One step away, Podiums 3.0

Big Smiles pre-race.

I raced!  Not once, or twice, but three times! After a long long year of one thing after another I decided I needed to get back out there for the sake of remembering what it is like to do the sport I love. To do the sport that no matter what position, place, or time, I do because I love being out there with everyone else in the community. Pushing ourselves, feeling the nerves, enjoying a post race beer. I needed to remember WHY I loved the sport.

So much in the life of a "pro-triathlete" is very serious. Racing is our job. You dont win, you dont bring home the paycheck. Its stressful. You have to pick your races strategically and invest time and effort into hoping it was the right choice. And if you get injured, that makes it even harder to push through and come back. But do you remember years ago when you did your first triathlon and that was not the reason you wanted to race? I do, now.

I got to a point this summer where I was so low, torn and bummed about my year and injuries and always feeling like sh*t that I was ready to toss in the towel. I wanted so bad for my body to feel good again that it changed my perspective on training. I could care less about doing a workout because I felt terrible. I knew I needed to give it the rest it needed and to be patient. Injuries are always a trying time but they do teach you alot. I persevered and though I still have alot of work to get back to where I was, I see the light. I saw the light by letting go of expectations and having fun with the sport again. Nobody cares what your times are, only you.

I got to race the MSR Grand Prix Houston, Mammoth Lakes Olympic triathlon, and Try Andys Tri sprint. All phenomenal local races. But why else are they great races other then close in location? The people! The people, the community,and the race directors make it happen so that it is the most enjoyable time even though you are suffering/nervous/having fun all at the same time. So, I thank you my Houston community for bringing me back to life :) If any of you are struggling this year, remember to never give up. Listen to your body and enjoy what it is able to do.

Rather then a bunch of race reports, enjoy a summary of pictures from my last couple of races!

Actually smiling on the run!

A chilly morning with some of my best girlfriends.

Podium at the Grand Prix

Podium at Mammoth Lakes

Podium at Try Andys

Big Big Thanks to all my sponsors this year and coaches this year. Coach David Tilbury-Davis and Tim Floyd for believing in me even when times were hard. Aussie Cycles works for my speed demon and of course Oatmega Bar, Powerbar, Blueseventy, Kiwami, SBRsports, Klean Athlete,Cobb Cycling, for all their support this year. I cant thank all my friends and supporters enough for their continued kind words and belief that things will turn for the better.