Last weekend I went to work the expo for my friend Charlie's company, Trakkers, at the Marine Corp Marathon. You may have noted some heavy-hitters in triathlon who've signed on to represent Trakkers: the Lovato's, Heather Gollnick, Bree Wee... It's a great concept and I'm certain the company will take off.
Anyhoo.... it was quite something to be back in Washington.
I grew up not far from DC and I found the weekend to be extremely nostalgic. I've barely returned to the area since high school graduation so it was quite something to be near my childhood stomping grounds.
Despite the busy expo schedule for the marathon, I was able to get in two visits with two of my closest childhood friends, Alex MacLennon and Rob Richardson, both of whom I literally grew up with from almost birth. I had dinner with Alex on Friday night, and had multiple visits with Rob who was coincidentally doing the marathon.
I hadn't seen Rob since 2002 when we both did our first Ironman (Lake Placid) together ... and I was so pleased that he finally broke 3 hours in the marathon at MC!!! Great job, Rob!!!
During the weekend I smiled to myself just observing my surroundings. There were ties and button-down shirts, women in nice pant suits or skirts ... all reflective of conservative DC. I smiled at the differences I'd been exposed to of late in Boulder. A stark contrast, for sure. :)
Big stuff on the horizon... stay tuned.
October 30, 2008
October 22, 2008
The Life Process
This is TR and me on a ride we did a few days ago. Beautiful CO days...
Of course today we're expecting snow. Uggg. So far the weather hasn't been too bad. I enjoy the time of year when you wear jeans and a light jacket ... we'll see what I am saying in a month when I have frostbite. :)
A few days ago I brought some lasagna over to my friend Monica, and to meet her daughter, Alexandra. Both look beautiful 6-days after the birth, and it sounds like she and Gordo are adjusting well to their first week of parenthood.
I'll tell you, that little peanut is already demonstrating her above-average physical abilities. Given her DNA (on both sides) I am not surprised. She was lying on my chest as Monica and I sat chatting on the couch; Alexandra kept lifting her head, full neck control, looking around, wanting to be involved, etc. At SIX DAYS OLD? I was so impressed! Monica beamed as a proud mommy and, of course, believed this confirmed Alexandra's soon-to-be superior flip turn abilities. :)
Poor Monica was in labor for 36 hours. :( I truly cannot imagine. It sounded like a horribly difficult labor and birth process. While I won't blog about the private details she disclosed, I will tell you my reflections on it all. By now I have had a large number of friends who, by specific criteria, would be defined as ELITE athletes in their sport: swimmers, runners, triathletes. As an elite athlete, the given assumption is that they are quite physically fit, have exceptional body awareness, and superior pain tolerance. I think women tend to have these skills in general, but most would agree that athletes rise to the top of these skills.
I have come to believe being an athlete doesn't matter with the birth process. Some friends have had shockingly easy births, citing "I'm an athlete" as the only explanation. Conversely, other friends have gone into it thinking they had an advantage given their strength as an athlete - yet endured horrific births.
So... I think being an athlete doesn't really matter. There doesn't seem to be any data to conclude which way it will go for these women. Really profound discovery, huh?
Ahhh, but I digress.
After I left the Byrn's, I sat in my car for a moment. Thoughts of Steve Brandt came to my mind. His memorial service was this day in Austin, TX. As I sat silently with my thoughts, I struggled with, yet felt comforted by, the circle of life concept. Steve was now gone from this world and from those who loved him ... and now a new life has come. I don't know how to make sense of it all, or what I am supposed to feel - so I just sat ... and reflected ...
As I started my car some movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. I looked over to their neighbors yard and noticed a Mommy and baby deer. I sighed heavily and smiled. Life is all around us. One thing (perhaps the only thing?) we all know for certain is that it will keep going. I guess all we can do as individuals is get on board and try to make a difference, try to help one another, and try to enjoy the ride when we can.
October 19, 2008
Remembering Steve Brandt
Yesterday I received several emails from friends in different states, all wanting to inform me of the horrible news of the death of our friend, Steve Brandt, Head Swim Coach at Southwestern University. Steve was found dead in his home Thursday morning. He was 33 years old.
