2008 is going to be great.
Set the bar high.
Dream big.
S-t-r-e-t-c-h yourself.
Take some risks. See what you can do.
Make it your best year ever.
:) Rachel

Have a wonderful holiday!
Soak up the time with your loved ones and savor the moments.
Best wishes to you and yours.
:) Rachel

Story of Stuff

Check out this video...it gives us something very relevant to think about this holiday season.

When the Hypercats are left alone...

Toonsis has been known to grab the keys and go out for a drive
now and again. Spokes, however, has taken his excursions to new heights!

In memory of McLovin, our friend Jason's kitten who died a few days ago.
Jason is an Apache helicopter pilot in the army. I couldn't find a helicopter, but Spokes thought you would smile at this anyway.

Oil Everywhere in San Francisco Bay

On Wednesday morning I commented how incredibly foggy it was outside. I live about three-quarters of a mile away from the bay and a foggy shroud had crawled all the way to the house.

That morning is the very same that a large container ship smacked into the base of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay bridge.

Now, three days later, Bay Area residents and the rest of the world are beginning to see the stick aftermath. 58,000 of 'bunkering' oil has spread across the bay fouling miles of shoreline.

This is heartbreaking.

Bird and sea life is severely impacted. Our beaches are coated with oil.
The bay significantly contaminated.

This morning during a press conference about the spill, officials announced that 16+ beaches are now closed. These beaches span all reaches of the bay.
In addition, KRON4 specifically showed footage from Pt. Isabel, which is a large park with expansive coastline not far from where I live. It is the same park that houses the country's most beautiful dog park and is one of my favorite short run routes.

The media reports are grim. Statistics for recovered sea birds show that even those who are helped don't tend to live very long after release. Clearly, is is impossible to recover all of the escaped oil. Much of it will literally leaves its mark on the beautiful shoreline, that we all love so much, for a long time to come.

It seems inevitable that we won't be able to enjoy surfing or swimming in the bay for quite some time...but sea lions, sea birds, aquatic and plant life can't simply move themselves to a swimming pool or live in a park inland.

This whole mess is so sad.
It is not Exxon Valdez, but it might as well be.

Master THIS!

It has been a goal on paper; to earn my masters degree. Soon, however, earning that degree will become a regular part of my weekly schedule. I received the call from the University of San Francisco yesterday. I have been accepted into the Masters in Sports Management program. Enormous gratitude goes to Professor Jerry Evensky (Syracuse University) and Jeff Gardiner for their reccommendations.

Classes start January 2008. I can not wait to begin training my brain with new information and to meet my new classmates. I graduated from Syracuse University with a BA in International Relations and TV/Radio/Film Production in 1996...it is about time I head to grad school. With evening classes, I will continue to coach, train and operate Hypercat Racing.

Doping...Marion Jones

In between training the past few days I have caught clips of the Marion Jones press conference on the news and internet.
Gosh, what can I say. Anytime an athlete has cheated - and especially on the world scene - so many people suffer. I feel sad for Marion, for USA Track & Field, for the youngsters and athletes who have looked up to her and especially for the athletes who raced Marion and had the limelight stolen from themselves by a cheater.

As a professional athlete, it breaks my heart everytime someone is accused of doing performance enhancing drugs and doubly so, when it proves to be true. However, when you look at the culture of sports in the United States, I don't think anyone should be surprised. Winning is everything and everyone else (at least in the media) is a loser. It seems few remember the athlete in second place, or third or tenth or the team that lost despite amazing athletic efforts. I hope that individuals, athletes, like you and me, coaches, teachers, parents and the sports media can help stem the tide of the 'winning is everything' mentality. Idealistic? Perhaps. With big, big bucks behind lurking behind so many of the sports there is much more riding on competition than meets the eye. Or is there?

Of course winning first place, the game, the match, the duel, the meet is one end goal, but there is so much more to sport. Spread the message that effort, hard work, consistency, goal setting, sportsmanship and doing the best YOU can with what you were born with is the true and honorable. That I believe, is the goal and true spirit of sport.

Where do I start?

Trying to fill in all the gaps since May would leave even the most dedicated blog-readers bleary eyed and yawning. So, I will avoid that course and take the Cliff Note route!
Though I can't promise no yawning on your part.
My memory is failing so you'll definetely get the shorty version.

June 2007
-Went to Portland, OR and did some swim and bike training with tri pal and coach Mark Kendall of Speedshot Racing.

