathon. Due to work and life, I opted not to race, and Chris decided to run half of the event with his friend, while I supported them.

As it was a Women's Marathon, Chris decided to have some fun. I knew it was going to be interesting when he called me and asked to borrow my pink Vineman top and asked if I had a running skirt.

I must admit that Chris looks good in a skirt! Thank goodness his legs are no longer shaved... that would have been just too much.

I biked along the course cheering on Chris and his friend, and kept my eye out for Ashli and Dian. Unfortunately, while I never saw them in the sea of 20,000+, Dian saw Chris.

I almost started crying from laughing when I received an email from Dian after the race, asking if it was possible that she had seen Chris running in a pink top and a white skirt. Indeed it was. Too funny.

Goodness Gracious

While the roles have been reversed, today I felt as if I was having partial deja vu from a conversation that took place in June, 2007.

Chris: "All I have to say is this - Phil, Niece."
Me: "Niece? Our Phil?" (meaning Chris' family friend Phil who I got to know over the summer, whose time I was shooting to beat at IM CDA.)
Me: "What does Phil have to do with any of my nieces?"
Chris: "Ironman France. Nice."
Me: (Oh!) "When?"
Chris: "2009."
Me: (Without a pause) "OK."
Chris: "Sign up."

And I did. I don't know how I get myself into these things...

Forgotten Love

Rowing was my passion in high school. I loved it. I went to college thinking I was going to row until I arrived to a canceled crew program.

I have been telling myself for years that when I grew tired of triathlon I was going to get back into rowing. I had been thinking more and more about over the past few months after finding myself in a bit of a training slump after Ironman. Last week I finally contacted the local crew club.

Who knew triathlon would come into play?

When I met with the designated coach for those coming "back into the fold" to determine where I best fit, he asked me about my fitness level, what I did for exercise, etc. When I replied that I was a triathlete and that most of my training consisted of biking and running, he asked me what events I had done this year.

Me: "Well, I did my first Ironman distance event in June, as well as a couple of halves."
Coach: "Well then, we are done. You are headed for the racing team."

I attended my first workout this week and was treated to a team erg test. I haven't been on an erg for 15 years. It was pretty funny, as I could not remember what time I should be shooting for, what power output I wanted, etc.

About three minutes into the 20 minute test it all came rushing back as I recalled the last time I had been on an erg, in a seat battle, and the fact that I had literally rolled off at the end and threw up. Fun times.

About 7 minutes into the 20 minute test I thought, "Wow, this is really hard." Realizing I had 13 minutes left I thought, "Suck it up. It's 13 minutes." Somehow, 13 minutes didn't really compare to 2.5 hour runs and 7 hour bike rides...

I am officially in the "try out" phase for one of the master's teams, which lasts for a few weeks. While I am VERY sore at the moment (muscles that had long been forgotten have been re-engaged), I am very much looking forward to the entire experience!

Staph Reflection

It's fleet week in San Francisco. I just had this realization when four bi-planes flew by my office window in a perfect pattern.

I then recalled where was I one year a go this week... at home, in a haze, down for the count with my MRSA staph infection. My goodness, I can't believe it's been a year.

One year ago I realized I had fallen in love with the man that gave up countless hours of his time helping me drain the staph-infected wound I could not care for myself.

One year ago I realized what absolutely amazing family and friends I have (not that I didn't realize this long ago).

One year ago I was absolutely devastated thinking that my Ironman CDA adventure was over.

What a year it turned out to be!

When I saw my doctor a few months ago for the first time since the staph infection, he said, "Jennie, it's good to see you alive." I was a bit surprised by the statement and asked what he meant. He then explained to me how sick I had been - far more sick than I had realized at the time. He said I was very lucky.

I am lucky... thank you to all those who are in my life. I am blessed.

Absolutely Nothing

I am so tired.

All I can think about at the moment is taking a vacation. Even a short one. Three days would be sufficient. I need to get away and recharge.

Recognizing that much will change after the election, I am plowing through, awaiting the other side.

In the mean time, planning a little "mini-break" is proving to be quite difficult! Where to go?

I would love to hop on a plane and spend five or so days in Maui reading a book on the beach, but fear I would be there by myself due to the non-existent vacation status of my desired travel mate. This leads me to focus on a more local destination.

I have always wanted to go to Sea Ranch, but the accommodations don't appear to be quite what I have in mind at the moment. Half Moon Bay? Never been. Napa? I love Napa, but have been many times, however I recognize there is still much to explore. I love Carmel and Monterey, but feel I need a new place to escape to.

Anyone have any suggestions? A spa is a must. Beach or area to explore is a plus.