The Past is Still Recorded Online

Best Rush After A Speech and Best Packaging of The Year 2009 #best09

2009-12-15T08:09:00.006-07:00

December 14 Rush. When did you get your best rush of the year?

I stood up in front of my running group this past summer to do a short, ten minute seminar on visualization during the marathon. The speech went enormously well, and due to the nature of the speech itself demanding 100% of the listeners attention, it was an amazing experience. During the talk, I had everyone take and easy seat and move up close to the stage. I spoke in a hushed, subdued tone and asked them to close their eyes and visualize the feel of the race that was ahead of them. I could feel the energy of fifty people focusing on one thing buzzing around me. I finished my speech and looked out at the crowd sitting just a few feet from me. Everyone was quiet and for an intstant all I could hear was breathing. They were all still basking in the imaginary finish of their marathon. It was a beautiful moment with me being the one of the only people with their eyes open and I could see it in each of their face. I could see the joy and accomplishment in each of their faces as they sat there for that brief moment and watched themselves accomplish a huge goal like the marathon. A rush of pure, sweet, albeit breif happiness and satisfaction washed over me and I exhaled. It was amazing. Then they opened their eyes.

December 15 Best packaging. Did your headphones come in a sweet case? See a bottle of tea in another country that stood off the shelves?

I loved the packaging that my partner's mom used to give us her currently-not-being used margarita glasses, red wine glasses and white wine glasses. Each glass stood up on its own and was protected by foam walls. They are great glasses, too! Great packaging.

Current book I'm reading: "Reading Like A Writer" By Francine Prose

3 bests in 1! The Best Place---Best New Food--- & Best Change Made to my House of 2009 #best09

2009-12-11T11:56:00.010-07:00

December 11 The best place. A coffee shop? A pub? A retreat center? A cubicle? A nook?

My best place of 2009 is easily within the forest of the Indian Peaks near Granby, Colorado. It is one of the best places in the world to me primarily because every year I go there for a week long backpacking trip with the people that I love most. The quiet and the beauty of this stretch of the Rocky Mountains is unmatched in my mind. It helps that I turn off the cell phone, I forget about email and I just let myself be an exist with just a backpack, a sleeping bag and a water filter. My favorite view within the Indian Peaks is pictured here, it is a view of a peak called Lone Eagle taken by my dad, Jerry. Next year, we plan to scramble up this puppy. I've only been at the base of it so far and I can't wait for the challenge!

December 12 New food. You're now in love with Lebanese food and you didn't even know what it was in January of this year.

The new food that I have fallen in love with in 2009 is not really new to me at all. It is just...different. It is now home-made. You see, very recently, I became friends with a spunky young hippie who landed in Austin from the Northwest. She introduced me to her HOME-MADE BREAD. From the moment I first tasted it, I was crazy about the sweet, light, fresh fluffiness of her bread. And the crisp of her crust! It was divine! And so I requested that my new friend come over to my house and teach me how she makes it. And she consented. And we did. I learned how to make it and I think that I've officially fallen in love with home-made bread this year. I've made several different variations on what she taught me and I have a feeling that this love affair with bread will become more involved and even more delicious in the future.

December 13 What's the best change you made to the place you live?

The best change made to my house: the addition of a gorgeous, sweet, loving mini schnauzer named Murphy...

Photo taken by RC COLA

We added a small animal to our home. I've always been a dog-lover and I always said to myself that I would wait until the time was right to get a dog. And so, I loved on all of my friend's dogs up to this point. Then, an amazing opportunity landed at my feet. I had the chance to adopt a well-trained, older, wonderful dog whom I already knew. A good friend's estranged ex-boyfriend abandoned this gorgeous, six-year old, well behaved mini schnauzer named Murphy. I can't understand why he would ever leave this pup. Of course, me and mine scooped him up and took him in. We adopted him and added him to our household. It has taken a lot of adjustment for me and a lot of training on his (and my) part but he is becoming a better dog day by day. His playful spirit and tendency for cuddling enriches my life tenfold day by day as well. He's small and portable and he loves you if you are sad and celebrates with you if you are happy. I walk him every day and those walks have also enriched my life. I think of new poems and twists to my short stories on those walks. I clear my head and give myself wholly to this wonderful animal during these walks. This addition is one that I never want to part with. Who would? He's just too adorable!

Current book I'm reading: The Virigin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

Best Album of 2009 - #best09

2009-12-10T16:31:00.003-07:00

December 10 Album of the year. What's rocking your world?

I discovered Band of Horses this year. They've been around for a while, but I wasn't aware of them until this year. The album that rocked my world actually came out in 2006. Disregard that. It's great, and I love it. My dad and I both love it, and I enjoy sharing music with my dad. It is Band of Horses "Everything All The Time" and it has one of the most awesome songs on it called "The Funeral."

My dad sent me a video with the song "The Funeral" in the background a few months ago. I was hooked upon my first listen. After hearing the song in several spin classes shortly after my dad sent the song, "The Funeral" soon became my seize the day anthem of choice. It is an incredibly powerful song about living life to the fullest. The album, also, is incredible. Check out Band of Horses and all of their work!

I'm thankful that my dad bought and shared the album with me as we drove up to Telluride, Colorado for vacation over the summer. I have great memories of this band and all of their work. Also, I just love indie rock. It rocks my world.

Bestof09 Moment of Peace (8th) and Challenge That Made Me Grow (9th)

2009-12-09T08:52:00.006-07:00

December 8 Moment of peace. An hour or a day or a week of solitude.
What was the quality of your breath? The state of your mind? How did
you get there?

This past Spring, I did yoga on the beach of Mustang Island State Park. My friends and I had camped there the night before, and as I was running on the beach the morning after sleeping on it, I thought of how nice it would be to do yoga in the sand as the sun rose. I ate a small snack, I hadn't had breakfast yet. My stomach was pretty empty which is ideal for practicing yoga. I went to the edge of the water where the sand is just hard enough so that you do not sink too deeply into it. I did yoga there for an hour or so, barely conscious of the world waking up around me. I looked only out at the water of the Gulf, I opened my heart to the sea. My friend R joined me and practiced next to me for a while, but I hardly noticed her there aside from hearing her deep breathe. I was in the middle of a upward dog when tears came to the sides of my eyes. I felt my chest opening so wide and my breathe coming in so deeply that I began to cry from the sheer excellence of it all. In the middle of this realization I think my friend stopped doing yoga and walked off to get her camera. She took photos of me and I continued to pretend that the world was just me and the water. It was a fun game. I listened to the waves, watched the sun turn golden on the water and I felt the sweet saltiness of the breeze. As I did king pigeon and I stared out at the water and I was so wrapped up in the beauty of the moment that I almost felt I could see myself, look at myself from the outside to the in. I was transparent, then. I felt so much power, gratitude, self-worth, healing, and peace in that moment. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life and I found it thanks to the beauty of the beach and my ever-growing yoga practice. And I will remember that peace of mind that I felt then and henceforth for years to come because I connect back with it daily ever since then.

December 9 Challenge. Something that really made you grow this year.
That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best
challenge of the year for you?

I was talking with a treasured friend and confidante of mine. We were talking about my career and future plans. I finally admitted to her (and to myself) that I wanted to be a writer and a coach and that these were my passions. Firstly, it had taken me a majority of the year to admit this to myself---so that admittance alone was a step and a very difficult one at that. Upon my telling her this, she threw something at me that I was not prepared to handle. She told me point blank that currently, from her perspective, I was doing it all wrong and that I was going about life all wrong. She said that she saw the way I was living and the way that I was living was draining my life energy. I balked. My throat was dry. No one had been so bold and laid it out so plainly to me before this time. I cried, realizing she was right. I have changed my methods since then and I have began to move in new directions. Slowly, but surely. That conversation was one of the hardest of my life and it brought me to my edge because I finally realized what I was doing wrong. My treasured friend challenged the way that I currently look at my world - my employment, my relationships and my art. Since that conversation I feel as if I am slowly breaking out of my old ways, forging a new way of looking at myself and my life as an artist. It is extremely difficult to create this new path. That conversation was extremely difficult for me but necessary for me to grow. I can't keep doing what I've always done. I need to blossom out of this frozen shell that has done it the same way for the past three years and shake it up.

This was the best challenge of the year for me because it forced me to really evaluate what I was doing with my life and it forced me to evaluate if what I was doing each day was or was not bringing me closer to my goal of becoming a coach and an artist. At that point, I wasn't doing anything that brought me closer to these ends. Thanks to the tireless help of my significant other and thanks to many of my dear friends, I have started on a path that is taking me closer to my newly realized goals. I must say, the path has been very rocky but I love the rocks and I feel divine.

Current book I'm reading: Almost finished with "The Sister" by Kaufmann

Bestof#09 Blog(s) of the Year - The Blog I Found That I Can NOT LIVE WITHOUT!

2009-12-07T12:54:00.005-07:00

December 7 Blog find of the year. That gem of a blog you can't believe
you didn't know about until this year.

It is so terribly hard to choose just one best blog of 09! And so, alas, I have two blogs that I really love and feel I can't live without! I am making my own rules with this blog challenge. I like that.

The first blog that I love is called A Print A Day. Yasmine is an amazing artist who creates Parasol Magazine - a magazine highlighting OTHER artist's work. Her blog details and outlines her own, fascinating and adorable work. Every time I read her blog I'm inspired by her. Plus she has free downloads! On her blog, you can download notepads, calendars, patterns, etc for your personal use. This blog is simply wonderful and Yasmine is a wonderful soul who I'm glad I found in blog-land.

Another blog that I came about very recently is that of The Stylist Wander. This is an incredible style blog comprised of mostly pictures which is written by a high school girl who is passionate about vintage, thrift and style. The artistic photos of her outfits that she posts and the raw creativity in the way that she dresses is very inspiring to me. Her love affair with vintage is one that I share and I frequently check her blog for new wardrobe ideas. Her uniqueness and tact are also very admirable to me for someone so young. I can no longer live without reading her blog, either!

Current book I'm reading: The Sister: A Novel of Emily Dickinson by Paula Kaufmann

#best09...Best Book, Best Night Out, Best Workshop/Conference

2009-12-04T12:35:00.004-07:00

December 4 Book. What book - fiction or non - touched you? Where were
you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies?

The best book that I read this year easily is Cormac McCarthy's No Country For Old Men. McCarthy is a master. He has a simple, succinct style that I appreciate, admire and enjoy reading. This was one of his more amazing books...once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.

December 5 Night out. Did you have a night out with friends or a loved
one that rocked your world? Who was there? What was the highlight of
the night?

I am having a hard time picking just one day in one best night out. I sort of have two homes...one is in Texas and one is in Colorado. So I'll pick one best night from each place!

ONE BESTOF AUSTIN NIGHT: The best night out of the year in AUSTIN was the day that one of my favorite people in the world was visiting Austin. My best friend from back home, Carrie, a RECENT NY LAW SCHOOL GRAD came to visit me this summer. It was a Friday night. Most of my Friday nights are not complete without a visit to Yoga Vida 707 - a hot yoga studio. And so, me and like 8 of my friends went and did yoga at the studio. We had an amazing, clarifying practice with one of my favorite yoga instructors, Vic, and then we went out to dinner at the nearby Lambert's BBQ. It was delicious. The yoga. The food. The drinks. But most of all, the company. I enjoyed everything about the night, including the effortlessness of it all and the fact that almost all of my dear friends were in the same place at the same time. It truly was a night to remember.

THE OTHER BESTOF COLORADO NIGHT: The best night of the year in COLORADO was the night of my cousin's wedding November 14, 2009. We were nestled in a gorgeous restaurant on the side of a mountain in Beaver Creek called the Chop House. We celebrated my cousin's love with lots of champagne, wine, and continuous dancing as puffy white snowflakes fell outside. My family was together and we celebrated like crazy. It was the most fun I've ever had at a family wedding! The night did not end, though. Once we got back to the condo we capped the trip off with a hot tub dip while the snow was still softly coming down. I remember feeling the flakes falling on my face in the hot tub. I was so warm and the flakes were so icy cold, but they felt oddly good. It was an amazing night.

December 6 Workshop or conference. Was there a conference or workshop
you attended that was especially beneficial? Where was it? What did
you learn?

The best workshop I experienced this year was one in association with a group of folks that I know who were reading the book "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. In the workshop, we created vision boards of our futures as writers and artists and we shared them with the group. It was one of the most transformative workshops I've ever been to and that particular day, I feel, was instrumental in me "coming into my own" as an artist.

Best of Challenge 12/2 - Best Eatin' Place and 12/3 Best Article---Together In One Post

2009-12-03T08:05:00.007-07:00

December 2 Restaurant moment. Share the best restaurant experience you
had this year. Who was there? What made it amazing? What taste stands
out in your mind?

My best TWO restaurant moments of my year have both been at the same local neighborhood restaurant...each time with different people. The restaurant is Somino's Cafe on S. 1st Street and I have been there with Liz for the first time and with my parents for the second time. I actually think that favorite restaurants need to be tested multiple times to ensure quality. So I'll go there again and again and...again just to be sure it was super good the first time. Needless to say, Somino's has quickly become my favorite restaurant in Austin. I will go there at the drop of a hat. The first time I went to this amazing cafe, I did not know what to expect from a small 1950s house converted very recently into a restaurant. I was completely blown away by the three courses and the amazing salad named after a character in Urban Cowboy and the delectable French Onion soup. The entree also blew my mind and made my tummy and heart feel good because all the ingredients were local, organic and grass fed. Liz and I went there together one afternoon on a weekend, and we had a great view of the creek from our quaint window table. Our server was talkative and helpful but not too much so and the food, as I mentioned, was local, organic and grass fed, leaving me with a wonderful feeling while I was eating and after we were done eating. The menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are available and it feels like you stepped into your friend's kitchen to eat, but nicer, cuter and more down-to-earth Austin.

The second time I went to this restaurant it was to celebrate my mom's birthday. My mom has quite a few food allergies and is lactose intolerant so it is hard for her to eat out. She was so happy when we got there to find that the servers and the cooks were both willing to work with her to find something that she would like. Both my mom and I ended up getting the stuffed tomato, which was the most incredible thing I have ever tasted. The tomato was stuffed with butternut squash and nuts, and it had a juicy, warm and sweet taste which was punctuated by the crunch of a pecan. The tomato rested on a bed of vegan mashed potatoes and those were to die for. I lamented at the fact that the French Onion soup was not on the menu that day, but I rejoiced to find out that my mom and my dad both thoroughly enjoyed their meal and walked away from the restaurant saying "We love Austin, it's like a better, less uppity version of Boulder." I liked that. My mom actually said that. Did I mention the restaurant is BYOB and that Sugar Mama's Bake Shop is less than 2 blocks away? Yes. It's true. After having that delectable birthday dinner for my mom at Somino's, we capped off the night at Sugar Mama's where my mom tweaked out to find chocolate amaretto vegan cupcakes. They had VEGAN buttercream frosting. My mom had never loved a cupcake that much before. She was thrilled at the consistency and taste of the buttercream, as well as the cupcake itself. That dinner and that dessert was the best of 09 for me. Seeing my mom so happy on her birthday just pretty much made my year.

December 3 Article. What's an article that you read that blew you
away? That you shared with all your friends. That you Delicious'd and
reference throughout the year.

I often enjoy reading self-help or training related articles online. I have many favorite training articles, but I think for this #best09 challenge I'll choose the former style of article that I enjoy. I benefit from the amazing blog Zen Habits and many of the articles on there have changed my life. They have changed the way I think and develop ideas and habits specifically and I am so appreciative of that. I discovered Zen Habits last year, though. This year, I discovered a blog called Think Simple Now and I like it for the same reasons that I like Zen Habits. It helps me streamline and organize my thoughts and emotions. The article that I think really stuck with me was one entitled "Find Clarity In One Day" and I found a lot of the ideas in it pertinent and helpful to finding solace, peace, and freedom in one day. Just the idea in and of itself, that a person can find inner peace in one day is completely fascinating to me. The fact that the article illustrates that it is possible to find it is quite wonderful and refreshing to me. The idea that clarity is possible and can be found just in one day is something that I think every person could benefit from if they just took the time to let themselves try.

Challenges Abound! The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge and NaNoWriMo

2009-12-01T15:25:00.004-07:00

I recently completely a challenge this past November. I participated in National Novel Writing Month on NaNoWriMo.org and I completed a 50,000 page novel. I responded well to having a daily word count goal and meeting that goal consistently as the month progressed. My novel is a Mystery/Thriller and it is about a thirty year old former law student named Jay who decides to hike the Appalachian Trail. Jay comes upon an unconscious, young girl while he is hiking along and he decides to help her. At first, she doesn't remember her name or where she is from but as they hike along bits of her life start coming back to her. Her mysterious circumstances lead them on a facinating journey of discovery, risk and healing. I like the story. I never thought that I would write a thriller but the idea came to me and I just went with it! I would like to thank NaNoWriMo for helping me write my second novel and let's hope that I can take both novels off the shelf and throw them into the editing phases in the near future.

And now, for another challenge. One for the month of November. Thanks to Gwen Bell I came upon this challenge to blog on every single day of December. This will truly be a challenge for me because I don't make it a habit of being online on weekends or holidays but when I need to, I will stack two short blog entries together and spit them out to meet this goal. Here goes...

Today is December 1st! Can you believe it!?

And the blog topic for today is: December 1 Trip. What was your best trip in 2009?

I traveled quite a bit this year for triathlon, to visit family, and of course, for pleasure. My favorite trip, though is actually one that I embarked upon while in the city limits of Austin. That trip was the 2009 Longhorn 1/2 Ironman. I traveled 70.3 miles in less than 6 hours. I traveled back fairly close to where I started, which I think makes the 1/2 Ironman a trip in every sense of the word. The best part of all was the intensity of those moments at and before the finish line. I was first greeted by two of my favorite people in the world: my parents. Then I got a legendary hug from my training partner, Jennifer. And then I got hugs and congratulatory words from Rand, Kyla, Betty, Frank, Jeff, Mylessa, Corrie, Joe and Liz. It was the best trip because it was one that I had been anticipating for months. It was the best trip because I had everyone that meant something to me in the same place cheering me on while I took it. It was the best trip because since I was a kid I've always wanted to make it to the end of 70.3...and I did. October 25, 2009 was a special day for me and it will remain special to me for the rest of my life. The feelings of joy, elation, and accomplishment I had at the finish line of that trip are the stuff that a great life is made of. That great life is mine!

Longhorn 70.3 Half Ironman Race Report

2009-10-27T10:00:00.011-06:00

I did it. I traveled 70.3 miles in less than 6 hours. 5:48 to be exact. A less than 6 hour time was my "secret goal" so to speak. Not so secret but I never thought I'd hit it. And I did. Curious, because time was never on my mind throughout the race, though. Gratefulness and peace were on my mind. My friends and family that comprised my incredible support team were on my mind. The strength of my body was on my mind. I just did it. And finishing that thing, every minute of it, was one of the most incredible experiences of my entire life.

PRE-RACE FUN: Packet Pickup was one big flurry of organizing and hugging people. The instant I stepped into the indoor arena where we would be finishing, a wave of calm swept over me. That calm never left, even when my race was threatened by important forgotten items. I walked into the area and gaped at the finish line with the treasured M-dot Ironman logo and flags. I popped myself back on track and headed over to check in. The volunteers were angels and were ready to help with any issue. I got my transition bags and T-shirt and then headed down to the expo. The expo was small but wonderful nonetheless. I got a massage from Dr. Sparks of Koala, and that eased any leftover tension that was in my body out, for good. She even gave me a free pair of Koala socks! How sweet. From there, I headed to get an extra tube from the J&A tent, and bought some extra goo and clif blocks.

After expo-ing, we went to prepare for Transition 1 (T1) and Transition 2 (T2). The transitions were in different places. This was new to me but I was able to adapt fairly quickly to the idea. I was worried about Fizgig all week, wondering if my back tire would give me issues as it did in Burnet. The tune up from Jack and Adam's just two weeks before the race proved to be very helpful and Fizgig was ready as I brought her into T1 on Saturday. I got Fizgig checked out one last time by the awesome Mavic mechanics and then I went down to look at the swim course.

I stared out at the water with the orange buoys. I counted them and stared out at them some more. I started visualizing. And I started talking and thinking about the distance in manageable terms. "It's only two 900 m, right dad? I can do that in my sleep!" and my dad and I talked about where to push on the swim course and where to relax. This conversation proved very helpful the next day. I said to myself before walking away from the waters of Decker Lake "the instant you get into that water, you're going to feel calm, cool, prepared, and collected and READY TO RACE!" and I was.

Transition was set. Bikes were ready. We then took off to eat pasta at Mandola's. More carbs couldn't hurt, right? Maybe I do this triathlon thing just so I have an excuse to eat pasta...haha...nah.

I slept well the night before the race. My mom made some delicious chicken noodle soup for a late dinner that evening and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Chicken noodle soup has been my secret pre-marathon power meal so I decided to try it before this 1/2 Ironman. I had two bowls and was ready to settle down into bed. It was nice knowing that everything was already at the race site, I didn't have to worry about getting anything together the next morning.

RACE-DAY/PRE-RACE: 5:00 a.m. my alarm bleeps off. I wake up, but I instantly want to sleep more. Surprisingly, there was no-excited-crazy-hop-out-of-bed action this race morning. Very different for me, but I rolled with it. I slept a little longer. Bad choice, but I did it. Got up, forced down the steel cut oatmeal and black tea, grabbed my water bottles and packet and hopped in the car with my beloved family.

Traffic backed up on MLK, we were running late. Somehow--I honestly don't know how--I remained calm.

Once we finally got to the race sight, parking was a breeze. In our haste leaving the car and getting to the buses that would bus us to the start, I forgot my packet, which had my timing chip in it. We got on the buses that took us to the race start. It was about a 5 minute bus ride, but it felt like forever.

I did not realize that I had forgotten my timing chip (one of the most important items in a tri) until we got to the race start and were about to get body-marked. I called my dad instantly. I was sure they had picked up the packet out of the car. My heart sunk when I found out that they had not. It was back at the car. Calmly, I asked my mom to go back on the bus and get it for me. For some weird insane reason, I wasn't worried. I knew everything would be fine.

I set up transition hastily. A few nearby folks ask to borrow my amazing Joe Blow pump. I slap on sunscreen quickly and hang tight to my wet suit. I cling desperately to my cell phone. Becky comes up and gives me and Liz and big hug. It felt good to see friends like Becky and Jessica A before the start. Race officials cleared out transition area and my parents still hadn't called. I waited in line for the porta-potty with Becky. I was still eerily calm, waiting for my parents to bring me my chip. Minutes later, my dad calls, they are looking for me. They are worried that they won't find me in time. I turn around in the porta-potty line and my mom comes running up, tears in her eyes. She hands me the chip. She's shaking because she's so nervous. I say "Mom, I love you, THANK YOU so much" and she's still shaking "don't worry mom it will be ok." My mom cuts through my thank yous to say "get that damn thing on your leg!" I bent down and put it on, and instantly my mom felt better. I kissed her and hugged her and she seemed finally relaxed. I was amazed that we still had 25 minutes until the start. It was a close call with the chip, but thanks to my incredible support team of my mom and my dad, I did not have to worry. Happily, the dude that was in back of me in the porta-potty line lets me get back in line ahead of him. How nice.