-Raced the Pacific Crest Half Ironman. Set a career best bike split and finished 3rd.

-Got cheers and support from friends, Scott & Julie Gix of Oomph! (that was such a treat)

-Bella has overcome her car sickness. She joins Zola as a well-traveled chihuahua.

July 2007
-Raced the RoadRunner Sports Firecracker 5k at midnight in Seattle with Phil.
Won my age group and finished 9th female, getting spanked by the youngsters.

-Later that morning, we drove to Elma, WA and I won the sprint triathlon there. Had a blast hanging with the local folks. It was the smallest tri I have ever had a pleasure to be in. Loved every second of it. The kids race was one of the biggest I have seen...our future looks bright (and really cute)

-Raced the Lake Stevens 70.3 - Frankly, it was the first race I ever remember where I woke up and decided I didn't want to race. I went back to sleep. Phil didn't take too kindly to that. He loaded the bike and came back to the hotel room. He reminded me that we had spent the week in Everett...enough said, I got myself together and on to the transition area. There aren't a lot of great things to say about my performance that day. However, we all have to overcome our demons. I did just that. Ironically, my original goal for Lake Stevens was to secure a slot for the Ironman 70.3 world championships. It wasn't pretty, but yes, I did earn my slot! Phil will be joining me in Clearwater in November.

-We ate some great food at several Seattle restaurants including a local joint, FivePoints Cafe and the Steelhead Diner. The food was so good I can't remember what I ate. I eat too fast anyway.

August 2007
-Spent the month training in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Ojai. I joined members of the Rincon Triathlon Clubs for a few swims, a run and a ride to Malibu. I saw coyotes on several rides while in Ojai...I just get downright giddy when I see wildlife!

-Accompanied Shirleymom to a meeting of the Ventura County Professional Womens Business Association.
Shirley (Phil's mom) is an amazing woman and a terrific role model. I met so many interesting, intelligent and successful women that night. I am looking forward to attending similar types of functions in the Bay Area.

-Spoke at Flavio's office (Flavio's Tax Service, Camarillo, CA) to members of his staff and of the Rincon Triathlon Club. Flavio is a new sponsor and a wonderful man. He finished 4th in his age group at the Full Vineman and 4th at the Clearlake 101. His wife, Cindy is training for her first ever marathon. Go Cindy! I feel so fortuneate to have met such an upbeat, positive couple.

-Raced one of my favorite triathlons, the Santa Barbara Long Course. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with old friends, racing some old nemesis and meeting new folks, as always. Appreciated some nice comments by race announcer, Sean English (thanks, Sean!) I finished 6th with a PR swim and a solid race, especially given my heavier training load leading into race day. Lara Brown had a stellar race to win - way to go Lara.

September 2007
-I celebrated my 33rd birthday on 9/1. Phil surprised me with a fun indulgence...a Gameboy DS Lite and the Brain Game versions 1 & 2. Fun puzzles to 'train your brain'.

- To celebrate my birthday morning, I ran the Malibu Oceanside Open XC race at Pepperdine University...what a treat! I met some awesome folks and placed 2nd to the tune of Happy Birthday.

-Finally had a meal at Neptune's Nest in Malibu - saw lots of sweet motorcycles parked in front that morning. Started thinking about learning how to ride.

-I went to Disneyland the next day 0n 9/2.

-Before the fireworks, I got diamonds! Phil proposed and we are now engaged.

-On Sat 9/9, I ran the Golden Gate Open XC race in Golden Gate Park.

-Had my bank card stolen and someone used it! Luckily I figured it out quick and minimal damage was done. Whew...just a minor inconveinence.

-Raced the next day in Ukiah and won the Ukiah Triathlon. It finished with an awesome 3 mile run on the Mendicino College XC course....so two XC races in 2 days.

-Went to S.O.A.R in Redwood City and had a 2nd treatment of epidural cortizone shots.
I won't bore you with that 'stuff', but its been 5 years of pain. I love triathlon and am lucky that I can do it at any level.

-I watched both the mens and women's World Cup triathlons in Beijing - so cool that we can watch races anywhere in the world in real time. My heart was racing just listening to the audio....the video was awesome.
Congratulations to Laura Bennett and Jarrod Shoemaker on earning the first slots on the US Team for 2008 Olympics...absolutely incredible!

-Sad news...Duathlon great, Benny Van Steelant passed away as a result of complications of injuries suffered in a bike crash. Only 30, Benny, a super star from Belgium has dominated the sport of duathlon for much of the past decade. I was thrilled to meet him back in 2001 and always in awe of his talent. He will be greatly missed.

