Volunteering at the Animal Shelter

I began volunteering at the Animal Shelter this Sunday. I spent 5 hours in the blazing sun, sweating as I walked hyper, pulling dogs. I picked up poop and came home exhausted, sore, and covered in slobber, fleas, and God know what else. And I absolutely LOVED it. I can't wait to go back next weekend. It was one of the most gratifying, rewarding experiences I've had in a loooong time.

After I got Travis in October, I wanted more doggie time. And then when Floyd joined our family this spring, I realized the only way to get more doggie time would be to volunteer. I couldn't wait to give back to the other dogs at the shelter. After all, Travis has turned out to be such an exceptional dog. If I could help bring some joy and happiness to the other shelter dogs and somehow help them get adopted, well, words can't explain how good that would make me feel.

--Travis, the day I brought him home from the shelter.

--Floyd and Travis, bosom buddies; these guys are now inseparable!

I learned a lot about dogs on Sunday. 99.9% of dogs are joyous, love people, and just want a little love, attention and exercise. Although I could only spend 20-30 minutes with each dog, they relished every second. Dogs know how to live in the moment. Also, since the majority of the dogs at the shelter are pit bull or pit bull mix, I'm quickly learning that the bad rap these guys have is undeserved. I haven't met a pit bull I don't like. Contrary to popular belief, instead of being aggressive, these guys are huge sweeties! They loooove people and attention and are mostly low energy, easy-going and mellow. Of course, since Travis is half pit, I know this from personal experience as well. Can't wait to go back next week!

Please, please, please, if you are thinking of getting a dog, cat, or bunny (or most any pet--the shelter has reptiles, birds, mice, hamsters, roosters, and even a few pigs!), look at your local shelter. There are so many loving animals there that desperately need a home.

Some of the dogs I walked on Sunday:

--sweet, young and plaful

--one of my favorites! Great with other dogs, easy on the leash, affectionate. Loves belly rubs!

--Very polite and mild-mannered. This gal LOVES walks. Who can resist that face and floppy ears?

--Look at that beautiful steel gray coat!

--The first guy I met. Handsome, polite, and very affectionate.

Thanks! I Needed That.

I've been battling with some depression lately, evident in my last post. Needless to say, it was quite the timely e-mail that I got the other day:

"Hi Rachel,

We just posted an article, “50 Informative & Inspiring Blogs for Triathletes” ( http://www.physicaltherapyassistantschools.org/50-informative-inspiring-blogs-for-triathletes/ ). I thought I'd bring it to your attention in case you think your readers would find it interesting.

I am happy to let you know that your site has been included in this list.

Either way, thanks for your time!"

Thanks so much for the shout-out!

Reunited with Torch

--Spring Sprint '08

I'm almost too embarrassed to admit this but yesterday was the first time I rode Torch in 3 months. Ironman Utah really took it out of me. I've never experienced this before. I simply had no interest in Torch after Utah. Of coures, the 6-week-long period of physical chronic fatigue didn't help. Every now and then, I'd take Pandora out for a ride, hike or do a leisurely run with the dogs, and maybe pop into the ocean for a dip. But even that was becoming more and more infrequent.

I would be lying if I said everything was fine. Work is tough right now. Very tough. I'm actively searching for my first "real job" at the age of 32. I have a PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology, and I can't find a job. The economy is shit. I keep getting turned down because I'm overqualified or don't have enough "biotech" experience. It's frustrating. What I need right now is an outlet.

I wrestled with Torch for about half-an-hour, replacing the race wheels with training wheels. Undoing the aero bottle from the bars, still half-full of dirty Ironman Utah water. Slapped a spare kit in a bag under the seat. And took off.

I was a bit worried. The one thing I didn't need right now was a bad ride. A bad run a week ago had popped the last little bit of wind out of my sails. How would I feel on a 16-mile ride? I feel like I'm starting all over again. It's just been too long.

