Information Overload

Winter has returned

Two weeks ago, I went to Santa Fe, New Mexico for a clinic to certify as a USA Triathlon Coach. It seems like the next logical thing for me to do since I love the sport so much and want everyone I know to join in with us crazies!

I started writing this last week but got sidetracked with the most hours of training in a week I have ever had. I hit every workout and only fell short of the goal by an hour. I made up for that time in changing my first bike flat ever! I was set up on my home trainer for a two plus hour ride when my rear tire blew. I have always had someone to change flats for me but figured I might as well attempt it.

Changing the flat was ok but I always have a hard time putting the rear wheel back on. I fight the derailleur every time. After getting frustrated, I walked away for ten minutes and then was able to get back up and running. I considered it a moral victory and felt okay about shortening my actual riding time.

In total, I did about 13 hours - 7 bike, 2 run, 2.5 swim, 1.5 GPP. I know there are much harder weeks to come but for me this was a first. I slept really, really good every night.
 Friday was also Valentine's Day that day and look what showed up at my office!

I have the best hubby!

Back to Santa Fe - I say information overload because we had two solid 10 hours days of presentations from others on triathlon coaching. Lots of great information from great coaches. I just hope that half of it sank into my little brain.

The clinic was at the Hilton Buffalo Resort and Casino in Santa Fe - really nice place to stay if you are ever in Santa Fe. There were outdoor and indoor pool areas, a gym and several restaurants. It is huge! I figured I probably walked 3 miles each time I left the room to get to clinic. Santa Fe is about a 90 minute drive from Albuquerque. Somewhere in my brain I though it would be a good idea to book a 6 am flight for Sunday morning. Since I didn't have the car, it was going to be a huge imposition on Rory to leave that much earlier than he needed to. I polled the attendees and had a great offer from members of the Albuquerque Tri Club to catch a ride back Saturday and catch some zzzz's at one of their houses as well as getting a ride to the airport in the morning. Thanks so much to my new friends, Marcos, Chris & Mark! I offered reciprocation for whenever they want to train or race in Utah. It was so fun hearing from another tri club on how they do things and local races.

In addition to the local people, it was fun to make new friends with people from all over the country. Jen - I plan on visiting Baltimore sometime!
To catch up to this week - winter is back! I've also hurt my shoulder somehow but got right into Dr. Tom for a little A.R.T. and taping so should be good as new before heading down to St. George this weekend for a long ride with the girlfriends.

I leave for Mexico three weeks from tomorrow - my emotions are up and down a lot this week. I feel that I am as prepared as I'll ever be but then I start having anxiety about random things.

To coin a phrase from the Ragnar days - 'It will be fun..."