I get out of the porta-potty and head over to where Liz, Joe and Corrie are waiting before the start. For some reason when I see Corrie I just loose it. I think I was thinking back on the Quarter Ironman and what an amazing support she was during that race. She's been there through a lot of my training. I start crying. She's like "its ok, you're ready, you're going to do great" and I stopped crying. I paused and opened the adorable pre-race good luck gift that magically appeared on my bike in transition this morning from my dear friend Jodi. I smiled as I read the card she wrote me and her advice for me to "bump it" on the bike.

I slowly pull on my wet suit, taking deep breathes. I wave goodbye to my training buddies and I head down to the lake with my parents to try to find Jen P. Everyone looks the same with their seal-like black bodies and red caps. Somehow I manage to pick out Jennifer. I push through the crowd to the front where she is and hug her. She's shaking a bit and so I am I. We turn around and my dad snaps a few great photos of us. Then its time to get into the water.

THE RACE BEGINS: We hop in and the water is cooler than I expected. Thanks to the wet suit my body quickly adjusts.

The swim was incredible. At the start of it, I could literally FEEL my friends who were not there hoping and pushing me forward. I felt their presence and support deep in my heart. It was like their love was cradling me in the water. I started off and it was like I had so much space to move and go fast. I felt great. I was passing people like crazy and drafting off of my favorite swimming buddy Jennifer. I felt good, I stayed relaxed. It was easy when there wasn't a ton of people vying for position. I think I was in the front because I looked back and saw a huge pack of red caps behind me at one point. There were intense waves from the previous groups moving us. I rolled with them and was even able to get on top of those waves and allow them to propel me forward. There was never a time in this swim when I thought "when is this going to be over?" I enjoyed every second of it. Don't get me wrong, it felt long, but I felt so good. My taper seemed to have put me in a great place.

I head up the hill to T1 and I hear my friends calling my name. One of them yells "WE LOVE YOU MERCEDES" and hearing that gave me a sudden burst of energy into T1.

I struggled to get my "Fueled by Beef" tri top on in Transition. Note to self, putting on tight clothing while wet with my big shoulders is not a good idea. I will never do that again. I got my tri top on FINALLY after over 2 minutes of struggling with it and headed out of T1. My parents were waiting for me at the edge of T1 and I cried when I saw them. I couldn't believe it was happening. I was getting on my bike to enjoy 56 miles of bliss! I choked back the tears and concentrated on not going out too fast. I settled in to a comfortable pace, letting people pass me.

The bike went by wonderfully. I knew where all the cracks were thanks to an excellent course preview from my friend Mark C. I knew where the hills were as well. The first 12 miles of the course were hilly but I knew I had those in the bag -- I had rode that course almost weekly all summer. When I got to the halfway point of the bike I felt a huge wave of peace flow over me. It was then that I decided to try to push. I had a bit of gastric distress when I pushed and so I settled back in a little bit. I stuck with my 40 minute fueling and drinking rule - alternating between sports drink and water as often as I could muster. I ate 1/2 of my PBJ and had several goos. I chugged Gatorade at several of the hand off spots, which on second thought may have contributed to my distress. I was thankfully able to push through it all. I even had the energy to take in the rolling farmland and the beautiful rolling green hills. I never once thought "when is this going to be over?" I just stayed in the moment and took in this incredible experience. I had Rhianna's Rihanna - Disturbia stuck in my head most of the ride, which was slightly annoying. I wish I would have had something awesome stuck in my head like Queen-We Will Rock You but I didn't.

I deliberately held back on the bike. I watched my bike computer closely to make sure I never exceeded 18 mph. I know my abilities on the bike. I know I could do 18.5-19 on many of those stretches but I played it safe and stayed at 17 mph a lot of the time. Later, during the run, I was very glad that I did this.

The last 15 miles of the bike were a challenge for me. We got back onto this long, slightly uphill grade that led back to the lake. It was at that point that I began chanting in my head. I started with going through everyone that I knew who wanted me to push. In my head I said "Moe wants you to push, Mom wants you to push, Jen wants you to push, Jodi wants you to push, Joe wants you to push, Steph wants you to push, Daddy wants you to push" and I distracted myself from the pain a bit at that point. After I went through that list several times, I suddenly began chanting "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare." Every time I went through a bit of the chant I felt a surge of energy pulse through me. Those last 10-15 gradual uphill miles on MLK/969 started to fly by. It was really pretty powerful. I began passing people again. I found out after the tri that the mantra I was chanting is actually designed to help those that chant it achieve goals. I'm thrilled that it came to me. According to Agni Purana, "[w]hoever chants this mantra, even neglectfully, will attain the supreme goal of life. Of this there is no doubt."

Indeed.

I was a bit disoriented going into T2. I wracked my bike, pulled off my bike shorts (wow that felt good!) and grabbed a few goos. I slapped my Jack and Adam's visor on and felt ready to run. I began to sprint out of transition but I didn't know which way to go! I got turned around. Luckily, I heard my friend Oscar cheering me on and I followed his voice to the transition exit. As usual, the first thing going through my mind at this point in this tri was "this is your time, baby, DO IT!" The run is my baby. And I really rocked this run. I was so ready to go. I ran that first loop incredibly fast, but I didn't really slow down much on the last two loops. I took a goo on every loop, and I took Endurolytes. I wish I would have taken them earlier. I took heart in the fact that I was passing a lot of guys. That is usual for me. It's what I do on the run. As I said before, the run is my baby. I passed Padre and got cheered on by the awesome T3 run coach Logan. I saw Jess, I saw Joe and Liz coming in on the bike as I was going on my 2nd loop. I started to really feel the hills and the hard pavement on the 2nd loop. I noticed myself going to the negative several times on those hills, but whenever I did I counteracted that negativity with overwhelming positivity. I started talking to myself, out loud. I don't care if the guys I was passing thought I was crazy. We're all crazy! I started telling myself how good I felt, how I could go on for hours. Fortunately for me, I didn't have to. I ran one of my fastest 1/2 marathons to date. I think I was only 7 minutes away from my 1/2 marathon PR at the end of it. On every loop, I really fed off the energy near the finish, where my parents were staged. My dad ran alongside me and took video. My mom screamed her head off and every time I heard her scream I felt myself going faster. I really think it was my cheer squad that kept me consistent on pacing. My legs felt like they were really moving. I didn't know or ever check my pace but I knew I jsut wanted to have fun and feel good. That was the goal.

The pain that I felt on the last loop of the run was immense. I fed off of seeing friends like Liz, Joe, Jen and Becky. With both Jen and Becky I grabbed their hands as I passed them and asked them to run with me. It was great to see them out there. I kept chanting "one more baby" and "you do 10 milers every weekend, what's the difference with this one?" and stuff like that. I kept pushing, I knew I could keep going, I knew I could hold the pace, and I did. I didn't let myself slow down on the hills. I approached the expo center where I knew the finish line was. I cranked my speed up a notch, and instantly felt my left leg cramp. I kept running fast, I didn't let it stop me. I had about 200 m to go. As I was entering the finishing chute, I saw 1 girl and 2 guys in front of me. I heard someone in the crowd yell "that's right Beef, chick that guy, CHICK HIM!!" and I did. Tears streamed down my face as I crossed the finish line. I had just did it!

I heaved through the sobs, got my medal and water. A volunteer came up to me to see if I was alright. I think I said something like "I'm just emotional!" I was so happy. I could barely walk, but I was so happy. I felt good.

I saw my parents coming down the stairs to find me. Tears were in my eyes, I hugged them and I said something goofy like "I did it, Daddy."

I looked down at my watch. It read 5 hours 40-something minutes. I balked at my time. I never though I could do it! I hit my goal!

After finding a coke to drink in the med area and icing my cramped leg, I emerged back toward the finishing chute to find Rand and Jen. Jen and I hugged the second we saw each other and basked in our achievement. Tears started streaming down my face and I don't remember what we said but I'll remember that intensely strong feeling of accomplishment that I shared with Jen in that moment. I'll remember that feeling it forever and let it feed me through the training for the full Ironman. I think more than once we exclaimed "we're half Ironmans!!!" and laughed because that sounded funny. Honestly, that hug from Jennifer alone made the whole 70.3 journey worthwhile and it was probably one of my favorite moments in the entire triathlon.

Seeing Becky, Liz and Joe subsequently cross the finish line was icing on the cake. Hugging them at the finish line also felt amazing. This was the best damn things I've ever done.

I already want to do another one.

(Pictures to come!)

Belated Race Report - From September 20, 2009

2009-10-15T08:41:00.007-06:00

Just last month, I did the Burnet TRI Hard Challenge at Inks Lake in Burnet, TX. Last year, I had a blast at this triathlon camping the night before with a few of my favorite racing buddies. This year, we were unable to secure a camping spot and thus had to stay at a local bed and breakfast. The B&B was nice, albiet a bit creepy as we were the only ones staying there. The restuarants in Burnet were empty and much of the historic downtown was deserted and blighted. It was quite sad. To make matters worse, after the tri as we were leaving the B&B, the B&B owner's female bulldog attacked and bit our mini schnauzer several times, drawing blood in a few places. He recovered and I took care of his cuts in the following weeks, but needless to say it was a pretty traumatic trip. Hence, this update is quite late.

PRE-RACE:
I planned to train through this race, and so I did a long run on Saturday morning with my favorite running buddies. The run was tough for me, I felt very tired until about 5 miles in. This 5 mile-feel-better rule happens to me sporadically when I've been training hard. I usually take rest and I feel better on the next long one when this happens. I had the tri on Sunday, though, so rest really wasn't an option. We got to Burnet, took a visit to Inks Lake to pick up our packets and check out the water. The water was like glass, and it was nice and cool. Inks Lake, in my opinion, is one of the best lakes to stage a triathlon swim. It remains to be one of my favorite lakes in which to compete. The out and back course is easy to navigate because the water is fairly flat and the temperature is cool but not too cold. If only Decker Lake would be so cool and easy to navigate.

Anyway, so we get in to the B&B and then proceed to try to find a relatively healthy place to eat in Burnet, TX. The small town offered Tex-Mex, a southern buffet, and Tex-Mex. We went for the southern buffet, as we figured it would be better for finding carbs and easier on the tummy. That restuarant was an experience all its own, and for the first time in my life I found myself being a tad bit picky. Usually I eat everything, but I took it easy at this buffet. My stomach thanked me for it later.

Sleep was hard to come by the night before the tri, and I woke up before the alarm. I was plauged with premonition-type dreams of flat tires and bike maintence issues. That morning, we warmed up oatmeal in the B&B's kitchen and ate quickly. Then we drove off toward Inks Lake. I did not carefully inspect my bike before loading it, and I realized that my back tire was flat. I'm no stranger to flats, and so I attempted to change it, only to find that my brakes were rubbing. I solicted help from a fellow triathlete and went on my way prepping transition. Somehow, I knew that my bike issues would not be few on that day. I turned out to be right.

THE RACE:
The swim went smooth. Smooth as glass. I loved and enjoyed every second. I came up to transition, took some water and got on my bike. Not 5 miles into the bike course, I hear a disheartening "PSSSSSSSSH" of my bake tire deflating. I stop and begin to change it. I blew through my first CO2 cartridge and was working on the second. I began to have thoughts of stopping. I figured my bike split was shot. Then Liz bikes up and offers moral support and help. I get rolling and somehow I find it in me to try to pass everyone that passed me while I was messing with my back tire for 15 minutes. It was a fun game I played and I really felt like I pushed the rest of the bike harder than I ever had in a tri as a result of that flat. My time, of course, does not reflect that, but I know it and that is what matters. I keep focusing on the mantra "You are an athlete that doesn't give up" and it worked well. I was very excited for the run, although my legs were more tired than they normally are going into it. I sped through like only a fast girl can and was only passed once. The guy that passed me was doing more training, he had already finished. I hung with him for a while, and we chatted. He said I was "baking it on the run" and I told him about the tire issue and how I channeled Chrissie Wellington. He said nice job and then dropped me. I ran behind him, keeping him in sight for the second half of the 5K and ended up with a great run split.

Overall the tri was a success because I went from wanting to quit to finding strength in myself and my athlecticism. I ended up still placing 2nd in my age group, though we did not wait around for awards because I figured I was out of the running. The post-race baked potato was the BOMB and I thank the wonderful folks at the Burnet Chamber of Commerce for putting on yet another small, local, extremely fun race.

Current book I'm reading: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Race Report: The Austin Triathlon - Are We There Yet?

2009-09-08T15:47:00.005-06:00

The day started with a gorgeous Texas sunrise over the city. My personal photographer, my special, and my cheer squad were all up early with me at this triathlon. My favorite of the year. I'd been looking forward to it since last year.

Transition closed early and the men got to start in the first heats so there was a lot of waiting to do before the start. Luckily, my favorite training partner had packed an extra banana for me to eat before the swim start. I think that helped settle my stomach before the swim.

We hopped merrily into the 80 degree water on that 80 degree morning and tread water until the starting shot. I kept incredibly calm throughout the duration and surprisingly I did not have very many "are we there yet?" moment during the swim. The swim was an out and back to the Lamar Bridge. Mostly, our pack of pink caps followed this guy on a surf board out from Auditorium Shores on the out portion. He was easy to sight! I love swimming in Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake because it is such familiar stomping ground for me and it's neat to see the land from a different angle. The high rises speckled the shore and the sun began peek its hot self out, making me glad I decided to go with my new tinted googles that were a birthday present from my dear friend. The swim was great, and the volunteer that pulled me out of the water was even greater! Oh my gosh, I flew out of the water and ran up to transition. Apparently, my cheer squad including my first marathon coach and several of my running buddies were there yelling for me but I didn't hear any of them at that point. But they would help me later! Oh my goodness, yes they would! I transitioned seemlessly to the bike. The only complaint I had was it was super dusty in transition and so that grit was EVERYWHERE.

I got on the bike only to find that my cycling computer was not working. Bummer. I try not to rely on those tools and so I brushed it off. I was riding ZEN. I felt good. I let myself warm up on the first loop and then started pushing the second loop. I really love hills on the bike and so I pushed them and played mind games with myself as I climbed. I counted the number of guys I could pass on the hills and thought about many of my cycling friends and how awesome they are as I motored along. I was having fun until the 2nd loop. It seemed the 2nd loop went on forever. People were standing on the hills and making me nervous. My legs felt numb with the work, but I kept pushing and I thankfully had my cheer squad to snap me out of my "are we there yet?" dazes. I drank a lot on the bike and had a whole packet of clif blocks. They were delish and worked well for me.

I was totally ready to get off my bike and get on to the run. I had that familiar feeling of "o yes, this is my element" coming off the bike to the run. I slid my new Ascics Nimbuses on, grabbed a goo and went off like a shot out of a gun! Instantly, I was in pain and of note though, also instantly, I was having fun. (Pain and fun in the same sentence. Win!) I never let up on the run. From the get go, I thought "Let the passing game begin!" Silly me, though, I did not realize that the 10K was only 2 loops. I think I might have gone faster on the first loop had I known that. I thought for a while that we had to do 3 loops like we did on the bike. Yes, I need to plan better for these things mentally. Note to self. So when I realized it was 2 loops I really turned it on and just picked off man after man. This macho guy and I were pushing each other for a while on the first loop, I was having quite the time. I ultimately passed him, and I have to say it felt great. I saw my super star training partner a few times on the out and backs and really enjoyed hearing her cheers. The cheers of my amazing support team were also extremely helpful. Every time I heard them call out to me, I felt myself surge on. I treated this 10K as a fun tempo run. One of my cheering friends screamed out "YOU ARE A MACHINE" and I used the word "MA-CHINE" as a mantra for the entire second lap. Last year on the only hill of the run up S. 1st I channelled my grandmother who died of cancer in 1993. This year I could feel her hands upon my back yet again pushing me up the hill. It was an incredible experience.

Equally incredible was crossing the finish line and being immediately greeted and hugged by so many friends. I felt so honored and touched that so many of my close, dear friends were out en force for me on Monday. Thank you friends, you made the world of difference. This Austin Tri went from a "Are we there yet?" theme to a "MA-freaking-CHINE" theme thanks to you!

I'm so proud of my performance. My goal was to get into the top 10, and since I got 10th, I think that qualifies! I'm very pleased. Onward to the Longhorn 1/2 Iron. I totally feel ready.

Age Group Place: 10
Overall Place: 46
Swim Rank: 20
1500 m Swim Time: 32:37.21
Pace per 100 m: 2:10
Transition 1 Time: 03:36.80
Bike Rank: 26
40K Bike time: 1:20:36.65
Average MPH on bike: 18.5
Transition 2 Time: 02:08.90
Run Rank: 3
10K Run time: 46:43.15*
Pace per mile: 7:32

*My 10K is roughly 2 minutes slower that my 10K PR. Somebody's going to break 45 in their next 10K! Or BUST!!

Current book I'm reading: The Ultimate Ride by Chris Carmichael

Don't count the days, make the days count.

2009-08-18T12:35:00.003-06:00

Training is supposed to be fun, right. Not a chore that you don't look forward to. Not something you deliberately sleep through.

I am working on finding the dedication to get back into my swim workouts at Barton Springs. I am working on finding the drive to hop back on Fizgig and ride her until the cows come home. I am searching for the soul of my running game.

It's a long, arduous search. It is hard to regain that dedication once you've lost it. Drive is all within you. I will keep trying to find these things and put the kick back into my workouts, but I'm honestly having a hard time. I keep skipping the swims. I do the bare minimum when it comes to runs. With cycling, I've been OK. Not great, but OK. I need to remember to have compassion for myself along the way as I find the will to succeed in my training.

Nobody said this was going to be easy. It's a good thing I don't like easy.

Current book I'm reading: My Children's Book

GIRLS.CAN.CLIMB - Race Report of Jack's Generic Triathlon

2009-08-04T11:47:00.004-06:00

"GIRLS.CAN.CLIMB" was the mantra I was using during the bike portion of the triathlon that I completed this past Sunday. It was called Jack's Generic Sprint Tri. The weather was amazing - a few degrees cooler than normal due to a glorious cloud cover. Since I've been training in 100+ degree temps and high humidity, even the slightest lowering of temperature makes me feel like I can fly! And fly I did, I got 6th in my age group!

Pre-race was fun and relaxed because we got there EARLY. I had the opportunity to chat with a few of my favorite volunteers and wish one of my friends a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I can't believe the fact that my friend was out there ON HER BIRTHDAY volunteering and handing out water and Pure Sport to all of us tired athletes. I really appreciated hearing her cheers and I know she had a Happy Birthday!

Before getting in the water, I ran into a girl who I had met through the Nike Running group last summer. Jack's Generic was her first tri. She was, like many of us, scared about the swim. I told her to wait 5 seconds before starting to go and get to the edge of the pack and SIGHT as much as she could. At 8:16 our wave started, my arms felt sore from lifting weights earlier in the week, but I felt stronger than ever on the swim. I actually enjoyed it, despite the strange smell of the water. There wasn't as much silt or muck this time around, and it went by super fast! I was out of the water in less than 10 minutes. I ran up to transition and my birthday girl friend cheered "out of the water in 10 seconds flat...GO MERCEDES!" it was so helpful and motivating. I got on my bike and took off up the hill, passing people like a mad-woman. The first half of the bike I kept switching places with this guy on a tri bike. Every time we passed one another we would say "good job" to one another. I finally got him on the second half of the bike because as the title of this post says GIRLS.CAN.CLIMB! I channeled the energy from my cycling mentor and I pushed it in to the finish of the bike, ready and energized for the run.

I got my running shoes, hat and water bottle on quickly and sprinted out of transition. I tried to be aware of the fact that I always run the first mile fast in triathlon. I get excited to be on the run, my "favorite" part. (I put that "favorite" in quotes now because lately I've been enjoying the bike and the swim A LOT more. I remember thinking in this last tri that I didn't want the bike to end! I wasn't ready for the swim to end, either! I just love the whole thing!) I held back a bit but I was still passing guy after guy after guy on the out portion of the out-and-back run. There were no girls in sight. I maybe saw 2-3 women on the run on the way out. On the back portion after the turn around I saw a lot of women starting out. It made me feel fast to be passing all of these men. I kept my thinking super positive throughout the run. Even though I was hurting, I kept telling myself "the turn around is just ahead, you're almost there see it in the distance, the turn around is just ahead" and I kept pushing. After the turn around I had it in my head that the back portion was shorter than the out portion, I convinced myself of that somehow and I pushed and just made sure I was passing every guy that was in front of me. At the finishing chute this random guy said "there's about 5 more guys ahead of you waiting for you to GET 'EM" it was so inspiring. I felt really strong. A guy on the back portion of the run used my bib number in a cheer and screamed "206 she's in the mix; she's got it!" and that was super helpful too. I saw a couple of friends and caught some high fives. I love this sport and I'm starting to love all of the people in it.

BEST.TRI.EVER!

Post race was definitely enjoyable. I did not get my body worked on but I did work on drinking two of my favorite beers on the planet and a veggie burger. Oh, and an ice cream sandwich. And did I mention the potato chips? Yes, I ate those, too while waiting for my special to finish. After everyone was through we sat and enjoyed the ambiance of Texas Ski Ranch and chatted with some friends. Again, BEST.TRI.EVER! And another conclusion: THEY ARE ONLY GETTING BETTER!

If they are only getting better, I can't imagine how great the Austin Tri is going to be. And the 1/2 Ironman! And the Ironman! I can't wait!!

Current book I'm reading: Old Friend From Far Away

Train-Socialize-Train-Socialize-Train-Socialize-Train

2009-07-27T14:10:00.004-06:00

I met an interesting guy the other night who goes by the nickname of Padre at the Jack and Adam's Tour de France Party. This guy said that he used to train for triathlon all the time but stopped out of boredom for several years. He has recently taken up the sport again, naturally, but of course I started asking more pointed questions about why he stopped (and started again).

I started talking to him about how I felt I could *NEVER* get bored with training. I told him I always have friends around before, during and after the runs and the rides. And those friends are so fun-loving and energetic that they have the stamina to not only work out hard but also hang out late into the night watching the tour or sipping vino and celebrating a birthday or special occasion. They make it fun for me.

From this conversation I began to realize that I am a huge social exerciser. I love going and doing a 10 miler or heading out on my road bike, Fizgig. But I rarely do these things solo. The fact of the matter is I almost never train alone. Part of the reason I think that I usually am training with folks is I coach. The other part of the reason is I have so many friends that I absolutely LOVE to train with.

My friends motivate me. They keep me honest. They push me to go harder. They hold me accountable.

But the question is, would I get bored like Padre did if I didn't have my training buds? Would I drop out of triathlons and stop training if I didn't have someone right beside, in front or behind me pushing me on?

I really started thinking hard about it. Could I go solo? I'm thinking about trying it.

My friend Joe said that Friday night he went on a long bike ride solo with no goal, no time limit and no predetermined route. He went solo. I found myself envious of this, if solely because he found it on his own. What a healthy workout, you know? I think that Joe and Padre might get along.

I look forward to finding more routes solo in the near future. I look forward to doing some great, long, open water swims this week at Barton Springs. By myself. We'll see if I can schedule this in...

Someday Baby

2009-07-20T09:10:00.005-06:00

Rode approximately 37 miles yesterday on the Austin Flyers Annual Chipotle ride. Ate a burrito that tasted as good as gold after the ride and a beer that only added to the experience.

Even more awesome was that many of my cycling/running/tri friends were at the event enjoying the cooler (heh - 95 degree) weather with me and challenging me with their inner motivations, stamina and strength.

We did the 35 miler, but "Someday Baby" (a la Bob Dylan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBWzug0CxH4&NR=1 I will do the route below...