After the first few minutes of complete shock, and then overwhelming sadness for his wife, Ally, and for Steve's family, memories of Steve and Ally came rushing back... and my eyes filled with tears.
Allison Brandt was my coveted and much loved All3Sports Teammate in 2003. Though she was several years younger, we became friends instantly. She, too, had been a swimmer and single-handedly dragged me, literally, to the pool many times to force me to swim. Thanks to her, I actually stayed in. I loved Ally's fun-loving personality and optimistic nature. I admired her for it. But what I admired even more was her marriage. They were a perfect match.
Her husband, Steve, was a force of nature. He was Ally's biggest fan. At our team races he would always be all over that course, screaming louder than anyone for her (and for all of us), getting her splits, instinctively knowing what she needed. They had met and dated in college, so they had that "short hand" communication that couples who know one another so well seem to have. I envied it, and envied how much he loved her. He was completely contagious, and without guile.
One of my favorite memories of Steve was right after I raced IMLP 2003. I had just had the race of my life, completely unexpected, placing 4th overall while still an age grouper. ? It was the following weekend and I showed up to race one of the team required Georgia "Tri the Parks" sprint races. It was still dark outside as I stood in the registration line on race morning. Out of the darkness in the huge crowd of people I heard this BOOMING voice, enthusiastic and full of energy, scream, "IS THAT MY HERO???!!!!" Within seconds Steve Brandt appeared, running to me at warp speed, with Ally right on his wheel. He threw his arms around me, and Ally dove onto both of us, the three of us in a lively, jumping hug. It was a sight to behold.
They were both so happy for me, and were genuinely proud of me -- I will never forget how touched I was by their support. It is this scene, among others, that I close my eyes and recall when I think of Steve. He was one of a kind.
Steve Brandt: enthusiastic, passionate, noble, honorable, genuinely supportive, hard working ... and deeply in love with his wife.
Steve and Ally moved to Austin, Texas in 2004 and had remained there.
My heart is broken for Ally; please keep her and their family in your thoughts and prayers. I can't begin to comprehend the grief she and their family must be feeling.
If you'd like to sign Steve's guestbook, the link is:
http://www.legacy.com/Statesman/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=119013082
After the first few minutes of complete shock, and then overwhelming sadness for his wife, Ally, and for Steve's family, memories of Steve and Ally came rushing back... and my eyes filled with tears.
Allison Brandt was my coveted and much loved All3Sports Teammate in 2003. Though she was several years younger, we became friends instantly. She, too, had been a swimmer and single-handedly dragged me, literally, to the pool many times to force me to swim. Thanks to her, I actually stayed in. I loved Ally's fun-loving personality and optimistic nature. I admired her for it. But what I admired even more was her marriage. They were a perfect match.
Her husband, Steve, was a force of nature. He was Ally's biggest fan. At our team races he would always be all over that course, screaming louder than anyone for her (and for all of us), getting her splits, instinctively knowing what she needed. They had met and dated in college, so they had that "short hand" communication that couples who know one another so well seem to have. I envied it, and envied how much he loved her. He was completely contagious, and without guile.
One of my favorite memories of Steve was right after I raced IMLP 2003. I had just had the race of my life, completely unexpected, placing 4th overall while still an age grouper. ? It was the following weekend and I showed up to race one of the team required Georgia "Tri the Parks" sprint races. It was still dark outside as I stood in the registration line on race morning. Out of the darkness in the huge crowd of people I heard this BOOMING voice, enthusiastic and full of energy, scream, "IS THAT MY HERO???!!!!" Within seconds Steve Brandt appeared, running to me at warp speed, with Ally right on his wheel. He threw his arms around me, and Ally dove onto both of us, the three of us in a lively, jumping hug. It was a sight to behold.
They were both so happy for me, and were genuinely proud of me -- I will never forget how touched I was by their support. It is this scene, among others, that I close my eyes and recall when I think of Steve. He was one of a kind.
Steve Brandt: enthusiastic, passionate, noble, honorable, genuinely supportive, hard working ... and deeply in love with his wife.
Steve and Ally moved to Austin, Texas in 2004 and had remained there.
My heart is broken for Ally; please keep her and their family in your thoughts and prayers. I can't begin to comprehend the grief she and their family must be feeling.
