Naturally

With the discovery of my 2010 word, "True," I've also found a little more umph in my training. My guess is, without the worries of trying to just finish a race like IMUSA, I have gained some breathing room, allowing me to explore my limits.

For example, my rather bumpy history with running.

This normal childhood milestone seems to have alluded me. I've always been comfortable swimming in the water - no matter how slow. I've jumped crazy waves, barely panicking in riptides. And, in the past few years, I've learned that there is this amazing biking groove - where pedal stroke and power synchronize to meet happiness (as long as it isn't too hilly anyway).

But I have very few recollections of feeling "natural" when running. Glimpses of playing tag or other schoolyard games cross my mind, but are quickly replaced with the lumbering, breathless images that dominate my memories.

During this off-season - and my year of doing races that bring me joy -I've been revisiting running. In some ways - I am trying to relearn to run.

To do this, I've been spending lots of time on the treadmill. I don't really like running on the treadmill, but it has allowed me to set challenging paces while removing the thinking.

Yes, I have to "think" when I run, especially if I am trying to run fast (which really isn't very fast at all).

For quite a few recent workouts, I've let the treadmill think for me. I've set a pace and concentrated on form and relaxing my body.

So far it is working - at least on the treadmill. I've run my fastest 2 miler and 3K - and have come within seconds of my 10K PR.

I know that running outside is different, just like bicycling on the trainer doesn't compare to being on the open road.

But, I am hoping that my mind is working with my body to create a new imprint - one that will result in a very late bloomer learning to run -

...naturally.

It's a Boy!!!!

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Monty (named after Inigo Montoya)!

Our newest addition has already brought much joy - he is a sweet, little, soft ball of happiness - and Fezzy is a wonderful, caring, helpful older brother.

We've loved watching the last few days unfold - though they have seemed too easy.

But another reason why we should all try to be a bit more like our dogs...

Latest Gear Purchase

Bike, wetsuit, sneakers?

Guess again.

My latest triathlon purchase is (drum roll please)...

A new car!

A 2010 Honda CR-V - glacier blue - that reminds me of pretty winter skies and crystal clear lakes.

The (almost) 10 year old, 2 door Honda Accord has been sold to our neighbor's 16 year old daughter. It was a great, reliable car - and served as a pretty locker room these last few seasons.

The SUV thing is a big step for me. For years, I would never consider anything other than a sporty coupe. But the CR-V is a small SUV - not a whole lot bigger than the Accord - and gets around the same gas mileage.

I love it! I owe many friends rides to destination workouts and races. I intend to pay them back as soon as the hitch and 4 bike rack is installed.

True

I've been a bit neglectful posting over these past few holiday weeks. Just like my training, my blogging may have needed some down time.

The break has been a good thing. It has given me a chance to wonder if even back packers need a reality check. Eight hours of exercise a week is still probably more than the average American. At what point are everyday triathletes sucked into thinking that this level of activity isn't enough?

I just spent an amazing Christmas with family and childhood friends - and a fantastic New Year's weekend with more recent favorite buddies. The first day of 2010 included a fun, new adventure planned by Karen's Shawn and Shawn's Karen for Barricuda BL, The Should be Sponsored Wife and me - a trail run to find a letterbox in the beautiful, quiet and remote Nags Head Nature Reserve.

And now, while a wicked wind whips through the beach on this cold, but sunny, second day of January, I've had some time to think about the upcoming year. A word to encapsulate my hopes for 2010 has escaped me, but if I could share the objective in a phrase - it would be "Finding my place - being the best I can be doing what I love.

Meaning the :

• peace of the water
• thrill of the ride
• challenges of the run
• love of the outdoors
• quest of new adventures
• joy of friends, family and training mates.

I do not have the athletic gifts to excel at triathlon, but I am grateful to have the desire, drive and determination to be a part of this unique community.

After typing these last few sentences - a word started to make sense.

"True."

In 2010 I am going to be OK with being true to who I am and what I want to do.

Happy New Year everyone!