-Took Zola Budd to the neurologist for an opinion on her doggie back problems.

-9/19 - My former Boston roommate, Kirsten Beal, welcomed her daughter, Lilliana Elouise Beal into the world. She weighed in a 6 lbs, 12 oz and 18 inches. I just got back from picking out adorable baby clothes to send...pink, pink, pink!

Basically since the engagement I have been feverishly working on research for wedding ceremony and reception locations. I tried on some dresses already and have been thinking over all of those types of details. I have to call Alexis (waddel) and ask how her plans are going for her wedding next month.

Good Luck to everyone racing at the Sentinel Triathlon in Santa Cruz this weekend.
I'm headed to Las Vegas for Interbike in a few days, then a brief stop in Ventura and Santa Barbara to scout some wedding locations. In between I will be trying to get in some workouts...since Phil has just disassembled my T14 to rebuild it (all new SRAM groupo and some S-w-e-e-t carbon cranks)soooo I'll be working on my run legs until the T14 is reborn.

I'll be back on it with regular updates and photos...savor life!
:) Rachel

Back in Action - 25th Anniversary Wildflower Triathlons

Wildflower is where it all started for me.
In 1999 I participated in my first triathlon, the Wildflower Olympic distance event. Like so many newbies I was wide-eyed and in awe of the hard bodies, fancy gear and the athletic prowess of so many athletes. Also, like many new triathletes, I crossed the finish line saying,
"I know I can go faster, I know I can improve."

8 years later, that sentiment has not changed.

This year, a week out from the race, I had a medical procedure for my back performed.
The mission was to go out, do the race and see how the back would hold up. Oddly, on Friday, the day before the race my neck locked up. I was out doing a spin with Phil and at some point, my whole neck stiffened up painfully. I could not turn my head right, left, forward or backwards without severe limitation and pain. Needless to say, this was a bit disconcerting! As soon as we returned to the cabin, I changed clothes and motored down to the expo where the massage tent was located. Enrico of Therapeutic Reposturing worked on my upper body and helped to reduce the stiffness and regain some movement. Unfortuneatly, that alone would not be enough.

Later in the evening, I connected with pro pal Alexis (Waddel) and she reccommended seeing her dad for an adjustment. (Les, a long time triathlete, is a Chiropractor in Monterey). Late Friday night, after a long drive to Lake San Antonio, Les came over to the cabin and set me straight, so to speak. My neck adjusted so loudly I think you could hear it in San Francisco. What a relief.
Thanks, Les!

That night, not unlike other major races, I slept rather poorly. Most of the time my brain was spinning with thoughts of not being able to race due to the neck. Really, it seemed silly to be worried about a neck issue, with so many CAF athletes competing this weekend. They are so amazing. I didn't want to fret about a stiff neck, but easily more said than done. Race morning, I figured I would know in the first 100 yards whether I could turn my head to breathe or not. On the way to the start, I ran into Les, his wife Noelle and Alexis's sister Erin. Very quickly Les adjusted my neck again as I sat on the ground near the ramp to the start. Again, whew, what a relief.

I felt a lot more confident that I would be able to do the swim, albeit perhaps slower than usual.
When the start horn went off, the white water started and I quickly got into a groove. Though the neck was sore and stiff I had enough mobility to turn to the left and breathe - enough to get the job done. I was so thankful to be out there and being part of the event. I exited the water a bit dizzy, something that hasn't happened in a long while. Once I got my feet under me, it was on my way to transition.

In transition, I caught a glimpse of my watch and it was clear the swim was slower than expected. That can be very discouraging, but I am used to being a bit 'positionally challenged' after the swim. No matter, on to the bike! I quickly ran to the bike exit and was off on the newly dubbed "Time Bandit," my Blue T14.

Phil and I talked about a strategy for going after the fastest bike split. Kuota had upped the prime for the fastest bike split to $418.23 to celebrate Norman Stadler's Kona bike split in'06.
I knew that if I put it all together I could pull off the bike split...but it would mean completely wasting myself to do so. With athletes like Becky Lavelle (eventual winner), Kate Major and so many other strong cyclists in the field, it would mean a monumental effort and I mean monumental! Basically I figured I would need to ride a 2:35 and figured out what time splits I would have to hit where. Of course, having recently had the cortisone injections, there was a huge unknown with how I would feel. Ulitimately Phil and I decided that if I wasn't feeling completely on in the first 15 miles, then it wasn't going to happen and to ride within myself.
Well, easy to say, it wasn't going to happen - not that day. (Congrats to Becky, who not only scored the outright win, but rode a 2:37 to score the bike prime).

