The Traveling Bug

Being above the clouds when hiking Volcano Acatenango

I am not sure who I am writing this blog for, but I feel I owe it to my fans to give you a little update, and also owe it to myself to go over race details, training, and life. Basically, I have raced twice since I last wrote, traveled 3 vacations, and tried to train all at the same time. I had one good race, one bad race, 3 great vacations, a little too much food, and not enough sleep. That's life right?

May 18 2014, I raced Memphis in May 5150. I raced this last year and knew full on what to expect. A time-trial swim, a fast bike, and flat and normally hot run. I absolutely LOVE this race and it proved to show up in my body with a 5 min PR and a 7th place finish in 2:08. My splits: 20:50, 1:04,42. It was a great day for me.

The mud pit at MIM from rain storms all night.

7th place Finish at 2014 MIM. Top 10 Female Pros

Just hiking on a volcano with my best friends.

Reserved for A&M at the wedding.

Then came vacation. I traveled to Guatemala for a good friends wedding with 10 of my best friends from college. Lets get real, sometimes vacation are good for the soul. We hiked Volcano Fuego and Acatenango, danced, ate and really experienced the culture.

Hiking in Colorado

I was really lucky and contracted some kind of bug that left me rather fatigued. When I returned to the states I struggled with workouts and didn't realize how much it had taken out of me. 3 days of Antibiotics and I was back at again. This time, at home in Maryland for a few days of training, another wedding, and then back to Texas. Back to Texas I was for 1 day before heading to Pagosa Springs, CO for another vacation with friends, which I was calling Training camp because I was set to race in just two weeks! However, friends vacations and your "training camp" sometimes don't mix. I trained. We hiked, white water rafted, and toured. It was all extremely FUN but rather tiring.

4hrs of White Water Rafting = Arms hurting.

Beautiful Colorado

Did I say I trained? and at 7500 ft elevation! Recovery was definitely hindered and I returned to Texas with 1 week to recover and get myself in race shape for the Philly TriRock 5150.

What I needed the most after 3 weeks of travel. 

This proved to be a struggle as I was sleeping almost 10 hours a night, 3 naps a day, and still struggling.
Come race day I actually felt quite fine but never really found that "spark" I usually have in a race. I also struggled with some severe stomach problems during the race which caused me to REALLY pull back on my pacing. It was odd because I did my normal everything pre race and during the race. This one time it didnt work. I am not really going to beat myself up over the race because it was great venue, and I still had a great time. I got some more points to add to my 5150 Points ranking and all you can really do is learn from it. My splits were 20:04, 1:10, and 44. I finished 10th for the day and even got to race against 2 Pro Female Penn Stater alumnis. I thought that was really cool! I loved being back in my college area and I also loved having my Mom cheer for me! Thanks Mom for coming out with me!

Tri Rock Philly Bike course. Competitor Magazine

Now its back to the grind. I've got 3 weeks until my next race and I am not traveling anywhere until then! I am excited to get back into my routine and for the rest of the year. I am continuing to work on my weaknesses while addressing areas of concern. A positive outlook will always win the battle. Hope you enjoyed some of the pictures from my travels!

As Always huge thanks to all my sponsors and coaches! Aussie Cycle Works for bike setup, Cobb Cycling for the best saddles around, Blueseventy for the fast swim skin, OutRival Racing for Coaching and Support, Tim Floyd &Magnolia Masters for Swim Coaching, Coach David Tilsbury Davis for Tri coaching, Bay Area Schwinn for race travel, PowerBar for nutrition, Third Coast Training, Brittany at C.Fosters& Associates and Emily at Sterling Ridge Orthopedics for pre-race treatment. The biggest thanks to my friends and fans for always cheering me on and supporting!!