I quickly settled into the aero position. It was like putting on an old pair of your favorite jeans. Like walking by a bakery and reveling in childhood memories of your mother's chocolate-chip cookies. It was like, well...it was like riding a bike. You never forget. I remembered all those hours, all those hills, all the bottles of water, the eons of time riding next to friends in idle conversation. The long, endless Saturdays of starting out with the group at the crack of dawn and riding non-stop until mid-afternoon. The feeling that there was nothing else but that moment. Nothing else existed. The ocean stretching endlessly to the left. The bright sun in the cloudless sky, cooled by a soft, mist breeze, carried from the waves crashing on the shore. I felt strangely free and at peace. The knowledge that you had nothing else planned for the rest of the day, and the only thing that mattered was finishing that ride. Afterwards, a hot shower, lots of comfort food, and lounging in front of the t.v., gleefully weary and totally satisfied. Then, going to bed early to get ready to wake up early on Sunday and do it all over again (this time on foot).

This ride, in and of itself, was uneventful. I rode on the path I had ridden on hundreds of time before. But I relished in it. Appreciated the sleeping power in my core and glutes. Took advantage of the knowledge of every turn and bump in the road. Enjoyed the predictable westwardly wind. I loved the familiarity of the ride. Something within me stirred.

BAD DOGS!!!

Bad Floyd:
What was supposed to be a relaxing, mellow late-night walk turned into an anxiety-ridden, harrowing 9 mile rescue search. Friday night, Greg and I decide to go for a night walk with the dogs. We trekked along a dirt path in one of the plowed fields behind the house, illuminated only by moonlight. About halfway out and 3 miles from home, Floyd disappeared. One minute he was there, and the next, POOF! Gone.

We speculated on the rationale for his absconding into darkness without warning. What was going through his little head? Did he get spooked? Took one path, and we took the other? Chased a rabbit until we got separated? Or did he simply get bored of the walk and decide on his own to take off? In the end, it was just Greg, Travis, and me, searching endlessly for someone who was no longer there.

Amazingly, Travis, usually quite mischievous about coming when called, came straight away in response to my whistling. He actually seemed somewhat worried. He put his head into the leash as if to say, "Okay. I'm done with this game. Let's go home." I gave him some water and lots of pats.

We walked back and forth in search of Floyd. Traversed the path to the point where we had seen him last. Went to each fork in the road. We went back and forth like that for awhile until we were quite disoriented. Luckily, I noticed that whenever we turned down one path, Travis surged ahead. When we went down the other, Travis obediently followed but more sluggishly at our heels. Hmmm. Let's go down the one where Travis pulls ahead. Just like horses, dogs seem to have an incredible honing instinct for sensing direction of home. We decided to let Travis lead us home and prayed that Floyd would be there waiting for us.

When we got a call from my housemate, we were both instantly relieved. He confirmed our suspicions: Floyd had been waiting on the front porch when he had come home from the pub. Little bastard had gotten tired of our wanderings and taken upon himself to steal away silently and go home. We took our time walking home after that, knowing Floyd was safe and sound. I stood for several minutes, gaping in awe, when we passed directly underneath a giant, great-horned owl, swiveling his head this way and that, in search of prey.

Bad Travis:
We went for a run Sunday evening. We waited until the sun was setting and the temps had cooled off. As the shadows grew long, we took the dogs off leash and set off on a familiar trail, aiming for 3-4 easy miles. The dogs were always better at staying with us when we were running; I had no doubt we would run together as a pack.

The dogs darted in and out of the bushes, stirring up critters and cavorted in the fields. They seemed so happy. About 2 miles out, Travis darted into some thick shrubs alongside a narrow creek. Oh, Travis, I thought. I whistled and waited for him to come out. I heard jingling and rustling. He was taking his time. I ran up ahead and whistled again. He never failed to follow. Except for today. Several minutes elapsed. I whistled repeatedly. I doubled-back on the path, whistling. When I returned to where I had last seen him, only 50 feet back, I was met with nothing but silence and a family of red-tailed hawks, excitedly flitting about in the trees as the field mice skittered about below. A horrible sinking feeling tore through my chest. Travis was gone.

