Pain in the Back

It would be an understatement to say that I am frustrated. In 2003 I had the first hints of something not being 'right' with my back. At first it was a little twinge that showed up in my lower back. What has transpired since 2003 includes a never ending treadmill of trips to chiropractors, physical therapists and specialists. I've had three MRIs, hundreds of adjustments, traction therapy for my neck and traction therapy for my back. I've taken breaks from swimming, time off from cycling and time off from running. I've tried complete rest. (By the way, complete rest = weight gain!).

I've been to several top notch chiropractors, each who has tried to help me diagnose and treat my back. I've had the pleasure of working with some of the best physical therapists in the Bay Area. Each has been optimistic that they could help me become stronger than the definition of strong itself. I've been diagnosed with a degenerated disc at L-5 / S-1 and the idea is to shore up the core so that I don't unnecessarily move that area.

At first I avoided any meds. Then I relented because the pain was so bad and went with some ibuprofen. I've iced thousands of times. I've stretched. I've strengthened. I've tried yoga, dabbled in pilates. I've tried mental training exercises. I've read scores of books. Everything from looking at food as the root of inflammation to more general 'pain free living' books.
Now, I pop Voltaren with increasing frequency. Other than making my stomach feel like poo, I'm not sure those things help at all either.

Last year I took a big leap and opted for cortizone injections in my back. (A lot of fun, let me tell you). The cortizone was intended to reduce the inflammation and 'calm down' the area in which the pain was likely to be originating.

My first injections were in April 2007. It was very scary to go to the surgery center.
Who likes needles anyway? I certainly don't. Just getting an IV line makes my stomach twist into pretzels.

I survived the procedures without out too much trauma and within the first week improvement was significant. I felt like a brand new person. It is amazing how one's demeanor changes when pain fills your life. After those injections I was like the old, dynamic, 'real me' once again. I had some brief glimpses of the athletic prowess that lies within. I went up to Oregon and competed in the Pacific Crest Half Ironman triathlon. I posted the fastest 56 mile bike split of my career and got onto the run with a 5+ minute lead. I wasn't able to hold that lead and finished in 3rd, but that day showed me that I still had it and anything was possible.

Unfortuneately the cortizone effects were short lived. I went back in for repeat injections in September. The treatnebts had little positive effect. Just five weeks later, with the ITU duathlon world championships on the schedule, I was forced just a day before my flight to try a third emergency round of shots. Though the pain was slightly diminished my function was limited. I struggled through the world championships and finished 19th.

Since October of 2007, I have not raced. I have had a difficult time of walking, putting on my pants or training at all. Over the past few months, frustrated by a 20 pound gain in weight, I determined that 'rest' was doing nothing for my back or my former iron-body. I've gone back to strength training and cycling. Next week I will try swimming. The thing that is so frustrating is that I can function in certain situations with manageable pain, but then for no real reason, the next minute I struggle to walk.

Doctors have said I have a degenerative disc condition. I know I have issues with nerves getting pinched. (I'm guessing that's why I get periodioc blinding pain, easily fall for lack of motor control and the fact that putting on my socks might as well be an olympic gymnastic event).

I'm slowly adding more volume to my training, but I am still in pain. Sitting is horrid on my back, moving is better than not moving. Its like a horrible nightmare of closed doors. I keep trying to open doors but am hitting a brick wall.

I just called my specialist to try and get another appointment. Maybe I need to discuss surgery, something that scares the tar out of me. I won't even touch on the 'what ifs' of that one.

Ultimately, the choice is still mine. Sit inside, get fat and be in pain or go out and ride and deal with it. Perhaps when I get back from my ride the doctors will have called and another chapter will be added to this saga. Believe me, I've kept the story short. Beside pain and frustration the other theme that has stayed with me over 1800 days of struggle is optimism. I still believe I can lick this.

One of those training days

Frequently people say to me, "I would love to just train for triathlons" when talking with me about my status as a professional triathlete. First of all, I don't think there are many pros who 'just' train for triathlon. Reality is, unless you are at the top of the sport and consistently earning a prize money paycheck and/or bonuses from sponsors, you aren't 'just' training.
As much as I would love to tell you that I make big bucks from triathlon, that just isn't the case. Not yet anyway!