I'm going to have to. I just signed up today for the Longhorn Half Ironman. And then there's that little thing call the Ironman next May looming in my future. I'm quite excited.

2009 Chipotle
Find more Bike Rides in Austin, Texas

60, anyone? ANY TAKERS?! Next weekend, maybe????

Current book I'm reading: Things as They Are; or, The Adventures of Caleb Williams by William Godwin

Couples Triathlon - Full Circle

2009-07-17T10:53:00.004-06:00

(Photo by Kevin Saunders)

Couples Sprint Triathlon Race Report - Quick 'n' Dirty from the Triathlon Trucker

So I wrote a race report and I honestly don't know what happened to it. So, until I find it, I will post a truncated-this-should suffice report for the sake of keeping track of all this triathlon jazz.

Woke up 4:45 a.m. Had tire pumping up issues on bike(s). Decided it was a wash to try to fix these issues by myself and so I just loaded up the bikes and headed to the tri after eating a yummy breakfast of organic coffee and steel cut oats.

Arrived at Walter E. Long Park at approx 6:05 a.m. I'm quite proud of myself because I did not get lost going out there this time. I think it was a combination of the fact that I was following someone with tri bikes on their car and I've been riding out there at Decker Lake a lot more often and so things are starting to look more and more familiar to me. I can't explain why that area still alludes me after a year of racing and riding out there. Very strange. Hopefully this triathlon marks that day that my penchant to getting lost in this area is through. We'll see.

6:45 a.m. Grab an awesome spot at the end of the line for transition and set most of it up. Then I proceed to plead with the wonderful Sam, a Jack and Adam's mechanic and bike-angel to 1.) recommend a better pump 2.) fix my chain which I had somehow pulled off the previous night while cleaning it 3.) fix a tire for me. And he did. And I probably owe him cookies or something for this great work.

7:15 a.m. Everything is set and my bike got a mini-tuneup thanks to Sam. I'm a little perplexed that my partner is still not there. Transition will soon be closing. I try not to worry and chat with my many wonderful, beautiful, fast and awesome friends who were accompanying me in this tri. Jess A., Becky, Rebecca, Jodi, Jennifer, Sylvia, Jason, Mike P., Joe, Dan M., Lisa S... it was great to see everybody.

7:25 a.m. My partner arrives in the nick of time. I'm quite relieved to hand over the extra cap, goggles and timing chip I had been carrying around. We head down to the swim start to check it out.

We all head down to the start. There is a warmth and an excitement in the air. I keep looking for my girls but I can't find them. My right quad keeps seizing up, I remember thinking it was probably due to the mileage I ran the previous day. I do some drills while standing in place and the warmth helps the soreness/seizing go away.

The gun sounds and a mess of hundreds of women's bodies bubble up around me. This was by far my worst swim start yet, but I remained ever-calm and just kept trucking through the water. It was so crowded. And so warm! I suppose I got used to swimming in the chilly 68 degrees of Barton Springs and so the nuclear-warm waters of Decker were not comfortable for me at all. I could feel myself sweating. Girls were pumping into me left and right. Usually in a tri swim I find my own space and get ahead of the pack. That never happened on this swim. There were girls grabbing all parts of my body - my quads, my butt, my shoulders. I was suffering through the swim but I made it out of the water in a good time. 16:52 or something.

As I slog up the hill to transition I see my buddy David volunteering and cheering. It helps me run faster. I think I see Jennifer's parents. I'm feeling good and ready for the bike.

I make a game-time decision not to put on my bike gloves. It didn't seem necessary on a 11 mile bike. I honestly did not miss them.

I get out near Decker Lane and my newly installed bike computer pops off. I freak out a bit, wondering at first what fell and then seeing the computer missing a little bit too late to stop. I note the surroundings and figure I'll come back after the tri to see if it's still intact. (SIDE NOTE: Fortunately after 20 minutes or so of looking the lovely Liz finds my bike computer on the side of the road after the tri. I was very grateful. And yeh it still works!)

I push the hills on the bike. They are familiar and I felt good throughout the bike. This is a first for me. Usually I feel good on the swim and the run, never the bike. So I know I've been putting in good hours on the bike and it's paying off. My legs were happy. I kept thinking my cycling mentor Rebecca C. would come up on me and push me toward the second half, but that never happened. I came up on Jennifer P. on the big hill near FM 973. I cheer her on as best as I could on the hill. My happy my legs still have it despite me training through this tri.

Transition is smooth. Note to self: get those quick tie laces already. I run out of transition only taking a slight wrong turn and see Carrie B. She cheers me on and I greatly appreciate it. I start out too fast on the run like I always do in tris. Somehow this is never a problem for me in running races but in tris I just get so excited (at first) to run. Somehow I end up with stomach pains during the run. Maybe it was the goo I took at the start of the run, not sure. I am in pain. I feel like the run is a death march. I catch myself in some negative thinking about how hard the 1/2 Ironman is going to be here at this same location. I catch myself thinking "its ok to slow down a little, you're tired." Bad thoughts. I am a fast runner. I know this. But I'm not thinking that way. Not that day. Somehow I find it in myself to push, but I'm in pain. I want to walk on the hills, but I don't. I feel like a tired bull dog. Don't ask me why. I always feel like I run like a bull dog when I'm tired. The sun is beating down on me yet I'm getting chills. Not sure what that means. I try to think positive but there is no positive thing in my head aside from the finish. I try to feed on that and just keep looking ahead. I pull my tired legs up the last mile long hill to the finish. Immediately at the end I feel like I could have put more in. I guess that's what training hard through a tri will feel like at the end.

I turn and see Jennifer P. finishing right behind me. It's nice to have someone there at the finish right when I finish. I love that girl. She's so tough and so motivating to me. I get some Pure Sport for us both and I also see my buddy Mike P. and go chat with him. I ask him what he did the previous day...he says "70" (referring to his bike mileage) but I thought he said "7" (referring to running mileage) I gleefully joke "I beat ya" and hold up eight fingers. He takes this to mean 80 miles on the bike. Cha...I wish!! I figure out my mistake and I congratulate him for his amazing 70 mile ride. I know WILL get there someday. I start to feel better about the tri overall. I know I got a course PR and that alone starts to make me happy. I forget the tough time I had on the run and bask in the joy of the finish.

I cheer in all of my friends and partner into the finish with a huge smile on my face. I drink a Coke (shocker) after all friends were finished and enjoy half of it along with some other bad-for-ya food. I never drink pop so the craving was new to me. I'm going to roll with it. A treat like that once in a while is ok. I get some ART work done and the Dr says I need to be trigger point rolling daily. I cringe at the thought. He says that if I'm truckin', training and racing as much as I am I really need to be on top of the trigger point. I told him I'm a trucker, yes, and I might consider getting on the trigger point regimen. Ack...another thing I need to buy.

Next tri is August 2. I'm ready to truck through that swim, enjoy the bike again and kick some major on the run! Wish this little tri trucker some good luck!

My Accidentally Great 36 Mile Ride on Sunday

2009-06-15T10:22:00.006-06:00

I am starting to see a theme here. A lot of my great rides, great runs, and even great swims are happening by accident lately. So despite how well all of my coaching/organization/planning skills work for others, the planning lately has not been working on me.

And so I think I'll just go with that theme of accidental great workouts for now. Until it stops working.

To explain: This Sunday, I set out from my house over to Jack and Adams to do their Sunday Group ride at 8:30 AM. I thought we were going to do a Decker Lake loop, but the group decided it would be best to stay away from the downtown area due to the Motorcycle Rally. So we ventured south. I was excited because I had never cycled down south to Buda before and many of my friends have talked about how it is a lot of fun. (I still want to do a loop or two of Decker in the coming future to practice for Couples, but that's going to have to be another training day entirely) So I see a few familiar faces and chat with Mark, this girl Lauren and others at the start of the ride. We head up through my new neighborhood on Dawson/5th and go through the neighborhoods toward South First. This is where I leave the Jack and Adams folks and join the Austin Flyers. It was a little miraculous how it happened.

I noticed I was riding with a group of the Flyers who were mixed up within the Jack and Adams folks but didn't think much of it. As we approached S. 1st on Ditmar, I heard a lot of people around me yelling "Go straight! Go straight!" Little did I know that was the Austin Flyers ride leader indicating to the Flyers that they needed to break away from the Jack and Adams folks to follow the rest of their route. I watched the Jack and Adams folks turn on S. 1st to head to Buda, while I continued with the Flyers. I realized my mistake immediately. I road up to the ride leader of the Flyers, Evelyn for a few moments to make sure she was ok with me joining them, and then I set out to see another part of town entirely with my new accidental group. I was ready for adventure!

We went out onto Old Lockhart Road, and it was GORGEOUS. It was very hilly with a slight crosswind, but fortunately there was barely any traffic on that road and the scenes were straight out of Little House on the Prairie (or something like that). Needless to say, I was having a blast. It was hard and I had to push to keep up with them, but I was keeping out with them out of necessity. I knew if I didn’t, I would risk getting lost. That fear turned out to be great motivation for me to stay with the pack and stay fast. It was definitely a challenge for me because I have not been riding lately (aside from commuting) but I made it happen. At the 1/2 way point we stopped at this V@lero Gas Station to fill up on water and ice plus snacks. One of the kind, accepting Austin Flyers, Jerry*, bought me an almond Snickers bar. It was probably the best tasting sweet treat I've had all month. (Ok, maybe the best all week). Thanks Jerry*! I am convinced that Snickers was vital to my accidental success with the Flyers.

I made it back and thanked Evelyn for her guidance and support. I did not follow the group to Bicycle Sport Shop. Instead, I went back to Jack and Adams to tell Mark and others that I made it back safely. I chatted with James and a few other people and I also thoroughly enjoyed a breakfast taco.

I think it is fitting to give a THANK YOU to that random Velassimo racer, Dave, for giving me a ride to REI Gateway after the ride on Sunday. Thank you Dave for helping a fellow cyclist in need!

Here is our trek, which I'm sure I'll be doing again as it starts near my new 'hood and was oh so fun and beautiful!

My Accidentally Great Ride with the Austin Flyers
Find more Bike Rides in Austin, Texas

Accidents happen. They are not always bad.

Belated Update - Splash 'N' Dash Disaster! -or- At Least I remembered my running shoes!

2009-06-12T11:24:00.005-06:00

My second Splash 'n' Dash race was a bit of a letdown last month. Even more of a letdown, I did not sign up for the next one in time. It might be for the best, though. I can do my own amazing brick workout this Tuesday instead!!

Picture this: A sweetly hot, sunny, cobalt blue sky day, sun pouring down on you begging you to get into the water. I attempt to leave work early - 5:00, I end up leaving at 5:08 or perhaps *gasp* 5:09 to get to the Splash 'n' Dash on the third Tuesday of last month. I decide that I am going to try MoPac to Quarry Lake instead of the I-35 to 183 that I have used in the past. I get into my hot car and start driving, already getting nervous about the time. I finally get onto MoPac after traveling through the downtown and it's a parking lot. I sigh and start applying sunscreen in the car in the standstill traffic. Even the weather starts to annoy me. I realize I don't have my goggles or cap. I text my buddy Joe who usually carries a spare pair of goggles and hope for the best. I am frustrated at myself for my lack of planning.

After much more frustration, gridlock, and realizations that I'm so happy that I live Central and I don't have to deal with that parking lot every day, I get to the race site - Quarry Lake. The parking lot is FULL. I park at an office building far away. I am still in my work clothes. It's 5:56 PM. The Splash 'n' Dash starts at 6:00 PM. I still don't have goggles or a swim cap. I start to panic. Bad choice, but I did. I quickly change in the car (don't recommend this on a hot sweaty day) and run over to the check-in. A kind volunteer is there to help me and I'm thrilled at how fast I check in. They provide a cap. Now to get obtain the spare goggles. I run to the start, desperately looking for my buddy Joe. He sees me, hugs me, and points to the goggles on the ground nearby. I'm so lucky to have wonderful, reliable friends and training buddies.

I adjust the goggles and try to relax and get my heart-rate down. I don't know if I was effective in doing that. I start out too fast on the swim, something I have been really good at NOT doing in the past, and I don't sight as much as I should. I end up watching the front of the pack pass me on the right as I was way too far out and close to shore. I then settle in behind them, grumbling to myself about how I need to swim more. I stay with the pack but not as fast as usual. My heart rate feels high still.

I settle in on the run by latching on to a pro racer for a lap. She takes me for a little cruise and then she finishes (I think). I keep going at that pace, or try to. I start to feel down on myself and disheartened. I push through and finish 30 seconds slower than my last Splash 'N' Dash. I was slightly disappointed, but it was nothing that a few Oreos and a veggie hot dog couldn't fix!

Current book I'm reading: Bicycle Magazine, actually.

The Rookie - Race Report

2009-05-11T15:56:00.007-06:00

The Rookie Tri was definitely a successful race for me. The trials and tribulations leading up to the tri were a different story. There were flat tires, panicked changing of tires, lost bicycle gloves, forgotten sunscreen, missing packets, missing chips, flip flops put on the wrong feet...you name the mistake, I made it. Thankfully with a little help from my friends and the AWESOME volunteers (Thanks to Michelle L!!) I was able to make it into the water with my goggles, chip, and swim cap.

Everything went awry before the race, but miraculously, when the gun went off everything became crystal clear. Well, clear aside from the murky clay filled water of Texas Ski Ranch.

The swim felt short to me, but triathlon swimming always tends to feel short to me. I found a place near the front and managed to squirm my way up next to Natasha and swim in her wake. It was fun! A girl tried to pull me down by the ankle, but I swam in a forward relaxed motion and began to enjoy myself as I broke away from the pack. I was doing great until my vision was completely obstructed by dark black clay. I had to breast stroke and get my head out of the water to avoid the smell and the low visibility. Needless to say, this huge amount of dark black mud after the turn around really slowed me down. I have never been more ready to get out of the water. Not saying it was bad, it was just...yucky smelling!

I ran up the requisite hill to transition area and goofed around a bit more than I should have while I got my cycling shoes, sunglasses, and helmet on. As I ran out of transition with my bike, I noticed that there were a lot of bikes still on the 29 and under rack. This made me feel good. I felt even better when a volunteer commented on my mounting technique...he said, "Now that's how you get on a bike!" nothing like a good complement while you are doing what you love. And I raced off, picking off a lot of the slower men who started their swim ahead of me. I loved the scenery at the beginning of this ride, the tree cover was cooling and the flat terrain begged you to speed. I learned later from my cycling mentor that I need to shift up on my big ring so I can get even faster on the flats, especially when I'm still feeling strong. As per my previous post -- once a Rookie, always a Rookie (asking questions and getting answers is the best!!)

For once I was passing people on the bike, and it felt really good. I was feeling very confident until I heard the familiar voice of my cycling mentor from behind me "Hey chickadee!" she called as she passed me. I was happy I had my friend there to push me. And push me she did!! The terrain was getting a bit more hilly at this point and I just kept picking people off. I love hills on the bike. As she passed me I latched onto her wheel and would not let go. We chatted for a bit, yelling random stuff to one another and then I passed her back with gusto on a big hill at mile 8 or so. I never saw her again until the run turn around.

*Photo by Kevin Saunders*

I dismounted my bike and received ANOTHER complement on how I did that. Honestly, I don't remember what it was but it was nice to hear nonetheless.

I saw my idol, Michelle G, holding down the transition area as I ran past her on my bike. For once I was sad that the bike was over. I wanted to keep going on my Fizgig!

I threw on my shoes (a little too loose - looks like someone needs to get those quick laces) and sprinted out of transition. I had my eye on a 28 year old female in front of me. I took a goo and pulled 7:22 min/miles...picking off many a older guy as I went. Unfortunately, I was unable to catch the 28 year old. She stayed consistently at about 15 m ahead of me the ENTIRE time. That run course felt like it was uphill both ways to me, but I dug deep and thought about my running buddies Jodi, Becky, and Jennifer and I channeled their strength. I saw the female age group leaders and my buddy Mark pass by. There was no catching him on this course. I needed about another mile and I could have passed the 28 year old and the amazing Mark. Next time!!

I crossed the finish line, drank pure sport and then promptly turned around to find my buddies. I saw my cycling mentor cross the finish line with a smile of exhaustion on her face. It was a great moment as this triathlon was her first. Then my special crossed and the eating, massage, and other post-race festivities ensued.

I placed 6th in my age group. I was quite happy.

Pretty good race for a Rookie, right?

Current book I'm reading: Total Immersion

Me? A future Ironman... AND a Rookie? Yes sir-ee!

2009-05-08T09:46:00.004-06:00

This Sunday I will be competing in Jack and Adam's Rookie Triathlon!

http://www.therookietri.com/

And I have been pondering the question, after 4 or 5 triathlons and duathalons, am I still a Rookie?

When do you go from Newbie (or my preferred spelling Noobie) to Rookie to Amateur to Experienced to Age Grouper to Pro? Where am I in the grand scheme of things in the triathlon world? After about about 5 minutes of pondering, I'm going to say that yes, I'm probably still a Rookie.

As a Rookie though you are always learning. As a Rookie you are always improving. As a Rookie you are always asking the right (perhaps crazy) questions and finding answers. How could that be bad? Heck, I'm a Rookie Future Ironman, and honestly I'm so excited about that. Rookie-Future-Ironman. Could that be the new name of my blog? No, I don't think it's catchy enough.

The Rookie Tri this weekend is just a little dip in the water, about 300 meters, then the bike is 11.1 mile over flat terrain and I've heard a few and rolling hills. The run will be fast, so I've heard -- it is flat and short. I will have it in my head that I'm doing a 5K and I'll actually be doing 2 mi. I'm gunna kill it on the run. I am totally stoked. I'll report how I do on Monday!

Oh and I want to mention how cool it is that the slowest swim time will WIN a free swim clinic courtesy of T3. That's neat.

Anyway, wish me luck!

Current book I'm reading: The Wednesday Letters and Superwomen by Jodi Buren

Pre Inspires Me

2009-04-10T15:43:00.005-06:00

"Something inside of me just said 'Hey, wait a minute, I want to beat him,' and I just took off." ~Steve Prefontaine

I say that a lot. Inside my head. When I'm racing. It might be obvious that I have a competitive drive. A friend of mine deemed me the most competitive person he knows, but I like to believe he was being facetious. Anyway, I'm excited to train this weekend and do my first solo long run in months tomorrow morning. I plan to do a easy 8 or 9 on Lady Bird Lake. Out to Enfield and back.

And Sunday, its waking up at 7 in the morning to head to my friend's house on Wells Branch. We're doing an out and back on Parmer. Hopefully we'll be early enough that there will not be much holiday related traffic or bad weather. About 6 or 7 people from the RIDE RADAR Newsletter that I send out are going to be very disappointed if the weather doesn't hold up. Currently it's going to be 76 degrees with T-storms 70% chance of precipitation. I guess I'll be wearing my rain slick!

In other news, I need to take some digital photos this weekend of me running in my Austin Fit running gear for the website. I am coaching the summer session again, and I'm really excited. The director of the program requested that I write a running biography and submit a running photo sometime next week. Fortunately I already have the bio written, now I just need to focus on the glam shots. If the photos turn out favorably, perhaps I'll post some of them on here soon.

In any case, wish me luck on yet another successful training weekend! When it's raining on me Sunday morning, I'm just going to say "Pre would have rode (or ran) in the rain!"!!!

Current book I'm reading: The Dogs of Babel and the short story Breakfast at Tiffany's
Races in the immediate future: April 25th Gov-nah's Texas Round-Up 10K. I'm hoping to break 45! :)

Eagles In the Tummy: Lonestar Quarter Iron Triathlon

2009-04-07T08:30:00.006-06:00

Galveston beach. Shining, imported white sand. The sea breeze cradling the salt on its strong wind blew me with a rush into Houston, and then Galveston. The buildings ripped open by Hurricane Ike. A triathlon festival was all set in the middle of this windy, Hurricane ravaged chaos. Hundreds of capable athletes gathered in Moody Gardens this past weekend for a Sprint triathlon, a Quarter Triathlon and a Half Iron. I was one of them and proud to be there, happy to be able to compete. I was grateful to be alive.

It was with this gratefulness and awareness that I woke up at 4:15 on Sunday morning for my first triathlon of the season. Everything I did that morning felt like it was done with intention. As I zipped up my transition bag, it felt like I would remember that single action forever. Everything was moving in slow motion. I was ready to tri. I had the Ironman at the forefront of my mind. My companions were focused, too as we drove into Moody Gardens and listened to my friend Joe's expertly crafted mix.

As I unloaded my bike and expertly pumped up my tires (yes I'm celebrating the small successes, here. I've had so much tire trouble in the past and had none Sunday morning! YAY!) I realized my brakes were off kilter. I pulled up the quick release and walked my bike to transition with my companions. We were mostly silent, thinking, contemplating the distance ahead.

A nice mechanic from Bike Barn adjusted my brake pads with an allen wrench in less than 2 minutes. After getting body marked, I headed to my spot on the rack. 1315. I set up my transition and chatted with a few friends who were nearby. Natasha VDM and Michelle G wished me good luck. Transition closed shortly after I was finished pulling on my wetsuit to the waist and we all walked somberly over to the swim start. I pulled on my pink cap and tucked my two braids inside of it. Ray found us and wished us good luck; he was nice enough to come down from Austin just to support us! I hugged him and then went to take a dip in the water.

As we entered the water, tons of girls around me exclaimed about the cold. I thought the water was warm! I guess that is what happens when you train in 68 degree natural springs like Deep Eddy and Barton Springs. This water was WARM compared to that. I felt great immediately in the water. I knew I would have a good, relaxed swim. I did not give it my all; I was definitely cognizant of the necessity of energy conservation at this point. The Clydesdale guys started ahead of us girls, and I passed most of them easily. I felt amazing and strong in the water. I love my wet suit. The salt water bit my lips a bit but I was out of the water in less than 20 minutes and running up the astro-turf to the wet suit strippers. Per instructed I unzipped my wet suit to the waist and lay down on the ground in front of one of the wet suit dudes. I was AMAZED at how fast he pulled my wet suit off my legs. I've struggled with that thing so much and he made it look easy...he ripped that thing off in less than 2 seconds. I felt like a little seal as I ran off to get my bike.

I sipped some Gatorade and headed out to the bike course. The first 10 miles went by like mud. I kept wondering when Michelle G would come and get me. When she finally did, I tried to grab onto her wheel but the headwind was a bit too much for me. My thin Danskin tri shorts and the pancake flat terrain along the beach made my booty ache. Despite that pain, I felt at peace near the waves and with the sea breeze blowing directly into me. I'm no stranger to wind. I love wind. I also love hills and I am shamed to admit it but I missed them on this course. Masochistic, maybe? I felt good at the turn around and I kept my nutrition in mind and ate throughout the bike. I passed and got passed. I know I have more work to do on the bike. The more often I'm on it, the faster and more efficient I will get. Come on, 5mph faster, come to me!!! As I rode along the seawall I sang some Jay-Z lyrics and thought of my good friend Janet. For some reason the water really inspires me and I felt a strong push from it as I neared Moody Gardens. I pushed it in and as I neared transition, I downshifted as low as I could go and spun super fast like my friend Jess instructed me. As a result of this trick, I did not feel gooey loose-y goosey legs coming off the bike. I ran to transition and was excited to put my running shoes on. I had my eye on a couple of chicks who passed me on the bike.