I had no doubt what had gone through Travis' head. It was dusk, when the rabbits, his most favorite thing to chase in the world, were most active. He had seen rabbits! and taken chase. Now he was gone and completely disinterested in returning. I was pissed. Greg, Floyd and I ran along the trails snaking through the fields and creek in a futile search for Travis. Travis had no interest in listening to our calls and whistles. Darkness was only minutes away from encompassing the land, and I knew it would be pointless to search for him after the sun set.

Frustrated, I took Floyd and set off for home. Greg refused to surrender. He set back out at a mad sprint to find Travis. I scoffed, thinking it was impossible. It was a long walk/run home. I was relieved to be in the company of Floyd. In my head, I was already putting together the "Missing Dog" fliers, thinking of the best places to hang them, and calling the local shelters. By the time I got home, I was shaking and almost in tears.

Just a mere 5 minutes later, Greg burst through the front door with an exhausted, panting Travis at his heels. I stared in disbelief, overcome with conflicting yet simultaneous emotions of immense relief and fury. I took Travis out back to check him for wounds and hose him down to cool him off. He's a bit tired but doesn't have a scratch on him.

Needless to say, it will be awhile before these guys go off leash again!

Stan has a new home!

Check out Stan's new home: www.tongueincheekfunnies.blogspot.com

Check out my new blog!

These are my new pets, Bonnie and Clyde, a pair of baby clownfish. I'm the proud owner of a young 75-gallon saltwater aquarium. Check out the successes and failures of my new mini-ocean.

Trials and Tribulations of a Reef Aquarium

Stan's Precarious Return from TJ to Tucson

Science Thursday: Exercise Physiology--Women vs Men

Intuitively, we know that women respond differently to exercise, training, and nutrition than men. Men are faster due to bigger hearts and more muscle mass (among other things). Women tend to recover faster from workouts, however, and may also have more endurance in ultra events. Also, women rarely get calf cramps while men succumb to these crippling stabs of pain. Men tend to lose weight faster than women; women hang on to body fat and have higher body fat percentages. Obviously, these are trends and observations. Surprisingly, little research has been done on the specific physiological differences between men and women during exercise.

Sidenote:
Women can be faster than men? There have been several instances of some women kicking men's asses, especially at the ultra endurance events. Check out Gertrude Ederle) who swam the English Channel faster than the 5 men who had done it before her. Lynne Cox , who swam in Antarctic waters, completing ultraswimming events where men who had tried before her died. Seana Hogan, ultracycling legend (yes, even better than men), and Pam Reed, bad-ass at Badwater and overall winner (several times!).

Back to the main story:
Recently, an article in the New York Times highlighted some of the differences in the physiology between men and women. We've all been hearing the hype about protein and muscle recovery after a workout. The idea is that muscle is made of protein. Working out breaks the muscle tissue down. It then recovers and rebuilds, coming back stronger than before. Studies have shown taking in a certain amount of protein within 30 minutes after a workout speeds up the recovery process, presumably by helping the muscle rebuild. That's why we've all been slugging chocolate milk after a good training session. Or at least, that's the excuse we've been telling ourselves for all the chocolate milk we've been guzzling (yum, yum). This study was first published by Rowlands et al., 2008 in Appl Physiol Nutr Metab.

Unfortunately, this study used all male subjects. Almost as an afterthought, Dr. Rowlands conducted a follow-up study, this time focusing on female subjects. Surprisingly, females did not respond like the males to ingesting protein after a cycling workout. They had no measurable benefit to the protein (Rowlands et al., 2010. Med Sci Sports Exerc). This may be due to the higher amounts of estrogen and lower amounts of testosterone in women vs men, although this is probably only a part of the total complex number of factors in the end equation.