Very early it was clear that wind was going to be a constant companion for everyone on the bike course. I was really glad to have so much wind experience this season, but feared for the safety of everyone tackling the course that day. It is scary enough to have wind howling in your ears head-on, but hitting the bike descents and switchback after Nasty Grade and feeling the wind grab hold of the carbon wheels can be unnerving. I was lucky, there wasn't a lot of bike traffic around me. The later age group waves would have both the wind AND lots of other athletes to contend with, a recipe for scary situations, to be sure.

I finished the bike with a slightly faster split than '06, but not strong enough to bring me within striking distance of the top 10 (at least not without a great run!). I was very happy that my back did not flare up horribly- the first time in 4 years! This meant I could actually get off my bike and run. Thank God.

I suspect my experience was really similar to most folks. The first 5-6 miles were pretty rough. 3 or 4 girls went by me pretty quickly as I chugged up the hills. Eventually I got into a groove and felt like I was running steady. I passed by Malaika Homo (you go girl!) around mile 6 and then started picking up the pace through the final 7 miles.

On the dog leg between miles 9-12, I spied Andy Baldwin (ABC's Bachelor) running in the opposite direction. I've had a crush on Andy since he lived in the Bay Area years ago while at USF med school. I secretly hoped he might catch up so I could talk with him! Then I realized, I better get back to racing.

I ultimately crossed the line in 5:13 and change, in 18th place. This race was about so much more than place and time, it represents to me the beginning of what I hope and pray will be a new phase in my career. It was the first race since '03 that I didn't feel like my back held me from my potential. (Hopefully, now it will be about training!)
Today I went to my first physical therapy session at Active Care in San Francisco. I can't not begin to tell you how excited I am. I worked with Coleman and his team of therapists well over 2 hours. I am weak, weak, weak in a number of areas. The cool thing is that I learned so much more about what I need to do to protect my back, to strengthen my body and to achieve a form that has eluded me with the disc degeneration issues. I will be returning again this week for what is the beginning of a series of sessions. We are pulling me out of some races, in favor of getting this body strong, lean and mean for my big races of 2007. Stay tuned!

Thanks to Blue Competition Cycles, Oomph!, Jung & Jung Chiropractic, Pro Gold, Optic Nerve, Blue Seventy, Powerbar, Profile Design and all of my sponsors and supporters - I could not do it without you! Congratulations to Chris Legh, Kate Major & Alexis Wadell (you go girl!) on your finishes. Big congrats to Erin Wadell on your Olympic race! You guys rock!

Next - announcements of new sponsor partnerships in the works!
:-) Rachel

Powerman Alabama

The last time I made it to Alabama for Powerman Alabama was 2001. Though I have entered a few times since then, one thing or another seemed to keep me away from good ol' Irondale and one of the older duathlons in the USA. That's why I was so happy to finally make it back to race.

Unlike my last Alabama trip, when Phil accompanied me, I was solo for this go 'round. It is easy to forget how much having a man servant makes a difference when schlepping gear and navigating everywhere!

The morning of my plane flight, I had a moment of fright when I thought it might not be possible to load my gear into my aging and load-capacity-challenged Mercury Capri. The 'rat car' is not really intended to haul bikes, luggage and the like. Of course being that I have had the car since '97, I have learned t0 make it work. Let's just say I was very lucky to have packed the Blue T14 in a softcase AND that it was a top down day. Otherwise, I might not have made it to Alabama again. Anyhoo...with the car loaded and my trusty Mapquest maps, I made it to the Park SFO offsite long term parking, parked the car and hauled my gear down 5 levels, caught the shuttle to the airport terminal and did the shuffle dragging gear to the counter. Without much ado I soon was on the plane and en route to Birmingham.

Frankly, I did give much thought to the flight pattern or any stop overs I would have on this trip. That's why I feel a little sheepish upon arriving in Memphis, TN. There was a bit of a delay due to Mother Nature's electric fury. As I sat in the gate lounge I realized I never even thought of the possibility of a weather delay. No problem though, I had plenty of time and really, what can you do anyway! I met some nice folks, people watched, picked up some food and waited.