Excited to finally be running, in my favorite element, I started out too fast. I blasted out a 6:30 minute mile that seemed to go on forever. I finally settled in to a 7:30/7:45 pace and kept passing people. That felt good. I caught a lot of the people that passed me on the bike, and with every pass I gained confidence and speed. I started narrating inside my head. I have the most ridiculously positive self-talk during my running in triathlon. It is humorous. To my embarrassment, I will share some of it: “You’re strong-strong-STRONG, Mercedes, you’re a Queen bee when it comes to running. Pass him, get that guy, take him out show him what you’re made off. Steel. You’re TOUGH-TOUGH-TOUGH. You pass that guy’s ass he is grass keep pushing gotta keep pushing.” I came upon a couple of women who seemed to want to run with me and I out-paced them every time. I would not let anyone mess with me on the run. I never let anyone pass me. Running is my game and I played it well during this triathlon. As I rounded the second loop, cheers from my dear friend Corrie helped me press on. “Finish strong!” she called and I picked up the pace more. I took goo, flat coke, Gatorade and some power bars on the run. After that goo at mile 3, I felt amazingly better and pushed it harder. I saw my special on my second lap and I passed Joe as I neared the finish. He looked good. I found the finish line and gave it what I could. I saw the clock ticked 3:09 as I crossed and I was overjoyed that the announcer did not mis-pronounce my name like Evil always does. Evil always calls me Mercedes Orteen or Ortega.

The volunteers and support were great at this race. This was probably the best run race I’ve ever competed in. I was very impressed. The volunteers went above and beyond to cheer and encourage everyone at every stage in the race. The bike support was really good, too. I saw a lot of people with flats out there. Somebody was watching out for me on Sunday because I did not get a single flat. I kissed my bike, Fizgig, later that day thanking her for the good work.

Post race I was in a haze and I walked around chatting with random people. I ate a power bar and some of the flavor-ice. Everything seemed surreal. It started to get really hot and I stayed in the shade stretching as much as possible. I knew I had a while to wait. I chatted with Michelle G and saw Natasha but didn’t talk to her. I went to cheer on runners as they finished their second loop or last loop of the course.

My special looked AMAZING at the finish. Joe looked good, too. It was his first triathlon! I’m so proud of him. Check out Joe’s blog to the right of this posting. Joe is the one that coined the phrase that I used in the title of this blog, the one about the eagles. Joe said he had "eagle sized butterflies" before this tri and I found that metaphor to be highly amusing and inspiring.

My support group and I went out of a much deserved, delicious seafood meal at Guido’s on the seawall after everyone finished and got a massage. I thoroughly enjoyed my gulf shrimp and fresh oysters at Guido’s. I finished the day with the same gratefulness that I started it with. I was grateful to be alive and with people that I care deeply about. This weekend was a triathlon success. I’m ready to get back on the bike, that’s for certain. I’ll definitely do the half Iron near those same waves on that same white sand beach next year. I know I’ll be (even more) ready then.

Current book I'm reading: The Dogs of Babel
Current song that is motivating me: Jay-Z "Blueprint 2"

Bicycle Sport Shop Bike Commuter Challenge

2009-04-02T08:06:00.003-06:00

I still don't have my dream commuter bike. Despite this, I am still I'm thinking about doing this bike commuter challenge: http://www.austincommuterchallenge.com/

A message from Patti Hill: The contest will take place in May — Bicycle Month in Austin. Cyclists can pick one of two leagues in which to compete — the Committed Commuters, who will compete May 4-31, or the OK I’ll Try It league, who will compete May 11-17.

Participation is free.

The challenge aims to promote cycling as a green alternative for trips to work, school, the grocery store or anyplace else you’d normally drive. The store’s goal is to reduce the amount of carbon emissions by 97,000 pounds, burn a bunch of calories and save $22,000 in gas money.

Who's with me?!

Current book I'm reading: The Reader

Cap 10K PERSONAL BEST!

2009-04-01T12:22:00.007-06:00

This past Sunday was a perfect day for running. A slight chill hung in the early spring air as I warmed up alongside of the Austin American-Statesman, anxiously anticipating my first road race of the year. My purple bib number flapped in the air as I jumped up and down to keep warm. Though it was a bit chilly before the start of the race, the sunny, 40 degree temps with no winds were ideal racing weather.

The first mile up Congress was nice and I felt myself warming up just as I was going up the first hill on 11th street. "I love hills" I said, under my breathe as I bounded up. The slew of hills on Enfield felt short to me and I was surprised to find I was not breathing hard as I easily climbed them. I looked down at my watch thinking that I was going slow, but really I think I was going pretty fast. The 3 mile or 5K 1/2 way point came faster than I thought. I think I was at 22 minutes at that point. I still wasn't breathing hard. I realized that meant I had better speed up. And speed up I did to a finish of 45:10. Averaging 7:16 minute miles.

The second half of the race got harder, probably because I was going faster. I began to see some of my Statesman co-workers handing out water and cheering. "Hi friends!" I called to them wistfully as I breezed by and grabbed a cup of water to sip on. I knew I was going fast at that point and I still felt incredible. As we were passing by Austin High School, a very friendly co-worker called to me "just over a mile to go!" and I kicked it in even harder at that point. I remembered that right by Austin High 2 years ago was where I said in my head "I wish I was running the marathon instead of this freakishly fast 10K." Needless to say, I wasn't wishing that I was running a marathon this past Sunday. I was thinking "wow, 10Ks are just like the best distance, the most fun tempo-run ever!" I was 100% happy with my 10K finish. As I crossed the line and looked down at my watch, I saw 45:13. I paused, in shock. Did I really see a 45?!?! 45! The magic number! I did my 10K in 45 minute! "45 FREAKIN' MINUTE!" I called out, to no one in particular. I looked up at the sky, elated, shocked. I had not trained for this. I hardly ran 30 miles per month these past 2 months and my best time came to me. A few happy tears leaked out of my eyes and a huge smile graced my face as I walked through the finishing chute. I saw Des, my idol, talking to some shirtless guy at the finish. It had a feeling she won. I wanted to go up and congratulate her, but I wasn't 100% sure of her win, so I didn't. I walked on and then jogged to the South 1st Street bridge to cool down, cheer on my friends, and stretch.

After collecting my compadres, I headed to the Guaranty Bank Tent to chow on some much needed breakfast tacos, scones and fruit. I chatted with Pam LeBlanc, Tony P, John Bridges and Eddie Burns about their finishes. They all did great!

Later that day I did a 13 mile bike ride. Afterward, someone special treated me to 2 scoops of my favorite Baskin Robbin's ice cream. Peanut Butter 'n' Chocolate. THE BEST ICE CREAM EVER!!! I have decided, I only get to eat that ice cream when I PR. Considering I have been addicted since childhood to this particular flavor, I have a lot of work to do so I can keep getting that Peanut Butter 'n' Chocolate BR in my tummy on a consistent basis.

In other news, this weekend I am doing my first triathlon of the season. It also happens to be my first Quarter Ironman. Sunday, April 5th is the big day for the Galveston Lonestar Quarter (and Half) Ironman. We'll be swimming .6 mile in the bay, 28 miles on the bike, and a 10K plus on the run. Good luck to friends competing in the New Orleans 70.3 and to all of you who are headed to Galveston for the weekend festivities.

Current book I'm reading: The Dogs of Babel

My First "What Was I Thinking?" Moment

2009-03-25T15:02:00.005-06:00

Dear Self,

The illustrious Britney Spears said "I'm a smart person, what ... was I thinking?" when reflecting on her recent psychological trauma and strange behavior. I am saying that to myself after seeing the elevation of the run and bike courses for Ironman St. George. The 112 mile bike course contains two, eh-hem, hills, er--I really mean MOUNTAINS that climb up to almost a mile high. Basically, 1,700 foot elevation gain on the bike. Then a 500+ foot elevation gain on the run. Now when they said that St. George was at 3,000 feet, I took that literally, and I knew I could operate at that altitude. I did not take into consideration the massive hills they might throw at us. And if you take a look at the map pictured here of the St. George bike course, you'll see they are quite massive. I did not expect to be biking at 5,000 feet. Alas, as it turns out, I am. Or, I will be. I'm freaking out just a teeny-tiny bit.

The good news is my first response to seeing this course was "well, at least there are huge down hills after all of those huge up hills." That's my response and I'm sticking to it! Up hills with subsequent kick-backs make it worth the work. I will work, too. Super duper hard. And I will stay positive! I will search for the positive and squeeze every good-thinking bit of energy I can out of it. That's my plan and I'm sticking to it!

In other news, I felt like a wild animal during my workout at Quarry Lake last night. I did a fast 750m wet suit swim in the open water of the Quarry and then a 2+ mile run. For the first time in a long time, I took only 5 seconds to jump into the icy 65 degree water of Quarry Lake. Granted, I had a wet suit on, so it should have been easier to take the initial plunge, but I have to admit even when I have a wet suit I take upwards of 2, 3 to even 5 minutes to get into cold water. I have a sinking sensation that this cryophobia (fear of cold) will not bode well at the upcoming Lonestar Quarter Iron. I know that I will need to be able jump into the cool water of the Gulf. And so I have to find a way to make myself do it. So, I devised a very complex plan in order to bribe myself into getting into cold water. In my head, I said "Ok, Mercedes, if you don't all OUT JUMP into this water in 5 seconds there will be NO POST WORKOUT SMOOTHIE for you!" And so I counted down, part-way through wondering if I would actually jump in, and by the count of 5, I was in, and I felt SO STRONG in the water. On the run afterward, I used the 1.1K loop to help me do a tempo run. I ran the first 1.1K slow, in about 5:30. The next loop was 5:09, the next loop was 4:30, and the next loop was 4:00. Then I did a long cool down. I used the same complex bribing tactic as I did to get myself into the water quickly. In my head I thought "if this repeat isn't at least 20 seconds faster, no SMOOTHIE for you!" And needless to say, I got the smoothie. And it tasted even sweeter than I thought it would.

Current book I'm reading: The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

It's Official: May 1, 2010 - I will be competing in Ironman St George

2009-03-19T09:36:00.002-06:00

I did it. I just signed up this morning for the Ironman. I signed up for Ironman St George in Southern Utah. I had heard a bit of buzz about it through friends and on the internet, and I had been thinking about it for a couple of weeks. Since I was 12 years old I have wanted to do this event. I wanted to do an Ironman before I ever even thought about doing a marathon. And so when I found about this new event in Utah, I was extremely excited. So far, I believe Southern Utah is the most beautiful place, aside from Kona, of course, that Ford Ironman has chosen to hold an event. Plus, the date, May 1, 2010, is right before my 27th birthday. I just had a lot of positive, driving-forward and invigorating-type feelings associated with this particular race. So yesterday I found out that it was officially announced. When I read the article, I started to tweak out a bit. My insides were alight. And then when I found out that online registration was open for the inaugural event, I started getting even more nervous. It was all I could think about. I got the exact same feeling that I got when I first read about the Austin Marathon years ago. The moment I read about it, I knew I wanted to do it. I was sure, 100%. Back then, I felt a very poignant mixture of fear, joy and excitement. Today, I felt the same sheer, pure joy was flowing through me as I thought about signing up for this Ironman. I called my mom, and she asked a lot of details about the distances, the nutrition, the training. I stopped her and I was like “Mom, I’m not asking you if you think I can do it. I’m asking if I have your support.” And of course, she said yes. And she said “I think it’s a good idea, but don’t quote me saying that.” I laughed, remembering I had a similar conversation with her the day I decided to do the marathon. And then I said “Mom, I’m going to remember you saying that forever.” This morning, I woke up, hopped online, and signed up for the IRONMAN. I’m doing the Ironman.

2.4 miles swimming

112 miles biking

26.2 miles running

May 1, 2010

I am exhilarated. I just took the first step of many, many more on this journey.

Conquering Your Fears: Logic Trumps Fear

2009-03-17T12:34:00.006-06:00

These past few weeks I have been learning many lessons in the stormy weather that has been my cycling. Actually, I'm getting a lot of lessons TAUGHT TO ME. Read: Force-fed. I'm fine with this.

This past Sunday was no exception. Thanks to my friend Mark, I found myself on the same 35-40 mile ride that I went on last week. The one that my good friend crashed and wrecked on. Needless to say, I was quite nervous before the start. Adding to my nerves was the sudden downpour that began just as we were about to throw our wheels down. Enter scared voice in the back of my head: "Mercedes, don't do this, it's too cold, you don't have the right gear, you said you were never doing this loop again, you'll fall, you'll wreck, especially in this weather..." The scared voice was going on and on. Seemed like it wouldn't stop! And my stomach was feeling gooshy like it does when I have a very important race ahead of me. This wasn't a race. This was a ride. A training ride. A planned 35 mile ride and then 30 minute run. A fabulous brick workout. And I was standing there in the rain waffling on if I was going to back out of it or not. My good friend Joe steps in, interrupts the fearful voice in my head and speaks reason, of all great things in this world.

Joe said, plain and simple: "Mercedes, listen, what if it rains at the Lonestar Quarter Iron? What will you do then? What if it rains in another tri, are you going to back out then?"

The fearful voice quieted and seemed to ruminate a bit. Then I started visualizing wet tires slipping out from under me on a curve and me spilling onto pavement in a crumpled, bloody mess. I shook my head, doubtful. The stomach crunched up again.

Then, I reluctantly admitted my fear to Joe. "Joe," I said, "I'm scared to do that loop again. I'm scared to face the place where [our friend] fell."

And then Joe said the most intelligent, logical thing ever: "It's perfectly normal to be scared after seeing a crash, Mercedes. You can do it, you need to prove it to yourself that you can do it. Today is the day."

The fearful voice was completely silenced. My stomach started to calm down. I knew Joe was right.

And we started to ride.

The rain was bad, and it got worse. It got colder. My fingers, unprotected by full fingered gloves, were bright red the first half of the ride. Every part of my body was wet, but I didn't mind the wet as much as the cold. The cold was pretty brutal.

We get to the Decker loop and I just hunker down and focus. I work the hills, because when I do, I get warmed up and it actually starts to feel good.

As we're approaching the spot my friend fell, everything around me goes silent again. I seem to be spinning in slow motion. I'm all by myself, I've pulled ahead of the pack I was riding with. I concentrate on the horizon as I'm replaying the spill in my head. Tears try desperately to creep out of my eyes as my head replays the trauma that happened at the top of the hill in front of me the previous weekend. I keep spinning and I focus on avoiding the cracks on the ground and I glide right past the spot that I never thought I could ride on again.

A wave of relief combs over me like a warm blanket. The sun starts to come out in those heaven sent rays begin to warm me up for the first time in 20 miles. I start to smile and speed up. I finally start to feel good.

We finish, and I look at Joe expectantly, knowing he probably doesn't want to do the 30 minute run we had planned after the ride.

I talk him into it: "Joe, I know you don't want to do this run, but trust me, this brick will be good for you and your legs will thank me for it on race day"

Joe contemplates for a little while, eying his trunk where I know his running shoes are stashed. He doesn't respond.

"Ok, I'll meet you over by my car," I say, assuming he just consented to go run.

I'm lacing up my running shoes as Joe runs up to my car. I smile.

And we started to run.

When we got back to Jack and Adam's there were 2 breakfast tacos left. We promptly devoured them as if they had just been waiting there for us.

Joe turned to me and said "I provided the encouragement for the ride and you provided it for the run."

"I know," I said, smiling, "Thanks, man."

I meant it. Logic over fear FOREVER!!!

Current book I'm reading: The Story of A Marriage

Flats are FUEL or Three, no wait FOUR Strikes and You're OUT!

2009-03-11T14:24:00.005-06:00

才裝上去氣嘴就破了
Originally uploaded by neqadk.

This past weekend was not a cycling success. It was a failure in many ways and I'm having a hard time getting my head around what exactly happened.

A close friend crashed 20+ miles in out on Decker Lane on Sunday. Thankfully her helmet protected her head and her left hip took the brunt of the fall. She was in and then out of the hospital that afternoon only suffering an ankle sprain, serious road rash and contusions. Not to mention her poor, beat up bike and a dented helmet that needs replacing. Please keep her in your thoughts as she recovers. After the ambulance and fire fighters checked her out, they carted her off to St David's. I, however, still had to ride 20 miles back. And they were a hard 20 miles full of worry and trauma. The moment I got back from my ride, it was off to St. David's to support and be there for my friend. Come to think of it, though, the 20 miles back were not hard physically, though that was the longest distance I've cycled yet, it was more difficult mentally and emotionally.

So now let's talk about why I was riding Sunday at all. As you may know, I was slated and all signed up to ride Pedal Through the Pines 50 miler the day before, Saturday. That's another lot of strikes and failures. Suffice to say that I learned a lot but I'm still incredibly frustrated with the whole experience. Saturday started with me waking up, checking out my bike, and realizing the my front tire was completely flat. "BOO-HISS!" I thought, "Oh, should be quick fix, I'll change it when I get to Bastrop" I thought, and a packed my bike up and drove out to the start of the ride. I was so excited, 50 miles was the magic distance, a half century ride. I really wanted to do it. My buddies had agreed to do it with me. I changed the tire with the help of the same close friend who crashed on Sunday. Easy-peasy, we thought. Then, as we were pumping it up, the tire popped with a loud BANG and it went flat again. Slightly annoyed, I ran off to borrowed a spare tube from a kind soul from Austin Fit, my running group. I looked at my watch, it was only 8:30 AM at that point, plenty of time to change the blow out. My buddy and I worked faster on the second flat. We changed the tire again, together. It went great. All said and done, I got on my gear with 10 minutes to spare until the start of the ride.

I hopped on my awesome ride, happy, excited that we had made it through those difficulties and were still going to be able to ride. As soon as those positive emotions flowed through me, I then hit something, and my back tire blew out. I stopped to look back at it in horror and shock, all without clipping out. I subsequently fell over in exasperation and frustration. Another flat! The THIRD one of the day! 10 minutes before the start of the ride! I started thinking 'Three strikes and you're out' but no, we had to try. I didn't want to give up on the 50 miles ahead of me before even starting. So we somehow scrounged around and decided to use my friend's last spare tube. We changed the tire like pros, only slightly exasperated. As we were pumping it up, my friend pulled off the pump and the stem of the tube popped off. The tire instantly deflated, and so did our hopes of riding on Saturday. We all drove home. I took my little Fizgig over to Jack and Adam's to have them take a look at it. I decided I'd had enough of flats for the day, and I had a professional fix the back tube. I tried to psyche myself up for another 40 mile ride the next day, but my feelings were, quite literally, deflated.

As I was loading up my bike later that evening for the ride the next day, I stopped dead in my tracks in horror. The back tire, that the professional and J & A had JUST FIXED, was FLAT AGAIN. I was livid. I took it immediately to the bike shop, where I knew a few friends were having a triathlon training party. I walked up to the front of the shop, the lights were on. The door was locked. Pitifully, I stood there, staring at my flat back tire. I was about to cry when Desiree Ficker and Jack Murry walk up to the door. Jack said that I just looked too pitiful standing there, he just HAD to re-open the shop for me. He fixed the tire lickety split and I haven't had problems since. I was overjoyed to get the chance to talk with Desiree and that Jack re-opened the shop for me. The day had started to get better. I went outside, saw some friends and drank a very necessary beer to celebrate the fact that I was finally flat free. I decided later with the help of my Ironwoman friend, Moe that these flats can be fuel to get back out there and tear it up (with a lot of extra tubes)! So I've found a positive spin on all of this, I think.

Three flats...no wait, FOUR flats...and you're out. Let's just hope my friend is better soon so we can get out there riding again and really using these flats and these falls as fuel for more great riding. I'll have a great ride soon, I just know it. My injured friend and more friends will be out there soon for the Rosedale Ride on 03/28. We'll be sure to be carrying lots of extra tubes anywhere we can stick them! And awesome, protective helmets, too.

Be careful out there, everyone.

Keep Calm and Carry On: My New Cycling Mantra

2009-03-05T10:21:00.003-07:00

Keep Calm and Carry On
Originally uploaded by Ms.walking on sunshine.

I'm embarking on something that I've wanted to do for almost a year on Saturday. A 50 mile, half century ride. It will be Fizgig and my longest ride yet, and both of us are all tuned up and excited. Fizgig recently enjoyed an awesome tune-up from Beto, the owner of Pure Austin. He kindly gave her drive-train a nice cleaning and she shifts better than ever! I'm so excited for Saturday. My body feels ready.

This photo, "KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON" is going to be in my head for most of the ride. It's my new riding mantra. I've planned my fueling, my gear, and most importantly my sunscreen application and I know I'll be ready to go this Saturday for Bastrop's famous Pedal Thru the Pines . I will be embarking on this long awaited journey with a few of my ride radar buds and babes - Jim, Liz, and Rebecca. I might also be riding with a few friends from an Austin Cycling Association ride. My nerves are charged with excitement, I could not be more ready to take on this 50 mile benchmark goal on the road to bigger and better goals. I've been wanting to ride this far for over a year and finally I am doing it! I can almost taste victory, and victory certainly tastes sweet. Like goo. I will crack at it this weekend and update on how it all goes.

Reminder to self: When times get tough at mile 38 and 45 of this half century ride, I need to just breathe out and in deeply, take a swig of water or a drop of goo and KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.

"Life is such win!" ~Janet K

Fresh As A Daisy 5K - PERSONAL RECORD!

2009-03-02T14:09:00.007-07:00

This Saturday I raced in the ARC Daisy 5K, the first race in the popular ARC Sprint Series. I used the Sprint Series last year to hone in on my speed, and it definitely helped me have an even faster marathon time come Fall 2009 in San Antonio. I shaved roughly 3 minutes off my marathon PR in 2009. I've long been a believer in garnering speed before you launch into marathon training, and 2009 was a perfect example of how well that method worked for me. I'm hoping it works even better this year and gets me to a personal best and perhaps a Boston Qualifier in my next fall marathon!

I will start training over the summer for my fall marathon. I'm still toying with the idea of doing the Chicago Marathon. There are so many other events I'm interested in around that time, I'm suffering from FOMO (FEAR OF MISSING OUT). There are SO MANY marathons and triathlons out there! So hard to pick just one. In my heart of hearts, I know Chicago is the right one. It's flat, fast, scenic and has lots of support. I just need to come upon that realization for myself and in my own time.

The Daisy 5K went great. I hit a recent PR and I'm very proud of that! My all-time PR was set back in high school when I was only training for 5K - that was a 19:52. That's in the past, though, more recently I haven't been able to break 22 minutes. Saturday, though, I did! I did it, with winds of 30mph pushing forth during the last mile. I pushed really hard into the wind at the end, knowing I had to do it to stay under 22. I felt like I was going to throw it at the finish line, but somehow, when that volunteer handed me my orange daisy, I felt refreshed and wonderful within mere instants.

Now that's what I call FLOWER POWER.

I emerged from the finishing chute, feeling fresh with my daisy, and I ran off to cool down along the last stretch of the race, looking for my friends and cheering them on like nuts. The food and festivities afterward were great, ARC puts on great races, bar none.

After chowing down, I headed to my gym for some hatha yoga. Crazy enough, I ran into a fellow competitor in my age group who beat me by a minute. We chatted about training, triathlon, and running for a long while in the middle of the gym. It was cool to meet her and I'll have you know I'm determined to beat her next time we race. I don't know how fast she is on the bike, but we're both doing the Galveston Lonestar Olympic Tri and if I have anything to say about it I'm going to GET HER!! It's going to be great. So was the Daisy, though. And I have a feeling that if I would have trained more than a measly 20 miles total in the month of February I probably would have been neck and neck with her. But that is all could-a, should-a, would-a, didn't and it doesn't matter anymore. The only thing I can change now is the present. And as far as today goes, I'm off to do a double spin class this afternoon at my gym from 6-8p. Beto first, Zach-attach second at Pure Austin, the little gem of a downtown gym.

