Sunday, October 25, 2009

Meet Pip!

Introducing...Pip!

She's hot, she's pretty, she's got a hint of pink, she's rides amazingly, she's Pip!

I got the call from Woody of Above Category last Saturday that my 2010 Pinarello FP3 had arrived! Monday, I drove through a Bay Area storm to pick her up! Took her out on Saturday for her first ride! Caesar came by in the early morning and we drove out to Bear Valley to meet Mary for our 3 hour pre-season training ride. Rode out from Bear Valley out to Tomales. Morning started out wet and foggy but ended with sunshine and warmth. Pip rode amazingly even braving at all the sights of road k*ll that was out on the road! It was really bad! I had never seen it so bad out there... a couple of deers... a couple of foxes... mice on their backs like in the cartoons... yea yuck!

So right after the ride, I stopped by Above Category so that Chad can raise my seat up a little and switch my saddle out. Saddle not my friend! Looking forward to the next ride already!

This week was about getting back into a consistent workout mode. It started the week prior but this week I really got back into the groove and I can feel myself getting back into running shape! Starting to love the trail runs!

Btw, I still wish I was still in Kona enjoying Ironman Worlds week all over again! It was just too much fun! And the photos I took during race week are surfacing on the websites of a few top Pros including Macca's... how cool is that?!

Workout Summary-
Swim- 0 hours and 53 minutes
Bike- 6 hours and 0 minutes
Run- 2 hours and 15 minutes
Strength- 1 hour and 0 minutes
Total workout- 10 hours and 8 minutes

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Post Ironman Kona 2009

Where do I start with how this week went?!

Such a strange week since it started in Kona and ended here... home in San Francisco but wishing I was still in Kona because I had so much fun this year! My flight home was less than smooth with delay after delay due to weather and then due to the plane not detaching from the gate while we were trying to taxi out but out of that, I got a $250 credit towards my next flight and met a new friend who happens to work for Competitor!

As many of you know, I took a lot of photos in Kona. I can't help it! I have a passion for photography & sports and I happen to be lucky enough to capture a few good ones! I've been receiving emails via facebook all week from friends & strangers complimenting my photos and even notes from a few of the Pro athletes (which is such a compliment since their photos are being taken all the time). I love being able to share my passion with others and being able to benefit others in that as well! Can you tell I miss Kona?!

Last weekend was full of race day and post race parties... this weekend was very similar minus the race! Saturday was Ted's 40th Birthday weekend so many of us headed down to Los Gatos for a night of Bocce Ball! It was great to see Ted, Mai, Caesar, Nick & Leslie, Victor, Renee, Pete and many of Ted's family members! Bocce ball was a hoot!! Sunday was a full day! A long run, coffee with Abbey which included a Jake Gyllenhaul & Reese Witherspoon sighting, a 3.5 hour visit with Monique, who is progressing VERY well by the way (she leaves the hospital tmrw) and ended with a dinner party at my friend's Alex & Heidi's house. It was a weekend of catching up with friends and a lovely weekend it was! Reminds me of how lucky I am to have all these wonderful people in my life!

Friends + photography+ triathlon + travel = happy me

I leave you with another GREAT recap video by TimRabe of Ironman Worlds 2009-


Workout Summary-
Swim- 0 hours and 0 minutes
Bike- 4 hour and 30 minutes
Run- 2 hours and 15 minutes
Total Workout- 6 hours and 45 minutes

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

2009 Ironman World Championships Blog- Days 5->8

A spectator's perspective...

Days 5-8 10.10.09- 10.13.09

Yes, it took me a few days to blog again because there was a lot going on and plus post race, I was just drained and tired! Supporting is hard work! So I guess I'll start with race happenings...then race itself... post race... then overall thoughts.

Race Happenings- I woke up at 3am to report to Body Marking duties..yours truly was assigned to bodymark the Physically Challenged and VIP athletes which is generally a less chaotic of a line- thank goodness! That coupled with being positioned right next to the Pro line gave me great photo access! Great photo access was the theme of my day! After body marking duties, I made my way through transition and then there it was- prime spot to take photos of swimmers exiting the water- right on top of the swim stairs where they exit! I wanted to stay out until the last person comes in which is what I've done in the past but having not slept for more than 4-5 hours a night since I've arrived in Kona and being up since 3am, I made it until 1030pm..so onto the race...

The Race was one of the best ones I've seen in terms of drama and how it unfolded..well the Men's race anyway! The Women's race was all Chrissie Wellington! It was also great because I knew a lot more ppl that were racing this year vs. last year! Being where I was at the swim exit, it was great to see friends as they entered and exited the water. The most exciting part of the race had to be about mile 9 of the run? We saw Macca then Andreas followed closely by Crowie and Faris Al-Sultan.. they were all chasing Chris Lieto...at that point.. you knew there was going to be drama drama drama happening on the Queen K! Crowie and Chrissie Wellington ended up winning the race but two athletes I was most happy for was Chris Lieto and Andy Potts. Chris Lieto for risking it and bringing it to them on the bike and holding that gap for the majority of the run of bring home his best finish yet and Andy Potts for only dropping two places from last year despite being involved in the Chicago Tri crash. By the way, have you heard? Chrissie Wellington broke the Women's course record previously held by Paula Newby-Frasier in 1992! Very cool that I was at the finish line watching all this unfold!