Secondly, I would suggest that when people say they would love to be 'just training' they might reconsider if they really knew what they were asking for. Just because a weekend of swimming, cycling and running can be a tremendous amount of fun doesn't mean that training day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year is the best thing on the planet.
Like any pursuit, (I don't like to refer to triathlon as a job!), there is a day-to-day grind aspect of training for triathlons, especially when you are training solo.

Don't get me wrong. I love training, I love competition and I love the sport of triathlon. Why else would I continue to struggle and try to find a way to work with a degenerative disc condition that leaves me nearly unable to get out of bed, put on my pants and shoes or pick up my cat or dog off the floor? I love being fit, the pursuit of being the best one can be and seeing what the human body can do. What I am getting at, is that not every day is all peaches and powerbar gel.

Yesterday was 'one of those days'. If you are an endurance athlete, I don't even need to continue. You know what I mean.

I took an extraordinary amount of time to get myself dressed, fed and ready to get on the bike. The marine layer of fog was particularly thick and the winds gusty and unpredictable. When I first started my ride, I found myself thinking, "ugh, this isn't what I'd hoped for." I reminded myself the weather was part of the gig and like thousands of other workouts, you sometimes just have to get it done. So I did. Or should I say, so I tried.

I got about 20 miles into my ride and unexpectedly hit a very long stretch of road that was under construction. The road had been stripped down to the grooves leaving the shoulder unridable and downright dangerous. We are talking several inches of loose sand and gravel.
The condition of the shoulder forced me to ride a bit further into the lane that I would have liked. I am a very aware, skilled and courteous cyclist, but when conditions are dangerous you have to protect yourself and ride accordingly. I had a few folks fully lay on their horns right when they were even with me. Nice. The sound of the Escalade horn nearly caused my heart to seize. Having a heart attack on the bike, now there is a way to go.

Minutes later I felt the sinking feeling that comes with a rear flat tire. Part of the job. Part of training. I tried to get over as far as possible and went to work fixing the tire. Now, with the tell tale dirty hands, clothing and cold shill from stopping I got back on the bike and headed onward.

Just as I was starting to get back in the groove, a mere five or so minutes later, I felt that ominous sinking feeling again. Another flat tire. The road was so rough, riddled with pot holes and sharp edges, I guess my tires just weren't holding up. I stopped and sat on a man hole atop of pile of dirt and got to work.

A few spent C02 cartridges and an arm workout with the mini-pump later, I was set to go. I was riding my Blue T14 time trial bike and had two hand positions, on the aerobars or on the bull horns. Well, no sooner had I got back in the saddle did I realize that my brake lever (on the bull horn) was completely loose. The brake still worked, but every groove and bump in the tore-up road was giggling my brake lever into circles. Now, I had a potentially dangerous situation with a loose part. I was riding an a wickedly rough downhill slope that without braking could see me hit some pretty high speeds with little effort. Speed, very rough road and squirrely brake levers are not an optimal situation.

I stopped again and pulled out a wrench to see if I could tighten the pesky brake lever. No dice. I couldn't fix it. I made the best of it and carefully made my way back home albeit on a bit of a shortened ride.

My ride experience is not atypical of any other triathletes. Everyone gets flat tires and has mechanical issues. We all have 'one of those training days.' It is those days that do make training a grind on some days. Still, without those days you don't have the glorious, makes-it-all-worth-it training days either. So, with that I am off to get on my bike and start a new day.
I bet this one will be a lot better. Today I am riding my Blue R6 while my T14 sees the bike doctor.

Blue Bicycle's Ryan Barnett Hit By Truck before Roswell Criterium

Yesterday was like Christmas in May. My Blue T16 arrived from UPS. It is sweet time trial bike that I will proudly race on later this season. Before I was about to call and thank Ryan Barnett, my awesome sponsor at Blue bicycles, I got distracted surfing SlowTwitch.com.