Oh and Sunday? I took a jaunt out on Fitzhugh in the late afternoon after the wind had died down. Lance's stomping ground. I pedaled through the hill country with a smile on my face and fire in my heart. It was gorgeous cycling into the sunset and I couldn't help but dream about future half Ironmans and Ironmans. What a way to cap off a Sunday.

Current book I'm reading: The one I wrote.

SIX HOUR WORKOUT - RIDE RADAR!!

2009-02-25T16:09:00.005-07:00

This past weekend a few of my cycling friends and I embarked on a bit of a suffer-fest.

Over the past month, I have began to organize weekly rides and send them out to a group of friends whom I know are interested in riding. I call these weekly email updates my RIDE RADAR. If you would like to get on my RIDE RADAR, please feel free to comment and let me know and I'll send you weekly rides.

This past Saturday, the RIDE RADAR was slated to do a 30 mile Andice Adventure with the Austin Cycling Association. Early morning winds and rain made us have to find a plan B on Saturday, though. And plan B we did!

Me and a bunch of chicks from the RIDE RADAR chose to attend the 4th Annual Pure Austin Fitness Expo. The event was free and lasted from roughly 9:30 am until a sometime in the afternoon. We were super bummed at first that we couldn't get our ride in, but once we arrived at Pure we quickly realized that a tough spin class could substitute for our ride and a slew of fun classes were to follow. We were immediately bombarded with *healthy* food of bagels and fruit upon entering the gym. We munched a bit and then decided to head to the first spin class of the day. As soon as we found ourselves under the wing of pro cyclist Jen McRae, (check her out ) all that sadness about riding in the rain and intense wind melted away. We had a B-L-A-S-T! Jen taught that we should always changing up your cycling routine inside and outside, going at different speeds constantly and giving varied efforts in order to get faster. She made us suffer, with no breaks in the 50-55 minute class. She put on a great workout, and on top of all that she gave out free gear! Jen Pool and I got full body skin suits that fit us perfectly and Tonya and Liz got biking/tri tops! We felt super cool.

From there, we went our separate ways to try hour long classes of hatha yoga, trigger point therapy, cycle stretching and a killer circuit/cardio workout. Somehow one of the trainers even roped me in to doing a fitness challenge. I was forced to do as many push ups as I could on an upside down bosu ball, then do as many pull ups as I could, and then max out on a stationary bike. My legs were a bit dead from Jen's class, but I tried my hardest! I didn't get a report of how I stacked up against the guys...maybe I will find out at some point.

In between workouts you could find us munching on sushi, hummus wraps and gatorade. An athlete's paradise. Food...and, er...great workouts. I ended up staying at the gym for a grand total of 6 hours. After all those classes, I looked outside at the crystal clear pool and I just couldn't walk away from it without taking a dip. So a swim workout was thrown in at the end of the day. The wind was a bit intense, but overall, the water was warm and clear and my arms felt strong.

After showering and cleaning up, we were ready for some serious chow. We made a bee-line for Luby's and completely enjoyed ourselves! It was a great Saturday.

Again, if you have interest in the RIDE RADAR, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email! Thanks for reading!

Current book I'm reading: The Artist's Way

Neglect Yoga and the IT says HEEEY!!!

2009-02-18T13:10:00.004-07:00

So the past couple of weeks my IT band at the hip has been saying "HEEEY" a little too often for my liking.

So much so that I skipped out on two Dripping Springs 30+ milers because I thought it was an injury from cycling with the new shoes/pedals. So much so that I couldn't do my long run last weekend. This is a serious problem if I want to get geared up for the triathlon season. The achy hips screamed after I ran or cycled, I didn't know which to blame. I thought it was running...then I thought it was cycling.

Turns out I was wrong. It was neither.

The IT was just tight because I was neglecting my yoga practice. I realized this upon looking back at my training logs and seeing that I was just running, biking and swimming and then doing nothing else. A few push ups, weights, drills but no yoga. I think my body relies on yoga to keep it loose after all the pounding from running. And now, even more so it relies on it from all the time on the bike.

At the VERY LEAST, I'm doing yoga three times a week. That's at the least. There will not be happy hours scheduled over yoga. Dates and social events can wait, my body NEEDS yoga. It needs the hips stretched out in order to be efficient in racing. My body doesn't like to run if I haven't been to yoga. My body doesn't like to cycle if I haven't been to yoga. My body will swim, but that's a given.

I have realized lately that my cycling and running performance hinge on my yoga practice. No more excuses, I need to GET ME TO YOGA!

...Om...

Current book I'm reading: The Artist's Way

Triathlete's Euphoria

2009-02-13T10:28:00.004-07:00

Sunset Over Lady Bird Lake
Originally uploaded by RogueSun Media.

I met two people from the 10K group that I coach on Tuesday night, after a busy day at work. They were going to be out of town for our official meeting on Thursday, and so they asked me if I could meet up with them on Tuesday so they could get their miles in with my help. They are new runners and so they ask a lot of questions and listen to everything I say with open ears. It's fun and I really enjoy helping them. We did the 5 mile loop on Lady Bird Lake. The sun was setting on the water of the lake and the light had that unmistakable golden glow of late winter at sunset. As we puttered along, we came upon a blond streak in the night. It was Desiree Ficker, my idol. She was running with some tall guy around the lake in the opposite direction. I told the two newbie runners all about her and about how amazed, awed and humbled I am by her athletic ability. I bragged for her and told them she got second place at Kona in 2006. I'm still proud of her for that. Anyway, as we were running by her she made direct eye contact with me, and I think she recognized me. That made me feel really special. As we rounded the lake near Mopac we saw a few of my friends from the Nike training group, and that made me feel even more special and loved. We waved to each other briefly and then ran on. As we got to the opposite side of the lake we saw Desiree Ficker again, the sun was setting on the city behind her. It was a beautiful moment. Even more beautiful though were the hugs I got from my two newbie runner friends when we had finished. I love getting people into running and coaching is the best for that. I can experience their joy first hand and it is constantly inspiring to me.

After doing a bit of stretching post-run, it was time to head to spin class. I decided I wanted to do an upside down brick workout. I jogged over to my car and started driving over to my gym. Sweet indie music was blaring on my car radio as I basked in the winter humidity of Austin with my windows down. I got to my gym and ran in, still wearing my running shorts and singlet. I knew I only had 5 minutes until the class started. I had never done a spin class in my running shorts before, and actually it was less of an issue than I was expecting. The class was great and challenging with a few hills, lots of drills, and lots of energetic sprints. My legs felt great. I got off my spin class in a haze and floated over to do some yoga over in the stretching area of the gym.

It was late on a Tuesday night and there was hardly anyone around. As I went deep into some forward bends and hip openers to loosen my IT band, I began to feel the same euphoria that I feel after a race. Joy filled me, and I felt as I was walking on air as I left the gym that night. I got into my car and every song that was on the radio made me sing, laugh and smile. I haven't had that same after-workout walking on air feeling in a long time. The last time I remember it happening consistently was while training for the Austin Marathon in 2008. After every long weekend training run, I would leave my running group walking on air. The feeling really only happens when I'm by myself. It's neat. I wait for the time when I can have that walking on air feeling again. Maybe it's just my endorphins, maybe it's just my quads and hamstrings flaking out, but it is a great, floating on air euphoric feeling nonetheless.

Girls on Grill: A Welcome to Austin BBQ for my Friend Laura

2009-01-30T15:28:00.004-07:00

So, this weekend is going to be big! I'm anxiously awaiting time on the grill.

This will be the second time I have attempted grilling. The last time, BBQ peaches from this awesome website were made and subsequently devoured: http://girlongrillaction.com/2008/03/15/oooooo-peaches-baby-peaches/

Back to the task at hand, though. Grilling. We are grilling to celebrate and welcome my dear friend Laura to the great big city of Austin from Colorado. We went to college together. She just moved here last week and I'm so excited! My good friend Wynne volunteered her yard if I promised to hostess. I love this idea. I jumped on it. And so we are having a good old fashioned back yard BBQ in Laura's honor this weekend.

My favorite Texas beer, Lone Star, will make an appearance. We will all enjoy veggie burgers and some beef (choke it down, so yum) in my friend Wynne's secluded, recently raked backyard haven.

This party is intended to be a come and go and quite relaxed. Here is hoping that it goes without a hitch!

Oh, and to inform you of other recent events: I placed 2nd in my age group at the Frost Yer Fanny Du:

Current book I'm reading: Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Make Healthy Muffins

2009-01-28T09:11:00.003-07:00

How I did it: Lately, in the slight chill that has passed over Austin, I have had a craving for baked goods. I combed the internet for something healthy and delicious, and I found a great recipe for Pineapple Papaya Mind Muffins. I got home after the gym, and instead of making the Mind Muffins that I was thinking of last night, I opted to make these delicious, moist, and healthy muffins because I had all of the ingredients for them at home. I sort of made the recipe up so if you have any suggestions or tweaks let me know. I do not think they need very many tweaks as they were so delicious right out of the oven last night after my run!

Apple Banana Wheat-y Oat-y Muffins

1 teaspoon butter
4 large tablespoons apple sauce
1/4 cup brown or white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup chocolate chips
3 medium sized ripe bananas, mashed

Grease each non-stick muffin holder with one drop of oil in each muffin-hole. I used a large muffin tin that made six, large 1 cup sized muffins. In a large bowl, spoon out your applesauce, mix in the small amount of butter and the sugar together. Mix well with a strong arm or an electric mixer. Beat the egg in. Add the dry ingredients. Mash the bananas in a separate bowl and then add them to the big bowl. Add the chocolate chips last. The dough should be wet, but not watery. Spoon dough into the muffin tins. Add a bit of oats and brown sugar to the top of the muffins to make a glaze. Bake for 25-30 minutes @ 350. Stick a knife in the top of one or two of the muffins and if it comes out dry, they are done.

The Mind Muffins that I plan on making in the future are: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/papaya-pineapple-muffin-recipe

Making these made me feel warm and happy!

The Frost Yer Fanny DU is this weekend!

2009-01-23T14:10:00.001-07:00

I’m so excited for this race. It will be my first duathalon.

I’m a little interested to find out how my legs are going to feel running a 5K after 21 miles on the bike, but other than that I think I’ll do awesome. Maybe I’ll even place in my age group!

This du is called Frost Yer Fanny Du but I don’t think it is going to be too chilly this weekend. The high is 66 on Sunday so I’m feeling hopeful. The race starts at 7 am, though, and at that time the temp will be 35. Just kidding, it will be cold. Looks like I’ll be bringing out the racing tights!

See more progress on: complete a duathlon

What Gets You Going?

2009-01-15T08:40:00.006-07:00

At this point in my running, swimming, and cycling life I have figured out that I am an expert at getting others to compete in endurance events. I have dubbed myself privately to be an "expert motivator." This is all part of a larger scheme I put myself through in order to get to those many finish lines that I see in my future. For me, I know the exact recipe that what gets me going. I'm not talking about steak and potatoes. I'm talking about the motivation, drive, and sheer grit that it takes to compete in endurance events like the Frost Yer Fanny Duathalon or the San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon. For me, I've realized, over the years, that it's pretty simple. Get me out there, on the trail, in the wind, rain or sun leading a group of new runners and I'm all set. I get so psyched helping new runners and triathletes into the sport that I love and that is what gets me going.

This week, I am excited about the Capitol 10,000 and the training for this race! I know it is several months away, the date of the race is Sunday, March 29, 2009, but yet again this year I'm helping a lot of new runners to the finish line in a training group and that, I know, will drive me to my own success as a runner. It gets me going to know how much I'm helping them. When I'm out there on the hilly 10K course in March I'll be thinking of all of the runners I helped get to the starting line, and I know that will make me go faster. My goal this year is to break 45 minutes. I know that helping out with the training group will be integral to my success. The 12 week training is sponsored by the Austin American-Statesman and Austin Fit/USA Fit will be a big part in my success.

Below is the route we are planning on running with the Intermediate and Advanced runners this evening. This is our second week of training so we're keeping the route simple and the mileage short.

I can't wait to motivate more new runners! When I spoke with some of the runners last Thursday on the run a lot of them were saying that eventually they wanted to do a 1/2 marathon and a sprint triathlon. It makes me excited that I can help introduce them to the sports that I love so much. Who knows, one day, they might even be able to call themselves an IRONMAN! Personally, when I finish my first IRONMAN, I will prefer to be called an IRONWOMAN, but that's just me.

Today's Cap 10K Training Route
Loop in South Austin for Cap 10K Training
Find more Runs in Austin, Texas

Current book I'm reading: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and Run Fast by Hal Higdon

Goals and Resolutions: Spin #2 for this week

2009-01-02T12:48:00.001-07:00

One of my goals that I started working on BEFORE the New Year was to spin either on my road bike, Fizgig, or in a spin class at least 3 times a week. This week was a bit challenging due to the holiday and my gym having funky hours, but I have almost made it. As long as I go for a bike ride on Saturday or Sunday. I plan on it. I just got new road bike shoes for Christmas as well as new pedals so I’m all set. I just need to get my buddies at Jack and Adams to put them on my bike. So, here’s hoping I find the time to do that this weekend.

And so, back to the reason I posted. I’m proud and I feel great because I just spun for the second time this week. One step closer to my goal!

My first spin of the week was with my special. We did a class at my gym with a guy named Skipper. It was pretty easy for us, which was unfortunate. It was still fun though!

Today I did a class that was supposed to be with one of my new favorite instructors—Zach. To my surprise, the manager of my gym led the class in tight jeans and cowboy boots for the first 10 minutes and Zach made his presence for the second 35-40 minutes. It was an extremely tough class and I was dripping sweat. Zach is a very strange fellow, he slept late and got in trouble in front of the whole class for that. Yet he was pretending to strip off his street clothes to reveal his cyclist kit underneath all while being scorned for not showing up to his class. Very interesting. The class was super tough, too. So I’m really glad I went. Met a guy named Mark and Zach came over in the final sprint of the class and put his hand on my wheel to make it even harder. He really motivates and pushes me, saying things like “you are what you do!” and “you want to leave here feeling like you had a workout, don’t you? Now push!” It seems simple but it really works.

Here’s to New Year’s resolutions and making them happen all year ‘round! That is pretty much my only New Year’s resolutions—to keep setting and achieving my goals until the very last moments of 2009.

See more progress on: Ride my spin bike at least 3 times a week

1 Anniversary Ride

2008-12-12T16:17:00.003-07:00

This Saturday, after I help with a water stop for Austin Fit's 25K bright n early at 7:30 am, I will head out to Dripping Springs for an road bike adventure.

My special and I will be going on this ride:

Dripping Springs High School to Pedernales Falls--30 mile
Find more Bike Rides in Dripping Springs, Texas

This is tear-worthy, hilly material we're looking at here out to Pedernales State Park. I'm looking forward to it. I'm not sure we'll make it but we'll definitely try.

Even more so, I'm looking forward to relaxing at http://www.mtgainorinn.com/index.htm
for the weekend.

Gotta love the love. Wish me a Happy Anniversary Ride!

Current book I'm reading: "On Writing" by Stephen King

I'm trying to write 50,000 words in the month of December...who wants to join me!?

2008-12-01T12:57:00.002-07:00

My goal is to write a 50,000 word novel by the end of 2008. Goals are easier to achieve when you embark on them with others, so let me know if you want to join me!! Send me an email or write a comment, please!

The subject of your novel/creative work doesn’t matter.

The content, plot, or characters do not matter.

The output is what matters at this point.

I’ve been putting off writing my ‘great American novel,’ waiting for some sign or some monumental story to fall into my proverbial lap.

I’ve had enough of waiting. I’m just going to do it. Please, someone, join me.

So, to make this happen I need to write approximately 1615 words per day. I just need to let my stream of consicousness flow. My inner editor will be turned OFF. There will most likely not be a focus or moral or anything of that sort. I am hoping something with materialize, but I’ll worry about that later. The goal here is just to write and get what is inside of me OUT. It’s an exercise of commitment. It’s a writing marathon!!

I got the idea from http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/hownanoworks

They do this in November as a community, and though it would be cool to wait until they start up again, as I said before, I’ve had enough of waiting. I missed it in November so I’ve decided to do it on my own in December with the tips and help of NaNoWriMo.

Who’s with me? People please join me!!! I may make a 43 things group for this so look out for it!

See more progress on: finish a 50,000 word novel for NaNoWriMo

One Mile at a Time

2008-11-13T11:44:00.004-07:00

Finish Line
Originally uploaded by andrew_mo.

I just finished reading a blog-post from Austin's own Kristin Armstrong and she was talking about dividing long miles into "chunks" in order to get through them. I have done this many times before, and I like Kristin's term, calling it affectionately "chunky monkey" (not the ice cream).

On my last run before the marathon yesterday, I started thinking about the chunks that I will divide my race into on Sunday.

My friend who I coach, Joe, told me that he was going to dedicate every mile of his race to someone special in his life. I started doing that myself, in my head, on my last run before the marathon.

I thought I would write it out and maybe attach the list to the back of my bib number. I thought that I might attach meaning to each of the miles and choose the person I will dedicate that mile to based on those special meanings.

So here is my list:

Mile 1: My Grandma Betty because if she was still here with us today she would march up Congress Avenue a la Ann Richards and she would probably do the Congress Avenue Mile with me. Maybe I'll run it for her next year.
Mile 2: My best friend in Texas, Stephanie, because that is the longest distance I have got her to run with me.
Mile 3: My brother, Leland because that is our favorite distance that we ran together back in cross country at Standley Lake High School.
Mile 4: Dedicated to my running buddy Jennifer Root, because that was the distance of the first run she ever did with me on Shoal Creek before I convinced her to do her first marathon which she will complete on Sunday with me!
Mile 5: Dedicated to Lovey, who is a not a person, she is actually dog who loves to run the Turkey Trot 5 Miler with her co-owner, Liz.
Mile 6: Dedicated to my buddy Liz aka CODY Molleur, because I helped her train and PR in the 10K distance (6.2 mi) and that was what got her into marathoning.
Mile 7: Dedicated to my running buddy Rob Hill, because at this point in the SA Marathon he'll be more than 1/2 way through his SA 1/2 marathon and if he could see me then, at mile 7, he would make fun of me that I have more than 1/2 to go because he's mean like that.
Mile 8: Dedicated to my friend back in elementary school, Lisa H. That was our favorite number and we'd always bike in figure 8s on our street.
Mile 9: Dedicated to my sister, Mackenzie.
Mile 10: Dedicated to Grandpa John who thinks that 10 is long enough and a marathon is only for "dynamos"
Mile 11: Dedicated to Carmelo, my running buddy who always likes to push 11 milers and pretend they are 9 milers.
Mile 12: Dedicated to my aunt Jennifer and uncle Steve who know my strength better than I do sometimes.
Mile 13: For my "fastest girls" Jennifer Pool and Jodi Lisa, who have rocked out many a half marathon distance with me. Most memorably, of course, for all of us, was Dallas Whiterock 1/2 Marathon last December 2007.
Mile 14: For my best friend in New York, Carrie L. Adams.
Mile 15: Dedicated to my cousin Maria who thinks I should go pro! HA!
Mile 16: Dedicated to Liz who helped me through that mile in my last marathon. She also did a water stop for me at this point in my run last January.
Mile 17: Dedicated to Corrie, because I love her and it was at this mile mark that I saw her for the first time in my last marathon. She was holding a sign that read "NOTHING RUNS LIKE A MERCEDES" and she pushed the wall back with that sign and her cheers.
Mile 18: Dedicated to Joe, who bonked on his first 18 miler but subsequently rocked his 22 miler fully and completely solely due to my pasta making skills. I know he can do it!
Mile 19: Dedicated to my ex-boyfriend and his now wife. His wife once told me that she would "clench her fists for me" while I was running my first marathon. To him because when I saw him on during this point of my first marathon, I was so empowered to run away from him that I sped up on my last 6.2 miles, making a powerful negative split.
Mile 20: To my friend Jeff D who has bandit ran the NY marathon and told me to be careful for the wall at 20. He is still running, though sidelined by injury right now, he still understands the meaning of the phrase "there is no wall!"
Mile 21: To my old running buddy who recently got married I think, her name was Becca Green. We held hands with each other while crossing the mile 21 mark which we thought was the 20 mark. At mile 21, I felt like I had more in me and I could go faster. So I told her that, and she said for me to leave her. So I left her. The last thing she said to me was "Go, Mercedes, go qualify for Boston!"
Mile 22: To my dad who always seems to say the most annoying things to me at this point of each of the marathons I've ran. It gives me something else to think about than the pain. To my mom, too
Mile 23: To my all-star super-star supporter, Ava Thomas, who told me "we'll see you at the finish line" at mile 23 of my last marathon. She ran down Red River with me, holding my hand.
Mile 24: To my Grandma Irene, who gives me wings. I know she's there watching me run every time I hear a bell ring. I might bring a bell with me to San Antonio and have my mom ring it. (NOTE: it will not be a cowbell, it has to be a twinkly fairy or angel sounding bell)
Mile 25: For Becky and Andre, because they rock and they know I rock, too. And if Andre were with me at 25 he would push me harder than I knew I could go...then he would duke it out with me to the finish.
Mile 26: For Robert, because we both think the MARATON is funny because it doesn't have an H and it's shorter.
Mile .2: For my best friend Janet K, because she understands that .2 is a long way to run and the last steps are just as important as the first steps.

Thank You, Bart Yasso.

2008-10-21T10:21:00.001-06:00

Celeb Runners Bill Rodgers and Bart Yasso
Originally uploaded by Familie Schmitt.

Bart Yasso has said "Never limit where running can take you" and I couldn't agree more. After doing 8x800 of his special 800m repeat last night, known in running land as simply the Yasso, I can't thank him enough for his contributions to the running world. Never have I felt stronger than I did after those 800 meter repeats on the track. I built up to 8 from just 2 at the beginning of my marathon training season with my small group of running buddies. This 8x800 workout is the last hard "special" workout that I have planned before the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on November 16, 2008. Hopefully, with many thanks to Bart Yasso and his great Yasso workouts, I will set a personal record and walk away feeling amazing after this next marathon. The last big long run I need to do with my running group is this Saturday. We will be running a nice, crisp, 21 miler on the Austin Marathon course, complete with 6 water stops that I am currently planning for this Saturday. It should be an incredible experience. 21 milers often are so incredible. I'm glad I'll be running it with some of my closest friends in Austin. Wish me luck! And if you see Bart Yasso, tell him thanks for me...he made my legs TIRED today!

A WEDDING REPORT

2008-10-15T16:16:00.006-06:00

INTRO: Here is a report of the wedding I was in last weekend. It is what I enjoy calling a WEDDING REPORT. Yes, I said wedding report and not race report. For those of you who did not know, a wedding report is similar to a race report, which is something that an athlete would write after competing in a race or racing event. It is just as beautiful--ok, maybe more beautiful. Yes, I admit it, a wedding report is definitely more beautiful than a race report.