If you'd like to sign Steve's guestbook, the link is:
http://www.legacy.com/Statesman/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=119013082
October 14, 2008
Bbbbrrrr.....
The concept of a year-round outdoor pool in a place like Colorado is funny to me.
Last week I was swimming at FAC and sort of chuckled to myself. It was REALLY cold out - goodbye summer! There was massive steam coming off the water and the deck held remnants of the morning frost. I found it sort of comical to look over into the distance while swimming to see the snow-covered Flatirons. Looking up to see palm trees (when I lived in CA) when it's a bit cold out I can understand... but something about seeing SNOW while swimming outdoors is ODD.
I did my lame 2k swim and, bored to tears, got out. I will say this.. if I was unable to get my HR up during the swim, the HAUL ASS run back inside the facility made up for it. I think I broke a world record in the 200m sprint across the pool area to get back inside, breathing rate rapid. I then stood in the scalding hot shower trying to thaw out for a good 15:00...
It's been in the 40's-50's here, mid-day. Not so fun. It really isn't THAT bad, but I have to get used to this. I'm used to these temps in December - not early October... I am a huge wuss!! The consolation to it all... as I am bundled up and exaggerating how cold it is to anyone who will listen :) --- I simply look to the West and feel a renewed sense of vigor. The mountains are majestic! Even in the cold, I can't help but feel grateful to be here.
Last week I was swimming at FAC and sort of chuckled to myself. It was REALLY cold out - goodbye summer! There was massive steam coming off the water and the deck held remnants of the morning frost. I found it sort of comical to look over into the distance while swimming to see the snow-covered Flatirons. Looking up to see palm trees (when I lived in CA) when it's a bit cold out I can understand... but something about seeing SNOW while swimming outdoors is ODD.
I did my lame 2k swim and, bored to tears, got out. I will say this.. if I was unable to get my HR up during the swim, the HAUL ASS run back inside the facility made up for it. I think I broke a world record in the 200m sprint across the pool area to get back inside, breathing rate rapid. I then stood in the scalding hot shower trying to thaw out for a good 15:00...
It's been in the 40's-50's here, mid-day. Not so fun. It really isn't THAT bad, but I have to get used to this. I'm used to these temps in December - not early October... I am a huge wuss!! The consolation to it all... as I am bundled up and exaggerating how cold it is to anyone who will listen :) --- I simply look to the West and feel a renewed sense of vigor. The mountains are majestic! Even in the cold, I can't help but feel grateful to be here.
October 10, 2008
Snow in October?
Oye. I will need to get used to Winter coming much earlier... :)
They are calling for snow on Sunday - although, granted, it's supposed to be gone by morning. However, the fact that it is cold enough to elicit snow at all, in early October, is the issue. Bbbbrrrrrrr.
TR and I rode yesterday during his lunch break and I had to wear leg warmers, a long sleeved shirt and a jacket. In early October? What a wuss I am.
I've been counseled repeatedly that "Winter in Boulder is not THAT bad". Hhhmmm. I suppose that depends on your frame of reference. The great thing (and different thing?) I've been told about Boulder Winters as opposed to other places I have lived is the sunshine and the dryness about it all. It snows, or is cold, but the sun continues to shine, year round. This is what seems to make such a difference to people. They also swear that a dry 40 degrees is much different than a wet 40 degrees --- you wear a few layers and you're fine. I'll be an excellent source of information about this because I am VERY skeptical about the whole thing. Cold is cold.
And, even if it's a DRY cold ..... man, I would much prefer 75 degrees on a beach with a fruity beverage.
It's still beautiful here though. No doubt about it...
They are calling for snow on Sunday - although, granted, it's supposed to be gone by morning. However, the fact that it is cold enough to elicit snow at all, in early October, is the issue. Bbbbrrrrrrr.
TR and I rode yesterday during his lunch break and I had to wear leg warmers, a long sleeved shirt and a jacket. In early October? What a wuss I am.
I've been counseled repeatedly that "Winter in Boulder is not THAT bad". Hhhmmm. I suppose that depends on your frame of reference. The great thing (and different thing?) I've been told about Boulder Winters as opposed to other places I have lived is the sunshine and the dryness about it all. It snows, or is cold, but the sun continues to shine, year round. This is what seems to make such a difference to people. They also swear that a dry 40 degrees is much different than a wet 40 degrees --- you wear a few layers and you're fine. I'll be an excellent source of information about this because I am VERY skeptical about the whole thing. Cold is cold.
And, even if it's a DRY cold ..... man, I would much prefer 75 degrees on a beach with a fruity beverage.
It's still beautiful here though. No doubt about it...
October 6, 2008
Home Sweet Home
So TR and I have moved into our new home.
The good news it's a GREAT place. We got so lucky. It's much bigger than we really need but somehow we're still managing to fill the whole dang thing with all our junk. We're trying to name each room, too. Of course, the room with our bike trainers and his computrainer, etc., is dubbed, "The Bat Room". The house itself has been named, "The Bamboo House" due to its abundance of hardwood floors and bamboo-like paneling throughout. Funny.
It's in a great location (but what isn't a great location in Boulder?), coincidentally not even a half mile from JZ and Mark. I love having them in walking distance. Yesterday I was organizing some things and heard Mark's voice calling to me from downstairs.... he'd come over to see how moving-in was going, and walked right in. For some reason, that made me ridiculously happy. I love the feeling when you're such good friends with people that they not only look in on you, but walk right into your house to do so.
I left all my furniture in Atlanta, so thanks to Tingle for giving me her bed and dresser to use, JZ and Mark for the couch, and Emily and Lars for giving TR one of their extra beds. Getting hooked up with these basics was sooo helpful! Thanks, guys.
The BAD NEWS with the house is that it looks like we will only be able to rent it for 6 months. :( :( The owners want to return in April, so unless their plans get delayed, we'll be house hunting again in a few months. We are completely bummed about that as we are both loving the house, and loving finally feeling settled.
Living with TR is like living with my brother, in the best sense of the word. We bicker like siblings, tell stupid jokes that make us both collapse in giggles like we're 10 years old, and look out for each other with a family kind of protection. When we ride together he never lets me be on the left side - I always have to stay to the right of him so HE is closest to the traffic. I tease him that I'd probably repel any car off of me stronger than he would, but I smile to myself at the good care he takes of his "little sister".
I know sharing space with him will only add calmness and security to my "adventure year" - I know he has my back, as I do his.
Next weekend his niece is coming for a visit -- we're so excited to have our first guest at The Bamboo House.
Who is next????? :)
The good news it's a GREAT place. We got so lucky. It's much bigger than we really need but somehow we're still managing to fill the whole dang thing with all our junk. We're trying to name each room, too. Of course, the room with our bike trainers and his computrainer, etc., is dubbed, "The Bat Room". The house itself has been named, "The Bamboo House" due to its abundance of hardwood floors and bamboo-like paneling throughout. Funny.
It's in a great location (but what isn't a great location in Boulder?), coincidentally not even a half mile from JZ and Mark. I love having them in walking distance. Yesterday I was organizing some things and heard Mark's voice calling to me from downstairs.... he'd come over to see how moving-in was going, and walked right in. For some reason, that made me ridiculously happy. I love the feeling when you're such good friends with people that they not only look in on you, but walk right into your house to do so.
I left all my furniture in Atlanta, so thanks to Tingle for giving me her bed and dresser to use, JZ and Mark for the couch, and Emily and Lars for giving TR one of their extra beds. Getting hooked up with these basics was sooo helpful! Thanks, guys.
The BAD NEWS with the house is that it looks like we will only be able to rent it for 6 months. :( :( The owners want to return in April, so unless their plans get delayed, we'll be house hunting again in a few months. We are completely bummed about that as we are both loving the house, and loving finally feeling settled.
Living with TR is like living with my brother, in the best sense of the word. We bicker like siblings, tell stupid jokes that make us both collapse in giggles like we're 10 years old, and look out for each other with a family kind of protection. When we ride together he never lets me be on the left side - I always have to stay to the right of him so HE is closest to the traffic. I tease him that I'd probably repel any car off of me stronger than he would, but I smile to myself at the good care he takes of his "little sister".
I know sharing space with him will only add calmness and security to my "adventure year" - I know he has my back, as I do his.
Next weekend his niece is coming for a visit -- we're so excited to have our first guest at The Bamboo House.
Who is next????? :)
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