And while all that was great, the most inspiring moment had to have come when physically challenged athlete, Rudy Garcia, a double amputee, exited the water in a 1:05!! I felt chills and tears when I witnessed it!

This photo would not do the moment justice but here it is-
Photo below- Crowie being crowned as the 2009 Ironman Champion!

Photo below- Chrissie Wellington broke the course record held since 1992 as she is crowed the 2009 World Champion!
Post Race..the after party has been at Huggos for the last two years sponsored by K-Swiss and a great party it was! It's the place of Who's Who in the world of Ironman Triathlon, AGers, and supporters! Abbey and I stayed out until about 3:30am that day and got to bed around 4am. Good times!
Below is a video I put together for the AIMP crew- congrats to all!!


Photos can be found here!





As I sit here, my last morning at Lava Java in Kona, I will miss the sounds of aerodynamics and carbon passing by every 2 seconds, the compressions socks and the vibe here in Kona. Until next time! Mahalo...

Saturday, October 10, 2009

2009 Ironman World Championships Blog- Day 4

A spectator's view..

Day 4- 10.09.09 Friday!

Morning started with people watching at DigMe Beach and you can feel the nervous energy of the crowd as this would be the last practice swim before the BIG day! No photo shoot sightings today but I did have a Normann Stadler sighting and photo op :-)! Also had fun watching Brian in photo action for his upcoming project which is yet to be revealed early next year!

Before I forget, a video from yesterday's Underpants Run! My camea appears 10 seconds in and about 1:06 in right before Borat himself and his butt cheeks running!


Reported into body marking practice duty-- yours truly will have the privilege of body marking the VIP and physically challenged athletes! My day may just start and end with tears! Other than that, most of my day was spent watching folk check in their bikes! Relaxing day today otherwise but I must end this here for today as I have to rest up for a 20 hour day tomorrow! I plan to wake up at 3am.. be at body marking by 4am and won't sleep until 1am as I will be out there until the last finisher comes through!!

Here are photos from today's Bike Check In to keep you entertained! Aloha!


Schwag- baby blue Cervelo Kona 2009 t-shirt.. thanks Sandy :-)

Thursday, October 8, 2009

2009 Ironman World Championships Blog- Day 3

A Spectator's Perspective:

Day 3 10.08.09- Thursday

Morning start with people watching at Dig Me Beach-- I must say this has got to be THE best people watching spot in the world of triathlon! Luke McKenzie was doing a photo shoot for Blue Seventy out in the water- cool to see! LOTS of folks showed up for the swim this morning.. makes sense since today is the last day to check in for the race.

Happenings- It's Thursday during race week lead up in Kona...you know what that means!! Underpants Run!!

It was hands down the most fun I've had in a running event and it was definitely an event! Attended Coach's race mtg so that I can see every one and it was quite interesting listening to race strategy from Coach. I heard some things that I found to be helpful for my next Ironman race! Coming out of that mtg, phew hearing him break down the bike course and potential conditions AND then the run... yikes! I wish all athletes the BEST of luck on Saturday! Nothing else really going on today as race is getting closer... folks are starting to take it easier!

Tomorrow is gear check in day so I'll be on site there with my camera ready!

Schwag- orange Avia hat that they were selling at Wildflower (free), VERY cool Art of Tri limited addition Kona T-shirt (thanks to Kara for grabbing me one from Toby), gel flasks, waterbottles, swim caps- that's the free stuff. Stuff I actually paid for- pink compression socks, Crocs Repair slides, socks dogs for my stinky cyclig cleats.. hopefuly they will be stinky no more!

2009 Ironman World Championships Blog- Day 2

A Spectator's View"

Day 2- 10.07.09- Wednesday

First thing this AM- did an hour morning swim at Dig Me Beach (IM swim start). Warm but choppy waters but what a change a pace to be able to see in what's under the water that you're swimming in :-)! Needless to say, I was well distracted during my swim this AM! Went in with Ariane and Jordan.. was hoping to watch Sandy & co coming out of the water but missed them for photos! Pre-swim, Macca's Beistmilch crew was out giving away tattoos, swim caps, and t-shirts but to get the t-shirt, you had to have the tattoo on your body! Heck, give me that bottle of water! Afterall, it is Kona week :-)

Happenings- Checked in for my Body Marking during race morning duties! Met up with Abbey, Mark and Eve for lunch at the Kona Brewery before heading to the expo. As Abbey, Eve and I walked through the bike portion of the expo, I heard the voice of Macca on the mic! Turned to the ladies and said, "Macca is doing an interview at the Triathlete Mag tent.. I'm going there!” Sure enough, there he was! I stuck around for the full interview, Q&A session, photo & autograph session. Then stuck around for the K-Swiss crew interview session and a photo op and conversation about vitamins with Chris Lieto. Yes, vitamins!