My attention was caught by the picture to the left and I came across an article about Ryan being hit by a truck. He was hit by a landscaping truck while warming up for a crit last Saturday night. Currently Ryan is at the Shephard Spinal Center in Atlanta.
According to his co-worker, he will undergo surgery today or tomorrow and his prognosis is mixed.
Please think of and pray for Ryan. He has a tough road ahead of him and his family. We can only hope that his athletic will and determination will serve him equally as well in recovery.


http://www.slowtwitch.com/News/Ryan_Barnett_seriously_injured_344.html

Ride for Jamie

Xterra Champion Jamie Whitmore is battling a cancerous pelvic tumor.
Friends and supporters are sponsoring a ride this weekend to raise funds to help defray medical costs. Check out the link, grab your wallet, gear up and ride for Jamie.

Ride for Jamie

Motivation by the Pound

In the past if I missed a day or two of training I would go into a complete melt-down. "Oh, the loss of fitness," or "yikes I might gain weight." Since the engagement last September, let's just say I have had a bit of a transition in my life.

I've been trying to overcome the disc issues with my back with lots of physical therapy, while also starting the pursuit of my masters degree, expanding my coaching business and planning a destination wedding. Add to that, the purchase of a new car and the sale of my beloved convertible, as well as the usual veterinarian appointments, business meetings and school functions. Let's just say I didn't really 'miss' the triathlon training. I didn't have time to miss it.

Now we are two weeks away from the wedding. I am starting to see the light and the pounds. Yup, I gained a little cushion. Good for the boobs looking great in the wedding dress. Bad for fitting into lycra. Boo-hoo.

Let's just say I am now literally chomping at the bit to start training in earnest once again.
I really don't know what I will be able to do. I don't know if I can run, especially since the pain frequently prevents me standing up or walking properly. I have come to terms with the fact that my body has some serious limitations. I'm teaching myself to move differently and to avoid stressing my back in unnecessary ways. Life is about compromise.

As soon as the wedding is over I will be getting back in the pool, on the bike and lacing up the run shoes. Just doing the three sports in some fashion will be a major accomplishment. You won't ever hear me say "I only" or "I just" did x, y or z. I won't take any training session or race for granted regardless of the outcome.

Next month I will be at Sea Otter as well as Wildflower, but I won't be racing. I'll be volunteering, coaching other athletes and drawing inspiration to motivate me through the rough patches. I'm aiming to try and put my body together for some late summer and late season racing. I'll have a new name and a new beginning. Let's see if I can build a new body to match.

A quote for thought...

"Life's blows cannot break a person whose spirit
is warmed at the fire of enthusiasm."
-Norman Vincent Peale

Remembering Matt

Victim 'always trying to do the hardest thing'


I don't like the headline. I doubt Matt would either. Though he was accidently hit by a police car yesterday, he was hardly a victim, he was a driven and dynamic who set and achieved his goals. I prefer to remember Matt as the champion that he aimed to be, never a victim.

Rest in Peace.

Sheriff's Vehicle Strikes, Kills Two Cyclists

I've gotten used to reading stories about people you don't know who get hit while riding their bike. This evening I saw the news. I know the two cyclists who lost their lives doing what they love. My heart goes out to Kristy's family, to her friend Clas Bjorling and to Matt Peterson's family.

What Happens When You Walk

I woke up on January 19, 2008 and I couldn't get out of bed. I couldn't sit up. Standing couldn't happen and walking was not an option. Talk about loss of control.

I was in so much pain, I can't even describe what it felt like.

It took me twenty minutes to crawl to the bathroom and another 15 minutes to climb into the tub. I wasn't comfortable in any position for hours. Since then it has been a return to physical therapy and a break from the 'normal' swim, bike, run regimen.

You don't have to be an athlete to comprehend what it might be like to lose control of your own body. I can't say I ever imagined what that means, but now I know. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Since then I have cleared my race schedule. I'm back in physical therapy at Active Care.
I'm doing a lot of strength work and I'm walking. Yup. Walking.

In the context of running and triathlon, folks seem to place some huge negative on walking during a race. To them I would say, be grateful you can walk and don't take that gift for granted. Running? Even a more beautiful and special gift! If you run, race, do triathlons etc, I would encourage you to censor your whining. As I tell myself, 'get over yourself.'