Eventually, I landed in Birmingham and was onto the next task; picking up the Thrifty rental car. Again, smooth sailing to the counter, picked up the keys (stall 5 - a PT Cruiser) and gather up my luggage and bike. I was so psyched to be able to open the rear hatch, put down the rear seats and voila - slide the bag and bike in - no problem. What a difference. It sure beat trying to squish everything into the Rat Car.

Directionally challenged, I did end up making it to the hotel, albeit after a few U-turns here and there. Whew, this means I would actually make it to race the 2007 Powerman Alabama!

Race morning. You know, I think it is always cold at 5am when its time to set up for a race, especially in March. However, this was ccccold and wet. I was one of the first elites in transition. The rest were smart enough to stay warm for a bit longer. Once the bike was set up the question was of what to wear. Normally cooler temperatures have little effect on what I wear when running. I think its my Central New York upbringing, snow and the beloved wind chill effect. Basically it takes a lot to get me into more than a light layer for running. Adding a bike in between, some high winds, sleet and rain and then it becomes a big question mark. Ultimately I decided on knee warmers, arm warmers and even a lightweight vest for the bike. I'll tell you, I'm glad I had that gear on.

As for the race, this is the short version. I came off the first 8k run in 11th or so, finished the 53k bike in 2nd and crossed the line after another 8k run in 3rd place. I had the fastest bike split and two runs that were good enough to accomplish my goal - earn my slot to the ITU Long Course Duathlon World Championships. (oh yeah, and a check to help cover Toonsis unexpected vet bill when I returned!). I was very pleased with my race. Boy did it hurt. I was reminded why I like duathlons so much - I really feel like I am racing, because I am in the hunt from the start. With a TON of work, in the future I will exit the swims in triathlon in a position to race more like I did at Powerman.

I really enjoyed reconnecting with old duathlon friends, Deanna & Don Frank (thanks Don for the cheering!), Marjan Huizing, Bianca Simpson and many more. I met a whole bunch of new friends, too. That is what this lifestyle is all about. Health, friends and good times!
Congratulations to Alisha Lion who won the race - her second du win in '07. You go girl!
Thanks to Blue Competition Cycles, Jagwire, Pro Gold, Powerbar and Dr. Jung at Jung & Jung Chiropractic to name just a few of the folks who help me make it happen.

Next stop...Wildflower...right after some medical treatment for my back.
-Rach

A lesson from Toonsis & Spokes

Saturday I woke up ready for my training mission for the day; a patented duathlon prep workout that would have me running & cycling up a storm. (or make that in a storm!).

Aside from a flat tire during one of my strongest parts of the ride, the day's sessions went well. I tested some new fancy run shoes and was happy to still be far on the healing side of the plantar fasciitis that I have had since Jan '06. Yippeee, with the healing nearly complete, I am feeling more excited than ever to get back to 'real' training!

At any rate, with the days work behind me I showered, changed and ate a snack. Normally it would be time for a nap, but today I decided to be productive with some errands. I had it all planned out - drop off mail at the post office, pick up pictures at Long's, drop a deposit in the bank, pick up some shoes on order at Transports and perhaps grab a bite to eat along the way.
Simple tasks, so it seemed.

First I revved up the ratmobile and headed the whopping one mile to the post office. The lobby was open but the counters were closed. Hmm, it was 1:30 pm. I'm not sure if the post office isn't normally open or if it was closed in observance of the Easter holiday weekend. No worries, I thought, I just try another post office. I have found each neighborhood office can have different hours. I jumped back in the ratcar and cruised to Fairmount street in El Cerrito. En route, I determined that everything felt a little 'off'. Cars seemed to be zooming chaotically out of driveways and merging into the traffic at a rhythm that screamed accident-waiting-to happen.
I shrugged it off and with car parked, headed up the block to the post office for try number two.

I didn't even make it into the lobby - doors closed, post office closed. Smack down on the mailing of my package. Clearly, this was not going to happen today. No biggie. I'll just drive over to the bank and drop in a lone check for deposit.

I pulled into the parking lot and the random, scattered feeling of cars darting everywhere continued. I was happy to pull into a parking spot, clear of the traffic maelstrom and walked across a few lots to the Wells Fargo bank. I walked in and promptly positioned myself in line for the next teller. Funny thing, there was no line and a teller was waving at me to no avail to come to his window. For some reason, I didn't register his gestures and stood there, staring blankly like Patrick the star fish does so well on Spongebob Squarepants. Finally I came to and quickly scampered to the teller's window. At that point I futzed with the two pieces of paper and nearly dropped them on the floor. What a spaz! The teller, finally getting a hold of my deposit slip and check, took a look and virutally shouted "These are for Bank of America!" Doh, oops...silly me. Hee hee. In my spaced-out state I was on auto pilot and went to WF which was my bank for years (until of course I changed to Bank of America!).