Specifically, I was asking about his new Base Multivitamin and why one has to take 4 of those a day?! And how that compares to the One-A-Day Multivitamins! I won't bore you with the details of that conversation but it was interesting for me to get his insight. And then as I was walking back to meet Eve & Abbey... on the mic..."Andy Potts is at the TYR tent!" So did an about face and off to the TYR tent I went! A really nice guy! Yes, I admit, I am a BIG fan of these athletes who are at the top of the triathlon game! Besides, how often can one be in conversation with so many great athletes in one sitting?! :-) Had to take advantage of the opportunity! One thing that stuck with me that was said today came from Macca..something to the tune of.. "When I hit a tough moment, I just remind myself how lucky and privileged I am to be out here.. to be able to do this!" Word!

Schwag- Beistmilch T-shirt, Beistmilch swim cap, autographed ClifShot visor by Macca, volunteer t-shirt

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

2009 Ironman World Championships Blog- Day 1

A spectators perspective:

Day 1- 10.06.09. Tuesday

Departed SFO at 9am landed in KOA at 11:30am- Aloha! First thoughts upon landing- whoa...it's HOT out here! Felt much warmer than last year...or it could be that it's been chillingly cold in SF..shrug.

Sights- many shaved legs, beautiful people, several different languages but same passion! Saw the Nation's Parade...what can I say about eye candy for both men & women from multiple nations represented here at this mecca of an event?!

Happenings & highlights- Keiki Race! I was rooting for Little Lieto (Kaiden)-- those kids-- so young yet some already have perfect run form! I saw one kid throw an elbow to towards the finish to one of his competitors-- bad sportsmanship kid :-0! Saw a line at the Newton expo camp...when there is a line... there is happenings! Natascha Badmann and Crowie was there signing autographs and taking photos. Of course yours truly got in the Crowie line... I love Natasche too..I mean come on.. she's one tough cookie but Crowie... :-) So here's a thought.. why was I the only one of two gals that was in line for Crowie? The rest were men :-).Dinner with Kara, Toby (Art of Tri) and Whit. Chatting up triathlon happenings with Whit....throwing question after question to him which he asked multiple times, "How do you know this stuff?!" Ha ha! I keep up Whit :-) Talked retail with Toby relating to his Art of Tri clothing line-- met and shook hands with Mark Allen while he came in dining with another Ironman legend, Greg Welch...good times! Not to leave another Ironman legend out, Dave Scott! Heard him speak at a Q&A session...the most interesting Q&A segment was regarding one Lance Armstrong! Question was something to the tune of..."Do you think Lance can compete here?" Dave Scott answered something like, "I competed with him years ago when he was a junior... etc etc etc... the question is can he have a strong run off the bike? These guys here are running a sub 2:50 off the bike...Lance runs a sub 2:50 with about an entourage of 50 people pacing him!" Ooooooh... I guess we shall see in 2011?!

Schwag- 2009 Kona Underpants Run visor & K-Swiss Ironman M Dot backpack!

Until tomorrow...!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Enroute to Kona in two days!!

That's right! I am headed to Ironman mecca in two days!

This week was not very eventful, wait, let me think about that...... no not really. Have been feeling "not quite right" for most of this week.. started with a sore throat. And then it progressed to a sore dry throat. And then a sore dry throat with a whole lotta phlegm... gross I know! And then all that plus headache which started around Wednesday and then progressed. Weekend came and I was feeling sickly fatigued so I took the weekend off from training... instead I took it easy and since I can't sit around and not do anything, I organized my life :-). I cleaned out the "locker room" corner of my room into organized eye complimenting chaos. Time well spent... if I didn't feel well enough to train.. I still wanted to do something productive! Weekend didn't completely go to waste... cleaning.. organizing and football. Since when did the 49ers start winning again?!

It's October and you know what that means?! Ironman Worlds and if you're passionate about triathlon and know the who's who and the competition among the Pro men and women or have a bunch of friends racing, then Kona is where you want to be come October 10th! I am excited?! Can you tell?! The week leading up to the race is always fun too! I am headed there on Tuesday, just in time to watch the Kids Race! More to come next week!!

No worries though, just cause I am on vacation doesn't mean I don't have to train... coach put on my schedule a run and something about swimming in the ocean .. twice :-)

You can check out my photos from last year here-

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=57462&id=687712413&l=2b03a63ebb

Workout Summary-
Swim- 0 hours and 0 minutes
Bike- 3 hours and 0 minutes
Run- 1 hour and 0 minutes
Strength- 3 hours and 0 minutes
Total workout- 7 hours and 0 minutes