This is not the first time gender differences have been observed with respect to physiology and training. For instance, studies have indicated that females do not respond to carbo loading like males do (See Tarnopolsky et al., 2001 J Appl Physiol). That well-intended, detailed meal plan you bought from the nutritionist to carbo load the week or two before your A race? If you're female, you may be simply wasting your time. The benefit of carbo-loading was not as great in women. For whatever reason (blame it on estrogen), women are not able to utilize the greater percentage of ingested carbohydrates to restock their glycogen stores, compared to men.

Finally, the heart-rate training you've been doing? If you're a woman, you may be using the wrong formulas. All those detailed books with numbers and percentages you're supposed to be a slave to in training were calculated based on studies using male subjects. Not to mention treadmill and their automatic heart rate programs. The ole' 220-age is not accurate. Apparently, this is about 8 beats too high for women, which may lead to premature fatigue and frustration if you're trying to adhere to a heart rate plan. Honestly, I think it's better to train based on feel and breathing anyway (I love the talk test but maybe because I love to talk). Researchers from the University of Colorado devised a more accurate formula for both sexes: 208-0.7*age (Tanaka et al., 2001. J Am Coll Cardiol). For more information, check out this article in the Times.

Basically, women should be wary when new recommendations arise for training, fitness, exercise and nutrition. Check out the source of the study. Was the gender of the subjects all male? If so, any conclusions should be taken with a pound of salt when it comes to changing up your program. Reynolds states in her article, As Dr. Rowlands says — echoing a chorus of men before him — when it comes to women, there’s a great deal that sports scientists “just don’t understand.” Afterall, women are not men. Thankfully.

Bay to Breakers Continues...

Most of you probably know this but just in case...

Bay to Breakers (http://baytobreakers.com/) is one of the oldest traditions and largest running races in the world. Held in San Francisco each May, tens of thousands of people show up, dressed in costume (or none at all) for the infamous 12K race through the streets of San Fran. Unfortunately, ING, the main sponsor of Bay to Breakers pulled out after this year. Was Bay to Breakers to go bankrupt as it's 100th anniversary approached? I did this race with my dad and sister in '06 (http://amateurtrigirl.blogspot.com/2006/05/good-bad-and-ugly-bay-to-breakers-race.html) and had more fun than I've ever had running before. I was actually sad when I reached the finish line at the Golden Gate Bridge. It was like a running party. So I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I received this e-mail:

Bay to Breakers 100th running announced for May 15, 2011
Cooperation with City and Neighborhoods will result in improvements for 100th running of “Civic Treasure”

San Francisco, July 7, 2010—The organizer of the Bay to Breakers road race confirmed that the 100th running of the venerable 12k race will take place on May 15, 2011. The race, a unique celebration of San Francisco and its culture, will institute new measures this year as part of its centennial celebration.

“We cherish the fun aspects of the race that have made it unique worldwide--runners dressed in costumes, centipedes, group running--that add to the excitement of a professional internationally important 12K footrace,” said Angela Fang, general manager of the Bay to Breakers race. “In the coming months we will be announcing a number of compelling programs to enhance the race and the racing.”

Fang said the race has been meeting with residents, neighborhood associations, race participants and representatives of the City and SFPD and that they have collectively highlighted a number of changes which are required to make the race a fun and safe event that can be enjoyed by everyone--runners, walkers, families, children, neighbors and the City as a whole.

Concerned about threats to public safety, particularly as it relates to illegal and excessive alcohol consumption, Fang stated the race is working with San Francisco Police Department officials, the Mayor’s Office, neighbors and neighborhood associations to enforce public alcohol consumption and public drunkenness laws at the 100th anniversary of the event.

She said this year’s 99th running of the race on May 16 had more than 30 ambulance transports, the majority of which were alcohol related. Bay to Breakers had many times the number of ambulance transports as other comparable races in the United States.

Alcohol consumption and its negative impacts garnered the attention of civic leaders, many of whom want to see a positive change. “Another of San Francisco's cherished special events is being threatened by people who consider bad behavior a good time…There is no "right" to party when the party turns into destroying or defacing the property of others, threatening the safety and lives of those around you or leaving a trail of debris…behind you,” wrote Joe D'Alessandro, CEO of the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau, in the aftermath of the race this year in the San Francisco Chronicle.

“The illegal and dangerous abuse of alcohol must stop if the race is to continue as a fun and safe event that can be enjoyed by everyone—runners, walkers, families, children, neighbors and the City as a whole,” Fang said.

"Drunkenness, and drunks, take away from the individuality and creativity that make the Bay to Breakers a unique and compelling civic tradition” Fang said, adding that these individuals will be arrested, cited and fined by SFPD next year.

“We are concerned for public safety, for the participants, for spectators and for neighborhood residents,” said Jeff Godown, San Francisco Police Department Assistant Chief of Police. “We want to help everyone safely enjoy a wonderful tradition.”

A large crowd is anticipated for the 100th anniversary of the event, which was established in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake by civic leaders who wanted to boost morale and promote the image of the recovering city. In 1964, the race was dubbed ‘the Bay to Breakers.’

The first annual Cross City Race, held Jan. 1, 1912, was won by student Bobby Vlught, who crossed the finish line with a time of 44:10. By contrast, this year’s women’s winner, Lineth Chepkurui of Kenya, made world history finishing in 38:07 and the men’s winner, Sammy Kitwara of Kenya, became a back to back winner at the race with the time of 34:15.

“The Bay to Breakers is a San Francisco civic treasure,” Fang said. She added that the race will also make other changes to the 100th anniversary event, including:

--Allowing only registered participants on the race course will reserve the right to fence the course and to remove non-registered “bandits.”
--Working to have all streets opened by noon.
--Eliminating floats, which have to an unacceptable extent become alcohol delivery vehicles and magnets for unacceptable behavior
--Limiting the number of registrations for the 100th anniversary.

“We are making these changes so that neighbors, the community, registrants, and spectators alike can enjoy the event in the spirit in which it was founded. We want our 100th anniversary to be a shining success for San Francisco and its residents,” Fang said.

She said the race is “working closely with SFPD to ensure that there is a sufficient police presence to enforce the law, including arrests” and will make a significant investment in advertising and promoting the rule changes so that the public will know that there are serious legal consequences for abusing alcohol and defacing the neighborhoods. She said that irresponsible individuals who have taken advantage of a fun civic event to trash San Francisco’s neighborhoods, homes, parks and streets and endanger themselves and others with reckless behavior “are not welcome at future races.”

About Bay to Breakers 12K

Bay to Breakers 12K is one of the world’s largest and oldest footraces, held annually in San Francisco, Calif. The name reflects the traditional course which takes tens of thousands of participants from the northeast end of the downtown area near the Embarcadero (the “bay” side of the city) to the west end of the city and the “breakers” of Ocean Beach. The 7.46 mile (12 kilometer) race features world-class athletes in addition to costumed runners and ‘fun-loving’ folks out for a great day of running and walking through San Francisco. For more information, visit www.baytobreakers.com.

My Annual Fall

For the past 3 years, like clockwork, I take a fall while running. Not sure what happens but my feet trip over some mysterious object, I flail my arms wildly taking giant, heavy steps to try to futilely regain my balance and...then BAM! Tri Grrl go down; go boom. Those who have witnessed my annual elusive fall claim I fall with style. I think I look a bit like Superman. My arms shoot forward and I tip forward like a chopped-down tree, performing a not-so-graceful belly flop on the ground. This time would not disappoint...

I've been trying desperately to get back into shape. No upcoming races, no goals, just working out. It's fun and freeing. So relaxing. Back to basics. Unfortunately, I've been having a monster of a time waking up early. Sunday morning, I woke up at 6:30 am, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, which would probably be the first and last time my physiology would support this energy state in about 5 years, past and future. I jumped on the opportunity.

I got up, showed my running shoes to the boys (Floyd and Travis), who immediately started salivating and doing mini-360s. We grabbed the leashes and set off down the trail. Travis sprinted out the gate, pulling us along at a impossible, blistering pace. Floyd, like me, takes awhile to warm up. We slogged along, wearily following eager Travis.

Finally, after a mile or so, Floyd and I started settling in. Travis, like clockwork, slowed and matched our pace. The pack was in sync. I loped along easily, my breathing settled, and, for the first time since I've started working out again (a few weeks), I started feeling good. Ah, the elusive runner's high.

Just when I was starting to really enjoy myself, reflecting on past fuzzy memories of 20-mile trail runs and marathons, my toe caught a rock. I stumbled, trying to catch myself. For one fleeting moment, I thought I had it, as I took several clodhopper steps to try and save myself. But, alas, no, it was not to be. Down I went. My hands flew forward but the momentum was too much. I landed knees, thighs, stomach, hands, and then, smack!, chin. Blood gushed onto the rocks and dirt beneath. A sharp stinging sensation pulsed on my chin, my jaw ached, and my head pounded. Shit!

Two years ago, I had continued a run like this with a concussion, only to deeply regret this rash decision later. I would not exhibit such silly bravado today. Using my running tee (sporting an ultra runner logo "Out 'n Back") to stop the bleeding, I held the cloth to my chin as I walked gingerly back towards home, head hung low, run stopped short.

Once home, I assessed the damage. I was relieved to see that the cut had already stopped bleeding and would not require stitches. All my teeth were in place. Although tired, ice and ibuprofen stopped much of the pain. Thankfully, I have no serious injuries. So I survived my requisite annual fall without too much drama or inconvenience. I'll try again tomorrow.

Previous Years' Falls:

2009: http://amateurtrigirl.blogspot.com/2009/04/battered-bruised-and-bloody.html
2008: http://amateurtrigirl.blogspot.com/2008/08/sidewalk-broke-my-fall.html
2007: http://amateurtrigirl.blogspot.com/2007/09/war-wounds.html

Amateur Tri Girl Battles Burnout

For the first time in 6 years, I've been experiencing burnout. Back-to-back Ironmans, including an Ironman, an ultra, and a half IM in 6 weeks will do that. Ironically, I thought I was immune to such folly things as "burnout". That only happens to the weak-minded, right? Wrong.

I was budding with enthusiasm and forget to pace myself. I felt great, my body was able, so why not? Unfortunately, being in great shape can get you into trouble. I used my body as a playground and almost broke my favorite toy. I know I will get through this, but how?, you ask. It certainly has been challenging.

For one, I've been going easy on myself. I've been pushing myself to go farther and faster for the last 6 years. It's okay to take a break. First, I allowed myself time off. I know I was supposed to be cross-training. Stuff like surfing, mountain biking, and hiking. But to be honest, I just couldn't bring myself to get off the couch. I slept a lot. Watched a lot of movies. Started a salt water aquarium. Did some cartoons. After 2 months of this, I realized something was wrong.

That brings me to step #2. Make sure there's nothing physically wrong. Turns out, I was suffering from chronic fatigue. I coudn't even work a full day. I was sleeping 16-18 hours a day. I had some bloodwork done, and it didn't take a rocket scientist to predict it was low thyroid (since I've suffered from that before). After much-painful tweaking to my medication (first it was too high, and then I suffered from migraines. Yay), my energy started returning. I also began focusing on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating regular meals full of greens, fruits, and whole grains.

Step #3. Begin doing something active but without purpose. For me, this basically meant getting out with the dogs. Hiking, walking, running, playing fetch at the beach, and even biking with the dogs. And my favorite...roller skating. Although the punishment for screwing up on this one is quite severe; I have several painful deep bruises to my tailbone that have taken weeks to heal. Sitting for long periods is quite painful but, hey, that's an even better excuse to get movin'! It felt good to just move, even though it was at low intensities.