The Wedding of S and J ~ Waco, TX ~ 10.11.08

S and J's wedding weekend was, in one word--magical. The weekend was stressful, but beautiful. I loved being out at S’s family's ranch house in the country, watching the sun rise from the pink mist and set on the horizon in gold. We ran errands for the wedding all day on Friday and then ate dinner with the extended family Friday night. The next morning we got up at 7 am to get our hair done at a small local salon in the tiny town of less than 9,000 where we ate chocolate covered strawberries and drank mimosas. We then set off to Waco. We went straight to Waco's mall to get makeup done. S's hair was gorgeous in a loose, curly side ponytail with her veil cascading down her back. People simply could not stop staring at her as she got her makeup done for free at the Lancome counter. After S's makeup we headed back to the hotel room. The hotel room was primed with sandwiches, drinks, cookies and candy laid out neatly on the tables. We ate and then S's mom and I helped her navigate the intricately beaded champagne colored dress. I helped S's mom cinch her corset and zip the dress up. The moment S stepped away completely dressed there was a complete change in her. Her mom, her maid of honor and I stood in shock and all of us almost forgot to breathe as we looked at her. I could not believe how stunning S looked that afternoon in the sunlight by the hotel window. Needless to say, the photographer was snapping pictures like nuts.

The wedding itself was more beautiful than I ever could have imagined it would be. It perfectly reflected S's unique, creative, and innovative personality. It also was a perfect reflection of her and J’s love and devotion to each other. The setting was gorgeous on a huge suspension bridge in a public park in Waco and the weather was pristine – not to hot, not too cold and no rain. I have never seen S that happy or that excited. As she was as we were driving up to the bridge for the ceremony the nerves were high. There were some precious moments before the wedding that I felt honored to have shared with S as well...like her and I waiting in the car for the last flower girl to arrive before helping her out of the car for the ceremony :) I can't even tell you how many times "you look SO BEAUTIFUL" popped out of my mouth to S on her big day. I couldn't help it, she was that overwhelmingly beautiful. The sun was setting just as we decided to start the ceremony. The light pink and it shed a pink glaze onto the fall colors of the wedding. White pumpkins with orange roses in them sat the entrance of the bridge. J had tears in his eyes as S walked up the isle with her dad. The ceremony was in both Spanish and English, it was wonderful. The raw emotion in J's voice as he recited his vows in Spanish was evident and touching enough to make me start to cry. The ceremony was powerful.

J hired a surprise mariachi band to play on the other side of bridge during the reception. The mariachis and the gorgeous couple who stayed arm in arm almost the entire night kept the energy high and the feel unique. It did not feel like we were in Texas, it felt like we were transported to some other magical place on that bridge over the water as the mariachis music played and Mr.and Mrs.O stuffed cake in each other's faces. After the toast, the cake, and Julio's bold and provocative removal of S's garter we all laughed and enjoyed seeing the couple so happy. My date and I drank more champagne and looked out at the water together and up at the stars through the rafters of the metal suspension bridge. J’s side of the family sang and danced to the mariachi music and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We sent the couple off with sparklers lining the bridge as they ran into J's white jeep decorated with aluminum cans and a "JUST MARRIED" sign. The happy couple is in Hawaii right now having a wonderful honeymoon on the beach horse-back riding, hiking up to volcanoes and experiencing a traditional Lu'au for the first time.

To commemorate the big event my date and I did a 5 mile run around the same suspension bridge that S and J were married on the day after the wedding...needless to say it was a beautiful run and it capped off the entire, gorgeous wedding weekend. We headed back to Austin and stopped along the way, enjoying the road trip back together and reminiscing on the beautiful experience that we both were fortunate, grateful and blessed to be a part of.

The End.

DISCLAIMER: So I know this wedding report is a bit sappy but I had to write it. I know S will appreciate seeing my rendition of the whole happy event.

Current book I'm reading: On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl's Guide to Personal Finance (Paperback)

Tri it on Up!

2008-10-06T16:19:00.001-06:00

Run
Originally uploaded by rajue.

This past weekend I did something big. Big as in 7 hours big. I gave back to the triathlon community by volunteering at a sponge stop and water stop for Austin's own Longhorn 70.3 - Half Ironman race. I was out there for 7 hours scooping up cups of ice for an amazing amount of triathletes. I heard enough "I love yous" and "you're the bests" and a fun one "you're here, I'm here, let's have ice" to last me the rest of the triathlon season. Which is now over. Next year! It was a lot of fun seeing my friends pass by looking strong and fast. It was such a treat. It pumped me up for my next endeavor after the marathon on November 16th...that endurance endeavor will be the 1/2 Iron sometime next spring or summer. Until then, I'll be running on up those steps in this photo. Working hard, coaching hard, and training even harder! San Antonio Marathon, here I come! 1/2 Iron, I'm coming to get ya, too!

I drank the Kool Aide...and...

2008-08-01T11:28:00.002-06:00

Some said it was bound to happen. Others thought it was already happening. I am officially obsessed with triathlon. And I'm signing up for another one! Another sprint. For fun. And then I set some little things I like to call goals. One being 1/2 Ironman October 2009. I will begin training for this May 2009, shortly after my 26th birthday. I can't contain my excitement. It is going to be great!! 15 hours a week of training great! That's what I'm talking about! My life feels empty unless I'm training for a tri. Just running is not enough. I never thought I would say that. Wow. YAY TRIATHLON! YAY anything that begins with IRON! Yay for October 2009!!

Until then, this sprint tri in Burnet on Sept 21st will have to suffice. Mostly because I can't fit anything else into my racing and running schedule. I wish that the tri season went on longer! I feel cheated. I wish I would have done one sooner in the season. Well, I will go back to running fast and kicking ass. Next year on the calendar is Danskin 2009, Sweet and Twisted 2009 and then the 1/2 IRONMAN! Next year is going to be great. Did I mention I'll throw a few marathons in there? Oh yea, that's right!!

This year is going to be great. San Antonio Rock n Roll is going to be a load of fun!

I love my life.

Current book I'm reading: Chi Running

Carte blanche: My First Triathlon

2008-07-17T14:48:00.001-06:00

The tri went AMAZING!!!!! I am recovering really well I was super sore yesterday in my arms, calves and quads but today I'm back to (almost) 100%! I think what really helped with the soreness today was that I got a massage afterward. The post-race beer definitely helped with the soreness, too. I must say, the entire triathlon was one of the most incredible and empowering experiences of my life. I may be a born triathlete. I would like to say first that the main thing that made this experience special were the people that encouraged me from near and far along the way. I was overjoyed to see my first marathon coach, Cindy Burton, as we were setting up before the race. Even more priceless was she was the first person I saw after I crossed the finish line. Tears and sweat were streaming down my face as finished, I was extremely spent. I looked up after someone gave me a cold iced towel and I saw Cindy. I started crying more. I’ll never forget Cindy hugging me and telling me “You are a triathlete now, Mercedes!” It makes me tear up right now just writing about it. That was so powerful and made every stroke, every pedal and every stride worth it.

The night before the race I started to get really nervous, I kept double checking and triple checking my gear over and over again. One thing I’m proud of is I never doubted myself and my capability of finishing. I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t know it was going to be THAT hard. There were times during each of the events where I had to dig very deep, but I just looked inside myself, to my inner strength and to the ones that care about me most and I found it and that gave me the extra push to go on. I did not sleep well at all the night before the race, I kept having dreams about the swim-bike-run and I kept waking up constantly, which is different for me. Usually before running races I sleep like a baby. Triathlon is a different animal, though. I know that now. I encountered so many different, interesting and fun challenges in my first triathlon. I woke up at 4:30 AM for an 8:04 AM start. I was glad I got there, early, though. I packed my bike up and checked my gear one last time, I filled up my water bottles and made my accelerade and I was off to the outskirts of Austin. I got to the transition area extremely early. I wanted to be less stressed and I knew I would need time to pump up my tires (they were at 40 psi and they are supposed to be at 110 psi). An older veteran triathlete that was racking up next to me politely recognized that I was a newbie and taught me how to air up my tires. Later, after the race, I happily paid back the favor to her by holding up my towel while she changed into dry clothes. Once I set out all my stuff, I went to get body-marked. Getting body marked was fun, I felt really hard-core when they were marking a big black “96” on my quads and biceps. I strapped my chip around my ankle and headed down to the lake with my running crew to warm up and stretch before the swim start.

I was extremely pumped before the swim because one of the athletes that I coach showed up for the race unexpectedly. He just walked up to the swim start 10 minutes before the race with a delicious looking cup of Starbucks and said “hey I’m here to support you,” which was really nice. It was also nice to have a lot of people from my running group around me and supporting me throughout the race. The water was a warm 80 degrees as we walked in to it and started floating around. I was jumping around in the water I was so ready to go. Off we went a mess of pink swim caps and legs and arms and bodies everywhere. I did not panic; I simply swam to the outskirts of the crowd and barreled forward. My swim ended up being slower than I expected but I think with improved sighting and more open water experience (I was zigzagging through the water and I went out WAY too far past the buoys to avoid the people) I could be faster. When I saw the swim finish ahead of me I pushed hard to the water’s edge. I got out, ripped my cap off and ran barefoot up the hill to the transition area. “Ran” might be a bit of a stretch...I wasn’t expecting my legs to feel so much like sea legs. An interesting slew of adrenaline inspired cuss words slipped out of my mouth as I made my way up the hill. Something to the effect of “holy sh*t this is crazy f*cking sh*t, this is intense madness...I LOVE IT!” All joking aside, I was still pumped up for the bike. My bike performance was probably the biggest surprise. I averaged 21 mph over a 12 mile VERY hilly course. I was not expecting that at all. Lots of people were passing me but I managed to hold on to a few folks and catch them on the uphills. I didn’t know that you were supposed to shift into a harder gear on the down hills and that is when a lot of people passed me. The bike to run transition was easy and exciting for me. I dismounted from my bike and my noodle legs only lasted a few seconds as I ran my bike to my racking area. I LOVED the transitions...they made me feel powerful and fast and they pumped me up for the next event.

I was excited for the run, lots of people from my running group were cheering for me. I finally felt like I was moving into my element, my event. I have done so many 5Ks before. This one was different, though. I started out too fast, I think I was excited to be running and doing my thing. I ran a 7:08 minute/mile like I would if I was JUST doing a 5K by itself. I cooled the pace a bit for the next mile and I navigated the rocky, sandy trail as it wound around the lake. I still felt good, I felt strong. My legs did not feel tired, or my mind was telling me my legs did not feel tired. I finished my goo and took water at a few of the water stops. I passed the mile 2 marker and looked up ahead. My mind saw the huge, mile-long hill in front of me and it started to go. Mile three was the hardest mile because of that hill. I felt myself slowing down. I wanted to hold on, though, so I dug deep into my reserves. I saw Oscar Lanier, one of the guys that I coached a 10K training with back in March; he was volunteering and screaming at me as I passed up the hill. His unexpected support really helped. “GOOD PACE MERCEDES! YOU GO GIRL!” he screamed at my back. I passed a lot of guys throughout the run and especially on that hill. I finally saw the finish line and I worked my way in as hard as I could. My run took me about 25 min. Those are 8:30 minute/miles which are not too shabby.

Everyone that has told me triathlon is the best. Everyone has always asked me why had I not done one before. Everyone told me I would love it. Everyone was right, it IS the best and I should have been doing these years ago! It is a huge challenge with an even huger reward afterward. I would say it was almost as difficult mentally as the marathon. I loved it so much, despite the sea legs running up the hill after the swim, despite the noodle legs as I hopped off my bike after 12 miles of hills, despite the final charge that I had to look for deep inside on the run. It was amazing. I loved it. In other words, I am sure that I am a born triathlete! After I get my Boston Qualifying marathon and my Boston Marathon under my belt I think I am going to retire into full time triathlon training. Half Ironman here I come! I can’t believe I’m saying this only after a sprint but I’m sure I’ll be doing an Olympic sometime soon! I’ll keep ya’ll posted. Love to all who have supported and cheered me on during these weeks of training and thanks to all who were thinking about me during the race. I felt it and it helped immensely. Hearing my past marathon coach tell me “you are a triathlete” at the end was icing on my first triathlon’s cake. A coach, Percy Cerutty once said: "You only ever grow as a human being if you're outside your comfort zone." In triathlon, that would be putting it mildly.

Current book I'm reading: Eiger Dreams and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Amazing Softball Story...Be ready to cry!

2008-07-10T12:07:00.002-06:00

Intense and amazing story about what it means to do the right thing.

This story never ceases to make me cry.

I love athletes!!

Current book I'm reading: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Mac, I miss you. May you rest in peace.

2008-05-30T13:33:00.001-06:00

mac and mercedes at mac's coming home party
Originally uploaded by Bee-Butt.

Mac and Mercedes in 2005 at his coming home party when he got back from Alaska. Mac, you will be sorely missed.

"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love." - Sophocles

Do it. It will be amazing.

2008-03-11T11:43:00.004-06:00

This postsecret.com post secret is so right. I wish that I would "do it" every single day of my life. Every day there is a little sign, a tiny push, a miniscule drive to move forward with life and go for your dreams and we all need to learn to listen to that voice every single time that it speaks. The two marathons that I have ran have helped me start to listen to it.

www.postsecret.com

2008 AT&T Austin Marathon. Me with my mom and dad.

And it really will be amazing. Believe me.

Current book I'm reading: Marianne Williamson

This is Where I Used To Live - Boulder Flatirons

2008-03-04T09:07:00.001-07:00

Boulder Flatirons
Originally uploaded by pachecod.

I really miss this place today. I used to hang out in Chautauqua Park almost weekly with a blanket and a book after a run up Green Mountain, the mountain that the Flatirons rest on. There is nothing like this in Austin, TX and I miss seeing this beautiful site every day as I walked through my small hometown of Boulder. A lot of people in Austin ask me "Why on earth would you leave a place like that?" Sometimes I stop and ask myself the same question.

Austin does have it's beauty. I saw it last night when I was leaving the grocery store. The store was on a hill and it was late evening. It had been a cloudy day and the entire sky was covered with blue gray clouds, except for the horizon. I looked out around me on that hill, and noticed that the clouds had sort of lifted from just the horizon only, and the orange, purple and blue sunlight peeked through 180 degrees around me. The sunset that laced the horizon was beautiful, and I rejoiced at that moment and stood there for 3 or 4 minutes, just looking. I took a deep breath in and drove home.

I do love Austin, TX. And there was a reason I moved here. Though I do miss the mountains and being a "Mountain Girl" I can always go back and visit! I plan on going back in May for the Telluride Mountain Film Festival over Memorial Day weekend.

Celebrate the beauty of each day!

Bitch is the New Black!? GO TINA FEY! AND GO MRS. HILLARY CLINTON!

2008-02-26T09:31:00.006-07:00

I love being a feminist! And this Tina Fey clip is amazing. Please watch. "Bitch gets stuff done!" "So what would be bad about having two intelligent people in the White House helping solve problems?" That is a good question.

I've been yelling Hillary Clinton 2008 for too long to change now.

Current book I'm reading: Marianne Williamson "The Gift of Change"

And I just have to say, Hillary is the more experienced one. And this youtube vid of one of her campaign ads is awesome and hilarious at the same time. Check it out.

The Marathon is Here. Sunday, February 17, 2008

2008-02-14T15:55:00.005-07:00

Mercedes after Austin ATT 2007

The big day that I have been training for over the past year is here. I am not at 100%, but I am still going for that BOSTON QUALIFIER. Not only that, I'm going for an amazing experience, that only a fellow marathoner can really understand. Interested in understanding? Contact me and I'll show you how.

Inspiration for the marathon...wow, click me, click me!

And another thing, I'm going to rock. Here is what will drive me to the finish line. The number one thing would be love, then, each of these affirmations...

Positive Affirmations of Mercedes Orten, marathoner, future Boston Qualifier

I am capable of anything.

My friends and family will love me, support me, and cheer me on no matter what.

I will cheer me on no matter what.

I am fast.

I am strong.

I will endure, I am an endurance athlete.

*I am a runner. I am a marathoner*

I will make it to the finish line and be proud no matter what my finishing time.

I will take my body to this finish line and many more finish lines after this!

I am my own hero and I've seen her in the mirror for the past 24, going on 25 years. I will see her again on Sunday morning, and she will achieve.

Current book I'm reading: The book inside my mind as it goes over 26.2 miles.

Note to Self - Visit Coffee Shops, Enjoy Life to the Fullest

2008-02-07T10:32:00.002-07:00

A Brief Review of 7 Coffeehouses that I like in Austin, TX

1.) Bouldin Creek aka Cafe Caffeine: South 1st Street. This place speaks Austin to me. In case some of you didn't know, Austin has a language all its own and Bouldin Creek is one of the few places that screams this language and whispers it at the same time. The mismatched tables, the creative, vegan and vegetarian food menu, the extremely inventive and delicious coffee go unmatched in my mind. Nothing makes me feel more at home in Austin than a trip to Bouldin Creek with a good friend. Every Austinite needs visit. The people are inviting, the atmosphere is homey, and it’s comfortable enough to do just about anything - chat, catch up, intellectualize, sip delicious depth charge coffee, and read. Or, if you’re lucky, like I was on my last visit, you could have a conversation with the infamous fashionista of Austin known as Leslie.

2.) Austin Java: Barton Springs Road. Good coffee, lots of athletes. My kind of place! The last time I was there I had a conversation with the guy that won the EAS 10 miler Run for the Water. He kind of cut in on my conversation with a friend, actually. My friend Jodi and I were talking about the 10 mile loop of Town Lake while waiting in line for our lattes. We had just done a 12.5 mile run and were saying something about 10 miles when he suddenly cut in with this: "I really love the 10 miler, it's my favorite distance" and then magically we were in a conversation with him. It was a good experience in a funny way. My running group, Austin Fit, always meets at this shop after our runs, so it is a very familiar and great place of memories and fun for me. The food isn't bad, either!

3.) The Green Muse: Oltorf and South 1st. Nestled back next to Pizza Patron. Its unobtrusiveness speaks to its charm. This is a great place for studying, sitting up with a book, quiet or intellectual conversation, or writing.

4.) Dominican Joe's: On Riverside and Congress, near the Freebirds. Good overall coffee. This is more of a place I frequent because it is nearby my workplace. Worthy of a visit though!

5.) Joe's Coffee: Congress. Hip place to pass by on the street and a great place to people watch. I am not overly impressed with the coffee or the espresso.

6.) Hot Mama's Espresso Bar: East 6th Street. Amazing espresso, I've never tasted anything like it! It's a shame I don't stop by there more often, I love the coffee and the cozy atmosphere. Its location in the now hip east side makes it even more attractive and fun to visit.

7.) Ruta Maya International Headquarters: 3601 S. Congress Avenue. This is a great place for poetry listening. Plus, it has a great bar. I have yet to try the coffee, however, I have heard it is wonderful. This is a very community oriented coffee house and I appreciate their free yoga classes and free dance classes with the purchase of a drink! What better way to stimulate a community than to draw people together for the sake of knowledge with free classes.

8.) Spider House: 2908 Fruth Street. A student oriented coffee shop just north of campus and tucked into the scenery in such a way that you could never imagine it not being there. The small, private tables and secret nooks and crannies make it ideal for studying, writing, thinking or having quiet conversation. I love it. It reminds me of Bouldin Creek aka Cafe Caffeine, my favorite coffee shop in Austin but has a more studious, private feel that I really enjoy.

9.) The Hideout: Congress, near the Capitol building. This suave, downtown coffee joint has a very uptown feel. Woody insides make it feel homey and good for studying. The high ceilings make it feel uptown and classy. The coffee seems acceptable, I don't go there very often, but when I have, I have enjoyed it.

Coffeehouses that I still need to visit!

1.) Garden District Coffee House: In SoCo. It’s right next door to The Great Outdoors. People who love the smell of dirt and coffee should flock to this place. Unfortunately for me, I am one of those people who enjoy both smells and I Haven’t been there yet! It’s a shame!

2.) Progress Coffee: 2304 E. 7th Street. This, I have heard, is another great, newly hip addition to the East side complete with cute outdoor tables and reportedly good coffee and smoothies.
3.) Summermoon: 3115 S. First St. This cute shop is in SoFo. I should visit it soon!

4.) 360 Primo: 9828 Great Hills Grail Suite 120. This place is right next to TJ Maxx, but apparently has a European flair. I'm interested.

21 Miler!!

2008-01-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

2008 Austin Fit 21M
Find more Runs in Austin, Texas

Here it is, the lunker. I'm basically going to be running it with like 4 people this Saturday morning. Wish me luck!

Current book I'm reading: The Tao of Pooh

Tale of Two Races

2007-12-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

So today I spent almost $200 registering for races. This running habit can sneak up on you sometimes!

I will be running a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) on January 27th. This is just to be a training run, really. It will be hard for me to look at it that way but I am going to try.

And then, after that 1/2 marathon it is tapering time for the race that I have been planning to rock for the past year, the AT&T Austin Marathon on February 17, 2008.

I am getting both nervous and excited for both of these races, especially the full marathon. I know that I am faster this year. I know that I am stronger and have a more significant mileage base than I had last year. My endurance base is much deeper. I am mentally tougher. These are facts. The only uncertainty is how that day will progress. I know that I have a lot of control over that by staying calm, positive, healthy, and well-rested. Sometimes it is hard to stay focused on these things, though. And this is why I'm writing this blog. I need help! I know it may seem like this is an old hat to me and I've got it all figured out, but in reality I am just a beginner wanting to run with the big dogs. Along with that vein of imagery, right now I'm just a baby boxer--a puppy trying to keep up. And I think that I have the strength of body and mind to do so.

A few weeks ago my mom told me that I was the strongest person she knew. Obviously she is biased, but I hope that February 17, 2008 I can prove her right. I hope that everything falls into place for my goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon in April 2009. To do that, I must run a 3 hour and 40 minute marathon or faster. I am hoping that my performance will be seamless, but only time will tell. I hope, I hope, I hope. If you all can hope for me, be thinking about me and in some of your cases praying for me I would greatly appreciate it. I need all the help I can get, you know, being a puppy and all. Maybe by the time I run Boston in April 2009 I'll be full grown.

Cheers to the new year full of surprises and hopefully Boston Qualifiers!

Love, peace and happiness. And HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Current book I'm reading: Too many

Saturday's Run and Happy Birthday Mom!

2007-10-23T10:28:00.001-06:00

Austin Fit's yellow group will be running this run on Saturday, October 27th. I'm excited!!

TXDot to Boat Docks 9.21m
Find more Runs in Austin, Texas

Current book I'm reading: A Million Little Pieces by James Frey and On The Road

Free Burma!

2007-10-04T10:09:00.000-06:00

What is currently happening to Monks in Burma

What you can do about it!

Day of Protest and Awareness is October 6th. Be aware.

Current book I'm reading: "On the Road" by Jack K, and "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers

Dreaming of the day...

2007-09-26T10:46:00.000-06:00

I wish I could be running here right now. Such a sweet stock photograph.

I am currently dreaming of the day that I can be a professional runner like Liz Yelling. Liz Yelling's advice.

She was a teacher and then she went pro a few years ago. Can this be me? Am I good enough? As I ran through the hills of Balcones last night, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I am. Only time will tell.

Current book I'm reading: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers AND On the Road by Jack Kerouac

I want these shoes!

2007-07-17T09:05:00.000-06:00

I really want these New Balances!

The awesome, beautiful WR873's that I want.