Try not to diminish any accomplishments you achieve. Celebrate your wins. (I'm talking about the small successes in everyday life. Not just the personal bests, race wins, finishes, promotions etc.)

Be happy you can ambulate. If you choose to do so, be happy you can train. Be grateful you can race. Don't minimize, compare or diminish your athletic pursuits because you think you can do better. If that is the case, do better. Don't talk about it what you should do, could do or would do. Just do and do it quietly. Be sensitive to those around you who might not be able to do what you do.

Why I am on this soapbox?

Being 'broken' I've had a rough go with this back issue...now five years old. I've gained tremendouse perspective and I truly recognize what I have been able to do in the past is an enormous blessing. Still, I do find myself thinking how much this back thing (to put it bluntly) sucks.

I went out for a walk with Zola a couple days ago. I ran into a neighbor who was sitting in the passenger seat of a parked car. I hadn't talked to "Ricky" for a good year. It turns out Ricky has undergone spine surgery. He has limited sensitivity in his legs, hasn't walked into his own backyard or driven his shiny, new truck in over a year. While I talked with Ricky, he spent a good part of 15 minutes trying to move and get out of the truck he was sitting in.

Here I am thinking I am just in the worst shape ever. I am fat, in pain constantly, can't move well and so on. Ricky on the other hand, can't feel that his shoe has fallen off, is hanging on the side of the open truck door and is waiting for a walker and crutches to make it the 20 feet to his front door.

Ricky said to me, "Yo Rachel. I see you cruising by and I think to myself, I want to be out there with her someday."

And to think I was complaining that 'all I can do' is walk.

Ricky gave me a lot to ponder as Zola and I walked along the bay trail. Walking is beautiful. You see the world a lot more clearly than the beautiful blur that happens at speed while running, cycling or cruising through life. I miss that blur, but I am savoring the clarity.

Jenny's Light - Post Partum Illnesses

Fellow pro triathlete, Becky Lavelle tragically lost her twin sister, Jennifer and nephew, Graham in December 2007.

To help increase awareness about
postpartum disorders, the family has founded, "Jenny's Light".

Please take a moment and visit the website and pass the link onto your friends.

http://www.jennyslight.org/


Jennifer's Obituary

Wooden on Leadership

One of the wonderful by-products of persuing my masters at the University of San Francisco is the exposure to books and literature that I might not have uncovered otherwise. Currently as part of a Leadership and Criticism course, I am reading "Wooden on Leadership" written by highly respected UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden. I strongly recommend it for athletes, business leaders and anyone interested in how Coach Wooden wove together a strategy for teaching and coaching his teams infusing values, morals and his knowledge of basketball.

If you are an athlete and specifically a triathlete, you are likely focused working on the fundamentals of your sport at this early time in 2008. Whether that be honing your spin and pedaling technique on the bike, your run form/cadence or developing/refining your swim stroke, I thought you might appreciate the excerpt from Wooden's book. Gail Goodrich (UCLA Varsity 1963-1965, 2 National Championships) writes about Coach Wooden and his approach...

"He believed that winning is a result of the process, and he was a master of the process, of getting us to focus on what we were doing rather than the final score. One drill he has was to run a play over and over at full speed, but he wouldn't let us shoot the ball. He made us concentrate on what happened before the shot was taken, what happened to make it possible. He made us focus on execution."

Hypercat Racing athletes are familiar with the mantra of focus on the process (or process goals) and not the results (those come if you focused on the process). In running, cycling and multisport, it is easy to focus on place, time, qualifiying for X etc. However, it is the process involved in getting to those ends that require your focus. The rest takes care of itself.

So...when you are doing isolated leg drills on the bike, swim drills in the pool or high knees, butt kicks, skips etc for the run, think of Gail's comments about what made him and the UCLA team successful under Coach Wooden. Trust in the process.

Back to working on class work,
Rachel

Not What Mom Had in Mind

My brother sent me this picture this morning.
It was taken at my parents home in snowy, Central New York.

Christopher wrote, "I don't think this is what Mom had in mind when she wished for a bird feeder for Christmas."

Yes, those are turkeys! Thanks, Chris!

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