Step #4 has been to reintroduce myself to exercise again. I don't have any race goals. I just want to be healthy and get into shape at this point. And have fun. Most of my friends are through the tri club so that's how I get my socializing done. Yet another excuse to get moving. It's been slow, and I have lots of false starts but little by little, I'm starting to work out again. I'm trying to do something every day. A short ocean swim, a run with the dogs, a fun little bike ride. I even signed up for a few races. Some sprint tris. The Carlsbad Tri is this Sunday. I'm not going to race it. Just use it as a workout.

Step #5 will be to fall in love with the sport again. I'm hoping to get my body back into shape and ease back into it. I really love trail running and am hoping to feel well enough to run a hilly, trail marathon this November (Catalina). I know from past experience that it gets easier with time. I just have to be consistent, take the pressure off myself, and get out there and move!

Episode 3: Planet Niptune

One small step for Stan...one giant leap for mankind.

Amateur Tri Girl Emerges from Hibernation

Yes, it's been awhile. Everything is fine. I've just been resting. After Ironman Utah, I had planned on vegetating for awhile. Or "burbling", as I've just discovered my African dwarf frogs do when they nap in the water and hang motionless (no, they're not dead). A deep fatigue took over shortly after.

Six weeks later, I've had plenty of time for introspection. First, I had to address my chronic fatigue that re-emerged. True, an Ironman makes you tired but not that tired. I was sleeping 16-18 hours a day. I barely had enough energy to shower and dress. It was ridiculous. I can't spend all day in bed. I have things to do! Four weeks after the Ironman, I'd had enough. My symptoms seemed vaguely familiar. After some reflection, I realized there was some truth to my deja vu. See: http://amateurtrigirl.blogspot.com/2006/08/fighting-fatigue-i-think-im-winning.html. Ah, the ole' low thyroid rearing it's ugly head again. After some blood work and a few trips to the doctor, I've had my thyroid medication tweaked and it's like magic (magic beans? the magic feather Dumbo had? real magic? JK). I'm starting to feel like myself again.

Secondly, I've been trying to focus on my career. My postdoc is coming to an end, and I'm actively searching for a job as a medical writer in biotech in San Diego. It's taken me a long time to be able to actualize that statement, put it into words, and seriously and passionately desire that goal. Now, it's time for it to come to fruition. After failing to get hired for my dream job but making it down the final 4 after a month of 3 phone interviews, a writing test, and an on-site interview that lasted all day with 6 different people, I was, to put it mildly, heartbroken when I didn't get a job I had been praying for. I'm taking a course in the fall at UCSD extension, revamping my resume, applying for jobs, and banging on doors. I don't know how many brick walls I have to beat my head on to be able to have my career dreams come true but every time I get knocked down, I pick myself up, brush myself off, and try again. Thank you, Ironman, for giving me the gift of undying perserverance. In this economy, I need it.

Finally, after 3 years of doing an Ironman a year, I need a little break. I'm experiencing a bit of triathlon burnout. I've been pushing myself to improve at longer and longer distances for the past 6 years. However, I never really stopped to smell the roses along the way. I miss the days of group workouts, track runs, and sprint triathlons. I can't tell you how many fun club workouts I skipped because they weren't "long enough" or "race specific". I realize that I need to reestablish balance in my life to prevent Ironman from taking over. It's fun for a little awhile but year-in and year-out, it can be all-consuming. Ironman training, quite simply, takes over your life. I miss going to movies, traveling, reading, and sleeping in. I want to do new things like learn to play the guitar, go camping and hiking, learn to surf, and volunteer at the local animal shelter. I need to make room for exploration, socializing, and friends and family.

