But, we made major progress on the imminent move to Boulder - by taking a truckload of stuff to Boulder at the beginning of the week and then flying back home.
Just getting started!
Taking a break - somewhere in the Mojave
Unloading!
The drive to Boulder was fairly uneventful - we didn't have weather issues, which was fortunate in the lovely U-Haul. And, we spent the night in Winslow, AZ, which I wouldn't recommend to anyone, despite the Eagles' song that made it famous (or somewhat famous?).
Boulder was a lot of unpacking and thinking about our next steps, but I mixed in some training while I was there, on the bike and running. It was a bit of a challenge to motivate a few days thanks to the weather:
We arrived on Monday (a beautiful day, but after 12 hours or so in the car, I was more than ready for a stiff drink), and then Tuesday, I set out for a windy bike ride. During said ride, I think my HR was at about 90% for 90% of the ride - I was white-knuckling it, just hoping that I didn't get blown over OR blown into traffic. Wednesday, I was supposed to fit in a brick, but as you can see, it was going to be 46 degrees as a high, plus rain. So, I set out for an early morning run, during which it rained, snowed and hailed on me. Good times! Finally, I squeezed in the brick Thursday before we flew back to CA. Also, please note the weather on Friday and then Saturday! It was strange to leave my Trek road bike, Sunshine, in Boulder - it's now just me and the Bat!
For the end of the break, I drove down to Oceanside, CA on Saturday to spectate Oceanside 70.3. It's always tempting to sign up for this race, but when it rolls around, I'm usually SO relieved that I didn't. But... Maybe one day?! It was a gorgeous day to be out spectating - a little bit warm, but not too crazy. I missed the men's finish but saw Heather Jackson cross the finish line. Wow, she is so amazing! She raced and won Wildflower last year, and I saw her exit the water but didn't see the finish (obviously - I was somewhere on the bike course). It was also great to see and cheer for a lot of people that I know.
Saturday afternoon, I spent working on my swim technique - Beth Gerdes, my coach (I always feel like a fraud when I use that term, but what else should I call her?), was very kind enough to offer a session in their endless pool. I was SUPER nervous about swimming in front of people and it was kind of weird to be on a 'swim treadmill', but I did get some great feedback and I know what I need to work on. Then, Sunday morning, Beth and another one of her athletes (who lives in Pasadena and with whom I should train!) and I set out on a ride. I have major bike riding route envy now - it was SUCH a nice ride. Lots of rolling hills, rather than crazy steep ascents and descents, and very biker friendly. Also, it was a wonderful day to ride, a bit foggy early on but then it burned off. Finally, I was super nervous about riding with other people, especially a pro(!), but this other woman and I were really well matched. I obviously need to just get over my anxiety about how terrible I am on the bike and develop some confidence once and for all! Anyway, it was so generous of Beth to spend time Saturday and Sunday with us. Not only is she an amazing athlete (recently 5th at IM Asia-Pacific!) but a really great coach too.
Anyway, I was really excited about getting in 4 bike rides last week - some of them weren't very fun and none was very fast, but I do feel better about St. George and about heading into the next few weeks (although thank goodness this is a recovery week! and thank goodness I have Friday off!).
Also, we have made progress on the move to Colorado (I keep saying Boulder, but, really, we could be anywhere). We will be putting our house up for sale within the next few weeks which seems totally crazy to me.
6 comments:
I'm so jealous of your upcoming move. Boulder would be so awesome to live in! And kudos to you for getting out in less than stellar weather!
I know that people (like you) train in tough conditions frequently. I've definitely been spoiled, so it was a good "test" for me!
The move - it's exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, but I think that things will work out.
You left your bike in Colorado! That feels so final all of a sudden.
Rob - I know! It was SO strange to leave Sunshine in Colorado. Actually, the whole trip out made things feel more 'real', if that makes sense.
Where are you leaving your stuff in Boulder if that is not where you are moving? Did I miss something? :) (very possible, lol)
Getting used to CO weather will be something else, won't it?!
And you DO have a coach! That IS the word for it! You wouldn't tell anyone slower than you not to call a person in that role, that :)
Kim - We will definitely be in Boulder this summer, but the next step is still up in the air. I have a temporary position this fall, Sept-Dec, and I'll soon write about that, but it isn't in Boulder.
Boulder is the "ideal", but we might end up long-term in Denver (which isn't that far away) or somewhere in between. We are still figuring it out.
And, YES, the weather will be an adjustment.
Finally, I'm still coming around to the term coach - after all, she is working with me to perform well at a specific event. So, yes, a coach!
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