Unfortunately, I have found the perfect shoe already, and I'm going to stick with it until it starts to give me problems. It's the New Balance 767.
Perfection in shoe form: The 767's

The 767's are great, reliable shoes. They took me through the marathon in February of this year. I wore them to the bone though. I got another pair of the exact same model, just with a bit more padding and they helped me PR in the Cap 10K. They have treated me very well. Maybe I'll try the WR873's at RunTex, they are SO PRETTY, but I will probably end up going back to the tried and true 767's. They are just that good.

Current book I'm reading: Eragon by Paolonni, The Masterpiece by Zola, Voyage Out by Woolf

Endings breed beginnings. And aren't beginnings exciting?

2007-06-18T08:18:00.000-06:00

So, below I've listed the lyrics to the song that I have stuck in my head. Often I am very torn between making a change, continuing to change, and settling down. Almost every time I talk to my mom, she asks me to move back to Colorado. She doesn't support the change that I've made in moving to Austin, TX. So this song speaks to me on many levels. Johnny Cash was brilliant, I love him. And Fionna rocks, too. Listen to this song if you can.

"Father and Son" by Johnny Cash feat Fionna Apple
Father:
It's not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to know.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.

I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy,
To be calm when you've found something going on.
But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you've got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.

Son/Fionna:
How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again.
It's always been the same, same old story.
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.

Father:
It's not time to make a change,
Just sit down, take it slowly.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to go through.
Find a girl, settle down,
if you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.

Son/Fionna:
All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside,
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it.
If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them you know not me.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.

Current book I'm reading: Naked by David Sedaris
Current song stuck in my head: "Father and Son" by Johnny Cash featuring Fionna Apple
Current image stuck in my head: A special person to me hugging me after the marathon in February 2007.

Italian Love

2007-06-14T15:13:00.001-06:00

Italian Love
Originally uploaded by *bahag-king.

Is this too much to ask for?

Lolcat aka spider-kitteh

2007-06-08T13:27:00.000-06:00

So, I've only been a tad obsessed with lolcats lately.

Current book I'm reading: Naked by David Sedaris, The Voyage Out by Virginia Woolf, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Woodrow Landfair: An Inspiration

2007-05-08T13:49:00.000-06:00

I read this article in the Austin American Statesman about this college baseball player turned gutsy-Jack Kerouac-inspired writer. Check out his website, he is touring the 48 states over the span of one year on a motorcycle. He is chronicling the experience with photos and journal entries. Creative, interesting idea. Inspiring man.

Woodrow's website complete with photos, journal entries, and his story. Check it out!

I am even thinking about buying his t-shirt to support his cause. Perhaps.

Current book I'm reading: "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" by Tom Robbins

Rainy Daze

2007-05-03T11:58:00.001-06:00

After Party
Originally uploaded by dElay.

I do not own an umbrella. If I did, though, I would hope that it would look something like this one. I could only hope that additionally I could be snuggling with someone under that umbrella either drinking something warm or something bubbly, like beer.

Lately I have laid off the alcohol because it is detrimental to my running performance. However, I will make many exception, especially for beer.

And if it's raining outside, I've already ran, and I need carbs then what better reason to have a beer!

So I just thought this photo was neat. The girls are cute. They are in Dublin. It has been raining like crazy this past week, thereby preventing me from planning a birthday weekend swimmin' hole getaway at Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs, TX. But I don't let a lil rain get me down, I run right through it. And then enjoy being soaking wet.

Another reason Austin Rocks...

2007-05-02T11:31:00.000-06:00

Click on the pink link below to see one of the more fun and silly Austin tourist attractions.

Gibson Guitar Art Around Austin!

Check out the guitars! Austin rocks!

Current book I'm reading: Even Cowgirls Get The Blues by Tom Robbins

Shopping around for a Back-packing Tent and Camping Destinations

2007-04-09T11:23:00.000-06:00

This is the tent I'm contemplating...The REI TENT

It is a good deal right now at REI. I am thinking that I probably need to plan some trips before I buy it though, so that I know for sure that I will use it.

I've been wanting to go camp on the beach along the Texas coast for a long time. I feel like the trip there will inspire me. The ocean is inspiring. The main place I'm interested in visiting is Port Aransas, TX and it's only 2 hours from Austin.

I'd also like to go back to Enchanted Rock near Fredricksberg, TX. They have some really easy and fun backpacking trails there.

Another place I feel drawn to is Big Bend National Park. This place, I have heard, changes people. It is probably one of the more beautiful parks in Texas, too -- so it would be worth visiting. The only downside is that it is 8-9 hours away by car, so it makes it very difficult to accomplish that trip in a weekend.

And I'm not even going discuss the travel I want to do outside of Texas. Thinking about that just overwhelms me with wanderlust. That list is for another blog. Another day...

Current book I'm reading: "Me Talk Pretty One Day" By David Sedaris

Austin American-Statesman Capital 10,000 10K Race

2007-03-27T12:54:00.000-06:00

Liz and Mercedes in VIP Tent --- Photo courtesy of the photojournalist Gabby R.

I ran 6.2 miles in 47:59. Liz came in shortly after me, beating her goal time by 5 minutes!! We ripped apart that course. Both of us were glad we ran most of it the Friday before the race. The hills on the first 5K of the race were pretty intense, but fortunately my marathon training came in handy on those.

It was great to have the support at the race; it means a lot of me to have people I care about there and part of the racing experience. It makes it so much more meaningful, powerful, and worthwhile. I'm so glad I did this 10K, and I'm really surprised I ripped apart my previous PR of 52:00 from November 2006. I'm getting faster by the month!! Boston, here I come!!

Current book I'm reading: Runner's World

Captial 10,000 10K Run

2007-03-22T12:57:00.001-06:00

Here are the top 10K Race Location Finishers as posted on Statesman.com

The Bolder Boulder, which I have yet to do despite being a resident of Boulder for most of my life, got second place for attendance. The Statesman Captial 10,000 got 5th! Pretty sweet!!

1. Peachtree Road Race Atlanta, Ga. 54,556

2. Celest. Seasonings Bolder Boulder Boulder, Colo. 43,635

3. Cooper River Bridge Run Charleston, S.C. 33,604

4. Ukrop's Monument Avenue Richmond, Va. 16,460

5. Statesman Capitol 10,000 Austin 12,232

6. Thanksgiving Day Race Cincinnati, Ohio 10,569

7. Bellin Run Green Bay, Wis. 8,969

8. Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women Boston 6,043

9. Scotland Run New York City 5,126

10. Rodes City Run Louisville, Ky. 5,088
Current book I'm reading:

Written January 6, 2007 - When I was shocked I could do 16 miles. HA!

2007-03-21T16:02:00.000-06:00

So I'm laying here still tired on my bed from the run that took me 3 hours this morning. I began at like 8 or so and ended at 11am. I feel great; just tired. No aches or pains! I'm very proud, this is the furthest distance thus far (this was January 6, 2007, BEFORE THE MARATHON) I have ever ran and I thought you guys might like to check out the route on this awesome road-measuring website called www.gmap-pedometer.com I ate a TON during this run at the three water/food stops that my running group put together. They had bananas, cooked potatoes with lots of salt on them, goo, cliff blocks (which were surprisingly GOOD tasting) gummy bears, and lots and lots of cookies. I preferred the fig newtons!! After the run even though I wasn't hungry I hate MORE. It is so weird not worrying a thing about what I'm eating and just chowing down until I'm packed and too full. I ate out at Guerro's Taco bar with a friend this afternoon at 2:30, it was a good time. This resturant we dined at just happened to be Bill Clinton's favorite haunt when he came to Austin. I ordered "El Presidente" and shared it with my companion. I ate ALL of my share. I need to eat more now to make up for the 2,000 calories I probably burned during this run. Here it is:

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=624180

--
Current book I'm reading: Who knows. Running for Fiends, probably.

Imagini

2007-03-19T08:52:00.000-06:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Current book I'm reading: All the Pretty Horses
Current song stuck in my head: Dang catchy song from the band Clutch!!

I did it! I am a marathoner.

2007-02-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

26.2 miles are mine.

Photos to come!! I am told by my support group that many were taken. I have yet to see them but I am excited to see them!!

Before the marathon with my mom.

During the marathon. This is at mile 23. Look at those legs.

After the marathon with my mom. See that sweet looking silver blanket? Sweet, isn't it? Yes, I felt really damn amazing.

I know that I could not have made it without their support at 4 different locations throughout the marathon! And they had fig newtons!!! Yummy!

I couldn't ask for better parents. They rock. My dad thought mid-race to rent bikes and ride along with me from mile 23-26.2. Needless to say that really helped.

Do a marathon, it will change your life.

Current book I'm reading: The one I'm writing.

carboload - carboload - carboload

2007-02-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Only six days left until the big day, the ATT Austin Marathon. The day that has been stuck in my head for 25 weeks, February 18, 2007. This is a day that I will probably always remember. My first marathon. My first marathon experience.

On Thursday, August 17, 2006, shortly after I began working at the Statesman, I read an article in the paper about how the previous Freescale marathon was changing sponsors. ATT was going to take over the main sponsorship, and the race course might change. I was excited about the 10,000 entrants, which made this marathon the 15th most popoular in the nation. A website for the marathon was tacked on to the end of the short, seemingly inconsequential article. It was certainly the tiny push that I needed to check out the lore around marathon training and running. I began my search that day for a marathon training group. I had decided by the end of that day, August 17, 2006, that I would be training for 25 weeks with AustinFit marathon training group for the marathon that is coming up, now only 6 days away.

That decisive, self-assured move that I made that day, to sign up to run, to join AustinFit, has since changed my life in a huge way. Running long distances like I had never ran before has changed my perspective on my body. I realize now that the human body is capable of so much more than we know. I realize now that the human spirit and mind, specifically my human spirit and mind, is stronger than I ever realized. This realization, which I came upon after a recovering from injury mid-season and after a 22 mile training run just two weeks ago will culminate and consume my mind and body at the end of the race on February 18, 2007. This weekend.

Someone close to me said to me the other day that he "hadn't even seen how strong I was yet" within the duration of our relationship. He then added that on race day, when I complete my 26.2 miles, he was sure that he would see how strong I was. I never thought of it that way, though. I never thought of completing the marathon to show other people how strong I was. I always framed it in terms of proving my strength to myself. And that I will.

See those legs? They will carry me.

Current book I'm reading: The one I'm writing about my life as a runner.
Current song stuck in my head: Peter Gabriel's "Games without Frontiers"

"The long run is what puts the tiger in the cat" ~Bill Squires

2007-02-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Looming above almost all of my thoughts these days is the pending...

26.2 miles. The 42K. The big one. The long, long run.

The goal of marathon completion that I've had since I realized I was a runner back in 7th grade, age 12. Now I'm 23, and I'm going for that goal! I'm so happy. Please support me in this goal and check out this marathon countdown below:

Countdown to February 18, 2007!

Do the countdown with me to the marathon! Encourage me daily, please!

And, now, for this silly little quiz result. Janet did it, so I had to. Mostly because it was the silliest quiz I've ever seen her do. Sillies of the world, unite! I have the tiger in me, and the kitty cat in me, apparently, so that means I can run 26! Right?

What Kind of Cute Are You?
Kitten Cute You are KITTEN CUTE! You are as cute as it gets. You are adorable, snuggly, playful and small. Everyone loves you, and if they don't they're probably mean.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

Current book I'm reading: Allan Ginsberg's The Book of Martyrdom and Artifice The Book of Martyrdom and Artificehttp://www.perseusbooksgroup.com/dacapo/book_detail.jsp?isbn=0306814625

21 days to go and counting...

2007-01-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

Twenty one days until the marathon on February 18, 2007!

And I ran 22 miles this weekend with the help of my running group, AustinFit. I love Austin because by the end of the 3hours and 58 minutes of running 22 miles, the sun was shining warm and my body was humming. There is no place I would rather be right now. After running, I protein-loaded with my running group at Freebirds Burritos and then I took a nice, freezing cold healing dip in Barton Springs Pool. There was no one at the pool, and it was 70 degrees outside!

So, today, with 21 days until the marathon, I have begun thinking about my next endeavor. This one is going to take a lot more dedication and a lot more work. Just as I've always wanted to do a marathon, I've also always wanted to do a triathalon.

My friend at work suggested and prodded me just a teeny tiny bit and wants me to try to compete in this one: http://www.captextri.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11&Itemid=12

So, I'm thinking about it. I'd have to buy a nice bike though, and those are like thousands of dollars and I don't know a thing about them! So this will take quite a bit more thought than the marathon goal. As far as that one goes, after 22 miles, I feel like I'm almost there. In fact, I'm only 3.2 miles and 21 days away from there!

Current book I'm reading: Allen Ginsberg's Journals

Girl in human sling shot

2007-01-15T14:18:00.000-07:00


Girl in human sling shot at millionaire's home in Utah. I love this. I wish it was me.

Happy New Year and Ravioli Making on Christmas Eve!

2007-01-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year! Wynne, my wonderful room-mate and I at First Night Austin, an alcohol free art festival downtown on New Year's Eve. Cheers!

And now, for the promised Christmas Eve Ravioli making pictures...

The beautiful ingredients for my family's recipe of Ravioli. All courtesy of Mandola's Italian Market! (They have delicious wine and food there, too! Check them out!)

Wynne is very good...at cutting up prosciutto and provolone cheese. She almost did it as well as my Grandpa does every year. (Of note, his chopping does come out more symmetrical, however, it takes him about 6 times longer to cut it all up)

Making the ravioli filling. Look at that parsley! That ricotta! Yum! And look at that buff girl there, oh yea wait, that's me!

The party poopers: Very satiated people who have matching hair, sweaters, skin colors and jeans. Oh and socks, too.

More pooper guests: Sarah O and her hyperactive little pooper, Cruz. I LOVE this child. He's a fast runner. (We didn't let him run in the house, don't worry, I will say to the memory of my Grandma Irene.)*

Current book I'm reading: Mine again.

Current song stuck in my head:
"Theirs is to win / If it kills them / They're just humans / With wives and children"
That show, that song as The Flaming Lips performed it at Austin City Limits, was incredible. It just came onto my pandora.com randomly and I loved it.

*My Grandma Irene fought with ovarian cancer and lost the battle in 1993. One of the things I remember her saying to me most as a child was "No running in the house!" Needless to say, being around Cruz's age at the time, my cousins and I had to be told many many times what NOT to do. We were NOT to run inside! Ironically, I am a running freak now. Maybe my Grandma Irene would appreciate that irony. If only grandparents would spend more time telling their grandchildren what they SHOULD do...if only I knew what I should do now...Grandma? Dream visit, please?

This one day I felt very special...

2006-12-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

This one day I felt very special. It was Christmas day, and I was alone. Making turtle cookies in memory of my grandmother. I let the butter warm up for over an hour, to soften it, just like she did.

Before they were frosted. Right out of the oven.

Dizzy delicious.

That's better. That's for you, Grandma. Ah, sentimentalism.

Current book I'm reading: Mine.

Do you love turtles? Try my Grandma's Holiday Turtle Cookie Recipe! I did! And they turned out GREAT! (Pictures to come)

2006-12-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Today, Christmas day, I decided to honor my grandmother who passed away after Thanksgiving this year by making her traditional Turtle cookie recipe. Considering turtles are just about my favorite animal, I had a chocolate infused blast making them. Pictures are coming soon, I promise!

A Version of My Grandma Betty's Turtle Cookies Recipe

Ready in: 2 Hours

Ingredients:
***Cookies***
1/2 cup brown sugar loosely packed
1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 egg for the batter
1 egg, separated for the pecans
1 1/2 cup All Purpose or Unbleached Flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecan halves, split lengthwise

***Frosting***
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons soy milk
1 tablespoon butter or oil
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions:
In large bowl, combine brown sugar and 1/2 cup margarine; beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, maple flavor, 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk; beat well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate about 1 hour for easier handling. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease cookie sheets. Arrange pecan pieces in groups of 5 on greased cookie sheets to resemble head and legs of turtle. In small bowl, beat egg white. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Dip bottoms in beaten egg white; press lightly onto pecans. (Tips of pecans should show). Bake at 350 F. for 7-10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets. Cool 15 minutes or until completely cooled. In small saucepan, combine chocolate chips, milk and 1 tablespoon margarine; cook over low heat or in microwave, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar (small amounts at a time). If necessary, add additional powdered sugar for desired spreading consistency. Frost cooled cookies. Let frosting set before storing. Store in tightly covered container.
This recipe for Turtle Cookies serves/makes 3.5 dozen, a little less if you are Mercedes.

ALSO! EXTRA! EXTRA!!
Pictures from my traditional Italian ravioli-making last night, on Christmas Eve are coming! Yay!
Current book I'm reading: The one I'm writing.

Too Much Coffee Man Comics

2006-12-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

So, I met the man that the character in this comic is based on. He was chubby, bald and peculiar. I hung out with him again at a party a few weeks after meeting him. Incidentally, it was a Halloween party. He let me draw on his perfectly round bald head with sharpie markers. And then he took a picture of the sharpie drawings. Any man that would let me draw on him with sharpies is good in my book. Read the comic below, and others about "Too Much Coffe Man" an Austinite with a bald head.
http://www.tmcm.com/comics/webcomics/tmcm061217

Learn about the character of Too Much Coffee Man. His opinion of Christmas. Click here, please!

About love, this is fitting for me right now. Click here, please!

The second comic in the second link about love is very, very fitting for me at this moment. Breakups are hard.

Current book I'm reading: Eragon

2006-12-23T23:18:00.000-07:00

Nia singing If I Aint Got you by Alicia Keys at age 2

This is one of the cutest things ever. She is so incredible! And so CUTE! I love this song, too, so that helps. Check out her expressions, and if you can make it through the whole thing, the end is worth it.

Things that are acceptable while running, but not elsewhere in life

2006-12-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

This blurb is from Cool Running
Woodlands Fit Coach Susan

"Yesterday I was driving and it was hot and I had a fleeting thought that I could just take my shirt off, before I remembered that I am not running and I did not have a sports bra on, lol. I also then started to think of other things that are acceptable while running, but not elsewhere in life:"

"* taking your shirt off
* wiping nose on shirt
* snot rockets, loogies and other bodily functions
* pouring water on your head
* peeing where-ever you can find a place to squat behind
* following a woman for 5k - 10k whatever, while breathing heavily
* wearing band-aids on my nipples
* carrying food in my shorts
* digging around in my shorts for my key
* applying body lube in public
* throwing cups on the street after spilling half the contents down my chin
* taking food from strangers
* picking my bunched up shorts out of my crotch or butt
* Running through business front sprinklers on purpose
* Bending straight over on a street corner
* Exit the finish chute, throw up violently in the nearest bush, then walk over to get some water and a banana -- and you MIGHT get a "You OK?" from somebody. Other than that, no big deal.
* Cheering/clapping as an overweight person runs by (races only, please)
* Stashing water bottles in ditches in 3-mile increments
* -"Showering" using only wet-ones
* waiting in line in front of a bush
* Looking like an astronaut drinking fluids out of a tube
* Taking smelly socks off in front of hundreds/thousands
* carrying enough supplies in your shorts (god bless raceready's!!!) to last you a week in the wilderness
* staring intently at tens of hundreds of barely clad backsides and other body parts
* Rearranging the furniture" in the middle of a crowd"

Current book I'm reading: Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Sleeping: Something I am not doing lately.

2006-12-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

Find your own pose!

Current book I'm reading: Angela's Ashes by McCourt

Lance takes Manhattan - NYC MARATHON!

2006-11-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

"Lance takes Manhattan

In seven Tours de France wins, 'nothing was as hard as that.'" "Calling it the "hardest physical thing'' he's ever done, cycling champion Lance Armstrong pounded pavement for 26.2 miles to complete the New York City Marathon on Sunday, reaching his goal of finishing in under three hours with only seconds to spare."*

So Lance admits that the marathon was the hardest thing he's ever done. How refreshing. Now I'm really scared.

*Here is the Statesman.com article I got the above quote and headline from: "Lance Takes Manhattan"

My personal goal for my marathon next year is to come in an hour or so later than Lance did. Lance came in just a bit shy of 3 hours. I plan on coming in at or above 4 hours. We'll see on Feburary 18, 2007!

Current book I'm reading: Emma by Jane Austen

2006-10-25T14:53:00.000-06:00

When I finish the Austin Marathon, I am going to be like Manny Perryman after he finished the Chicago Marathon

I love this video! It is so wonderful! I hope I feel that great after I finish my marathon on February 18, 2007!

I exist! I listen! I'm here! A blog on my excellent taste in MUSIC!

2006-10-14T21:06:00.000-06:00

I exist, therefore I can quote Radiohead lyrics.

"She's running out again
She's running out
She runs runs runs" ~Creep

So music wise, I am finally listening to different stuff again. I got into this funk where all I was listening to was folk and live. I know, sick, boring. Anyway, so I'm into Radiohead again. Nothing really new there. And that Yorke guy, he's awesome. His songs and his work is enchanting. It sticks in your head like glue to clean white beautiful paper. I know, good analogy.

I know that they are old news, and all the hype for their album "Plans" is sort of overwith, but sadly for me I just found out about Death Cab for Cutie. It was a quick fall into love with them, because their sound is hauntingly sorrowful and original and passionate. All things I hope I am. Awesome sound. Buy their stuff.

The wild, amazing feature of my music tastes of late is the son-of-a-Beatle, Sean Lennon. He is incredibly talented, incredibly intelligent. How can I not like Sean, I mean, John was my favorite Beatle by far. How can you say no to John's creativity, originality, powerful lyrics, and voice? You just can't. So Sean is John and Yoko's son. Wonderful resemblance, and a beautiful voice on Sean. I must say, I went out and bought his album immediately after hearing of it, and Sean, on NPR - that is national public radio! Yes for the public radio!

Check out Sean - there are three songs posted on npr.org and ONE AWESOME vid! Click that. Yes, give Sean a chance! or here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6189537

I would also recommend listening to the interview he gave to NPR, it made me cry when he was talking about his dad and hearing the end of the song about him, "Beautiful Boy" on the radio when he was having a rough day. Seriously, NPR rocks. NPR is good! Stay informed!

Please, at least, give Sean a chance! And peace, too, while you're at it. Good job getting that into society's heads, John Lennon. We all know we could use that sort of ideology of "Give Peace a Chance" right now in North Korea, Baghdad, and Iran...and...and...damn you W!

All we are saying, is give peace a chance. And maybe some diplomacy for once! Come on, duba-eww, don't screw up North Korea, too!

Current book I'm reading: Emma by Jane Austen still.

Watch this.

2006-09-30T15:15:00.000-06:00

I do tricks.

Click that. yes, this.

"reminiscing"

Did you ever knew that his eyes were blue
no they're brown I knew, didn't you?
I never knew,
I never saw,
the alacrity of it all.
Too fast,
too late
never go on another date.
Us women
we let them seem so simple, so unclean.
Dirty is what I mean.
Dirty strife,
dirty taste makes life
seem a waste.
I never know his eyes weren't blue.
Did you know?
Did you?

Current book I'm reading: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende and Emma by Jane Austen

Thinking about it...

2006-08-17T16:00:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking about training for the Austin Marathon!

http://www.attaustinmarathon.com/index.asp

26 miles of sheer maddness!
Please encourage me!

Current book I'm reading: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Are you Too-ga-tha? Dedicated to TIRZAH!

2006-07-14T15:21:00.000-06:00

This post, and this poem, is dedicated to Tirzah.