Ok, so now...I have managed to not successfully drop off the mail OR deposit my check.
I figure I will try to pick up my film that was developed. That should be easy - the film pick-up was at Long's just across the street. Yeah, right!

After nearly getting run down by various land yachts I made it inside of Long's and bounced off about three customers as I walked towards the photo counter. It took the attendant about 10 minutes to find my photos and then she remarked, "I hope these are good pictures." "Yeah, me too," I thought. Well, once I saw the price tag I understood her comment. $24.95 per package. What? Hmm. I felt some more weirdness on the horizon. I reluctantly paid for the pictures and went to the security of the car to see what I had just paid for.

I found three little plastic cartridges in my drawer before I left for Ventura at the beginning of March. Since I have had a digital camera for sometime I had no idea what these plastic thingys were. I figured perhaps they were long lost photos and I was excited to see what they were.

I quickly figured out why the photos cost so much. I had inadvertently ordered reproductions of photos from negatives. Argh! The interesting detail? The photos were from Italy/Holland in 2001 from the ITU Duathlon short and long course world championships. Not only did Saturday mark one week from my return to duathlon (since those races in '01), but the photos included many of the girls that I will race next weekend in Alabama. Bizarre!

Anyhoo....well, at least I managed to pick up the photos. So I was onto my next task....exiting the parking lot. I have no idea how I managed to do this, but I kept getting into the wrong turn lanes and was driving in circles all over this shopping complex. When I finally got to the proper lane to head out to my next errand, there was some road construction and my exit was blocked!

Quick change of plans...I decided to try and go to the proper bank - a Bank of America.
Happy to say, I succesfully found my way to the neighborhood BofA. Of course I managed to enter the parking lot going the wrong way (ah, who says you have to follow the arrows!) and tweaked a few patrons en route (oops, sorry!). I sheepishly parking the car and headed inside.
Wow - no challenges. I actually got the depost in. Imagine that!I figured my luck, vibrations or something must be changing back for the better...just as I was leaving, the bank manager was fixing to lock the doors. It was 2 0'clock - closing time on Saturday. Whew, I made it!
Deep breath...next stop Transports in Rockridge.

I noticed that the freeways looked jammed up so I decided to take surface streets to get to the running store. I wasn't in a hurry and a good thing, because I think it took nearly an hour. (mileage...hmmm maybe 8 miles). In all fairness, I made a few detours. Somehow I wandered onto the Berkeley campus. Doo, doot, da doot do...driving along with no freakin' clue.

Hmm...I can't tell you how I did it, but I somehow got off the Berkeley campus and just pointed my car in the general direction of Rockridge. Eventually I did find the store and I did pick up my training shoes, along with some new, snazzy TYR swim suits and an orange (Syracuse colors, you know) silicon swim cap. After talking with Richie, the store owner, about some possible shoes to try on, I decided maybe I should come back another day. I desparately needed some food and a nap. I gathered up my goods and headed back to the car.

Don't tell Phil, but I parked right near Zachary's pizza....yummy! I couldn't resist. I stopped in and grabbed two cheese slices to go. I fired up the capri and jumped on the 24, 580 and then despite narrowly missing the exit to home, I peeled off onto the Carlson exit and made it to Hypercat headquarters.

When I walked in, Toonsis and Spokes, were just were I had left them two hours earlier - napping on the bed. The boys taught me a great lesson, yet again...sometimes a cat nap is the better way to go.

:) Rachel

California 70.3 Race Report

I was feeling confident heading into this year’s Ford California 70.3 triathlon. I put in a nice month of training in Ventura and I was ready to see what I could do, albeit on a non-rested body. I put in my biggest week of training pre-half ironman due to the early time of the year. It would be interesting to see how the body would respond.

Friday, Jim (Phil's mom's husband) drove Shirleymom and I from Ventura to San Clemente where Phil booked our hotel. In turns out that the location was prime. I loved San Clemente and it was much removed from the normal pre-race circus of Oceanside. Phil and his mom shared a room with the chihuahuas so that I could focus on race preparations in a separate room. Pro pal, Alexis Waddel shared the hotel room with me, which made for some extra pre-race fun.

Race morning went smooth, although Alexis and I enjoyed some extra excitement on pre-race morning. While Alexis quickly navigated our super van from San Clemente down the highway (with zero navigational help from me), we hit a bump in Oceanside. After making the exit towards Oceanside harbor, we were directed the wrong way and instead of headed towards parking; we were waved directly down the racecourse towards transition; along with hundreds of athletes who were riding their bikes into transition. It was both comical, embarrassing and nerve wracking at all once. We couldn’t back up; we couldn’t turn and were in constant danger of running over all of the athletes riding in the pitch-black darkness of 5am. Ultimately we arrived at a T-junction where some Camp Pendleton Marines were directing traffic…straight was into the ocean, right was into transition and left allowed us to drive back out of the harbor area. Whew, with only a stern look and some shouting we were back rolling towards a proper parking area.

With the van parked and our gear unloaded Alexis and I made the teeth chattering spin in the blackness to the transition area. It felt like a weird dream, riding a bike with hundreds of apparitions towards the blinding lights of the transition area. Due to our later-than-planned arrival to transition, there was no time to waste!Bike racked, gear laid out, transition flow reviewed, potty line time and put on the wetsuit. Before I knew it, it was time to head to the start.

The pro women’s wave started at 6:43 am. I was pleasantly surprised to find the 60-degree water felt reasonably brisk, but not distracting. The gun went off and so were we.I quickly got into a groove, albeit solo and off any draft packs. In hindsight, I remembered seeing a small group of 3-4 athletes swimming a short distance ahead of me before the turnaround at the far end of the swim course. This is where I should have put in a surge to make that pack. Instead I saw them gradually put more and more time on me between the half waypoint and the swim exit. Lesson learned, get on some feet, don’t go it alone. I exited the swim in one of my personal best swim times for 1.2 miles. A small consolation with the leaders out of the water 9 minutes earlier.

I flew through transition and hopped onto my Blue T14. Now, the early morning temperatures made themselves felt. BRRRR…being wet and riding a bike, soaking wet is one way to wake up!

The bike went extremely well. Within minutes of starting the bike I began passing girls.Naturally this was great for my confidence and kept me on task. Throughout the entire bike I was making continual and constant progress through the field. With every pass, I gained more confidence in my training and myself. Though I did start to feel some significant pain in my back on some low grade hills, I tried to pay attention to what my back can handle...yet ultimately I pushed it a bit too far.

I got off the bike in 15th place, just off of a pack of the top athletes. (I rode from close to 40th place up to 15th).When the run started I could feel my back getting ever more stiff. Still, I put a smile on my face and ran steady. I definitely kept an even, steady pace from mile 1 to mile 13. Unfortunately steady wasn’t fast enough. I dropped back to 22nd by race end. Place aside I was satisifed with my race, I couldn't have done much more. My nutrition was on, my swim reflected my pool training times, I smoked the bike and ran as best I could given the situation.

I crossed the line in 4:57:14. Overall, it was a solid early season effort. Mentally I kept it together and felt strong on the swim, bike and run. I have a good idea of where I am at fitness wise and look forward to more training and preparations for upcoming races.
Next event: Powerman Alabama on 4/15 in Irondale, Alabama.

Congratulations to Andy Potts (rockin' sub 4 hrs!) on his win, to Kate Major for showing us how its done, to Alexis on her 9th place finish and all the Hypercats, SF Tri folks and everyone on course for giving it a go!

Many thanks to Blue Competition Cycles, Optic Nerve Eyewear, Pro Gold Lubricants, Powerbar and Oomph! for your continued support!
-Rachel

Side note:After the California 70.3 I had an appointment with a specialist for my back. Dr. Andy Pruitt of the Boulder Sports Medicine Institute reffered me to Dr. Jeffrey Saal at S.O.A.R in Redwood City. Dr. Saal and his staff is considered among the nations best experts for back issues like those I have been suffering. Dr. Saal reviewed past x-rays and MRIs and promptly recommended another MRI for Monday, April 9th. Based on what the doctor said so far, I won’t have to stop training or competing, which is great news. We are simply looking to get a reality check on what I can expect with the disc degeneration that I have.

Valentines' Day and Wild Beasts

I rode the American River Bike Path yesterday. Phil had some business to do in Sacramento so he suggested I head to the state capitol with him and ride while we were there. It was his way of celebrating Valentines Day with me - a nice ride and then some yummy food!

I had never ridden this route before, but I was not disappointed.
Only minutes into the ride I spotted this coyote running along the American River. It is rare that I stop (and Phil was griping!), let alone have a camera in my pocket, so I was really excited to snap this picture. I've always felt that seeing wildlife while training is my reward. And today was no different. I saw a myriad of little creatures scurrying around, some magnificent birds and of course this coyote, strutting his stuff. Ever since I was a junior high school runner, I have taken inventory on training runs (and later, rides) of what animals I see. I am frequently amazed at the diversity of animals and the proximity of those creatures to the major metropolitan areas. Just last week, I saw a huge group of turkeys right along side the road in El Sobrante. On another ride I was decending down a local climb in Berkeley and got a great look at a fox as he scampered across my path. Foxes are not animals I see much, so I was on cloud nine, despite how I felt at that point in the ride!

Tomorrow I am off to Napa for a nice long Friday ride. Who knows what I will see. Unfortuneately the most exciting and beautiful animal I have seen in wine country was a wildcat - perhaps a bobcat - but he was already in cat heaven, struck by a passing winery visitor.

A quick note of thanks to Stonehouse Olive Oil and Wheel Girl for the great jerseys.
Check out Stonehouse from some of the yummiest olive oil on the planet and check out Wheel Girl, too!

Muchas gracias to Schwalbe, too - with all the miles on the bike, my tires are a critical component of training. :)

Make it a great day!
:) Rachel

Gone to the Dogs

Tomorrow is the first day of February and I can hardly believe January is already at an end.
It has been a terrific month. I have been mighty busy, wrangling of my furry beasts and having a blast doing so. "Bella Mia," is now nearing 7 months old and is one fiesty little chihuahua. We have two more basic obedience classes prior to her graduation from this level of training. It takes a lot of patience (something I can always use more of) working with dogs, but Bella certainly makes it fun. She is so eager to please and a happy little girl. So far we are doing very well with sits, down, stay (short periods of time), 'leave it' and we are working on heeling as well. She knows how to shake and position her little legs so she can receive belly rubs. I think she will be a great trick dog and maybe I will even take her to learn agility. Not that we need anymore competitive events in our lives! Zola is doing well, and learning some new things as well. At 2.5 years of age, she is accomplished in a lot of basic obedience and a fair amount of tricks, but isn't too food motivated. I guess that is one big difference between her and I!
In between working with the dogs, feeding the cats and multitudes of fish I've been getting into the training groove.

We definetely had a bit of a deep freeze, by California standards, this past month. Frankly, I couldn't have been happier. Dry roads and really no excuse to not ride. Cold is cold, but that is what good gear is for! I'll admit though, it was so cold on several occassions that I dug out some stuff that I had when I was a runner back in Boston and upstate New York. Save the lack of snow, it really felt like an average central NY winter on a number of mornings. Who knows what February will bring, but I am ready for it. I've gotten the best January of training in ever. I've got a long way to go, but I'm on a roll!

Taking the Plunge into 2007

Happy New Year!
I just had to do it. I have raced run races and cycling races to celebrate New Year's Day past, but for '07 I decided to take the plunge. Not a race, nothing fancy, just a frigid dip into the San Francisco Bay. Somehow I had in my head that if I didn't get into the Bay NOW, it might not be until March. So, I packed up my Blue Seventy wetsuit and goggles and headed across to Bay Bridge to San Francisco. New Year's Day brings the annual South-End Rowing Club New Year's Day swim. However, I would not be taking part in the club swim today as I wasn't in town for the qualifier. So when I got to the club it was a buzz with tons of swimmers, rowers and folks enjoying a brew and some food. It felt a little weird to be getting in the water solo with so many folks at the club. Of course in the locker room I heard war stories of the morning swim...
-too foggy for a full Alcatraz
-water temps rumored to be 49 or 50
-a rower 'got lost' in the fog

Given the water temp, I decided to wear a one piece Oomph! tri suit under my wetsuit figuring anything to add some warmth would be helpful. I waddled outside and feeling a bit like one of the penguins I saw on the Animal Planet I hesitated at the shore and then plopped in.

?&^%#%#%#!

Definetely some profanity running through my head. Those first few minutes are nothing short of, shall we say, rough. Still, like most winter swims, pain turns to a blissful numbness.
I enjoyed a nice short swim, pausing a few times when sea birds crash landed in front of me.
As I made my way back to the club I was reminded how quickly truly cold water can affect the body...I rapidly developed 'the claw' in both hands and decided it would be smart to head to the shower and sauna.

Now that I took the plunge, it will be easier to get in the bay again...small steps.