I've been doing lots of fun things I've missed out on these past couple of years. Jigsaw puzzles, reading, painting, writing, playing with the dogs (Floyd and Travis), Babs the bunny, and starting up a saltwater reef aquarium. I've acquired some new members to my family as well: Oliver and Linus the rats, Hansel & Gretel the goldfish (and Ginger the snail), Darryl and Dory the African Dwarf frogs (or the "Double D's" for short), and Simon the siamese fighting fish (he had 2 snails, "Cecilia" and "Mrs. Robinson" but their mysterious deaths makes him a prime suspect).

For the next several weeks, my friends from Australia, Paul and Deanne, are visiting as Paul (a pro triathlete) travels around the US for races. It's been wonderful having more friends to play with. In addition, I'm using them as an excuse to fall back into workouts again as I introduce them to the club and the area. I feel like they've lit my fire. I've found my mojo! On Friday, we swam in the Cove. I literally ran down the stairs into the water; I was so excited. On Saturday, I faked my way through a hilly 40-mile ride, which totally kicked my ass but was super fun. It's time to get the ole' body back in motion! What's next? Time to sign up for some sprints!

Stan's Spring Break on the Gulf of Mexico

Ironman Utah Shout Out!

I couldn't have done it without you guys. One person may cross the finish line of an Ironman but for every athlete, there's an invisible army carrying her along the 140.6 miles. I want to thank those who helped me the most.

1. The people of St. George.
You guys did a rockin' job! Amazing for a debut race year. It felt like this race has been going on for a decade. The city was friendly, easy to navigate, safe, and clean. The volunteers gave me tons of enthusiasm and support in my darkest miles. The spectators had amazing energy. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I wouldn't have had such a fantastic time without your support!

2. The Triathlon Club of San Diego (www.triclubsandiego.org).
I'm proud to be a member of the best triathlon club in the country (also the largest and the oldest). You guys are like family. I have invaluable training resources and training buddies as well as infinite workouts through this club. At least 60 of us went to St. George and it was fantastic training, racing, and celebrating with you guys. You're the best!

3. UCSD Masters (http://recreation.ucsd.edu/mstr).
One of the best masters programs in the country. Sickie and Terry are coaches I trust dearly. They make swimming challenging and fun. Thank you for helping me with my stroke and inspiring me to fall in love with swimming. I love all my swim buddies during each workout. You guys are awesome!

4. My Training Buddies.
There are so many of you to thank, I can't even begin to count. We shared hellish miles on the bike together. Countless pints of blood, sweat, and tears and post-ride meals. War stories. Fear and excitement in anticipation of St. George. Thank you for motivating me to get out of bed and ride at the crack of dawn every Saturday. Thank you for encouraging me to go just one more mile, just one more hill. I don't think I'll be doing the Great Western Loop anytime soon for right now but I owe my success in St. George to you guys.

5. B&L Bikes (http://www.blbikes.com) in Solana Beach.
The best bike shop for triathletes, hands-down. Your customer service is second-to-none. Dan-O can fix anything and fit anyone! Hope you guys liked the brownies!

6. Jennifer Janis, acupuncturist.
Not only is she an amazing healer but she's also full of positive, motivating energy. I'm always beaming when I leave her place. Thank you for your healing skills and encouraging words. (Also, all your ultrarunning tips!). You're a valuable mentor.

7. Jacyln Hannibal, massage therapit (Elite Bodyworkers http://www.cassidysclinic.com/)
You have magical hands! I wouldn't have stayed injury-free or been able to recover from all of my hard workouts without you!

8. My blogger friends.
You guys keep me honest and always believe in me. Thank you for all your motivation, advice, and kind words. You guys are amazing!

9. My friends and family
Last but not least. Thank you for your unconditional, undying support. You guys always believe in me.

What I Did After Ironman Utah--Zion

I couldn't return home without a visit to Zion, only 40 minutes from St. George. It was more of a Zion "preview" since all I could manage was stumbling around on a gentle trail with the camera. I can't wait to go back. Enjoy the photo post!