The House of Desire
i
This is really the story of a
sista who was very too-ga-tha
in everything but life. You
see she was so too-ga-tha
she had nothing but
strife. Everyone thought

because she was so
too-ga-tha she didn't
feel pain and the men she went
with felt just the same. They got
to-gatha with her and then, once they
were, left in most un-togatha ways.

Her end was a black one without pain,
tears of strife. She finally
concluded there's no earthly
use in bein too-ga-tha
if it don't put some
joy in yo
life.

-sherley anne williams
***

Being too-ga-tha isn't everything, now is it?

Current book I'm reading: The Master and the Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Sweet photos of the day from a sweet newspaper website...

2006-07-13T15:23:00.000-06:00

I like the first two photos the best...one from NYC and one from Montana! Click click here!!

Current poem I'm reading: The Waste Land by TS Eliot
Current song stuck in my head: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" Bonnie Tyler
Current mood: stressed

Black Swan

2006-07-12T14:46:00.000-06:00

I got the job with the newspaper that I wanted! I'm starting Monday the 17th and I plan on giving detailed descriptions of my workplace and the work that I do. I'm very excited as this is the "in" that I have been waiting for at the Austin American Statesman. Even when I first moved to Austin, I wanted to work at this high-powered, highly circulated paper and now here I am, doing it! I'm so excited!

And, on an entirely different note, check out this awesome video of a wonderful song that I love by clicking on the link below:
Watch Interesting Black Swan Video by Radiohead
or here if the above does not work...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3bAL832MbY

And this is my black swan, black swan...
She's silly, isn't she?

Current book I'm reading: Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy
Current Song Stuck in my head: Obviously, "Black Swan"
Current mood: Contemplative.

FUBAR...?

2006-07-08T11:17:00.000-06:00

So, well, life is not completely FUBAR...somehow I manage to get by and get by looking good, too. Yes, that was a joke. But the following is not a joke:

Recently, death has visited me and my immediate, adopted family. Unexpectedly, which I'm not sure is easier or more difficult. It caught us all unawares. So life has had an exhausting damper on it lately. I cry almost every day over the loss and what that loss is doing to the people around me. Yoga helps. And the love of my adopted family helps, too. I must recognize that I have become far closer with my "adopted" family after this incident, and for that I am overwhelmingly happy.
As JSF says in his most recent novel "Can any good come from your father's death?" The question, I know, sounds so strange. The idea that joy can come out of life and birth is there, right? So I'm going to tip-toe over very carefully to the idea that some joy, if not difficult to find joy, can be found in tragedy. Personally, I find it fascinating that despite tragedy humans are able to still smile and find moments of joy within sadness. A cute girl that I stayed with in Grand Junction, CO highlighted this aforementioned fact to me while I was staying at her parent's house. The idea that all good tragedies flirt with comedy is really very true and obvious. She's right.

So in this short little blog I'm going to focus on the healing and joyful parts of my life lately. Joy can be found in sadness. Thank heaven!
Thank you to Jessie for taking Andrew and I up to the Grand Mesa, where the accident happened. It is beautiful, isn't it?

Thanks to Jess for snapping this adorrrrable photo.

May he rest in peace on top of the Grand Mesa. May he rest in peace in Fort Sam Houston as well.

Current book I'm reading: Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy
Current song stuck in my head: "Hey Jude" The Beatles

The Fourth A Sad Day for Canines!

2006-07-06T13:12:00.000-06:00

Fireworks are animal cruelty!

I'm sad for these puppies!

Note the tinge of sarcasm, but truth, to this post. I want to adopt one yet I find this article and this problem with dogs and fireworks amusing...those poor little puppies!

Current book I'm reading: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

Words that Mercedes Now Knows - Spelling Sentences #1

2006-06-15T21:43:00.000-06:00

1 inchoate - "being only partly in existence or operation; especially : imperfectly formed or formulated : FORMLESS"*

(Andrew's inchoate eyes often conceal his distaste as well as his satisfaction with the circumstances that surround him)

2 piquant - agreeably stimulating to the palate; especially : SPICY
2 : engagingly provocative; also : having a lively arch charm
synonym see PUNGENT

(Kendell has a piquant personality that never fails to surprise)

3 friability - : easily crumbled or pulverized
synonym see FRAGILE

(When examined closely, the knit of the scarf displayed a fascinating friability that made fall into lust with fragility and the beauty of delicacy)

4 sententious - 1 a : given to or abounding in aphoristic expression b : given to or abounding in excessive moralizing 2 : terse, aphoristic, or moralistic in expression : PITHY, EPIGRAMMATIC

(Jason was often inclined to sententious conversation about being "green" and growing wonderful gardens like his in the community)

5 sepulchral - : suited to or suggestive of a sepulchre : FUNEREAL, MORTUARY

(Looking into his eyes after the fight, she realized suddenly they had a sepulchral quality unlike anything she'd seen reflected there before)

6 compunction - 1 a : anxiety arising from awareness of guilt b : distress of mind over an anticipated action or result
2 : a twinge of misgiving : SCRUPLE

(She displayed little compunction for her sin of infidelity, instead filling herself with ideals of true love and the wonders found therein)

7 prurient - : marked by or arousing an immoderate or unwholesome interest or desire; especially : marked by, arousing, or appealing to unusual sexual desire

(He, as pruriently as Humbert Humbert, found himself drawn to the adolescent frail form; her tight stomach and skinny hips jutting from her small pelvis aroused him fiercely)

8 plebeian - 1 : a member of the Roman plebs 2 : one of the common people

(Molly's taste in cinema resembled that of a plebeian, she was just a typical girl who loved those chick-flicks)

9 integument : something that covers or encloses; especially : an enveloping layer (as a skin, membrane, or husk) of an organism or one of its parts

(Vincent's long dark lashes act as an interesting integument into his telling eyes)

10 verisimilitude - 1 : having the appearance of truth : PROBABLE 2 : depicting realism

(Pedro's speech was characterized by an evident, if not forced verisimilitude that he incorporated into his persona during all types of questioning)

11 insouciance - : lighthearted unconcern : NONCHALANCE

(Pavel's insouciant attitude was what originally established her fascination with him)

12 eurythmics - : the art of harmonious bodily movement especially through expressive timed movements in response to improvised music

(The eurythmic-like movement Mercedes created with her hips as he hummed quietly to her was entrancing for both of them in the middle of the park that night)

13 lugubrious - 1 : MOURNFUL; especially : exaggeratedly or affectedly mournful

(Sarah was acting as lugubrious as an emo pop superstar after her single didn't even show up on the charts)

14 inimical - 1 : being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence
2 a : having the disposition of an enemy : HOSTILE b : reflecting or indicating hostility : UNFRIENDLY

(Carrie often inimically warded off men, finding none of them to be worth the frenzy that most girls caught themselves up in over the opposite sex)

15 monomania - 1 : mental illness especially when limited in expression to one idea or area of thought 2 : excessive concentration on a single object or idea

(Jeffrey displayed an interesting type of monomania when it came to music he played on his radio show, it was always an adventure to listen to him talk of it all)

16 enmity - : positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will
synonyms ENMITY, HOSTILITY, ANTIPATHY, ANTAGONISM, ANIMOSITY, RANCOR, ANIMUS mean deep-seated dislike or ill will.

(Mercedes displayed an open enmity with a limited number of her past lovers, mostly those that broke her heart, like Nick)

17 chagrined - : to vex or unsettle by disappointing or humiliating

(Jessie always tended to argue with her opponent to the point of chagrin which sent them into a trance of self induced quietude for the remainder of the evening)

18 untrammeled - or trammel 1 : to catch or hold in or as if in a net : ENMESH
2 : to prevent or impede the free play of : CONFINE

(Untrammelled love was what Lauren was looking for and whether or not she currently had it with Jared was to be found out)

So, hope you all found that amusing or interesting or something. All definitions were extracted from the amazing * www.webster.com ! Hopefully some of you can indulge yourselves in knowing that you are smarter than me after reading and recognizing and knowing some of these words before reading their definitions. Hope you like my "spelling sentences," too!

Current book I'm reading: Just finished "Summer Crossing" Truman Capote's first novel. Unpublished until after his death. Very short, very good and very inspiring.

As if we're not made of pure love...

2006-06-07T21:30:00.000-06:00

So, today was my last day as a preschool teacher. Change is so inspiring and happy and wonderful, I'm so excited about the current job prospects I have already on my plate! And the extra time I have on my hands to busy myself with.
It was certainly hard to leave my group of children, and I will miss them dearly. However I am ready and bumping around in my seat to move on with my career. Through my job as a preschool teacher, I had the excellent opportunity to meet and mingle with some of Austin's coolest moms (and Dads) ever. Through the connections that I made with these moms, I have found my way into two open job opportunities in my field. I am so fascinated with how brilliantly this bout as preschool teacher has helped me, changed me and allowed me to grow as a person. There were often so many hardships that I had to face, with particularly challenging children, with administrative glitches, and with myself. There were days when I became so frustrated that I was brought to tears. But, there were also days when I was so full of happiness and overflowing with patience and fulfilment. Those are the days I will remember. And I will respect all teachers for having the strength to make it through both kinds of days. I am so happy in this moment, because I feel that I surpassed and completed and surmounted the challenges I faced as a teacher with a ready, willing heart and an open mind. I've always known I was tenacious, but not as tenacious as I have been in the young children line of work. I didn't know I was THAT tenacious. Here's hoping that I will again apply that tenacity towards getting a job with the big paper here in Austin... The Austin-American Statesman!

Interesting quote of the day, from one of my most inspiring yoga instructors, Lauran. I find it a perfect way to end my last day on the job...

"When we are doing forward bends, there naturally is a tendency to look inwards into our bodies and our minds. Often emotions pour out inside of me when I do forward bends. But sometimes, I find that people have a strong hesitation to look inward into themselves. Often in our society we are taught to have a fear of looking inwards and wondering fearfully what we may find. I find this funny, because I believe we are made of pure love. We should not fear that purity and fullness. We should not act as if we're not made of that pure love."

What a wonderful, insightful woman Lauran is. On another note entirely, she has a film coming out soon starring Willie Nelson!

Current book I'm reading: "Women In Love"
Current lifestyle I'm living: The "Free, Unemployed and Loving it" lifestyle! Yoga 2 times a day, yay!

Trashy is the new Classy!

2006-05-28T16:42:00.000-06:00

I just think that this idea and these purses are SO amazing! A nonprofit organization and some amazingly creative Mexicans are using "[e]mpty candy wrappers, potato chip bags and cookie packages that once littered roads and filled Mexican dumps [to make] fashion statements in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo," says this interesting article by Lisa J. Adams for the Courier News Online.com.*

Some of the purses and accessories below are going for $200 a pop! Check out the website HERE to see what I'm talking about!

Interesting idea, right? Purses made out of un-recyclables! I say, AMAZING! And I want one for Christmas!

Current book: "Women in Love" is clearly one of D.H. Lawrence's best. I'm overjoyed I randomly picked it up and have been reading it by the pool alllll weekend. Relaxing AND intellectualizing!!

*Click HEREto see where the above quote came from.

"Yes, Reed" --- A snippet of conversation between myself and one of my three year olds

2006-05-27T15:51:00.000-06:00

Reed, one of my more devious, wild, and stubborn three year old boys has recently opened up to me a great deal. He seems to have recognized my authority finally. This is not the interesting part of my teacher-student relationship with this young boy. The interesting part is the conversation that we had the other day while I was walking with him to the restroom. He informed me, suddenly and tritely, that he "had to go poop" and so off I took him to the restroom.
While I was standing at the door, Reed questioned me profusely about the origin of many interesting things. Twos are known for their relentless asking of the question "Why?" and now it seems I have pigeonholed the threes, they relentlessly ask the question "Where?"

Here is the extent of Reed and my conversation:

"Ms Mercedes, where does poop come from?"
And I amusingly replied "Well, Reed, when we eat food, the food then goes down our throats and into our stomachs, where we begin to break it down, then the food leaves our stomachs and goes into what is called the intestines, where it is broken up even more, and then, the broken down food comes out of our bottoms as poop." Yes, laughing is ok.
"Where does water come from?"
"Water that we drink comes from a process called evaporation. Water falls from the sky as rain and fills up lakes and rivers. Then grown ups take that water and filter it and clean it at a water treatment center and it comes to us through the pipes and into the sink right out there."
"Where does the sun come from?"
I pause, thinking on how to best answer this question: "The sun is a star that is on fire and always shines on the earth, creating the light that makes things grow and makes us get sunburned. The earth spins and that is why sometimes it is night and there is no sun and sometimes it is day and the sun is shining on us." I don't think he understood me.
And then, I walked away for a moment, coming back chewing a burrito that I was eating for lunch.
Reed inevitably asked me,"Ms. Mercedes, what are you doing now?"
"I'm chewing a burrito," I replied.

"Oh, you're eating a taco?" (All Texans call burritos tacos, I do not know why)

"Let me see!!" Reed exclaimed.

I showed him half of the burrito through the restroom door.

"No, open your mouth!" he exclaimed again. So after all that coaxing, I swallowed and then stuck my tongue out.

Reed then intellectually responded "then you will swallow it, then it will go down your throat and into your stomach and your intestines and then come out your bottom?"

"Yes, Reed," I replied, laughing. What I said got through! He understood, at least the poop part.

I hope that you found this story as amusing as I did. Just a snippet of hilarity that happens every day at my work. Keeps me insane.

Current book I'm reading: Women In Love by D.H. Lawrence

"'It's Only Rock and Roll, but I Like it': The Fall of Saigon"

2006-05-20T14:17:00.000-06:00

The poem title in the subject heading of this post is about the US occupation in Vietnam. I read this poem today after reading an article about Sean Penn's activism and journalistic ventures in Iraq in my favorite magazine, "The New Yorker." Of course the connection between Iraq and Vietnam has been made before, and here, with this poem, I'm going to make it again.

"'It's Only Rock and Roll, but I Like It':
The Fall of Saigon

The guttural stammer of the chopper blades
Raising arabesques of dust, tearing leaves
From the orange trees lining the Embassy compound;
One chopper left, and a CBS cameraman leans
From inside its door, exploiting the artful
Mayhem. Somewhere a radio blares the Stones,
"I like it, like it, yes indeed..." Carts full
Of files blaze in the yard. Flak-jacketed marines
Gunpoint the crowd away. The overloaded chopper strains
And blunders from the roof. An ice-cream-suited
Saigonese drops his briefcase; both hands
Now cling to the airborne skis. The camera gets
It all: the marine leaning out the copter day,
His fists beating time. Then the hands giving way."

~David Wojahn (b. 1953)

Coincidentally, I read this poem again a few days later, and I had just heard about the "alleged" massacre of 24 unarmed Iraqi citizens by a battalion of Marines. Note the repeated presence of the marines in the above poem. I find it coincidental that I recently posted this poem in relation to Sean Penn's activism and then news about these Marines comes out soon after. Read this article on NPR to find out what really happened on that horrible day in Haditha.
I suppose it is only natural for the Marines to be upset at the death of one of their own, but to lash out and kill 24 unarmed civilians inside of their homes in reaction to that death is, in my opinion, a horrible example of pure genocide. Genocide that they lied about initially. Genocide that could be prevented if we would get our butts out of Iraq, stop stressing out our soldiers and the Iraqi people with our continued occupation of their country.

DISCLAIMER:
I sympathize and will hear out all political views. I know that waxing political is not always the best thing to do publicly, however, I feel very strongly about Iraq and war in general. I’m a pacifist, and that does not mean I’m a crazy liberal. In fact, I wouldn’t consider myself liberal at all. Imagine that! I apologize if you disagree with my political views. Feel free to comment and let me know your opinion.

Current book I'm reading: "Women in Love" by D.H. Lawrence
Last movie I saw and loved: Annie Hall, an old, great, Woody Allen flick

Thank HEAVEN for Backpacks for STRONG WOMEN!

2006-04-21T18:11:00.000-06:00

Click here for the best backpack in the world for women!

Ok, so maybe it is not the best in the world -- that was an overstatement. Forgive me. It is a great backpack though if you're in the market for one. My boyfriend bought this one for me and we took them out recently and it was quite a lovely pack. I did not feel like I was carrying 50 lbs, that is for sure. The trip described in one of my recent posts is the one I took this pack on, and I must say it was a great help. I'm so excited to do more back-packing. If only the mountains in Texas weren't 8 hours away from Austin.

Current book I'm reading: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Marqyez and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Foer

Another comment...

2006-04-04T23:37:00.000-06:00

Taxes. I finally did them last night and mailed them in today. Did you know there is no income tax in Texas? Sweet, I say! That was the only exclaimation of happiness that I allowed myself when doing those taxes, because mostly I was filled with resentment and frustration while filling out those blanks. Part of me was hoping I would make a mistake just to throw SOMEONE off.

Who has done their taxes? Am I the only one that shares the sentiments of anger and frustration in paying for the damn eraser that will be used to plan the next bomb that kills hundreds? I hate it.

Also, I have found myself in a blunder about daylight savings time. I need feedback, ya'll. My little brother, who is not necessarily a reliable source of information, told me that "Congress passed a law stopping all daylight savings time after this next fall." Now, I don't believe it. Someone, please correct my brother if he is wrong!

Current book I'm reading: Still "Middlesex," and it is overdue at the Austin Public Library. Poor Austin Public Library! I feel like a horrible library patron. I'm betraying the library system by preventing others from checking out this wonderful piece of literature. I should be bludgeoned.

New and Old Post: Why I moved to Austin, the question everyone keeps asking me...

2006-04-02T18:40:00.000-06:00

WRITTEN NOW: Hello there, blog-land. I'm back. A close friend of mine told me that if I don't plan on updating people about my life via telephone, than I probably should have the decency to update them through blog. Here goes.

So, I was browsing through my blog and I found this old entry that I read through rather quickly. To my surprise, it was about my trip to Austin, TX before I actually moved down here. It is interesting to me, and hopefully it will be interesting to any of you that still actually read my blog. It sort of explains some of the things that attracted me to this great place.

WRITTEN THEN:
Entry title: "Works well under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap"

It would be quite difficult for me to summarize my trip to Austin in just one post. That might be why I kept revising and changing this post, because I felt like it was never fully representative of the trip, and I felt like it could never be. But, alas, I feel as if I should just post what is here and leave it as it is. Everything else belongs to me and my memory.
So, Austin. Take a deep breath and accept the fact that it is not like the rest of Texas. For one, it is near what they call "the hill country" which I don't think I will ever be able to quit laughing at since "the hills" in Colorado, known fondly as "the foothills" are 10 times bigger than any of the hills in "the hill country." Then what is laughable is I compare the hills here to the MOUNTAINS in Colorado and it is just a joke. But yes, in fact, I loved that city and I think I need to go back there soon! It has everything! Quite simply, I think my trip to Austin was the kind of "find yourself somewhere else" trip I expected. It has spurred many new, crazy, great ideas that I can not even type out on here just yet.
All I can say is that I spent over 75% of the time I was there in the water. Places like Barton Creek (COLD) Springs were my favorite. And one of the three times that I visited this natural wonder located in the middle of the city of Austin, Texas, I was able to hang out and swim and tan with the one and only Claire Nokes! She was in town and we found it necessary to meet up! It felt like a real, ol' fashioned Austinite meeting my Boulder friends by this outdoor wonder of a springs. It was quite amazing to say the least.
My other water adventures in Texas consisted of extensively touring the Guadalupe River in New Brussels, TX. It was quite the experience relaxing and taking in the sun while going down that calm, beautiful river in a hot black inner tube. My favorite part about the whole wet ride was that I got to see at least three different species of turtles including my favorite, the red-eared slider. They were basking on the sides of the river in overwhelming numbers, and their grace and patience always inspires me.
Another outdoor/water trip that I experienced was one on the Texas plains. The great thing about Texas is it truly is very easy to get into the middle of nowhere and enjoy every second of that nomad-ness. The stars at night in the middle of nowhere, in TEXAS, are astonishing. Granted, we're not as close to them as we are in the beautiful city of Boulder, but I was still able to see six to eight meteors from the Perseid Meteor shower. The full moon that night was also beautiful. I love camping.
Additionally, I had the privilege of experiencing the "flagship" store of Whole Foods on 6th Street in Austin. That place made me feel like I was in Boulder again. As did the Central Market grocery store that looked like mix between the Boulder Co-op and Wild Oats.
I ate Tex-Mex and Mexican food more times than I could count. Despite most people's complaints that such food is too unctuous, I found it could be fixed in a very healthy and delicious manner. I now understand Vincent's longing for Tex-Mex more fully. That food is quite delicious. The BBQ in Texas, wow, as expected was fantastic. I know many of you veggies out there might be cringing, and yes, I'm sorry to you but I ate ribs there and loved them. To settle your stomachs though I'd like to mention that I tasted delectable BBQ turkey that might calm the red meat haters tummies a bit.
Since I've returned from Austin, I don't think I have spent a minute alone until right now. And it is good to be busy. But hard.

WRITTEN NOW: And that is the end of that Austin post. It is strange to read back on this now that I have moved here. I felt I should just post it for posting's sake, even though it was written so long ago.
So, as you may notice, I spent almost 80% of my time outdoors when I came and visited Austin. I realized that there are different, new, and interesting outdoor things to do in other states besides the best state in the union, Colorado. I found a new sort of charm to the slow-moving rivers, the rolling hills that look so beautiful at golden dusk and dawn, the cool and clear spring water you can swim in, those swimming holes, ooh, I could go on.
Perhaps I will. I know, I know, a dry spell like this last one and then a rush of information suddenly might scare some, but hopefully ya'll enjoy it.

I just got back from backpacking with my new back-pack. (early birthday gift) I went to this place called Enchanted Rock about an hour from Austin. I went camping with three other males, which in my opinion is the only way to camp. I loved every second of our trip together. The huge 1800 foot granite rock is a very interesting geological feature in and of itself, it almost draws you to it as you walk around it. We only backpacked in about 2 miles, but the views of the hills and the view of Enchanted Rock in all of it's beautiful pink and crystal glory was gorgeous. Not only did we climb without gear up this rock, but we also discovered an enormously long granite cave that ran about a mile through the inside of the huge rock that is Enchanted Rock. When we approached the drippy entrance to the cave I was thinking we'd be in and out, done in a flash of a few flashlights that we brought. But, no, ladies and gentlemen, I was with three adventurous males and we traveled through the entire, very tight, mile or so length of the cave. I have been spelunking before, but this was nothing like I'd ever done. I had no idea the cave would be as long as it was. We were down there, navigating in the dark with the poor light of our flashlights, for about 2 hours. It was a fascinating experience going through that cave. There were drops that were sometimes quite challenging...some that required vast flexibility, agility and strength. I was wedged between granite rocks more times than I can count. Some of the openings were so small that I was the only one in the group that had an easy time getting through. It was an experience going through that cave. The highlight of my weekend trip. Coming out of it was like being reborn from the earth, everything on Enchanted Rock looked beautiful, fresh and new as I pulled myself up out of the sparkly granite rock. I looked around slowly, I heard only the wind and the movement of a bright red cardinal that was about 10 feet away from me. I looked down at my body and I found that I had scrapes all up my legs, hands, and knees from the rocky granite. I looked at my shorts and found them soaking wet and caked with a thin layer of mud. Needless to say, it was an exhilarating weekend. Austin rocks.

Much love to all that read this. Hope you enjoy. Love you.

Check out some beautiful pictures of Enchanted Rock at the links below:
Enchanted Rock is rockin'

AND
Click here to see some of "The Cave"

Current book I'm reading: "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides